Are the Proposed Perks of CBD Oil Exaggerated?

In the face of myriad ailments that torment modern society, including chronic pain, anxiety, cancer-related symptoms, and neurological disorders, an alluring panacea has emerged: CBD oil. But does the substance live up to its grand promises? Dr. Paul Terpeluk, an internal medicine specialist, offered insight as to why CBD oil might not deliver the desired effects in the ways we hope.

As the cannabis sativa plant houses over one hundred chemical compounds, the primary active psychoactive ingredient responsible for the infamous euphoric high is THC, not CBD. Removed from hemp, a variety of cannabis with minimal THC levels, CBD oil essentially consists of CBD extract combined with an oil, like coconut oil, and is primarily used topically.

The federal legalization of CBD products nationwide, per the 2018 Farm Bill, is contingent on products containing less than .3% THC. However, such laws still differ under certain state regulations.

The CBD market has seen a surplus of products – bath bombs, gummies, lotions, creams, tinctures, and oil – none of which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of mid-December 2021, the FDA has approved only one cannabis-derived and three cannabis-related products, all of which require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

"The market is rife with CBD products with little to no regulatory oversight," said Dr. Terpeluk. "Most of the CBD you buy doesn't claim to be 100% pure, making it highly likely that the product is contaminated with other cannabinoids, including THC."

Claiming potential wide-ranging positive effects, CBD may play a critical role in our endocannabinoid system – a complex system of enzymes, neurotransmitters, and receptors that significantly impact the development of our central nervous system. Researchers have been studying CBD's effects in pain, motor control, memory, appetite, inflammation, and other areas, which may shed light on how CBD impacts a variety of conditions and disorders.

The FDA approved Epidiolex as a treatment for several seizure disorders, including Duvet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and some case studies suggest that CBD may be helpful for patients resistant to anti-epileptic drugs. In brains afflicted by epilepsy, a threshold becomes overexcited, causing a seizure. CBD increases that threshold.

Additional studies suggest CBD might ease symptoms of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory properties. However, many studies indicate that a combination of CBD and other cannabinoids may be more effective in reducing these symptoms.

Pain Relief

Interacting with neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, CBD could potentially alleviate pain related to inflammation, arthritis, and nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). In a four-week trial, those with nerve damage in the lower half of their body reported a significant reduction of intense, sharp pain using topical CBD oil.

While CBD shows potential as an alternative to pain medication without the risk of addiction, more research is necessary to understand whether there are significant long-term adverse effects of CBD oil use for pain relief.

"If you're using unregulated CBD products and don't know how much you're ingesting, you could potentially test positive for THC," cautioned Dr. Terpeluk.

Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, can have devastating impacts on a person's daily life. CBD might help with these conditions, but the full scope of its effects is still being understood. One study demonstrated that a 300-mg dose of CBD significantly reduced social anxiety in 57 men prior to a public speaking test.

A wide variety of treatments for anxiety and mood disorders are available – ranging from talk therapy and counseling to prescribed medications – and Dr. Terpeluk emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying causes of anxiety rather than relying on CBD as a solution.

While direct evidence is limited, CBD could help alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as pain, nausea, and weight loss. The FDA has approved three cannabis-related products to help mitigate these symptoms and increase appetite for those with AIDS, but such drugs contain some level of THC or synthetic THC and are not purely CBD.

Some studies indicate that CBD may help slow the growth of tumors and inhibit the spread of cancerous cells in various forms of cancer, but further human clinical trials are needed to determine the full effects of CBD on various cancers.

Remember that CBD can potentially interact with various medications, potentially causing side effects such as coordination issues, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or diarrhea. Always consult with healthcare professionals before using CBD products to ensure it's safe for you and to discuss potential interactions with other medications.

In the complex system of enzymes, neurotransmitters, and receptors known as the endocannabinoid system, CBD, a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant, may play a critical role due to its potential effects on pain, motor control, memory, appetite, inflammation, and other areas.
Despite CBD's alluring promises, Dr. Terpeluk warns that the market is rife with products containing little to no regulatory oversight, making it highly likely that the product is contaminated with other cannabinoids, including THC, which could potentially lead to unintended THC consumption.
One of the FDA-approved cannabis-derived products, Epidiolex, is used for the treatment of several seizure disorders, including Duvet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, suggesting CBD's potential for neurological-related disorders.
In the face of various ailments such as anxiety, chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, and neurological disorders, CBD oil, while showing potential benefits, still requires more research to understand its long-term effects and the full extent of its effects on various conditions and disorders.