CBD oil is an essence obtained by extraction of cannabidiol obtained mainly from the flower of the cannabis plant. It differs from cannabis oil or hemp oil in its manufacture as well as in the parts of the plant used for its extraction.
Thus, cannabidiol (CBD) oils are non-intoxicating and potentially useful phytocannabinoid substances that continue to grow in popularity.
With increasing patient interest and use of CBD oils, more research is warranted to better understand their potential efficacy and purported safety profile. Careful selection of a product is crucial for both safety and potential efficacy: the last section explains the essential elements for spotting a quality oil.
These oils are a promising area for the future of clinical pain management, both for acute and chronic pain relief and addiction management. But not only !
Indeed, the indications are now clearer:
- Insomnia: CBD helps with falling asleep thanks to its relaxing and anxiolytic effects without causing side effects like the usual sleeping pills.
- Supposed antiepileptic: this oil could relieve epileptic seizures or even convulsions. The body naturally secretes molecules close to cannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoid system) which contribute to internal balance. This system is made up of sensors located throughout the body, including the CB1s which act on the nervous system.
Cannabidiol molecules attach themselves to these sensors and manage to change the "message" sent to the brain, which could reduce the chemical activity responsible for triggering epileptic seizures. However, research is still needed to prove the exact mechanisms of cannabidiol in epileptic seizures.
- Other avenues are currently still on an experimental basis: improvement of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, depression, anxiety, neurodegeneration or even with a potential benefit in the fight against cancer.
No rigorous safety studies have been done on “full spectrum” phytocannabinoid oils, as these products are relatively new, but the individual ingredients have been vetted somewhat, generally with no major adverse effects!
Cannabidiol doses of up to 300 mg/d have been used safely for up to 6 months, and doses of 1200-1500 mg/d have been used in a Zuardi study for up to 4 weeks. In recent larger studies of CBD treatment for patients with epilepsy, CBD had associated adverse effects of drowsiness, decreased appetite, and diarrhea noted in up to 36% of patients, although these adverse effects are less serious and less frequent, unlike those associated with the usual antipsychotic treatments.
Additionally, it was noted that a considerable number of patients in these studies had elevated liver function test results. Also, ask your doctor for advice if you have decreased liver function, haven't had a recent blood test, or are just unsure and choosing to use CBD oils.
At the same time, it is important to point out that drug interactions have been noted, or at least suspected, based on the metabolism of CBD by an enzyme: the cytochrome P450 superfamily, which includes warfarin (Coumadin) and various anti-inflammatory drugs. 'epilepsy.
If you are on anticoagulants or are taking anti-epileptic treatment, ask your doctor/pharmacist for advice before starting supplementation.
The other ingredients in CBD and hemp oils are usually in such low concentrations that they are unlikely to cause serious interactions, but care should still be taken to identify the ingredients in a product and any potential issues. of security.
In addition, it is important to be aware of the presence of synthetic cannabinoids available on the market, such as "spice". These substances have serious adverse effects and have led to hospitalizations following their ingestion.
When it comes to product strength labeling, a 2017 survey reported that of 84 online CBD and hemp oil products reviewed, only 26 were accurately labeled for CBD and hemp oil content. THC, with CBD often being overlabeled and THC underlabeled, consistent with statements made by the FDA.
There have also been documented cases of pediatric THC poisoning linked to the ingestion of CBD products, likely due to this noted product variation, signaling the need for increased market regulation.
How to find a quality product?
CBD sellers are currently allowed to sell CBD oil as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, the main cannabinoid responsible for the euphoric effect and the associated potential intoxication.
Information to find on the label:
- Cannabis standardized symbol: must be displayed on the front for specialties containing more than 10 micrograms per gram of THC.
- Product brand name and brand element
- excise stamp
- THC and CBD content
- Health Warning
- Other information required
- List of ingredients
- Nutrition Facts Table
- Optional information