CBD, derived from the cannabis plant possesses no psychoactive properties and has been shown to improve symptoms of a number of conditions. What do current CBD clinical trials suggest about the supplement’s uses?
Is CBD safe?
The World Health Organization maintains, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."
CBD does not get you high, unlike THC (the part of the cannabis plant that is still federally illegal and which you may associate with cannabis.) Instead, CBD is known for being anti-inflammatory, good for pain relief, and effective as a relaxant.
Who can use it?
Some of the strongest evidence for CBD’s benefits come from research into childhood epilepsy disorders, such as most notably Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). These disorders cause severe childhood seizures and are often unable to be controlled with medication. The first and only CBD-derived drug to be approved by the FDA is Epidiolex.
CBD is useful in a variety of other contexts too, such as in managing chemo side effects in cancer patients or those with chronic pain. Canada has even approved the use of a combination THC and CBD oral spray, called Sativex, that is used in multiple-sclerosis central neuropathic pain, as well as in people battling cancers with otherwise unmanageable pain. CBD can also be used as a topical treatment on people with arthritis or back pain, due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Perhaps the most widely-known use of CBD is in the treatment of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. CBD is well-studied as a calming supplement and may be especially useful for people struggling with anxiety.
What’s the Catch?
There is a lot we still don’t know about CBD and its effects on various people. However, it is generally deemed to be safe for use in most generally healthy people, and can otherwise be explored as a treatment for specific conditions with your doctor.
CBD is incredibly effective in some people, and there is a plethora of evidence to support its uses. Some people may experience negative side effects, especially when experimenting with different doses of CBD, but serious adverse effects are very rare.
Want to Learn More?
In addition to keeping you up to date on all things clinical trials, we also act as a digital CRO with a specific focus on patient recruitment and retention. We believe that patient recruitment and study startup (especially study design and study material) are heavily intertwined. After all, study design can make or break clinical trials, and the patient-perspective should be considered when designing studies to ensure that patient targets are met not only on time, but also on budget.
For Citruslabs, patient recruitment starts with study design and ends with trial completion. We recruit patients through our network of health apps, which enables you to connect with thousands of patients in real time. The best part: these patients are already educated and prepared for the clinical trial process.
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