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WASHINGTON — CBD use has increased by 50% over the past four years, according to a new study published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Approximately one in five survey respondents said they had used CBD in the past year.
People who use cannabis are more likely to report using CBD, CBG, and other cannabis-derived compounds, a study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago showed. Also, people living in states where marijuana is illegal are more likely to use delta-8 THC, the mildly addictive sibling of delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana .
Angela Bryan from the University of Colorado said: “Although there are many studies showing this increased use, there is not enough data on the effects of these substances, whether harmful or beneficial.'' I haven't gotten it,” he said. Professor Boulder has been studying the public health effects of cannabis legalization for more than a decade. She was not involved in the JAMA study.
CBD and similar compounds have skyrocketed in popularity since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production, and are found in lotions, tinctures, candies, e-cigarettes, and more. Although there are no government regulations for these products, the FDA approved one drug containing CBD in 2018 to help treat two rare seizure disorders.
Research shows that people are using CBD and other hemp compounds to treat everything from anxiety and sleep issues to pain. But experts say there is not enough clinical research on the compound. The FDA has warned that CBD can cause liver damage and may interact poorly with certain medications.
Delta-8 THC is of particular concern due to its harmful side effects and chemical manufacturing methods.
Although some states have banned or regulated Delta-8 THC, loopholes in federal law allow it to be sold in many states.
“The implication of this paper, and I think it's accurate, is that if you don't have access to a legal Delta-9, you look for a Delta-8,” Bryan said. “But we know even less about Delta-8 than we do about Delta-9.”
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