Elise Balin
Staff Writer
Products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) have been on the rise within the last year and continue to increase, regardless of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warnings about health risks.
“We are aware that there may be some products on the market that add CBD to a food or label CBD as a dietary supplement. Under federal law, it is illegal to market CBD this way,” said an FDA press release yesterday.
The FDA has released a number of safety warnings in regards to the health risks that could accompany the use of CBD products. In recent reports from the FDA, they have emphasized just because the product is available, does not mean it is approved for use.
With the recent approval of Wyoming’s hemp plan, hemp production and the processing of hemp derived products (including CBD) is legal, as long as the product complies with the standards set that products must contain less that 0.03% THC.
The adoption of HB171 today states Wyoming will comply with federal law that removes hemp derived products, such as CBD, from the list of controlled substances, even though the federal government removed CBD from the list of illegal controlled substances. Despite this, the FDA stated that CBD is not approved for use except in one approved prescription drug.
Melissa Hunter, a doctor of pharmacy, registered pharmacist and UW drug information director, encourages specific decisions about treatments of diseases or other health issues to be made in conjunction with a health care provider, including an individual’s pharmacist.
“If someone chooses to purchase CBD without the recommendation of a healthcare provider, they could be at risk by avoiding medical care for a condition and at risk for side effects and drug interactions,” said Hunter.
The FDA’s updated press release about CBD products stated that individuals need to keep in mind there is only a minimum amount of data about CBD safety, which needs to be considered before an individual takes CBD for any reason.
“We are aware that there may be some products on the market that add CBD to a food or label CBD as a dietary supplement. Under federal law, it is illegal to market CBD this way,” said the FDA press release.
A variety of products are found on the shelves of many locations, regardless of the regulations put in place. Health professionals, like Hunter, stress that if people choose to use a CBD extract, certain safety measures need to be taken.
“CBD extracts are available in a variety of products and in a variety of locations. If someone chooses to use a CBD extract, it is important to purchase a quality product to ensure that it actually contains the labeled ingredients in the labeled quantities,” said Hunter.
She said that in order to identify a quality product, it should include a QR code or a link that brings an individual to the certificate of analysis. With this certificate of analysis, people will find a description of the product’s exact ingredients.
“CBD can interact with medications and cause side effects including liver damage, fatigue and diarrhea,” said Hunter.
The FDA warns the public that CBD can cause a number of side effects that range from a change in alertness or drowsiness, gastrointestinal distress and changes in mood. Upon these side effects, the FDA stated they should improve when CBD is stopped or when the amount being used is reduced.
“There is no pro-active regulation of over-the-counter supplements – the FDA doesn’t evaluate a supplement until there is a potential problem, therefore if a quality product is not purchased, (one that includes its certificate of analysis) the person doesn’t know what they are getting,” said Hunter.
At this moment in time, the FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription-only drug to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
Hunter said she strongly believes the public’s safety is the main focus in terms of any prescription, supplement or over the counter drug and talking with one’s provider and pharmacist is the most important step in ensuring safety.
