USTA advisory regarding CBD (Cannabidiol)

Columbus, OH — Many horsemen have been introduced to CBD (Cannabidiol) as an aid for depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and a variety of other conditions. A challenge that arises is that CBD is a component of the medical marijuana that is derived from the hemp plant. In its pure state scientific evaluation concludes that it does not produce any of the “high” effect of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) a compound found in marijuana.

The problems seem to arise from the fact that the compounding of CBD is not regulated by any drug authority and as such much of the product available as of today, estimated at up to 70 percent, may be contaminated with any variety of substances including THC. Some people who work in zero tolerance jobs have recently lost their jobs because they tested positive for THC when they were taking a CBD product that was labeled as being free of THC — and it was not.

There are very few clinical trials to date to confirm or refute the effectiveness of CBD for the conditions listed above. The only FDA approved medication is Epidiolex, a CBD based drug for some of the most difficult childhood forms of seizures that has demonstrable positive effect by reducing the number of seizures. The vast majority of testimonials on the helpful uses of CBD are to this point anecdotal and not based on scientific trials. That notwithstanding the anecdotal evidence continues to grow.

CBD is currently distributed as a capsule, tincture, crème, or aerosol and is widely available. The problem is that what you think you are getting may in fact not be what you are receiving. An additional concern now receiving attention is how CBD may interact with prescription medications. There is a growing body of evidence that CBD may trigger the same mechanism as grapefruit juice when taken with certain prescription medications. Under any circumstances, horsemen are advised to consult with a licensed medical professional before taking any supplement of any nature.

References:

Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing, Peter Grinspoon, MD (updated 06/05/19)
Penn Medicine (U of Penn.) News Release
Penn Medicine’s Department of Communications, Lauren Ingano (updated 09/03/19)

(Extensive studies and trials are being conducted by many medical schools on the use of CBD and its possible side effects and effectiveness. Notable among them is the UCLA School of Medicine)

Disclaimer: The information reflected above is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The USTA does not recommend or endorse any specific medical tests, physicians, products, procedures, or opinions.

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