Does CBD Really Work To Treat Serious Medical Conditions?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a key ingredient in many pharmaceutical drugs that treat epilepsy and nausea associated with cancer treatment. However, much recent research has focused on CBD as an anti-aging substance. Not only does CBD have medical potential, it is believed to be a powerful antioxidant that can fight disease and aging at the cellular level. Here are some interesting facts about this often overlooked substance.

Cannabidiol was first discovered by a German doctor, who called it cannabidioloside. Later, the name was changed to cannabidiol and was later used to refer to a chemical compound that contained CBD. Cannabidiol is actually a phytochemical, which means that it is made from plants. It is one of 113 active compounds identified in cannabis plants and constitutes approximately 40% of the total plant extract.

In 2021, the US FDA approved two clinical trials that included the use of CBD to treat seizure disorders and Parkinson's disease (PD). At that time, the company had not started selling the product in pharmacies. Currently, it is available as a dietary supplement in several countries. In the European Union, it is also authorized for use in certain therapeutic indications. There are no current plans to sell CBD as a prescription drug in the United States.

Some believe that CBD can help alleviate the symptoms of some forms of epilepsy, including primary symptomatic seizure disorders like that of a child. While CBD is not believed to have any effect on spontaneous seizures, there are ongoing studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of using CBD in combination with traditional antiepileptic medications (amitriptyline and cyproheptadine), which are commonly prescribed for people with epilepsy. One of these studies comparing CBD with a placebo in children with focal acute epilepsy (FAPE) found that there was no difference between the two treatments in the proportion of children experiencing seizures. However, the study noted that the researchers did not consider the potential effects of several potential side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs for patients diagnosed with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. One of the most common side effects of CBD is loss of appetite.

As of yet, there is no conclusive evidence that CBD can help treat or prevent the onset of schizophrenia, bipolar stress disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. A study comparing CBD to the high-quality alternative treatment gabapentin found that children in the placebo group who benefited from CBD had lower self-esteem and showed little improvement in mood, but did not report an improvement in any another psychiatric outcome. CBD is relatively new and the science behind how it works is not well understood. Children can react to CBD in different ways, and should be carefully monitored by their medical professionals, especially since childhood is often a delicate time for mental health development. However, parents who suspect that their child may benefit from the benefits of CBD should speak with their pediatrician and consider using CBD to treat symptoms of childhood anxiety and chronic pain.

In November 2021, the FDA issued a CBD Safety Warning, stating that anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should not take CBD. The FDA also warned that children taking CBD should not take the drug with neuroleptics such as sedatives or antidepressants. If you think your child may have a serious reaction to CBD, notify your doctor or dentist immediately. The FDA has not established the safety of CBD and no government agency, organization, or care provider recommends it. CBD is very cheap and parents are urged to discuss CBD with their children and decide together how to use it to best meet their children's needs.