From some of the recent reports about CBD oil and its interactions, to the way it’s administered, here are some thoughtful takeaways for your patients.

The past treatments of severe pain have been over the counter pain remedies, or in severe cases, some drugs related to opioids. There is now an alternative with fewer risks of addiction. Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining some momentum in the world of health and wellness, specifically in the treatment of anxiety and chronic pain. 

Multiple studies have shown that dosages of CBD oil help minimize the sensitivity of the pain receptors that are triggered by medical conditions, and disorders that normally trigger pain and other discomfort.  

The American Epilepsy Society has stated that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, including in rare types of epilepsy and conditions that afflict younger patients.  and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.

Here are five thoughtful takeaways for your patients, from some of the recent reports about CBD oil, its interactions and the way it is administered. Because marijuana is a Federal Section I drug, there are no medical insurance plans that currently cover CBD.

• A doctor from Northwestern indicated that there is some misunderstanding of how broadly beneficial CBD treatment is.  
• The most significant research shows CBD is effective, and potentially beneficial, via a 2018 study, to treat two forms of epilepsy, Lennox Gestault syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. LGS is a severe form of childhood epilepsy. Dravet Syndrome is a rare, drug-resistant epilepsy that begins in infancy.  It was treated using Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution.
• Your patients must inform you, as their doctor, what medications they are taking. Although CBD is relatively safe, there is one area of concern, how CBD interacts with certain medications. CYP 450 are a group of enzymes that help to metabolize new medications. A drug that inhibits CYP3A4 will slow down the metabolic process, resulting in an excessive number of drug concentrations, and leading to risks such as drug toxicity.
• Drugs are metabolized and eliminated by enzymes in the liver. CYP3A4 is one of the enzymes in this family. But unfortunately, CBD oils can interfere with how CYP3A4 metabolizes the medication that help. This drug interference is important and warrants further study in the short term.

Many publications and medical professionals are reporting ongoing research into the use of CBD oil. Months may pass before we hear the results of these studies by medical professionals. There is still much research to be completed to ensure expanded safety for all CBD users.