Is CBD Oil Safe and Effective?

As seen in the September/October 2019 issue of Advancing Care

Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is the non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis derived from the hemp plant (THC is the chemical that provides the psychoactive effect).

CBD oil is often touted as a cure for a number of ailments and is being regularly added to foods as a supplement, but a concrete determination of its effectiveness remains elusive, says Nigel Knox, MD, a pain management physician at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), in Valhalla.

“Adverse effects secondary to opioid overtreatment have driven us to explore other pain therapies,” says Dr. Knox, but clinical evidence regarding CBD is unclear. “I have older patients with arthritis who may use CBD oil on their knees with subjective relief, denying any adverse effects.” CBD is likely safe and may alleviate pain, but “until we have a stronger foundation of research, to include drug-drug interactions, I am hesitant about recommending it.”

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