There has been a lot of buzz in our fibromyalgia community lately about the use of CBD products. We’ve been doing a lot of research and soliciting feedback from our community members. Two things have become apparent to us: (1) feedback from those who have tried CBD oils has been overwhelmingly positive, and (2) there is still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about these products.
Below are 5 important facts about CBD products that we thought our community would find helpful and informative.
Fact #1: CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of 85 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids that are all found in the cannabis plant. CBD can be extracted in oil form from either marijuana or hemp, both of which belong to the cannabis genus. CBD oil from marijuana is still illegal in most states where it is a Schedule I drug. Conversely, CBD oil from hemp is currently legal in all 50 states since it is extracted from hemp and not marijuana.
Fact #2. CBD products will not get you high. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that produces effects such as feeling “high” or feeling anxious or paranoid. CBD is non-psychoactive so won’t get you high and studies have suggested that CBD actually counteracts the anxiety or paranoia that can be caused by THC. Since CBD products have no or only a trace amount of THC, it’s unlikely (but not impossible) that a person using them would test positive for THC in a standard drug test.
Fact #3: CBD products come in several different forms, including drops (tinctures), capsules, vape oils, gummies and topical creams. Based on the feedback that we’ve received from community members, the drops have been the most popular with capsules being the second most popular form for personal use.
Fact #4: The effectiveness of CBD as a treatment option for diseases and medical conditions has not been scientifically proven by U.S. FDA standards. CBD products are also not currently regulated by the FDA. We expect there to be more research and scientific studies into CBD in the near future as the number of people using these products continues to increase.
Fact #5: The quality of CBD products for sale online can vary. Those looking to try CBD products should be sure that they are buying them from a reputable company because there are scams out there. In each of the last 2 years, the FDA has sent warning letters to some companies that were deceptively marketing its CBD products and selling products with little or no actual CBD.
Our Recommendation For Those Wanting To Try CBD Oil Products
The quality and price of CBD products available online can vary greatly. So it’s important to order these products from a trusted and vetted supplier. Some local vape shops and vitamin stores carry CBD products but many people find it more convenient to order online.
CBDOilUsers.com is a leading consumer education website. Their list of the best CBD brands has excellent recommendations of safe and reputable companies that offer CBD products online.
If you want to learn more about CBD products and ask questions of others, we invite you to join the “CBD Oil Users Group” on Facebook. This is a closed group where members can learn more about CBD products and share their experiences with others. Click here to join the “CBD Oil Users Group” Facebook group.
Sources:
5 Must-Know Facts About Cannabidiol (CBD): http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/23/5-must-know-facts-cannabidiol-cbd/
5 Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana: http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/16/5-differences-hemp-marijuana/
5 Differences Between CBD and THC: http://www.truthonpot.com/2014/09/24/5-differences-between-cbd-vs-thc/
Does Using CBD Hemp Oil Result in a Positive Drug Test for THC or Marijuana? https://www.leafly.com/news/health/does-using-cbd-hemp-oil-result-in-a-positive-drug-test-for-thc-or
Warning Letters and Test Results: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm435591.htm
FDA Issues Warning Letters to CBD Hemp Oil Makers: http://www.hightimes.com/read/fda-issues-warning-letters-cbd-hemp-oil-makers
FDA Disclosure: Any statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to indicate or infer that any of the products discussed will diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program.