Story by James Turner, Staff writer
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is helping the Murray State community combat anxiety and depression disorders.
“I have an anxiety-depression disorder so I’m constantly on edge,” Abbie Czar, sophomore from Kansas City, Missouri, said. “Combining the oil with my medication has really helped make my everyday life more manageable.”
Czar began using CBD oil last year, and she said she has used it twice a day ever since.
She learned about CBD oil through a documentary that talked about its effects on those suffering from seizure disorders. Her mother, who also has anxiety, asked her physician if it could help them.
According to the federal farm bill passed in 2014, CBD oil is legal in Kentucky if it contains 0.3 percent or less tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The bill also allowed for certain state departments and universities to grow, process and study hemp, the controversial plant CBD is extracted from.
Murray State is among the universities allowed to grow, process and study hemp.
Kina Knight, owner of Peach Blossom, said she routinely restocks CBD oil and many of her customers swear by it. However, she also said it may not be for everyone as people react differently to different chemicals.
“It may work for me, but it may not work for you,” Knight said.
Because her products contain little to no THC, Knight said CBD oil is non-psychoactive and cannot be used to get high. For people who may be wary of using a hemp-based product because of workplace mandated drug testing, Knight said she also carries oil that is THC free.
Miranda Terry, interim chair of the department of applied health sciences and assistant professor of public and community health at Murray State, said caution should be taken when considering any product that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
“Unapproved products may not have the properties or contents stated on the packaging,” Terry said. “Therefore, unless you are taking the prescribed drug Epidiolex that has been evaluated by the FDA, you cannot guarantee the product contains a safe or effective level of CBD.”
Because CBD is relatively new to the market, Terry said the side effects are not well known and more research needs to be done.
If you are considering taking CBD oil, Terry said to be smart about it and go through the proper channels. Speak to your doctor first, start slow and document any side effects.
“Before starting any supplement, one should consult with their doctor or other qualified health provider,” Terry said. “Supplements can interact with foods or medications, an individual could be allergic, or that supplement may not be appropriate for that individual.”
According to the FDA’s website, several warnings have been issued to firms marketing unapproved new drugs containing CBD oil. In addition to these actions, the FDA has tested the chemical content of cannabinoid compounds and found many did not contain the levels of CBD they claimed to obtain.
“Be a smart health consumer, do your research,” Terry said. “Don’t jump on the fad bandwagon.”