Cannabidiol, or CBD oil for short, is all the rage right now. People are talking about the substance in-person, over the phone, and in online chat forums. Why? Well, it is an exciting new product that dispensaries are getting in states that have legalized medical marijuana. Some folks claim that CBD oil alleviates anxiety, stress, and even inflammation. However, there has not been enough research conducted yet to prove or discredit these declarations.
What Is CBD Oil For Then?
First off, it is highly probable that cannabidiol can be used to treat various conditions. Studies have to be completed first though to prove that it is a safe and effective treatment option for those ailments. Currently, there is strong evidence that suggests CBD oil is suitable for treating certain kinds of epilepsy. In fact, the FDA even recently approved a new medication as there was scientific evidence proving its medicinal purposes.
What Is Epidiolex?
Epidiolex, right now, is the first and only FDA-approved prescription cannabidiol. It is used to significantly reduce seizures in patients that have either Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome. Both are rare forms of epilepsy that start during childhood. It is available to patients 2-years of age and older that live in states that have legalized medical marijuana. Just like with other medications that people see on television, this one has some side effects too.
The use of Epidiolex may cause liver problems. Physicians might need to order blood tests before you take the medicine as well as during the on-going treatment. Signs that may point to this issue include but are not limited to…
- Fever And Unusual Tiredness
- Nausea, Vomiting, Loss Of Appetite
- Jaundice, Which Is The Yellowing Of The Whites Of The Eyes And Skin
- Urine Of A Darkened Color
- Upper Right Stomach Pain
- Itching
Patients should not drive or operate machinery until they know how Epidiolex affects them. Consuming alcohol or taking other medications may make the individual extremely tired and sleepy. Also, in about 1 out of every 500 people, taking this medicine might lead to suicidal thoughts. If any of these symptoms start presenting themselves, it is of the utmost importance for the person to contact their doctor right away.
What Is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol is extracted from the buds and flowers of hemp or marijuana plants. It does not contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, which most people just call THC. THC is the substance that is responsible for giving cannabis users the euphoric high that they crave. So, if persons are expecting to feel intoxicated from taking CBD oil, they should do some research on the medication. If an individual fails to do so, he or she will be disappointed with the outcome.
There Is A Lack Of Regulation Surrounding CBD Oil
The FDA has not become part of the equation for regulating items like CBD oil as of yet. This is partly because of marijuana’s illegal and murky nature. A 2017 study revealed that approximately 7 out of 10 CBD products did not carry the amount of extract that the label showed. The research found that around 26-percent contained too much while 46-percent had too little. So, the consumer may not be getting what they think they are when buying these substances.
Also, the researchers discovered that about 1 in 5 bottles had the intoxicating THC chemical. So, to respond to the question is CBD oil safe and effective, the answer is yes and no. If patients are prescribed Epidiolex, then yes, it will effectively reduce their seizures. It is safe because the doctor can monitor their health and well-being. Meanwhile, when purchasing cannabidiol from just anyone, it may not be safe or effective.