There’s no time like the present to look to science for answers. Today, we are surrounded by conflicting information on how to stay healthy and protect ourselves from the coronavirus. Medical research and science-based evidence should drive our decisions. Unfortunately, this is not the case in today’s environment of uncertainty and confusion, as we continue to look for answers to health and wellness.
The same is true when it comes to CBD. By now, we’ve all heard widely exaggerated, unsubstantiated reports that CBD is a cure-all for COVID-19. Consumers need to know that CBD products are not scientifically tested nor proven to cure, stop the spread, or mitigate the symptoms associated with COVID-19. In fact, studies have found that using CBD may actually increase health risks.
One such study warns about the potential harmful side effects that can come from ingesting cannabis products with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by a patient who is infected with the coronavirus. And despite many actors in the CBD industry claiming that their products contain zero THC and are not psychoactive, in reality, these products are not regulated or tested by the FDA and many contain more-than-advertised THC. In some cases, these products have enough to cause impairment.
While CBD products are often marketed as an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, there is not enough scientific evidence and data to prove the health benefits of CBD. Unproven, untested health claims of CBD products are putting consumers at risk as these products have not been demonstrated to be safe or effective. Independent testing of the top 240 top-selling CBD products found that an overwhelming majority – 70 percent – were contaminated with various substances including lead, arsenic, pesticides, and toxic mold.
Using these products simply isn’t worth the risk.
There is a critical need to better understand the potential health benefits of CBD, but this can only be accomplished through clinical testing and scientifically validated methodologies. To date, there is only one FDA-approved prescription medication of CBD on the market. Other products claiming to provide medical benefits are unproven and untested, and using them puts consumers in danger.
Today more than ever, the need for science-backed solutions is vitally important, and we must ensure that CBD products are tested and regulated for safety.