What Is CBD?
- Derived from the Hemp Plant
- Not Marijuana
- Does not give “high” like THC
CBD claims to help the following:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Treats insomnia
- More research is needed
In the past few months, I have seen lots and lots of signs around town advertising something called CBD. I mean, you can even get some CBD with your video rental or with some local pizza. What is CBD and why as almost everyone been selling it, just in the past few months? That’s what this article will tackle.
What is CBD? CBD stands for Cannabidiol. This is derived from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. Many people are familiar with THC, which gives people that “high” feeling. CBD does not give that “high” feeling.
How does CBD claim to help people? You’ll see that CBD claims to help people with their chronic pain symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and helps to treat insomnia. There is some research that talks about these claims, but the research is limited, and needs more study. Other claims that are made say that CBD helps with nausea, reduces acne, and helps symptoms related to cancer and side effects of cancer treatment like nausea and vomiting. Side effects of CBD include occasional diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite.
Isn’t CBD approved by the FDA? The only FDA indication for CBD has to do with the treatment of rare childhood epilepsy syndromes. The FDA medication is called “Epidolex” and can only be obtained by prescription. This FDA medication treats conditions like Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gaustaut Syndrome. So, when you hear that CBD is FDA approved, it is only for these childhood epilepsy syndromes and nothing else.
Why has CBD advertising exploded in Ohio? On July 30, 2019, Governor Dewine signed Senate Bill 57 into law and immediately decriminalized hemp in Ohio. So, this meant that stores are allowed to sell hemp-derived CBD. In Ohio, CBD can be sold as an oil, edibles, and tincture to balms, lotions, sprays, and even pet treats.
What’s the bottom line on CBD? At this point, I do not think that CBD is worth the hype. Definitely, more research is needed to confirm the possible health benefits of helping chronic pain, anxiety, and treating insomnia. In addition, CBD is like any other supplement, there is no regulation on these products. So, you actually don’t know how much CBD you’re getting whether its 5% or 10% or whatever. Finally, and most importantly, there can still be trace amounts of THC in any CBD product, which can potentially show up in drug testing. So, beware of possible positive marijuana when taking CBD. Something to think about…