Medicinal CBD oil contains cannabidiol as active ingredient, one major cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. CBD is a psychoactive substance, but does not have intoxicating effects, even at higher doses.

Patients should preferably consult a doctor if they want to start using a product containing CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that acts on specific receptors in humans and interacts with other medication. Furthermore, patients should obtain CBD oil, e.g. Bedrolite® oil, for oral or oromucosal dosing from the pharmacy. Oils compounded by a pharmacy meet the highest pharmaceutical quality requirements. That cannot be said about the oil that can be bought online or at the drugstore. In recent years, a large, unregulated market for CBD oils and extracts have emerged. These products are typically derived from fibre-type cannabis strains, the industrial hemp plant, which contain large concentrations of CBD, but negligible THC. Most of the times it does not contain the amount of CBD that is stated on the label. The origin of the raw materials is often unclear. It is also possible that the oil is contaminated with heavy metals or pesticides. The production of this unregulated CBD oil is not controlled by the government in most countries. These oils are sold as a nutritional supplement.

Also read: Label accuracy of unregulated cannabidiol (CBD) products: measured concentration vs. label claim

To learn more about the effect of CBD, download a free copy of  A clinical primer.