Cannabidiol, colloquially known as CBD, is obtained from hemp in a Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is the fiber of the cannabis plant, and it is not used as a recreational drug. While THC is the active chemical in marijuana and causes a high, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC.
In 2018 a bill was passed that made the sale of hemp products legal in the United States. CBD products are only legally allowed to be sold if they contain less than 0.3% THC, and currently aren’t legally included in food or dietary supplements due to its status as a new drug. Still, many people find the benefits of CBD useful for certain conditions.
Possible benefits of CBD oil include:
Epilepsy
According to Harvard Health, research strongly suggests that CBD is able to reduce seizures in people with seizure disorders, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. A specific CBD product called Epidiolex is used to treat epilepsy in some cases, and a prescription is needed to obtain it.
Antipsychotic Effects
While the mechanism of action is unclear, there is some evidence that CBD may be used to reduce psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia and other mood disorders.
Anxiety
Researchers have found that CBD may change the way your brain reacts to serotonin, inducing anti-panic effects.
Insomnia
Although the research is inconclusive, studies have shown that CBD may help people who suffer from insomnia. Research suggests that CBD may help with falling asleep and staying asleep.
Pain Management
Research has shown that CBD reduces chronic inflammatory pain, and some people believe that CBD offers a natural alternative to pain medication.
While medical cannabis research is fairly new, other studies have suggested that CBD may also help with quitting smoking, Type 1 diabetes, acne, alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and even slowing the spread of cancer cells. Since this area of study is new, the full effects of CBD are yet unknown and inconclusive.
Possible Side Effects of CBD oil include:
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Irritability
Aside from the epilepsy drug Epidiolex, the FDA does not regulate CBD supplements. This experimental medication appears to be low risk and although we do not recommend it for any condition, it will likely be of benefit or at least do no harm for many people. PHA will continue to monitor CBD oil for potential risks and benefits in the future, and will keep you informed.