Brigette Honaker  |  August 10, 2019

CBD Oil Overview

CBD oil may be sold as a supplement or “treatment” for anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. Unfortunately, not all CBD oil products are created equal.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid derived from the hemp or cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have psychoactive effects. Most CBD oil reportedly comes from industrial hemp which lacks THC and has a higher CBD content than marijuana, a type of cannabis used medicinally and recreationally.

CBD oil has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a pain management tool. With more states legalizing medicinal and recreational cannabis, the benefits of CBD oil are now being examined in the context of modern, western medicine.

Although the FDA does not regulate CBD oil products, this cannabinoid product is being used around the country to help treat or manage numerous conditions. According to Medical News Today, the following conditions may benefit from CBD oil treatment:

  • Arthritis pain
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Chronic pain
  • Seizures/epilepsy
  • Anxiety
  • Schizophrenia
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Acne
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Cancer
  • And more.

More research is needed into the uses of CBD and its long term side effects, but CBD oils are gaining popularity. In states where cannabis is legalized, CBD oils are readily available. But even in non-legalized states, CBD oils can be found at alternative medicine stores and other locations. Chiropractors and other professionals may also sell products with CBD for muscle pain and inflammation.

However, some concerns remain despite the growing popularity of CBD oil. CBD may interfere with certain medications to make them more or less effective, meaning that doctors need to know when their patients are supplementing with CBD oil. Some professionals are also concerned that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may be too effective, leading to lung problems if the organs’ inflammation based defense system is compromised.

Misleading CBD Labeling

Many CBD oil products come with claims regarding how much CBD is contained. However, these claims may not be accurate. While some companies provide third party testing to verify the quality and efficacy of their CBD products, other businesses make misleading claims on their product packaging. If businesses are misleading their customers about the CBD content of their products, they may be in violation of the law.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action where this mislabeling may affect consumer drugs. Although CBD is not an approved drug, the FDA can take action against manufacturers if they make claims that qualify their CBD products as drugs. This makes the products eligible for FDA regulations.

Over the past several years, the agency has reportedly sent multiple warning letters to companies that market their products as containing CBD. According to the agency, many of the tested products were found to not contain the levels of CBD that were advertised.

“It is important to note that these products are not approved by FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. Consumers should beware purchasing and using any such products,” the FDA states.

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