Pot or Not?

What is CBD oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the most active component of the plant and is psychoactive. However, CBD is also part of the plant and is NOT psychoactive. Hemp is the least processed part of the cannabis plant and contains the most CBD. Some growers alter their plants to produce more THC in order to make the psychoactive portion more potent.

How does it work?

Our bodies have receptors for CBD called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located in the brain and CB2 receptors are related to inflammation. It was initially thought that CBD attached itself to these receptors. However, it now appears that CBD encourages our bodies to produce more of its own CBD.

What health benefits can CBD provide?

In June 2018 the FDA approved the use of Eidolex in the treatment of some types of epilepsy:

"Epidiolex's effectiveness was studied in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 516 patients with either Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. Epidiolex, taken along with other medications, was shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of seizures when compared with placebo."

This medication, made in the UK is not yet available in the US due to its classification as a schedule I medication meaning it has high abuse potential and no medical benefit. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is moving forward on this, however it is unknown when it will be available in the US.

Other uses of CBD oil include:

• Natural pain relief due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Study shows promise to help smokers reduce cigarette consumption
• CBD appears to have pharmacological profile similar to that of atypical antipsychotic drugs as seem using behavioral and neurochemical techniques in animal models
• Combatting cancer

Is CBD legal?

Yes, in some states CBD is legal. However, the amount of THC usually must be less than 0.3%. For instance, in Illinois, recent legislation is going thru the House to allow sale of CBD oil over the counter. Senate bill 2298 passes unanimously. However, it is important to note that federal law still does not allow the sale of CBD oil in ALL states. Several sources I looked at though, did say that the DEA is not prosecuting people who possess CBD oil.

Pot or Not?

No, CBD is not pot. However, its not legal in all states either. The initial interest in this topic was because the advertisements in my area specifically target people who might be subject to drug testing including police officers, fire personnel, truck drivers, healthcare workers. This is what the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration website stated in November 2017:

Many CBD oils and other marijuana-derived products are sold over the internet or at dispensaries instates allowing marijuana use, either recreationally or medically. These products are not regulatedby the Food and Drug Administration for content and may be contaminated by a host of cannabinoidchemicals, including THC and CBD. CBD is chemically distinguishable from THC and will notcause a positive drug test result under the current drug testing panel but is a Schedule I drug.However, CBD products may contain other cannabinoids such as THC, therefore, use of CBD oilsand marijuana-derived products may result in a positive urine drug test for THCA.

So, pot or not, is it something you want to risk?

References:

A critical review of antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol: 30 years of translational investigation

Cannabidiol as potential anticancer drug

Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers, preliminary findings

DEA moving forward with reclassification of CBD ahead of Epidiolex launch

FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy

Senate passes Anderson legislation legallizing CBD oil

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration