If you know a half-dozen people who are suddenly selling, using, or talking about Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, you are not alone. CBD oil has become the hot new product in many states, including Texas, and it has been anecdotally credited as a natural alternative to everything from pain management to ADHD to sleeplessness.
Experts say the evidence is scant for most of these, but many people have reported better quality of life based on myriad needs and uses.
So far, the scientific community has only produced evidence to support its use in the treatment of epilepsy. In July, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended approval of a CBD medication to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. Further studies have produced too little evidence to make a firm conclusion for other uses.
In any case, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into law in June, which legalizes hemp farming and the sale and possession of hemp-derived CBD oil containing less than .3% of THC, the compound that produces a ‘high’ in marijuana.
What is it?
CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and buds of the Cannabis sativa plant. It does not produce intoxication because CBD oil only contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s “high.”
What to know
Some experts suggest, if you decide to try it, there are different means of extraction. The “whole plant” utilizes everything, including terpenes, which are the anti-inflammatory agents within the plant and research shows full spectrum CBD oil can be more effective than isolate CBD-only oil for treating inflammatory conditions. But if you prefer to have zero percent THC, you can choose an isolate product. It is recommended users read the contents and percentages listed on the bottle.
Many in the health care industry are also concerned about how the oils are produced. Because it is a new product, there are not many regulations in the plant growth or harvest, so it is feasible your next door neighbor could grow and process a supply of oils for sale. Experts recommend purchasing the product from a trusted brand or label so you know whatever the label says is what is in the bottle.
Also look at the ways the plants were grown. Plants absorb what is in the soil and it is wise to consider what contaminants (pesticides) may be present in a non-regulated growth process.
The Mayo Clinic also asserts, while generally safe to use, everyone responds differently and there are reported side effects, so it is important to ask a medical professional and discuss possible inter-reactions with medications.
Still, individual results tell a good story…
The best thing ever!! I have rheumatoid arthritis and have tried many medications. On my 5th day after starting CBD I felt better than I have in years. ~Carol M.
I was willing to try whatever to get hold of my anxiety. CBD oil seriously gives me such an overall sense of calm and better well being, not to mention a RESTFUL sleep. ~Hallie
Georgetown View is not recommending or discouraging use of this
product. This column is intended only to provide data and shed general light on a topic we find to be trend-worthy for entertainment purposes.