Even if your practice doesn’t work with many young adult or adult patients, there’s a good chance you’ve been hearing a lot more about CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an old product that is now being incorporated in thousands of personal care, medical and food products as consumers flock to its attractive touted benefits. Here’s what every medical practice needs to know about this trendy and potentially helpful product.

What is Cannabidiol? How Is It Different from Marijuana?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is the second most prevalent active ingredient found in marijuana. While it’s considered to be part of the cannabis plant, it’s technically derived from the hemp plant. Unlike other marijuana components like THC, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.” According to the World Health Organization, CBD does not have any effects that are indicative of a potential for abuse or dependence.

Is It Legal?

All 50 states have laws on the books legalizing CBD with different degrees of restriction. The federal government still classifies CBD in the same class as marijuana but doesn’t actually enforce against it regularly. Since products made with CBD are so trendy right now, many people are able to obtain it online with any licensing required.

Does It Offer Health Benefits?

While CBD is touted as offering a wide range of health benefits, studies are needed to actually confirm many of them before you should go out of your way to promote it at a medical practice. The strongest specific evidence of CBD’s efficacy is currently for treating childhood epilepsy in conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In multiple studies, CBD reduced the quantity of seizures and, in some cases, eliminated them entirely. The FDA recently approved the first cannabis-derived medicine, which contains CBD, for use treating those conditions.

Preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD can also be useful for treating anxiety and insomnia. It can also potentially be an option for patients with chronic pain. One study in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD-based salves applied to the skin could reduce inflammation and pain from arthritis.

Grow Your Medical Practice with Vetters Enterprises

Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support and revenue cycle optimization. We can perform in-depth assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.