Here’s what you need to know about CBD

Jessica Cho

05/10/2023

What is CBD and how does it work for many clinical conditions?

Cannabidiol (CBD) helps with inflammation and pain, particularly that which is neurological in nature. CBD is efficacious in treating pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, and overall well being by modulating pain receptors in the brain.

As of June 2018, the FDA has approved the Epidiolex prescription, a CBD oil without THC, for refractory seizure treatment. Active research is delving into its clinical relevance in more diverse therapeutic applications for psoriasis, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) insomnia, and cancer prevention. We are pending FDA approval of a CBD-based treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.

In a recent study in 2020, 7,441 cases of CBD usage for migraines found a significant reduction in migraine ratings and even a 50% reduction in migraine severity. The American Migraine Foundation also reports that specific CBD oil is a promising option for migraine treatment.

Not all CBD products are created equal. How do you discern and choose?

Hemp and hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC contents are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, depending on what state you live in.

However, over-the-counter CBD products are neither FDA-approved nor under any medical regulatory compliance. As a result, there is no way to ensure their safety and legality, which raises concerns about the accuracy of labeling dosage and purity.

Pharmaceutical-grade CBD products must have a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure their purity, efficacy, and legality. Do not take illegally sold synthetic CBD or recreational CBD.

Are there any short-term or long-term risks to using CBD?

Generally speaking, CBD is well-tolerated, however, CBD can cause potential side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, irritability, and reduced appetite.

How can a person know if they could or should use CBD products?

From reducing seizures to relieving chronic pain to improving sleep, CBD benefits can be life-changing. And, given the research confirming its vast anti-inflammatory properties and efficacy in neurological pain, CBD is recommended as a promising, safe treatment option for anxiety, stress, insomnia, medical conditions stemming from inflammation including autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, pain syndromes (such as migraines and headaches). CBD may be especially helpful when traditional treatment modalities leave unmet medical needs.

Should they speak with their doctor first?

Yes, if you are looking to use CBD for medical reasons, you should speak to a physician to ensure your CBD-based treatment is targeted precisely for your specific condition. Your doctor also can confirm the pharmaceutical-grade status of CBD by requesting a COA. Furthermore, you should be monitored for any interactions with other medications taken simultaneously or metabolized by the same organs.

How can people be sure they’re getting legal, regulated CBD products?

People looking to take CBD should speak to a doctor who is experienced in CBD science and research to provide the most individualized medical care regarding applications, dosage, legality, and quality assurance. Generally, all medicinal CBD products from a dispensary or a physician should be labeled so you know exactly how much CBD is in the product and whether it contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the substance that produces the “high” you get from marijuana.