When any new item is introduced on the market, it can take the close attention of the medical industry. However, over the last 20 years, no other item has come on the market with nearly as much attention as CBD oil. With the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, doctors and researchers recognize that there could be a lot of potential health benefits to the regular use of cannabidiol.
Although the FDA has not taken a concrete stand on CBD oil – good or bad – its use in everyday life is having a profound impact on the healthcare industry. Here are some of the ways CBD oil is having a profound effect on medical care in the United States
CBD oil usage in case studies
From the mid-90s to today, there is no shortage of case studies on how CBD oil is potentially helping people live better lives. Peer-reviewed published research suggests that the regular use of CBD offers a number of perceived benefits.
One case study from 2019 published by two Canadian doctors give light to the potential efficacy of CBD oil in one patient struggling with neurofibromatosis pain and a mood disorder. After giving their patients a regular serving of CBD oil, they noticed that their perceived pain went down, and their mood improved. Using a full spectrum CBD oil – like those produced by NuLeaf Naturals – the individual in question saw a visible increase in their quality of life.
“Cannabidiol use with our patient has shown promising results in controlling the pain and concomitant mood disorder,” the doctors wrote in their report. “Given our experience and the growing body of evidence for the efficacy of CBD in treating patients with multiple chronic pain conditions, it should be considered as a treatment option in the management of this patient group.”
CBD usage in medications
But pure CBD oil has not only been observed in experimental use, like in the case study above. A series of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials lead to the first cannabidiol-based medication to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In June 2019, Epidolex was introduced on the market as the first prescription drug with cannabidiol as the main active ingredient. When used in concert with other medications, the researchers discovered CBD had positive effects on two forms of epilepsy in children: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Both conditions are noted for severe and potentially fatal seizures, including fever-related seizures, involuntary muscle spasms, and tonic seizures. Of the 516 patients taken through the trials, the majority of them experienced reduced seizures compared to those who took the placebo only.
As a result of this breakthrough, the FDA is now holding public hearings to explore additional research into CBD for additional medical purposes. While the FDA has not formally approved any additional CBD-based medications, the hearings and additional research proves that there is a lot of benefits left to be discovered from cannabidiol and the full spectrum of cannabinoids.
Is CBD a “dietary supplement” like vitamins?
Although the FDA has approved one prescription medication, CBD oil has not been approved as a “dietary supplement” yet. Outside of Epidolex, any statements about the proven benefits of CBD oil have not been evaluated by the FDA, and CBD oil is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
But with the continued interest and research into CBD oil, the FDA cannot help but take notice of the public demand. Additional hearings are a part of the FDA’s future plans, and peer-reviewed studies on the topic are constantly being published. No matter where you stand on the cannabis industry in the United States, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that CBD oil is quickly rising in the healthcare world.
Should I be using CBD oil as part of my personal healthcare plan?
While the use of CBD oil is becoming part of everyday conversations, it’s always important to discuss any changes to your medical plan with your doctor. By including your current medical professionals in the conversation, you can ensure that CBD oil will not conflict with your prescription drugs or other conditions.
But with the continued research and positive news about CBD oil, there’s no better time to consider adding it to your plans. With continued research, CBD will only continue to disrupt and change the healthcare industry in the future.
