Jon Golightly
Elise Song
ENG-1302
10th April 2020
Is CBD Safe?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of marijuana that is associated with specific medicinal properties. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the most abundant component of marijuana, it does not get its users high. The recent developments about the legalization of marijuana and the increasing demand for anti-anxiety products have contributed to the growth of the CBD industry. According to recent research in the industry, CBD products contributed to approximately $600 million in 2018 and has projected a global increase in the industry to $1.25 billion by 2024 (Bridgeman, Barna, and Abazia 26). It is necessary to note that the WHO declared the chemical as safe to be used in products. However, with the approval of one drug containing a highly purified form of CBD by FDA, research on the same shows that CBD has several side effects that render it unsafe (Bridgeman, Barna, and Abazia 29). It is, therefore, necessary to consult a doctor before taking the drug because such effects include diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue.
There is some little evidence that the drug has associated health benefits, but also it could contribute to a problem with digestion and dry mouth. It has been established that even the Epidiolex that was approved by the FDA causes side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea (Devinsky 55). While the chemical is responsible for treating common illnesses such as reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, the patients might experience the mentioned side effects (Devinsky 57). The chemical is also associated with dry mouth because it has the effect of interfering with the secretion of saliva (Devinsky 58). However, the research in most patients established that the side effects could only occur within the first weeks when the patients were raising their dosage. Besides, it was found out that a reduction in the dose would result to reduces side effects.
Moreover, the chemical is linked to liver damage. The research results indicated that the risk of liver damage increased when the chemical was used in combination with seizures. Besides, the chemical has associated immune system problems, such as reducing the body’s ability to fight infections (Costiniuk and Mohammad-Ali 25). CBD had detrimental effects, especially to people living with HIV, Down syndrome, and diabetes. Another reason why CBD products may be unsafe is that the supplementary industry in the country is not heavily regulated. As a result, there may be low-quality products in the market that poses long term threats (Costiniuk and Mohammad-Ali 25). While using the unregulated products of CBD, one may not realize the immediate side effects, which is so risky. Therefore, it is essential to check the quality of the products an individual uses as well as consulting a doctor to avoid severe side effects.
The CBD chemical and its related products have continued to raise concerns due to a lack of enough evidence. The chemical is certainly unsafe despite the health benefits it may possess. The FDA-approved Epidiolex, being the standard reference to research; they have been several side effects associated with using CBD such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. However, this does not mean that the drug cannot perform its intended purpose. It continues to relieve pain and reduce anxiety in several tested patients. Most medicines tend to have a specific side effect, but some have very mild effects that a patient cannot realize. However, they are not removed from the market because they still serve their purpose. The difference that makes CBD unsafe is that there is very little evidence on its benefits and side effects due to limited research.
Works Cited
Bridgeman, Mary Barna, and Daniel T. Abazia. “Medicinal cannabis: history, pharmacology, and implications for the acute care setting.” Pharmacy and Therapeutics 42.3 (2017).
Devinsky, Orrin, et al. “Cannabidiol: pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders.” Epilepsia 55.6, (2014).
Costiniuk, Cecilia T., and Mohammad-Ali Jenabian. “Cannabinoids and inflammation: implications for people living with HIV.” Aids 33.15 (2019): 22-28.