The FDA seminar, “CBD and Other Cannabinoids: Sex and Gender Differences in Use and Responses,” was organized by the agency’s Office of Women’s Health and featured FDA staff MDs, Ph. Ds and non-FDA academic and institutional research scientists. Other observations from the seminar indicate the current path for the FDA:
- Research is not only likely to find that CBD is not harmful, but also reveal many benefits that can be identified and warranted scientifically, and a few uses that should be avoided.
- Standards are needed to help inform the public about the use and benefits of CBD in proper concentrations and formulations; speakers expressed frustration that “without regulation there is a lot of junk out there.”Some speakers stressed that “prohibition laws inhibit research,” citing examples with alcohol prohibition in the 1920s and other prohibited substances since then, including cannabis. There was acknowledgment that “some legal substances (alcohol and cigarettes) are more harmful than many illegal substances.”
- Both FDA and non-FDA experts noted some potential harms from very large doses of CBD and some concerns on how its use might affect pregnancy and lactation, as well as, interestingly, male reproductive health.
- Existing studies tend to acknowledge anecdotally assumed benefits. Further studies should be encouraged to check anecdotal claims regarding pain management, anxiety, sleep disorders and other problems. Scientists urged basic research to understand proper use and dosing.
source: Hemp Today
