Before you reach into that jar of CBD gummies, or add some CBD oil to your bath, proceed carefully. Do you really know what’s in that “miracle cure” for anxiety or an aching back? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant lacking the “high” associated with marijuana and right now, CBD is everywhere: from gummies to cocktails, ice cream to hand cream, and more. An estimated 64 million consumers, according to a recent Consumers Reports survey, have tried products containing CBD in the past two years. With widespread marketing that is largely unregulated, CBD is often promoted as a one-stop product to relieve stress, soothe aching joints, reduce inflammation and help people sleep. Interest in – and access to – CBD increased with the recent legalization of CBD from hemp, a specific type of cannabis plant that contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC – the component of the cannabis plant that gives users a “high”. CBD products are widely available, although there is no credible scientific evidence backing their claims. Through all the current interest surrounding CBD one critical question remains: is it safe and effective? Separating fact from fiction To navigate the current CBD environment, consumers first need to understand that not all CBD is equal. The contents and dose of CBD products sold in medical marijuana dispensaries or online are often unknown and not consistently, if at all, regulated: You deserve to know what you’re taking So what’s the bottom line for the millions of people currently using CBD products? As the saying goes, the smart consumer is the wise consumer. Taking unregulated CBD products that lack scientific evidence can pose health risks, particularly for very sick patients who may be looking for hope in these products in part because of unproven health claims. Consumers deserve access to products that have been studied in clinical trials so that you know how safe and effective they are. Most available CBD products have not been studied this wayand it’s difficult to know if they actually contain what they claim. One recent study found that almost 70% of all CBD products sold online did not contain the amount of CBD stated on the label – 42% contained a higher concentration of CBD than the label claimed, and 26% of the products contained less. Twenty percent included enough unlabeled THC to cause intoxication or impairment, especially in children. 1 More studies and regulations are needed to ensure these products are safe for consumer use. An important moment in the evolution of CBD occurred in June 2018 when the FDA approved Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) oral solution CV, the first prescription CBD medicine. Because it is a prescription available in pharmacies just like any other FDA-approved medicine, it is legal throughout the entire U.S. Epidiolex is approved for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe types of epilepsy. It is the only FDA-approved CBD product currently available.
