CBD is a natural substance that has some medical benefits. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for many conditions.

A small 2018 study found that CBD decreased anxiety in people with PTSD who were taking psychiatric medications.

In the United States, only FDA-approved drugs containing CBD can be sold legally. These include a prescription drug called Epidiolex for treating seizures related to epilepsy.

Benefits

CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it potentially helpful in treating conditions like arthritis. In one small study, patients with arthritic knee pain reported less pain and improved function after taking CBD capsules.

CBD may also have anxiety-relieving effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of abstinent heroin users, oral CBD (400 or 800 mg) reduced self-reported drug cue-induced craving and anxiety and decreased physiological measures related to the drug, such as heart rate and salivary cortisol, compared to placebo.

A small but encouraging clinical trial found that CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, supporting the FDA’s approval of the prescription medication Epidiolex(r) for this condition. However, more research is needed to confirm this finding. CBD is a well-tolerated substance, and most people don’t experience side effects. Those seeking CBD supplements should choose brands that use organic hemp and employ subcritical or supercritical CO2 extraction methods. This ensures the preservation of plant terpenes, essential oils, and other phytonutrients.

Dosage

For people who are new to CBD, starting low and going slow is recommended. CBD is a potent compound that can cause side effects if taken in large doses.

In a small clinical trial, Carlini and Cunha 29 administered oral CBD (10 or 40 mg to two healthy participants) in repeated 1-week intervals. They found that there was no effect on electrocardiogram (ECG) or electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and that blood and urine biochemistry tests were normal.

Hobbs et al. 34 used a water soluble CBD formulation and administered it to healthy participants in an open label trial. They found that 30 mg oral CBD reduced concentrations of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-a in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when compared to placebo. They also found that CBD reduced a heroin cue-induced increase in craving, anxiety and heart rate in a simulated public speaking test. However, these results were not statistically significant. Similarly, the authors of another study found that CBD lowered PTSD symptoms but did not improve quality of life or exercise enjoyment.

Side Effects

CBD has a range of potential side effects, but these are typically mild. It can cause dry mouth, drowsiness and low blood pressure. It is important to talk to a doctor before taking any new supplement, including CBD, especially if you are on other medications. This is because CBD can affect how the body breaks down certain drugs and may increase or decrease their effectiveness.

CBD can make tremors worse for people with Parkinson’s disease and may reduce appetite in people with cancer or other health conditions. It is not recommended for pregnant women. It is also not known whether it passes through breast milk or has any effect on an unborn baby.

Studies show that CBD can help with a variety of medical issues, including pain and anxiety. It can be an effective anti-inflammatory and reduce seizures in people with seizure disorders. The FDA has approved a prescription drug that contains CBD to treat severe forms of epilepsy.

Precautions

Although CBD has few side effects, it is important to consider how it might interact with other medications before using it. It can inhibit a drug’s absorption and increase its concentration in the body, which could lead to an overdose. This is more likely to happen if you take it with drugs that are already processed by the same enzymes, like CYP3A4.

CBD may also cause drowsiness and can interfere with some other medications, such as antipsychotics, benzodiazepines (including Xanax and Ativan), antidepressants and opioids. It can also affect the effects of alcohol and supplements such as kava, melatonin and St. John’s wort.

It is also a good idea to tell your doctor that you are considering or taking CBD, even though it is legal in most states. They can review your medical history and help you decide if it is safe for you. They can also help you avoid any negative interactions with other medications and supplements you are taking.