The cannabidiol (CBD) from the hemp plant is touted as a miracle cure for stress, pain and cancer. But the effectiveness has not been proven.
Unlike the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of the hemp plant, CBD has no intoxicating effect and is not addictive. How exactly CBD works is not known. It is believed that cannabidiol can enhance the effects of other drugs. Apart from positive testimonials, there are hardly any studies that prove an effect. For more information visit our site rawterpenes.
CBD for the treatment of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis The therapeutic benefit of CBD is only certain in certain forms of epilepsy. It has been approved in Europe as an antiepileptic (trade name Epidiolex) for the treatment of severe childhood epilepsy since 2019. CBD is believed to alter calcium concentrations within nerve cells. Changes in liver metabolism can occur as a side effect, so that liver values must be checked regularly during treatment with the drug.
As an approved drug, the active ingredient CBD is subject to a prescription in Germany. Because of its anticonvulsant properties, CBD is also a component of the active ingredient nabiximols, which is used as a spray to treat cramps in multiple sclerosis.
Can CBD inhibit tumor cell proliferation?
Results from animal studies suggest that CBD may counteract the proliferation of tumor cells in certain types of cancer. theStudies show that when combined with chemotherapy, CBD increases the survival time of experimental mice from 20 to 22 days. So far, however, the investigations are still basic research. The results are not extrapolable to humans and current cancer therapies.
CBD in pain therapy
Animal research also suggests that CBD may play a supportive role in palliative care for conditions such as pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. However, further studies are needed to confirm these effects.
CBD products without proof of effectiveness
Over-the-counter CBD products from online retailers, from special hemp shops, from drugstores, but also from pharmacies are not approved medicines. However, the oils, creams or sprays can currently be sold as hygiene or cosmetic products without having to provide any official proof of effectiveness. Only the THC content has to be below 0.2 percent. As a dietary supplement, CBD products should, according to theFederal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety cannot be placed on the market, because CBD is also not approved as a “novel food”. Therefore, CBD cosmetic or hygiene products should not be recommended at all for oral use.
CBD products not approved as food
If CBD products are intended for oral use, they require approval from the European Union as a novel food. The EU Food Safety Authority is reviewing several manufacturer applications to approve CBD as a novel food. But in June 2022 the procedure was stopped for the time being. theEfsa (European Food Safety Authority) points to potential hazards and a lack of data to determine if cannabidiol (CBD) is safe as a food.
Manufacturers try to circumvent the sales ban
Dirk Lachenmeier examines CBD samples taken during food inspections for the Chemical Veterinary Analysis Office in Karlsruhe. He observes that some manufacturers are trying to circumvent the sales ban with tricks. They redeclare the oils, for example as “cosmetic oral hygiene oil”. However, it is not enough to rename the products, explains Lachenmeier. If human consumption of a CBD product is foreseeable, it is also considered food.
Many CBD products contain more THC than permitted
Lachenmeier also states again and again: Numerous CBD products contain more THC than permitted, so they could have an intoxicating effect. In some cases, according to Lachenmeier, even a drug urine test can be positive.In 2020 , he judged more than a hundred CBD products in Baden-Württemberg to be unmarketable. Manufacturers often defend themselves legally. 50 of them have applied to the European Union for approval as a novel food.
Stiftung Warentest: CBD products are not harmless plant substances
Doctors and consumer advocates continue to warn about CBD products and consider them questionable. Stiftung Warentest Examined 17 different CBD products. In the interview, editor Nicole Merbach clearly advises against taking CBD products. Contrary to its image, cannabidiol cannot be classified as a harmless plant substance. Rather, it is a pharmacologically very active substance that can act like a drug in the body.
Hemp seeds in muesli, hemp oil in salads
Food from the hemp plant, whose use in the kitchen has been documented before 1997, does not fall under the Novel Food Regulation. Products made from Cannabis sativa L. plants or plant parts, such as hemp seeds, hemp seed oil or hemp seed flour are still permitted foods. The seeds have a nutty flavor and valuable omega-3 fats, but they’re expensive, probably because hemp products are so fashionable.
