I’m trying to research CBD oil as there are now so many out there. Are any of them regulated? How does a person know what exactly they are getting. Is there any research that validates the overall effectiveness of the oil?
Answer:
Thanks for the question and you are wise to really question any marijuana related research today as a deluge of papers are published almost daily on the subject with most contradicting and finding almost opposite results from each other. Believe it or not, this is to be expected even though many findings and conclusions seem to driven by observer bias. Marijuana is plant that produced over 480 biologically active chemicals 80 or more cannabinoids. Then growing, processing and harvesting can add many other body active chemicals. The main chemicals in marijuana can attach to more receptors in the body and brain than even opiates so with genetics and different genetic enzyme systems even the same chemical can have different reactions in different people. As you infer, there is no established certification for marijuana research or even for analysis on what and how much chemicals are in a sample of pot.
CBD which I feel does have great potential as being a non-addictive very medically useful chemical is shrouded by the issues just mentioned. However, GW Pharma had does sufficient research with good standards that our FDA approved their CBD product Epidiolex last year for the treatment of certain seizure disorders. Though not recognized in this country as much, Dr. Manuel Guzman in Spain appears to be doing solid research with CBD in Spain and having good results with its ability to address a number of medical problems.
I realize this isn’t much help to you but the silver lining with all of this brought about by increased legalization of marijuana is that it is finally the research and interest that has been lacking since at least 1937 when our government made it totally illegal.
Dr. Darryl S. Inaba, PharmD, CATC V, CADC III
Director of Clinical and Behavioral Health Service, Addictions Recovery Center
Director of Research and Education, CNS Productions