All the testimonials, product descriptions, and what have you about CBD make the compound come off as a cure-all drug.
From the management of epileptic seizures to pain relief, CBD oil has gained widespread attention in the global health sector.
However, the safety profile of cannabis and its products, including CBD, has been a considerable concern.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has recently raised new safety alarms about CBD products, particularly CBD-infused edibles. The agency had sent copies of a warning letter to manufacturers thought to deal in CBD products illegally.
AS CBD industry grows
After tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD is reportedly the most occurring compound in cannabis. CBD, unlike THC, is non-intoxicating.
Research shows the compound may alleviate certain health concerns, including anxiety, pain, seizures, to name but a few.
With the interesting early findings from ongoing research, compelling anecdotal evidence, and the more lenient cannabis legislations, the CBD niche has become a massive industry in no time.
Statistics say the CBD industry, which hit half a billion U.S. dollars in 2018, will reach about 1.8 billion by 2022.
Interestingly, the FDA has approved a CBD product as a drug. Epidiolex, a CBD-infused pill, is currently celebrated as the first and only FDA-approved CBD-infused product, designed to treat two rare forms of epilepsy, Dravet and Lennox Gastaut Syndromes.
Besides the exciting potentials, the FDA has expressed fears about most products’ safety profiles on the market – A disturbing lot are unregulated and untested.
While some do not contain as much CBD as the labels say, another class contains pesticides, toxic metals, and even large amounts of THC.
Among others, here are some concerns
- Besides CBD for epilepsy, the other evidence aren’t substantial
As mentioned, only Epidiolex is a CBD-infused prescription in the U.S. Besides epilepsy, CBD is not recognized as a treatment for any health condition.
While several CBD-based research presents CBD as therapeutic, researchers have warned that the details were too superficial to make any definite conclusion. FDA perceives the evidence as grossly inadequate to approve CBD for treatments of any other condition.
Most of the data are sourced from animal-based researches. Other studies with human subjects didn’t match the results gotten against another group with a placebo.
So, it’s somewhat complicated to say whether the effects felt came from CBD’s real properties or only a placebo effect.
- Lack of Regulations
The cannabis niche still looks murky, legally. For this, the FDA is reluctant to regulate products like CBD oil.
While states are trying hard to establish individual regulations, the financial burden looks too heavy on their shallow pockets. Hence, the market is currently flooded with chemical-laden items claiming CBD.
For clarity, a 2017 research by Bonn-Miller, Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered about 7 out of 10 CBD-labeled products have misleading labels. While about 43 percent had less CBD than the labels say, 26 percent had more than stated.
Worse, about 20 percent had excess THC, the high-causing compound in marijuana. This should be a concern since high THC doses may leave you intoxicated, anxious and may even worsen seizure.
- Likely drug-to-drug interaction
CBD studies have revealed a possible interaction with other medical prescriptions.
One epilepsy research showed an increased presence of other anti-epileptic medication when people dosed CBD.
This means epileptic patients currently on conventional anti-seizure prescriptions may have to review their dosage downwards or pause their medications for CBD or vice versa.
Studies also suggest CBD may have effects on the liver. A study showed an increase in liver enzymes during CBD usage. Research authors have linked this result to extreme doses, as the subjects, mice, were force-fed.
With moderate doses, research has shown no such effects like liver toxicity.
While using moderate amounts of CBD is safe in a pinch, you may need to discuss with a CBD-inclined health expert for added safety. Besides offering case-by-base dosage recommendations, they may also recommend tested products from industry-trusted brands.
Besides discussing with a doc, do your findings. Read up more about CBD, how to buy good products, and stay well informed. CBD is a complicated course; the details do matter a great lot.
Several factors determine CBD’s effects – the CBD form/administration route, amount dosed, user’s health history.
Oral doses may have relatively low bioavailability. This means, only a tiny fraction of your total dosage gets into your bloodstream.
Remember, these products are not regulated, so nobody matches contents with what the labels say – it’s your responsibility.
What is a safe CBD dosage?
CBD oil is widely dosed sublingually – under the tongue. CBD oil is commonly available in a 30mL dropper bottle.
Talking CBD dosage, there’s no one-dose-fits-all. Depending on your purpose of dosage, standard recommendations stand between 5 to 25 milligrams daily.
To administer, With a dropper, place one or two drops of CBD oil beneath the tongue. Hold there for 30 to 60 seconds.
Gummies and capsule are other options to consider. While they are more convenient, they usually cost more. For utmost convenience, you may consider CBD-infused sprays.
Checklist when buying your CBD oil
For good reasons, full-spectrum CBD oil is a standard recommendation among CBD experts. Unlike CBD-only products (called isolates), full-spectrum oil extracts contain all the chemicals present in the cannabis plant, including flavonoids, terpenes, and all other cannabinoids.
Proponents of alternative medicine say these additional plant matters may have their unique health offers – these claims are yet unestablished, though.
With the poor regulations, CBD’s safety becomes generally complicated.
If you’re not sure how to buy safe, here are some helpful tips:
- Prefer US-sourced hemp
Hemp farms and CBD oil manufacturers across the U.S. adhere to strict quality practices.
- Buy organic
Products certified by the USDA as organic keep you double-assured of quality. These products are tested free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
- Read product label
Besides the flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids, your CBD product may contain unnecessary additives, including flavoring, preservatives, and thinning agents. These ingredients may be toxic and can make you sick. If an ingredient doesn’t seem clear, ask or check another.
Where to buy safe CBD oil
Navigating through the confusing truckloads of products on the CBD market can be overwhelming. Hempingus does not only offer top-quality CBD products; they come with pocket-friendly price tags.
