Ever since the US Farm Bill in 2018 passed, CBD oil has only grown in popularity. CBD oil can be added to gummies, coffee, kombucha, and topical lotions. Although poorly grounded in scientific evidence, CBD is claimed to be beneficial for many health issues including anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. There is potential to have interactions with certain medications.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is in both hemp and marijuana. Hemp has a much higher percentage of CBD than marijuana, but hemp CBD is usually in beauty products because of its moisturizing benefits. CBD that comes from marijuana helps with anxiety, depression, sleep, and pain. The marijuana plant is made up of two components, CBD and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the psychoactive ingredient of the plant, and CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient. So, using CBD products from marijuana plants will not give you a “high.”
Epidiolex®
Most CBD products you are able to buy without a prescription, the only exception to this is the pharmaceutical drug Epidiolex®. This is the first pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol oil approved by the FDA. It is a pure, plant-based CBD extract that has been proven to effectively treat people, one year and older, who suffer from seizures.
Epidiolex®‘s Side Effects & Dosage
Epidiolex® may cause side effects that include drowsiness, diarrhea, rash, insomnia, and fatigue. Most of the time, healthcare providers will prescribe the medication twice a day as an oral solution. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your response and side effects. If someone goes over the recommended dosage, then call your healthcare provider right away, the Missouri Poison Center, or seek emergency care right away.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
CBD’s advertised benefits include relief from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and help with sleep disorders. Other studies are researching how CBD oil may help relieve pain from osteoarthritis, back pain, and possibly cancer.
Are There Side Effects to CBD?
For the most part, people tolerate CBD well, but too much can be harmful. Some side effects of too much CBD include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, weakness, and a slight decrease in blood pressure. CBD can also have negative reactions with medications such as blood thinners. Over-the-counter CBD is NOT regulated by the FDA; they are considered dietary supplements. If you are considering using CBD products, talk with your healthcare provider and choose formulations only from reputable sources.
Is CBD Safe for Children?
The most common reason parents give their children CBD is to help their child with a sleep disorder or anxiety. In general, as long as parents follow prescribed doses, CBD itself is safe. However, mixing CBD with other medications can cause complications. Check with your healthcare provider to ensure none of the medicines your child takes will react negatively with CBD products.
Can you be Allergic to CBD Oil?
Allergies to CBD are rare but possible. An allergic reaction to CBD ranges from an itchy nose to a tight throat that could make breathing difficult. If someone is allergic to topical CBD oil, they may have intense itching and inflammation in the area where they put the oil.
Why You Shouldn’t Take CBD Oil
CBD can block essential enzymes in your body from breaking down certain pharmaceutical drugs. If CBD occupies your enzymes, your body can’t process medication. This can increase or decrease your medicine levels in your bloodstream, which is a health risk. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting CBD and discuss your current medications.
For any questions or concerns you may have about taking CBD products or if someone has had more than the prescribed dosage, call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions. The service is free and confidential.
