Nature's Nutraceutical

The cannabis derivative CBD is said to offer a litany of wellness benefits without the ‘high’ that comes with CBD’s sister extract, THC. Now, it’s making headway into the culinary world

- Rob McGovern

Cannabidiol (CBD) accounts for about 40 per cent of the cannabis plant’s extract and is gaining in popularity to the point where sales, in various forms, are predicted to hit US$23 million by 2023 according to a study from Brightfield Group. With the US leading the way when it comes to embracing and utilising it (this year’s Oscars gift bag was full of CBD products), CBD is here to stay.

According to a report from the World Health Organization, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential in humans, and to date there is no evidence of health problems associated with the use of pure CBD. A good start for advocates. And according to a Harvard Medical School blog post by Peter Grinspoon, MD, the strongest scientific evidence for CBD is its effectiveness in treating childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which typically don’t respond to anti-seizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases, to stop them altogether. CBD is also commonly used to address anxiety and insomnia.

Grinspoon also points out the main concern around CBD is that it is sold as a supplement, not a medication, and currently the Food and Drug Administration in the US doesn’t regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. This means you can’t be certain that the product has active ingredients at the dose listed on the label. Another concern related to the CBD itself is that it can raise levels of certain medications in your blood, so speaking to your doctor beforehand is a good idea.