Ohio’s medical marijuana laws are slated to go into effect in September; a little late, according to many chronic pain sufferers. The state’s laws will allow for the use of CBD, one of the two active ingredients in marijuana.
THC, known for getting people high, is not included in CBD.
CBD has been found to help treat chronic pain, inflammation and seizures. Anxiety and even insomnia have also been treated with CBD oils that are applied topically. Fast-acting and safe, this oil is being sold around the country.
Scientists believe that CBD is able to quiet the brain, allowing the patient to relax and relieve their pain at the same time.
WKYC 3 makes note of Lola Kibler, an eight-year-old girl who has suffered from health issues since she was three months old. Lola suffers from Dravet, and her father states that she has been given multiple medications to help ease her pain. The medications pose a serious risk of causing Lola severe liver damage.
Her father has been waiting for CBD to be approved for legal use in Ohio. Hemp is the most common source of CBD because hemp has less than 0.3% THC, so it’s able to provide the benefits of CBD oil without the risk of making the person high.
CBD, a compound that is non-psychoactive, is one of the 60 different compounds in cannabis. THC alters a person’s mental state and movement, but CBD is not known to produce any of those side effects. The psychoactive effect is not present in CBD.
CBD was considered a Schedule 1 drug, but it has been the center of law changes in recent years due to its powerful benefits on seizure patients. The compound has laws in 47 states, and even the Drug Enforcement Agency claims that if the product falls outside of the Controlled Substance Act, it is not illegal for use.
Congress is also expected to pass the 2018 Farm Bill in the fall. The bill is an effort to make farming hemp legal, so the prospects of expanding hemp usage will rise. The bill passed through the Senate in June.
In Ohio, there’s a kiosk in a local mall that sells CBD from hemp, but it’s important that all buyers choose a certified product to ensure that the oil is pure. Massage lotions, dog treats, oils, sprays and other products are making their way into shops around the country.
Studies are ongoing to determine the safety of CBD, but initial studies are promising. A study, which broke way for the industry, was conducted on children with a rare form of epilepsy. The children in the study experienced significant improvements in their condition.
Potency and origin are the two key components when purchasing CBD oil, and it’s important that legislation be passed that puts standards in place for the industry. In theory, the products will work better and be more widely available when they’re adequately regulated.
Experts recommend consulting with a doctor that knows your condition before using CBD products.
About Christian Reynolds
Christian is the chief reporter, editor, and webmaster at Cleveland Leader. An aspiring news anchor, his hobbies outside of investigative reporting are golf, martinis, and adventure travel. If you have a scoop on any developing story, please contact him on this page.
