Cannabidiol (CBD) has become immensely popular in recent years, with many people using it to treat a wide range of medical conditions and lifestyle diseases. But is CBD a narcotic? The answer is no. Unless specifically and strictly derived from a marijuana plant, CBD is not now, nor has it ever been, a controlled substance. In this comprehensive overview, we'll analyze the risks and known issues related to the composition of CBD products and make recommendations for better regulatory control based on accurate labeling and more scientifically supported health claims.
We'll also discuss the legality of CBD, its potential benefits, and how it compares to THC. CBD is generally derived from fiber-type cannabis (hemp) varieties, because they have a naturally higher CBD content than drug-type (marijuana) varieties. It can be formulated into pharmaceutical-grade products for medicinal use. When you review the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the word “cannabidiol” or “CBD” is nowhere to be found, neither in the code of federal regulations nor in the enacting legislation.
This means that CBD is not considered a controlled substance in the United States. In fact, in places where CBD is technically illegal, products may still be readily available because authorities are lax in law enforcement or they are still discussing how to deal with the influx of CBD. It may be useful to think of CBD as the yin to the yang of THC: the two tend to balance each other at the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in humans. With CBD oil, there is no risk of poisoning (getting high), so much higher doses can be consumed than would be possible for products rich in THC. A study published in the European Journal of Pain suggests that CBD applied to the skin may help reduce arthritic pain, but there is a lack of clinical evidence of its overall effectiveness and concern about the unregulated nature of the CBD market. For that reason, thorough analytical testing of final products by certified third party laboratories is an essential tool to ensure the safety and composition of CBD oils. Almost overnight, CBD oils have become an interesting combination of folk holistic medicine, miracle cure, and a natural response to synthetic drugs that dominate modern medicine.
However, that doesn't mean you should replace your child's prescriptions with CBD, especially since Child Protective Services has a history of participation. In conclusion, we can officially end any perceived uncertainty regarding the legality of compound CBD. Unless specifically and strictly derived from a marijuana plant, CBD is not now, nor has it ever been, a controlled substance.
