This article was originally published in CBD Tribe. To see the original article, click here.
There is much speculation about the therapeutic potential of marijuana, but glaucoma often appears on lists of “approved conditions” in states with medical cannabis laws. However, most research on cannabis for eye problems has focused on the psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9 THC. Doctors still don’t know how non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD alter our eye health.
Although more evidence is needed to understand how CBD affects vision, some preliminary trials suggest that glaucoma patients should proceed with caution. Anyone with doubts about intraocular pressure (IOP) should review the latest findings on CBD for glaucoma.
The University of Aberdeen in the UK recently published a report examining CBD and delta-9 THC in glaucoma patients. Although this study was small, it gives ophthalmologists an early look at how these popular cannabinoids can affect glaucoma.
The researchers gave each patient one of four sublingual cannabis tinctures:
- 5 mg of delta-9 THC
- 20 mg of CBD
- 40 mg of CBD
- A placebo oil
Hours later, ophthalmologists examined each patient’s IOP scores. Of these four groups, only those who took delta-9 THC had a significantly lower score compared to placebo. However, the researchers noted that this fall in IOP did not last more than four hours.
Regarding CBD groups, the study authors found no evidence that this cannabinoid reduced IOP rates. In fact, the scientists warned that the 40 mg dose of CBD slightly increased the IOP after four hours.
Indiana University also examined how CBD and delta-9 THC altered rat eye health. About four hours after putting CBD eye drops in a rat sample, the scientists found that the average IOP scores increased by about 18 percent. In contrast, delta-9 THC appeared to significantly reduce IOP for at least eight hours after administration.
These high-profile tests strongly suggest that delta-9 THC is the compound with the most potential for glaucoma patients. While there is no evidence that small doses of CBD are “bad” for glaucoma patients, there is no evidence that CBD has a positive effect on this condition. Patients with IOP-related problems should talk to their doctor before experimenting with cannabis-containing supplements.
While early evidence suggests that CBD is not the best eye health supplement, it is essential to remember that we are only in the early days of hemp research. Scientists may soon discover how patients could use CBD oil without putting extra stress on their eyes.
For example, as the Aberdeen University study found, low doses of CBD did not appear to affect patients positively or negatively. Therefore, ocular patients may be able to microdose CBD without adverse reactions.
Also, CBD topics cannot enter the bloodstream like CBD foods or sublingual oils. Because safe CBD creams for the skin only have a localized effect on the joints or muscles, they may be the best choice for patients who are afraid of eye-related symptoms.
Finally, many glaucoma patients are turning to alternative hemp cannabinoids such as CBG to relieve them. Currently, there is less data on the effects of CBG, but preliminary evidence suggests that IOP does not increase as does CBD. If these findings are confirmed, Tribe CBG capsules may be a better alternative for glaucoma patients.
While Tribe CBD is a big fan of the healing benefits of hemp, we recognize that no supplement is a “panacea.” Even high quality herbs like ashwagandha, valerian root or ginseng are not the optimal choice for every patient. In the case of CBD, there is enough evidence to suggest that people with glaucoma should be very careful with this cannabinoid.
We recommend that patients with IOP-related conditions talk to their ophthalmologist before experimenting with Tribe CBD oil. Your doctor should have expert guidance on how to incorporate this cannabinoid into your treatment program. Also, please keep in mind that Tribe CBD Cool Therapy does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it can provide relief without altering the IOP.
