1.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonintoxicating compound
extracted from Cannabis sativa plants that has gained popularity for medical
uses ranging from epilepsy to pain control and addiction treatment because of
its differing mechanism of action from marijuana and its safety profile.
2.
Although important preclinical and pilot human
studies have suggested a potential role for CBD in numerous clinical
situations, thorough clinical studies have only been performed on intractable
epilepsy syndromes for which Epidiolex, a CBD drug, was approved by the US Food
and Drug Administration for use.
3.
The legal landscape of CBD remains complex
because of differing state and federal laws giving access to medical hemp and
marijuana products.
4.
The CBD and hemp oil product market remains a
concerning one because of noted variability in CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol
levels in products, as well as lack of regulation in production and
distribution.
5.
Although CBD and hemp oils remain an unproven
therapeutic option, physicians should remain open to the possible future role
these products may play in the management of a variety of difficult to treat
diseases, in particular pain and addiction treatment in the context of the
opioid crisis.
