Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1188968
www.AbbysHealthFood.com - Issue 40 | Page 19 Although more research is required to confirm some uses of CBD oil, it is shaping up as a poten ally promising and versa le treatment. In June 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administra on (FDA) approved one form of CBD as a treatment for people with two rare and specific kinds of epilepsy, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS). The brand name of this drug is Epidiolex. More generally, marijuana derived CBD products are not yet legal at the federal level but are legal under the laws of some states. Hemp derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but are s ll illegal in certain states. People must check their state's laws and those of anywhere they intend to travel. They must keep in mind that the FDA do not approve or regulate nonprescrip on CBD products. As a result, labeling may be inaccurate. Side effects Most people tolerate CBD oil well, but there are some possible side effects. According to a review in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, the most common side effects include: • redness • diarrhea • changes in appe te • weight gain or weight loss In addi on, using CBD oil with other medica ons may make those medica ons more or less effec ve. Consult a doctor before using CBD, as it may interact with certain over-the-counter dietary supplements and medicines, as well as some prescrip on medica ons — especially those that warn against consuming grapefruit. The review also notes that scien sts have yet to study some aspects of CBD, such as its long- term effects on hormones. Further long-term studies will be helpful in determining any side effects CBD has on the body over me. People who are considering using CBD oil should discuss this with their doctors. Doctors will want to monitor the person for any changes and make adjustments accordingly. CBD might also interfere with an enzyme called cytochrome P450 complex. This disrup on can affect the liver's ability to break down toxins, increasing the risk of liver toxicity. The pa ent informa on leaflet for Epidiolex cau ons that there is a risk of liver damage, lethargy, and possibly depression and thoughts of suicide, but these are true of other treatments for epilepsy, too. CBD and other cannabinoids may also put the user at risk for lung problems. One study in Fron ers in Pharmacology, suggested cannabinoids' an -inflammatory effect may reduce inflamma on too much. A large reduc on in inflamma on could diminish the lungs' defense system, increasing the risk of infec on. Other considera ons Almost all research on CBD oil and pain comes from adult trials. Experts do not recommend CBD oil for use in children, as there is li le research on the effects of CBD oil on a child's developing brain. However, people may use Epidiolex for children aged 2 years of age and upward who have rare forms of epilepsy. A person should consult a doctor if they think a child needs to use CBD oil for seizures. CBD oil is also not recommended during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Takeaway While many studies have suggested CBD oil is helpful for pain, more research is necessary, especially in long-term studies with human subjects. However, CBD oil does show a lot of poten al for pain relief. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can be used to help manage chronic pain in many cases. CBD oil is especially promising due to its lack of intoxica ng effects and a possible lower poten al for side effects than many other pain medica ons. People should discuss CBD oil with their doctor if they are considering using it for the first me.