I was asked by one of our local news affiliates to do a segment on CBD oil.    Did I back it?  Does it work?  What’s the deal with it?

It took a little thinking.    There’s not a simple stance on this I’m willing to take.    I think it can be effective for the treatment of certain issues.  I think some inherent problems need to be addressed as well.  Well – Half a day later – Here’s my approach…

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of nearly 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

It is extracted and mixed into a variety of products that share the CBD oil moniker.

CBD has gained incredible popularity over the last 6 months for use as a medical supplement.  It seems to have tons of “goodwill”, opinion, and “public reputation.” and less true university-backed research.    In my opinion, it could be a good treatment option for certain conditions.

Why is it so controversial?

Two reasons:    

1. It comes from the plant family associated with Marijuana and carries a stigma because of that.
2. It is so new (not enough clinical research) and there are so many different products, brands, and suggested uses.

A little about the product.

There isn’t one type of CBD being used.

It can be in powder form, oil (in a medicine dropper), topical creams, and other forms.

1. There is a HUGE stigma associated with this product (as stated…marijuana) and because of that, there is a HUGE gray area as far as legalities and suggested use.

2.  Still in the early stages of use.   Because of this, there are way too many claims on health and action.   There just isn’t enough information out yet and manufacturers are reeling out as much as they can to maximize profits.   If one group has a finding, there is nothing to keep all manufacturers from saying “clinical evidence states….”

So use caution

1. 1. 1. The products aren’t all the same
      2. It’s not a miracle product

      3. It is an NCAA-banned substance as the tests currently used cannot determine the difference between the drug (with THC) vs the oil alone.

THIS is WHY I suggest using CAUTION. Because

I can’t tell you if your employer’s drug tests would show a positive.

4.  It’s legal to sell at this time but I won’t use it on a client clinically because of   

 these rules.  It’s unique because it’s available in many forms such as powders, pills, oil with a dropper, creams, shakes, etc.

So you can take it in through the skin, orally and sublingually and the dosage is based on how much of the CBD is in each serving.

5. THC is removed

This is the psychoactive component (getting high) of the plant and is removed so the CBD oil is different than the drug.  Again, it’s not really that “new” at this point but testing may not be able to tell the difference. Aside from that – how do I know? I have to take their word for it.  It’s the same problems we have with Olympians that say the vitamins they were taking had steroids and PED in them and set off a false positive test.

Recap:

Use caution.    

No one can tell you what your company’s policy is except your company.

(some companies test THC, some test marijuana, others both/none/any combo/help derivatives.) Talk to your HR.

The use of CBD oil is growing exponentially across the US right now and because of that, the standard for the product as a whole is in question.

If you are going to try CBD, talk to your employers and find a product that has been deemed safe and effective first.  

This is why I was deemed “against the use of this product clinically” despite claims of success.  I’m not against it and I would never be so arrogant to suggest to tell you what to try and use in your life.  I just won’t sell it in my clinic because I don’t want to be involved in other’s HR and company policies if there was a positive “pop.”   I even spent $400 of my own money to have 1 particular product I like independently tested in an off-site lab.  It was 100% clean.  I then contacted an attorney and asked them, “If I was to be named in a lawsuit for a bogus firing of an employee due to a positive pop for a legal substance, how would that play out?”

The response?

“For CBD?, You’d be fine.  The product claims 100% THC free and you had it tested independently.  You’d be fine.   the attorney bill would still be approx. $8 to 10K and possibly a few days missed work.  Just so you understand.”

It was a math equation for me.   The product I really like is sold at a $10 profit.   $8,000 to have a case dismissed.   my solution:  “Buy it from the guy down the street, it’s not my thing.”

Like I’ve always said with this site.  I will always shoot you straight.    I like some of the products, it’s just not my industry.

My take.

CBD is safe and in my opinion effective, but because of the early stage explosion of products across the country, it is difficult to determine which products are superior.  

CBD oil has a million claims.  Like any product, there is no “miracle pill.”

It seems to work best with inflammation issues, pain, joint and muscle pain, and neurological issues.

Claims of a decrease in vomiting, cancer treatment, psychosis, depression, etc. need further research at the university level.

The policy will change and the products will become more regulated as time passes and their popularity continues to grow.