Untested CBD-infused Products Could Pose Health Risks as Market Grows Stronger

Cannabidiol products have recently spiked in sales and availability, granted by its popularity as an alternative cure to anxiety and pain. However, medical authorities warn about the potential health hazards of CBD and the many unproven therapeutic claims of the said substance.

Cronos, a Canadian company, recently bought a $300M CBD company, 7-Eleven stores now have CBD-dispensing robots, and HempAmericana Inc. started a live e-commerce portal to foster online CBD sales.

Expert’s opinion

Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, director of the University of Wisconsin’s Doctor of Medicine-Master of Public Health Program, stated that cannabidiol might have numerous benefits, but most of these claims have not been tested for accuracy.

He cited the clinical trials of CBD for intractable seizures as the only benefit proven to be true. Intractable epilepsy is a kind of seizure that does not respond to therapy or any treatment. The CBD-containing drug, Epidiolex, is the only FDA-approved cannabidiol medication given for such cases.

Navsaria reiterated that several claims lack strong evidence for them to count.

Earlier this year, the FDA gave out warning letters to companies that sell new yet unapproved drugs that allegedly have CBD. Three of these firms are located in Florida.

CBD is widely available in stores and online, including big retailers like Walgreens.

Navsaria pointed out the lack of guarantee in terms of a product’s purity, and its active ingredients are what make it hard for medical practitioners to say yes to patients asking whether they can try CBD. It’s is the same dilemma they face for homeopathic remedies and herbal supplements, Navsaria added.

Research on CBD

Forbes revealed cases of people testing positive in urine drug tests from using CBD. This situation poses a risk for people whose jobs stipulate routine drug testing.

Natalie Schmitz, associate professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, studied the labeling accuracy for CBD products in her research. She stated that the literature related to CBD is limited and cannot support the claims of effectiveness.

She added that further research should be done to support all claims, including the benefits of CBD for pain and anxiety so that a conclusive statement can be made.

Some studies show how CBD can cause liver problems. There is also evidence of the substance causing several side effects like irritability, fatigue, and nausea.

Schmitz further stated that there is a need for FDA-approved guidelines for standardization and state-proposed quality measurements to help ensure that CBD products do not pose health hazards for the public.

Navsaria said that people should question products that are claiming to have several benefits without proper evidence. He cited profit motive as a drive for the proliferating CBD market. He believes that sellers are taking advantage of the trend to maximize sales, making it questionable whether these products are actually made to help people.

He further added that claims could easily be made, but there is little to no support over its factual value.