Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in cannabis plants that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits. But is CBD a drug or a supplement? The answer is not so straightforward. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently classifies CBD as a drug, as it has approved one CBD-containing drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients aged two years and older. However, the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements, so you cannot be sure that the product you buy has active ingredients at the dosage indicated on the label.
CBD is also being investigated for its potential efficacy in treating several other neurological diseases. It may help reduce some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment, such as nausea, vomiting and pain. However, more research is needed to determine other benefits and safety of CBD. It's important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications.
For example, it could change how quickly the liver breaks down some medications, which could change their effects and side effects. It could also increase levels of certain medications in the body by a small amount. Therefore, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking any medications.When buying CBD products, it's important to look for ones that have been tested by accredited third-party laboratories and offer batch reports on their websites. It's also important to be aware that some vaporizers and edibles marketed as CBD contain illegal compounds that can make people sick, such as synthetic marijuana.In conclusion, while CBD may improve certain cancer-related symptoms in some people, research results are currently conflicting and more studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Therefore, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking any medications.