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    WHO Confirms CBD is Safe and Effective: A Closer Look at the Findings

    Author: Ondrej Stovicek

    According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in November 2017, CBD (cannabidiol) is safe and well-tolerated in both humans and animals. Importantly, the report concluded that CBD is not associated with any negative public health effects, making it a promising option for various medical applications.

    CBD: No Psychoactive Effects or Abuse Potential

    The WHO report emphasizes that CBD is non-psychoactive and does not induce physical dependence. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, CBD does not cause users to experience a "high." The report further states that CBD is "not associated with abuse potential."

    Key Finding: "To date, there is no evidence of the recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD," the WHO wrote. In fact, research suggests that CBD may actually mitigate the effects of THC, adding to its safety profile.

    CBD as an Effective Treatment for Various Conditions

    The WHO report highlights CBD's effectiveness as a treatment for several conditions. It has been "demonstrated as an effective treatment for epilepsy" in adults, children, and animals. Additionally, there is "preliminary evidence" that CBD could be beneficial in treating serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, psychosis, and Parkinson's disease.

    Global Impact: In light of these findings, several countries have adjusted their national regulations to accommodate CBD as a medicinal product.

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    The U.S. Response to CBD: A Regulatory Battle

    Despite the positive findings from the WHO, the United States has yet to fully embrace CBD. As a component of cannabis, CBD remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which is defined as having a "high potential for abuse." This classification poses significant challenges for CBD users in the U.S., especially as the availability of online and store-bought CBD products continues to rise.

    Current Status: The "unsanctioned medical use" of CBD is still common in the U.S., even though it remains largely illegal at the federal level. This regulatory environment has led to complications for patients seeking alternative treatments.

    Ongoing Efforts to Reclassify CBD

    The nonprofit cannabis reform organization NORML reported that the WHO is currently considering changing CBD's classification in its drug scheduling code. In response, NORML submitted written testimony to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September, opposing international restrictions on access to CBD.

    Looking Ahead: As research continues to support the benefits of CBD, pressure is mounting on regulatory bodies like the FDA to reconsider their stance on this promising compound.