By: Lauren Berryman
Cannabidiol oil, more commonly known as CBD oil, is speculated to be a “cure-all” solution to various ailments. However, with little research conducted on this popular product, the possible health benefits of using CBD oil are not yet confirmed. This leads to the question: Is CBD oil revolutionary or trendy?
CBD oil comes from a cannabinoid chemical compound found in oils from the cannabis plant. This natural remedy does not contain the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC. Therefore, CBD oil does not produce a “high” and is not addictive. 1
It has been proven that CBD oil can be used to treat epileptic seizures. In fact, the only drug containing CBD oil that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved so far is Epidiolex, which controls these seizures. 2
While many studies on CBD oil have only recently begun, the European Journal of Pain found that “CBD applied on the skin [of animals] could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis.” Inflammation decreased and signs of pain in the animals diminished. However, they also emphasized that “more study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.” 3
Most evidence supports that CBD oil can be used to treat general chronic pain as it has been known to reduce pain and inflammation.
It is also speculated that CBD oil can reduce blood pressure, treat anxiety, prevent migraines, and improve sleep. While this research cannot yet be confirmed by scientists, it is known that the possible side effects of CBD oil include dry mouth, reduced appetite, gastrointestinal distress, and fatigue. 4
Because most CBD oils are unregulated by the FDA, it is hard to be certain what CBD supplements contain. However, the FDA is investigating the potential use of CBD in the future. It is currently illegal to produce and consume CBD-infused foods. However, there is discussion that this may change. The popular ice cream brand, Ben and Jerry’s, released a statement saying that if this is overturned, they plan to produce a CBD-infused ice cream. 5
While there is a lack of evidence pertaining to the health benefits of CBD oil, there are many personal testimonies of people swearing by the product. If you are considering using CBD oil, it is recommended that you first ask your doctor if it is right for you.
So, to answer the question posed at the beginning, yes CBD oil is one of the latest trends. But, if future studies yield the same results that early studies have shown, CBD oil could prove to be a revolutionary treatment option.
References:
- Johnson, Jon. “CBD Oil for Pain Management: Effects, Benefits, and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 29 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.php.
- Grinspoon, Peter. “Cannabidiol (CBD) – What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard University, 24 Aug. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
- Grinspoon, Peter. “Cannabidiol (CBD) – What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard University, 24 Aug. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
- Johnson, Jon. “CBD Oil for Pain Management: Effects, Benefits, and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 29 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.php.
- “CBD Ice Cream Is (Maybe, Hopefully) Coming To A Freezer Near You!” Http://Www.benjerry.com, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., 30 May 2019, www.benjerry.com/whats-new/2019/05/cbd-statement.