January: CBD Awareness Month: What to Know About the Chemical
The beginning of January marks national cannabidiol(CBD)month. CBD is derived from the marijuana plant and can be found in a variety of items including foods, oils, lotions, and cosmetics. CBD is often associated with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, yet the compounds are markedly different. Although they are two of more than 100 chemicals derived from the marijuana leaf, CBD does not produce the psychological effects commonly associated with marijuana, while THC does. CBD lotions and oils are often used topically to treat pain and discomfort associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Others utilize CBD orally to help with insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain, although so far there’s little evidence that can treat any of the illnesses listed above. However, the FDA has approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, that has shown to treat several rare forms of childhood epilepsy.
The California State Senate passed the California Industrial Hemp Farming Act in 2013, which allows for hemp products like CBD to be commercially grown and sold in California. In October 2021, Governor Gavin Newson signed California Assembly Bill 45 which officially allows for CBD infused food and drink products to be sold in the state of California. This law contradicts federal law which does not allow the sale of food to which CBD has been added.
As the effects of CBD continue to be researched, it is important to note some of the known negative effects of the chemical. CBD is known to cause liver damage, drowsiness or sleepiness, and changes in mood or appetite. For these reasons, parents, guardians, and other adults should be cautious to keep any CBD-related medications or items out of children’s reach.
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