CBD oil may not be effective for everyone and all health conditions.
Experts at the Brightfield Group predict that the CBD (cannabidiol) oil market alone could reach $22 billion by 2022. This is entirely likely, given the current swing in global acceptance of the cannabis plant in general, especially for medicinal purposes.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD provides the medical benefits of the cannabis plant without getting you high. This lack of psychoactive effects has made the compound a more welcome treatment for those in the medical community.
Despite its many benefits, CBD oil does have some negative effects on its users. Like so many other substances, it can’t all be beneficial to the user; some risks generally exist.
Here are some health benefits and potential risks of using CBD oil.
7 benefits and risks associated with CBD oil use
- CBD oil provides antipsychotic effects.
Research shows that CBD oil has a pharmacological profile similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, as seen in animal studies. Studies show that CBD may prevent human experimental psychosis. Also, it is highly-effective in clinical trials in patients suffering from schizophrenia, and research also suggests it may be helpful in reducing other unwanted psychotic symptom. CBD oil also helps improve and treat symptoms of anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases.
- It provides relief to epilepsy patients.
After proving the effectiveness and safe use of CBD oil in epilepsy treatments, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), in 2018, approved its use for two rare conditions associated with epileptic seizures.
FDA approved a CBD oil-based product named Epidiole. Doctors can now prescribe Epidiolex for the treatment of two conditions. One is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a condition that takes place in children between the ages of three and five years. It involves different kinds of seizures.
Another one is Dravet Syndrome (DS). It is a rare genetic condition that takes place in the first year of life. DS involves frequent, fever-related seizures. The types of seizures associated with LGS or DS are extremely difficult to control with standard medication.
The FDA requires doctors to not prescribe Epidiolex to children below the age of two years. A physician or pharmacist has to determine an appropriate dosage according to the patient’s body weight.
- CBD oil helps to fight anxiety disorders.
Authors of a review from Neurotherapeutics revealed that CBD might help with reducing anxiety in people suffering from related disorders. CBD may considerably reduce anxiety-based behaviors in patients suffering from conditions such as:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- Panic disorder;
- General anxiety disorder;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder; and
- Social anxiety disorder.
- CBD oil helps relieve nausea.
Cannabis has been in use for centuries for the treatment of vomiting and nausea. Research and recent studies have revealed that among more than 100 cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant, both CBD and THC help with the treatment of nausea in experiments on animals.
According to a 2012 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, CBD oil possesses anti-nausea and antiemetic effects, as determined from its use on rats. Researchers revealed that CBD acts in a diphasic manner — this means CBD oil in low doses has the ability to suppress toxin-induced vomiting and nausea, but in high doses it increases these symptoms or has no effect at all.
- It helps prevent type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by inflammation occurred by the attack of the immune system on cells in the pancreas. According to a 2016 study published by Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, CBD eases inflammation in the pancreas.
- Epidiolex side effects
As far as negative effects of CBD oil are concerned, they are mostly due to a lack of enough extensive research into such questions of risks. However, a few concerns do exist, as evident in the Epidolex drug.
Concerning Epidiolex, which was approved by the FDA to treat two types of epilepsy, researchers found a few adverse effects. These include liver problems, reduced urination, infections, gastrointestinal problems, breathing problems, reduced appetite, and sensitivity reactions.
There is also a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. That’s why it is important to monitor this product for signs of mood change.
- Side effects of other CBD uses
There is a lack of evidence supporting the efficiency and safety associated with CBD oil. Researchers have not performed all detailed tests required to gather evidence. Anyone who thinks of using CBD should discuss with a qualified healthcare practitioner before consuming it.
Remember that researchers link cannabis use during pregnancy to impairments in fetal neuron development. Regular teen use leads to issues concerning behavior, intelligence, and memory.
Final words
This list is by no means exhaustive, as the cannabis plant, in general, is the subject of a number of ongoing research and studies. With the legalization of the cannabis being a trendy topic today, especially for medicinal purposes, expect more conclusions on the benefits and risks of CBD oil.
Where most of the benefits have been identified, the risks have still not been completely explored. However, based on patients’ feedback and reactions, negative effects associated with CBD oil use are minimal. This is more so the case when compared with traditional pharmaceuticals that come with side effects that can be described as ailments themselves.
Before attempting to purchase or use CBD oil, be sure to check the legal status of cannabis in your jurisdiction to avoid potential penalties. Perhaps a failure to do so may be the most severe risk in a location where the oil is illegal.
