Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been in the news quite a bit in recent years. While many people tout this is a veritable wonder drug, there are still safety issues that all consumers should be aware of. Harvard Health Publishing details the common uses of CBD oil, as well as some of the associated risks.
CBD oils have been deemed useful for treating serious medical conditions. While laws vary from state to state, for the most part, the substance is legal and easily obtainable. When it’s derived from hemp, it’s not associated with the high caused by the THC found in marijuana. As a result, it’s often used to treat childhood epilepsy. It’s also used to treat chronic pain, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and inflammatory conditions.
Despite promising results for many patients, further testing is still required to determine how effective CBD truly is. As a supplement, it’s not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. As a result, there’s no way to verify the active ingredients listed on the bottle. There’s also no way to tell whether there are any additional ingredients and in what concentration. It’s also impossible to determine the correct therapeutic dose without proper testing.
CBD is associated with some side effects. These include increased irritability, nausea, and excessive tiredness. CBD can also adversely interact with certain drugs. For example, the level of blood thinners like coumadin may actually be increased when using CBD, which can lead to some serious issues. It can also affect how other drugs are absorbed by your body, thereby leading to complications. Claims about CBD being a wonder drug and being able to cure cancer are also unfounded. Accordingly, it should never be taken without speaking with your doctor first and is not a substitute for conventional treatments.