CBD oil is considered generally safe, but may not be the best treatment option for you.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract from the hemp plant, but unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it doesn't have psychoactive effects. CBD is also different from CBG, another chemical compound in cannabis that is found in lesser concentrations in the plant.
If you're thinking of using CBD, you're not alone. 60% of Americans have used a CBD product at least once, and many are curious about its safety and benefits.
Whether or not you should use CBD oil largely depends on your medical condition, the severity of your symptoms, how your body reacts to CBD, what your doctor says, and what you think of using CBD for a therapeutic purpose.
All the noise about this wonder supplement makes separating fact from fiction challenging. Although some studies indicate that CBD can help treat certain health conditions, some of its long list of potential benefits contains many unverified claims.
Is CBD safe? Is it for everyone? This article provides all the information you need to decide if you should use CBD oil.
When trying out a medication, it is important to check if it's approved for use and to get the opinion of your healthcare team. In the US, only one CBD medication is approved by the FDA, Epidiolex. It contains 99% pure CBD for managing seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or Tuberous Sclerosis.
Epidiolex is only available on prescription and serves as an alternative when other therapies for these conditions fail to show results. It can lower seizure frequency by up to 42% in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 39% in Dravet syndrome, and 48% in tuberous sclerosis. Bear in mind that Epidiolex isn't approved for other seizure-causing conditions.
When it first gained approval in 2018, Epidolex was classified as a controlled substance, limiting access to it. It's much easier to fill your Epidiolex prescriptions now that it's no longer a controlled substance.
Outside the US, other CBD medications are approved by their regulatory agencies. A great example is Sativex, a 50:50 preparation of CBD and THC, approved in the UK. It's also under strict regulation, and you can only get it if your doctor prescribes it. Sativex is used to manage pain and muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
If you are considering using CBD for medical purposes, speak with a healthcare professional. Your doctor will diagnose you, assess your health condition, and suggest the right CBD supplement for you (if it's safe for you). They will also give you guidelines on dosage and monitor you closely while you are on it.
Every CBD product you find on the American market besides Epidiolex doesn't have FDA approval. They’re marketed as supplements, so they can’t claim to treat anything.
This doesn’t stop people from trying CBD oil for various health conditions and making bold claims online. Personal testimonies vary; while some sing its praise, others are disappointed. Here are some unapproved ways people use CBD and what research says:
Most adults, including seniors, can use CBD safely. However, not everyone can use CBD oil, so if you’re allergic to cannabidiol, there's none for you. Side effects may be mild, such as diarrhea, drowsiness, or fatigue.
Some people may have more serious side effects from CBD, like liver damage, feeling weak, or getting an infection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you don’t feel good after taking CBD oil. They’ll let you know if you should stop taking it.
Giving kids CBD supplements is not a great idea unless under medical supervision. Epidiolex remains the only approved CBD medication for children with particular forms of epilepsy, only given with a doctor’s prescription.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised not to take CBD. There isn’t enough evidence that it’s safe for the growing fetus, so it’s best to wait until after the baby is born. CBD also makes its way into breast milk if you take it while lactating.
Here are some tips to help you safely explore the benefits of CBD oil:
The bottom line is that most adults can safely enjoy CBD. If you’re allergic to cannabidiol, pregnant, or breastfeeding, don’t take it. Few people may react adversely to CBD, but when that happens, it’s usually mild. Severe symptoms such as liver damage and infections are rare.
If you choose to start taking CBD, do so safely. Start by speaking with your doctor, especially if you’re on medication or managing chronic illness. Next, is deciding what supplement to use. Choose companies that are transparent about their production process and share results from purity tests. Don’t forget to follow instructions on how much CBD you should take.
Learn everything about CBD, its uses, side effects and legality.