CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural chemical that has grown in popularity in recent years. Here are some commonly asked CBD questions addressed by two mental health doctors working in this field:
1. Exactly what is CBD? Is it the same as marijuana? Hemp? Cannabis plant?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of over 200 cannabinoids contained in marijuana plants. CBD, in contrast to many other cannabinoids, is not psychoactive and has a distinct pharmacologic profile from other psychoactive cannabinoids. CBD may be derived from both marijuana and hemp plants.
2. Is it safe to consume CBD (and CBD products)?
A product is deemed safe if enough safety studies have been conducted on it. However, the Best CBD Products For Anxiety that are flooding the market have not been subjected to any safety testing. In reality, the FDA has issued multiple warning letters to companies that promote unapproved new medications containing cannabidiol. As part of these measures, the FDA examined the chemical composition of cannabis chemicals in several of the products, and many were found to lack the advertised amounts of CBD. It should be noted that the FDA has not authorized these items for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any illness. Consumers should use caution while acquiring and utilizing such items.
3. It seems that CBD is currently being used in a variety of goods (shampoos, cosmetics, oils, bath salts, etc.). Is it actually beneficial when it is included in a product?
There is no proof that CBD has any health benefits when used in different products. Furthermore, the concentration of CBD in any of these products is unknown.
4. Does CBD-based medicine really aid with anxiety and depression, and has it been scientifically demonstrated to do so?
CBD seems to be a promising therapy for a variety of medical ailments. However, this study is far less advanced than that for epilepsy therapy. Most indications have just preclinical data, while others have a mix of pre-clinical and limited clinical evidence. CBD has been studied for a variety of illnesses, which is consistent with its neuroprotective, antiepileptic, hypoxia-ischemia, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, and anticancer characteristics.
Inadequate scientific evidence exists to support the claim that CBD is an effective therapy for depression or anxiety. That isn't to say it wouldn't help, but there haven't been enough well-controlled scientific research to support CBD as a treatment for anxiety or depression. More study is needed to assess CBD as a possible therapy for anxiety and depression.
5. Is there current CBD research in the United States? Is CBD being used in other countries?
There are now hundreds of scientific studies exploring the potential benefits of CBD for a number of illnesses, such as alcohol use disorder, pain, anxiety, PTSD, and so on. The majority of these studies are being undertaken in the United States, although some are being conducted in other countries as well.
CBD is also being researched in conjunction with THC (THC is the main psychoactive compound in Cannabis). Sativex, a CBD+THC combo medication, is authorized in Europe and Asia for cancer pain and spasticity.
6. Is CBD authorized by the FDA, and can physicians prescribe it?
Purified CBD extract (GW Pharmaceuticals) was authorized as a Schedule 5 substance by the FDA in 2018 as a therapy for two uncommon types of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epidiolex is the brand name for this medication.
7. Are there CBD price regulations?
Only applicable to FDA-approved products.
8. How can I be certain that everything I'm reading about CBD (articles, etc.) is accurate?
Look for scientific proof to back up any claims, such as controlled trials or evidence that the product under consideration has been tested by a reputable source to verify chemical contents. Engage in a dialogue with a medical practitioner.
The Golden State Extracts provides a free online search engine to help members identify mental health practitioners. More information may be found by clicking here.
Kathleen T. Brady, MD, PhD, Vice President for Research, Medical University of South Carolina, and Christopher D. Verrico, PhD, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, generously donated the material in this article.