CBD oil. You see it for sale everywhere: Drugstores, gas stations, your local food mart. Manufacturers have varying purity and extraction methods, however, so buyers should beware as none of this is regulated.

What is CBD?

The acronym CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is the second-most prevalent of the active ingredients in cannabis (marijuana) and is derived from the hemp plant, which is a cousin to the marijuana plant. CBD by itself does not cause intoxication or a “high.”

The Evidence for Cannabidiol Health Benefits

CBD has been demonstrated in preliminary clinical studies to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects. In fact, the U.S. government has a patent on its use as a neuroprotectant.

Quoting the Brief Overview: Pros & Cons of Medical Marijuana in numerous studies, CBD has demonstrated an ability to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases it was able to stop them altogether. Recently the FDA approved the first-ever cannabis-derived medicine for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains CBD.

“In response to the increasing number of inquiries regarding CBD, we decided to spend time this summer to find a reputable and independently tested source of products for our patients,” said Dr. Carlos Smith, Internal Medicine physician at the Medical Center. “CBD has been demonstrated to be safe; however, it is important to note that while promising, evidence of the efficiency of CBD as medical treatment continues to evolve and patients should consider discussing its use with their doctor.”

In a recent Medical Center article, Dr. Michelle Weiner was introduced as a visiting specialist at the Center. She is known as South Florida’s Medical Cannabis and CBD expert and educator. Dr. Weiner is double-board certified in Interventional Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spine and Wellness Centers of America.

If you’re interested in alternative therapies like CBD, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Weiner on her Appointments page. Please keep in mind that patients are encouraged to check with their physician before considering the use of CBD products.