CBD - what does the science say?

Guest blog: Courtney Gunnels, KU Pharmacy Student

Recently, CBD has been all over the news touting the numerous potential therapeutic benefits, so we decided to dig in and see what all the fuss is about.
 
What is CBD? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis that is non-addicting and produces non-psychoactive effects in the body. So, in other words, CBD is much UNlike THC, the compound found in marijuana that produces mind-altering effects. While medical marijuana is used for a number of different ailments, research shows that CBD alone has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, antiemetic, and anti-anxiety properties, just to name a few.
 
Top 5 uses for CBD:

1. Relieves pain and inflammation: CBD has been shown to reduce chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodents, and many users are finding relief from generalized chronic pain and  fibromyalgia with this natural pain remedy. Chronic inflammation can lead to many health consequences like heart disease, and while diet and lifestyle play a huge role in reducing inflammation in the body, CBD oil can provide added benefit.
2. Childhood seizures: Recently, a CBD oral solution was approved by the FDA to enter the market for the treatment of 2 seizure disorders in pediatrics. But remember, childhood epilepsy is a serious condition and specialists should be consulted for treatment. Even the Food and Drug Administration can see the potential benefit of CBD!
3. Reduces anxiety and depression: Studies using animal models and healthy volunteers clearly show anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects. CBD has been shown to help with social anxiety disorder, and may even help with OCD, panic disorder and PTSD.
4. Improves heart health: CBD protects against heart damage that is caused by high glucose and inflammatory environments.
5. Addiction: Research and trials involving humans show benefit of CBD on the dependence of tobacco products like cigarettes/chew. Animal models have also shown potential for the use of CBD for psychostimulant, opioid, and alcohol addiction.
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Other proposed uses CBD are for skin conditions, diabetes, osteoporosis/bone health, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, migraine, nausea, Alzheimer’s, obesity, sleep disorders, and many more!
 
While the benefits seem endless, what about the side effects? CBD research has been on the rise in recent years and in general, it is viewed as one of the safest alternative therapies on the market. The few and most commonly reported side effects include: sleepiness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite (it has a better side effect profile than a lot of pharmaceutical medications!).  Several studies suggest that CBD is non-toxic to cells in our body and does not affect our physiological functions or parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature). While CBD is considered a safe, non-intoxicating and non-addicting product, it can interact with a few specific medications. CBD may increase concentrations of drugs like antiretrovirals, benzodiazepines, statins, steroids, and some other medications, so it’s important to have a conversation with your physician about if CBD is right for you, and what dose to begin with before giving it a go!
 
As far as legality goes, CBD extracted from hemp can be legally sold in the United States, as long as it meets certain criteria. To ensure you are investing in a legitimate and valuable product, always check the label and product website to see if it has been tested for potency and ingredients - or check with us at Health Suite 110 to see what products we recommend/have in stock! CBD comes in many different forms to be taken orally, like oil, lozenges, gel caps, sprays and more. While taking CBD internally is the most common method, there are topical products available, too.
 
If you’d like to research CBD for a condition you may have, an organization called Project CBD collects articles, journals, and research on a variety of conditions that CBD can benefit. Here is a link: https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/conditions