Canadian scientists have applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s move to tighten regulation of cannabidiol (CBD), citing its popularity as a treatment for a variety of ailments, and the long-term benefits of cannabis products. more research is needed on the effects of .
Last week, the FDA asked Congress to allow it to create a regulatory framework for CBD, which is currently unbound by few, if any, regulations under the US Farm Bill. Regulators say CBD-infused products, from gummies to sodas, generally fail to meet food safety standards.
Janet Woodcock, the FDA’s chief deputy commissioner, said in a statement, “We did not find enough evidence to determine how much or how long CBD would cause harm.
Her concerns align with those of Canadian researchers, with some saying CBD fell into the hands of consumers for the wrong reasons before adequate research was done. , legalized recreational cannabis in 2018.
Dr. Gabriela Gobi, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who studies mental disorders at McGill University Psychiatry, said, “I think science should take precedence over politics and social pressures. Patient safety comes first. should be done,” he said.
The FDA cited evidence of CBD’s potential risk to the liver, male reproductive system, and potential drug interactions.It also predicts how use will affect people over time. There are also few long-term data for
CBD is in everything from chocolate bars to pet treats, face masks to moisturizers and bath bombs. A marketplace investigation found hundreds of his illegal CBD products for sale.
For example, some children developed liver problems after using Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved drug to treat seizures containing CBD. 2020 study analyzing clinical trials.
CBD is a compound found in cannabis, derived from hemp or parts of the cannabis plant, and has very low levels of the mind-altering THC.
Gobbi said the FDA’s move highlights the potential risks and lack of knowledge of substances that many perceive as harmless, injected into everything from body oils to pain relievers. That’s what I mean.
She also hopes the FDA’s stance will drive demand for better clinical data to determine which CBD is effective in what doses and at what risks. I also hope that one day Epidiolex will be available in Canada.
“Canada will always look to and follow the United States, so perhaps this will put pressure on Health Canada … to take a better look at the pharmacological properties of CBD and pass better regulatory standards,” Gobi said. Told.
Hans Clark, medical director of Toronto General Hospital’s Pain Research Division, wants Canada to heed the direction of the United States. Instead, it said stricter rules could be used to “keep Canadians safe” in light of new research.
strict regulation
Health Canada says CBD is already under strict regulationPackages must contain health warnings, and unproven health or cosmetic claims are prohibited.
Health Canada declined a request for an interview, but said in an email that cannabis laws regulate the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis, including CBD.
All health products containing cannabis or CBD, with the exception of some natural health and veterinary products, Food and Drug Law and receive extensive testing.
Toronto retiree Mike Parrish became interested in CBD after a nasty spill on his bike left a metal pin in his arm. A friend of his recommended a CBD-infused topical remedy for the pain, and Parrish said the product, dubbed a “relief stick,” seemed to work.
“I don’t know if it’s because I believe so strongly that it works. Does that work? I can sleep. So it works,” Parrish said.
He is one of many Canadians who are turning to CBD to solve a myriad of ailments, despite the lack of clinical evidence of its effectiveness and its high uninsured price.
James McKillop, director of the Michael G. DeGroot Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at McMaster University in Hamilton, says CBD is low-dose, low-risk, but not risk-free.
“Unfortunately, there is a myth that CBD is harmless.
Ann Reviewed by experts from the World Health Organization It has been suggested that CBD is “non-addictive and not associated with potential human abuse,” making it low enough risk to be legalized.
However, the July 2022 report also points to concerns about medication, liver damage and drug interactions.
It also points out that overdosing “can lead to minor side effects, such as diarrhea, although they are uncomfortable.”
MacKillop said of research from many years ago: mouse or rat When sea urchin showed a detrimental effect on sperm count — but only one human study said it had no effect.
He’s not overly concerned about the dangers of CBD, but more research is needed and it’s very difficult to start clinical trials in this country.
“If something is strong enough to treat a medical condition, it probably has some unwanted side effects and is strong enough to be risky.
MacKillop is currently conducting research into the effects of CBD-infused drinks. He says it’s unclear how they interact with alcohol and other drugs.
He said Canada’s current regulations make it a less “Wild West” environment than the United States.
“And it will probably benefit the consumer.”
MacKillop admits CBD is non-addictive or dependent and is believed to help with a “laundry list” of ailments ranging from sleep deprivation, anxiety, pain, addiction and even PTSD. But high-quality research on its effects is still lacking, he says.
“CBD, and indeed all cannabis products available, exist in a rather murky and gray area when it comes to evidence. There is far more lore than there is good evidence.
