by David G. Stouffer

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive constituent of marijuana, is being used as natural alternative to prescription or over-the-counter medicines to treat a wide range of  health issues such as  brain seizures, acne, depression, anxiety, pain, cancer and heart conditions. Still, there are many unknowns about CBD that need to be studied before this novel and natural medicine is fully understood.

CBD sourced from marijuana plants with a THC content of more than 0.3 percent is only legal in states with established recreational and medical marijuana laws, while CBD sourced from industrial hemp plants with no more than 0.3 percent THC content may be legal in all 50 states.

CBD oil has been thought to treat addictions, seizures, multiple sclerosis, pain, anxiety, impulsivity and other ailments. As of now, the only federally approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, for use in the treatment of seizures. However, there are a number of scientific research experiments underway, such as the ones in the journal article titled “Unique Treatment Potential of Cannabidiol for the Prevention of Relapse to Drug Use: Preclinical Proof of Principle,” in Neuropsychopharmacology, to determine the effectiveness of CBD, and one study showed CBD as promising in treating addiction relapse related to cocaine and alcohol.

This study also showed a decrease in stress-related and impulse control behavior. This is good news for CBD advocates, as it confirms some anecdotal evidence reported from CBD users. It will also lead to much more scientific research that could possibly validate other proclaimed CBD uses.

Most people use CBD via tincture added to tea or other liquid, but others prefer to inhale it or rub it into their skin. By ingesting in the tincture we may not be getting the desired dose. Some pharmacological studies imply that the bioavailability of oral CBD may be as little as 6 percent.

 Another option, smoking CBD, may be less wasteful and fast-acting relative to ingestion, as described in “Hepatotoxicity of a Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in the Mouse Model,” published in Molecules, but numerous studies have concluded that inhalation of any substance can irritate and damage the esophageal lining and/or damage lung cells. Even propylene glycol, the main solvent in vaping pens, can turn into formaldehyde at high temperatures and otherwise increase the risk of cancer and asthma. Use caution before mixing CBD with vape pens or inhaling it.

CBD ointments or rubs may be the best way to use the substance because they are generally less toxic to the body. Just make sure the lotion is not full of unnecessary additives and are applied only once or twice per day. Although it may not be practical for all ailments, using CBD transdermally, or applied to the skin, could be the best option.

Extended oral CBD use may actually do the same harm as using Tylenol (acetaminophen). There may also be contraindications with other drugs, as reported in “Identification of Psychoactive Degradants of Cannabidiol in Simulated Gastric and Physiological Fluid,” in  Cannabis Cannabinoid. The simultaneous use of steroids, antihistamines, antivirals, immune modulators, benzodiazepines and THC are known to interact with CBD. Use caution while taking it with other medications and tell a physician about changes in mood or sleep patterns.

Everyone has different physiology, chemistry and metabolism, and more research needs to be done in order to conclude the safest therapeutic dose and possible toxicological effects of CBD. Although the list of potential treatments is long, caution is a must when considering this natural drug alternative.

 David Stouffer offers Biofield Therapy at Symmetry Biofield Therapy. For more information, visit SymmetryBiofield.com.