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CBD Consultation
News of potential medicinal benefits is generating growing interest in CBD oil based products.
“CBD” is short for cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive constituent of the hemp and cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants.
Most commercially available CBD oils are an extract from the agricultural hemp plant, a different strain or “cultivar” of the same family of plant as marijuana. Hemp derived CBD oils typically contain over eighty different chemical compounds known collectively as cannabinoids. These substances exert widespread physiologic effects in the body via the endocannabinoid system.
Extracts from the hemp plant have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Currently there is significant international research and development focusing on the therapeutic benefits of the cannabinoids. Because CBD is being investigated as a new drug, CBD products are not defined as dietary supplements according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
It is important to note that CBD differs molecularly from its euphoria-inducing cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the derivative from the cannabis sativa plant that is responsible for the profound psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana. The molecular advantage of CBD from hemp is that it primarily works on different receptors in the body than THC, so it exerts therapeutic effects without the euphoria. In fact, most CBD Oil products extracted from hemp are specifically high in CBD and low in THC.
To put it simply, you can’t get high from hemp derived CBD oils, but you may derive numerous medicinal benefits.
The pharmacists at Sona will tell you that our practice is intentionally well grounded in evidence based, clinical medicine. We strongly encourage well-funded, large scale clinical trials concerning CBD and look forward to significant results. In the interim, we recognize that there exists enough credible evidence of benefit from CBD that we cannot simply dismiss it as a source of potential help for those suffering from chronic disease.
It’s doubtful that CBD is the “cure-all” promised by internet advertising. However, there is a growing body of evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, that CBD oils may produce significant therapeutic benefits for numerous medical conditions.
CBD oils are considered by many to be useful in treating epilepsy, chronic nerve pain, arthritis, anxiety disorders, nausea, fibromyalgia, generalized pain, insomnia, migraines, depression and more. CBD may be particularly beneficial for neurological disorders and those associated with inflammation. In addition, CBD oil based products are finding increasing demand in the veterinary arena, particularly for dogs. CBD for veterinary use is currently a growing focus of debate. There is widespread discussion of potential benefits for seizure disorders, tumors and cancer related health problems, separation anxiety, thunderstorm fears, and palliative care at end of life for pets.
CBD oil products are available in a number of dosage forms and it is important to recognize that the CBD concentration and content will vary widely among different product formulations and certainly among different distributors.
Currently marketed CBD oil products include capsules, soft-gels, balms, topical gels, oral drops, oral sprays, oils for vape pens and numerous veterinary products such as treats, biscuits, and CBD liquids. It is interesting to note that several CBD oil products are marketed as being non-GMO and gluten-free.
It is vital to understand that all CBD oil products and distributors are not created equal. There are valid concerns that some product lines contain little or no actual CBD oil and may contain pesticides, solvents and other contaminants that may be harmful.
As Sona pharmacists, we want to intentionally urge caution in purchasing any CBD oil product from an unknown or unverified source, especially via the internet. We recommend that you only purchase CBD products from reputable, trusted sources that provide quality assurance through third party analysis of their products. This testing gives you confidence that products actually contain what is listed on the label and are free from adulteration with harmful contaminants.
At Sona Pharmacy, dedication to patient care lies at the very heart of our core values. We also place a premium on sincerely listening to the needs of our customers. To this end, our pharmacists are committed to being available to our customers for education, to listen to and address your concerns, and to always provide the highest quality of products to promote better health and quality of life.
Drop by some time and ask us, we would love to talk to you about CBD oil products.
Written by Sona’s Pharmacist Scott Henson, RPh
