MDNews - Minnesota

Doctor's Advice CBD OIL HA S BECOME WILDLY POPUL AR, BUT IS IT SAFE AND EFFECTIVE? EVERY WHERE YOU LOOK, from bath oils to soft drinks to skin creams to cof- fee bars, you see the new hot product, cannabidiol (CBD) — a member of the cannabinoid family of molecules. It is an oil found in marijuana and plants closely related to marijuana, such as hemp. A lt hou g h C B D h a s b e en a r ou n d since the 1940s, CBD's popularity has dramatically increased along with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana across the United States. CBD oil is extracted from the buds and flow- ers of marijuana and related plants. But unlike a different psychoactive marijuana derivative oil, tetra hydroca nnabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a "high" or intoxicated feeling. CBD does have medicina l benef its, however. There are over 100 different can- nabinoids found in cannabis plants. THC and CBD are the most commonly studied. Proponents of CBD claim that it can treat a variety of conditions, including seizures, pain, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, acne and other skin diseases, and even some forms of cancer. Experts are not quite as enthusiastic because solid scientific research has not verified most of these claims, yet. T h at h a s not s t opp e d m a rket er s a nd pro duc er s . A s ment ione d ea r - lier, CBD-containing products are found everywhere from bath and body stores to the loca l coffee shop. In fact, many ma lls now have CBD stores that sell a wide variety of products all containing CBD oil touted to treat a wide variety of hea lth concerns. Search "CBD oil" on Amazon.com and well over 1,000 products are displayed! THREE TYPES OF CANNABINOIDS 1. Phytocannabinoids: These are found in plants like marijuana and hemp. 2. Endocannabinoids: These are found in the human body, discovered as a result of studying phytocannabinoids. They are derivatives of a chemical called arachidonic acid. Many tissues and organs contain receptors for endocannabinoids. It is known that endocannabinoids are released by human tissues in times of pain and inflammation. It is well documented that receptors for endocannabinoids are located throughout the human body, includ- ing skin cells, the nervous system and brain. Endoca nnabinoids in the skin ca n regulate cell growth. The regulation of cell growth can also be used in cancer treatments. The endocannabinoids in the nervous system and brain may affect thinking and understanding, memory, body movements and pain control. 3. Synthetic ca nnabinoids: These a r e m a n-m a de c a n n a bi noid s used for research purposes and in some currently available products. They may eventually be employed in pharmacologic preparations and drug treatments used for cannabinoid-responsive conditions. THREE QUESTIONS CONCERNING CBD: SAFETY, LEGALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS 1. Is it safe? Unfortunately, most CBD is being produced without regulation. As a result, the purity and quality can vary greatly. In a recent study, 70 percent of online products evaluated contained a different amount of CBD than listed on the label. Most products examined had less CBD, but some had more. Also, about 21 percent of CBD-containing products had measurable amounts of THC. This derivative can cause anxiety — the very thing CBD is reported to calm. Additionally, only about 20 percent of CBD gets absorbed when ingested orally, so the quality and purity of CBD products are critical for their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that CBD ca n have adverse effects on the liver. This seems to be the case in up to 10 per- cent of a ll people. Other studies need to be done to see how CBD a f fects a person if the person consuming CBD is ta k ing ot her medications. This is extremely important. In general, there are relatively few side effects. So, the downside in using CBD- containing products is relatively low, but liver and other possible drug interactions must be considered. 2. Is it legal? This is really a grey and ever-changing area. It appears to be legal in the 30+ states where medical marijuana is legal, but the overall national legal status has not yet been challenged, and the FDA has taken a very quiet and conservative stance. Recently, a farm bill was proposed and is expected to pass that will make hemp- derived CBD legal. Keep in mind that just because something is legal does not mean that it is FDA-approved to treat anything or everything that is printed on the label. 3. Is it effective? There are CBD recep- tors in our bodies. In the presence of bound CBD, our bodies can produce physiologic responses. In fact, CBD is FDA-approved to treat certain epileptic seizures in children. BY CHARLES E. CRUTCHFIELD III, MD 0 6 0 6❱❱❱❱❱ C U R R E N T T O P I C S

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