Is CBD merely a placebo effect?
A closer look at the modern cure-all.
Good afternoon, health heroes — welcome to another Thursday edition of Health Shift.
On Tuesday, we did a deep dive into cannabis, which touched on CBD. Today, we’re taking a closer look at CBD to see how it matches up to those health claims you keep hearing about!
I did get some great feedback from a few of you who do use cannabis (the THC kind) for a health issue. Maybe it’s a sign of the times. Still, most of you seem pretty well acquainted with the modern landscape of cannabis use, either from its new press coverage as its legality changes across states or from satisfying your curiosity.
As new research is funded to understand more about this plant, we’ll start to get better acquainted with the hows and whys of its use. Until then — great job doing your homework; I’m impressed with how many of you are familiar with this part of the health news landscape. However, I have received a few questions about CBD, mainly from people wondering whether it is appropriate for their condition.
A few of my clients use CBD topically but won’t touch anything remotely psychoactive. Others still find it a bit too taboo or, the opposite, a placebo that doesn’t seem to do much at all. I felt this way, having shared in my last article that I tried CBD cream and it had no impact on my pain.
On retail shelves and in glossy magazines or internet ads, it feels like CBD is the modern cure-all, with sodas, cocktails and even coffees selling infused, wellness-branded CBD products for better living. So, is it worth it? We’re going to take a look.
Now that we have a good primer and solid base on the plants and their cultural and medicinal backgrounds let’s zoom in a little on CBD to see if it has any place in your healing action plan.
As a reminder, this article is intended to give you a higher platform to jump off of and continue to do your homework. If I missed something, fill in the blanks with your research. I’ve interjected thoughtful questions and considerations representing my curiosity and perceptions as we go!
(If you need help figuring out how to approach information and claims about health solutions, I’ve got a system for that!)
🥦 You can catch up on that primer here if you haven’t yet. 🥦
⛅️ What is CBD generally used for?
CBD doesn’t leave behind any psychoactive “high” effects and is favored by those who want the therapeutic benefits of the plant without the mind-altering experience.
Both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system but in different ways.
CBD is recommended for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties. It has been shown to help with conditions like epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain — especially those involving inflammation.
Many people tend to view CBD as the ‘safer’ option because it does not produce a high and is less likely to lead to dependency. It’s often marketed as a natural remedy for a wide range of ailments, and its legal status is more favorable in many places compared to THC.
Here are a few common ailments CBD is purported to help:
Arthritis. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can reduce inflammation and pain in joints, which may help people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Fibromyalgia. It may ease chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue, improving overall comfort for people with fibromyalgia.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Some studies show that CBD can help alleviate symptoms like muscle spasticity and pain linked to MS.
Chronic Back Pain. CBD is often used for pain relief in conditions like lower back pain or herniated discs.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may benefit from CBD's anti-inflammatory properties.
Migraines. CBD is used by some to help manage chronic headaches or migraines.
Neuropathic Pain – People suffering from nerve damage, such as in diabetic neuropathy, may find relief from CBD's pain-relieving effects.
Menstrual Pain. CBD may go beyond inflammation relief when it comes to period pain — it has been reported to stabilize mood and decrease nausea, a common side effect of PMS.
🤔 Is this a placebo effect?
Because there’s no noticeable psychoactive response, it’s hard to feel and measure precisely what CBD might be doing to your body. Whether or not it’s a placebo is still debated, but it’s looking like the research suggests CBD has tangible effects, especially for certain conditions like epilepsy.
While the placebo effect can influence our perception of pain relief, especially for nebulous or subjective symptoms like pain and anxiety, it doesn’t negate the potential physiological benefits CBD may offer in some conditions. Studies suggest that CBD does decidedly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates things like mood, inflammation, and pain, and that it’s not just all in our heads.
🌱 Downsides of Taking CBD (This Is Important):
While CBD is generally considered safe, I found some downsides and considerations:
Drug Interactions: As mentioned earlier, CBD can interact with other medications, particularly those metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This can affect the efficacy of drugs like blood thinners, antidepressants, and antiepileptics, potentially leading to adverse effects.
Drowsiness and Fatigue: Some users report drowsiness or fatigue as a side effect of CBD, particularly at higher doses. This can be problematic for activities requiring alertness, such as driving.
Gastrointestinal Issues: CBD may cause digestive issues in some people, including diarrhea, changes in appetite, and nausea.
Quality and Purity Concerns: The CBD market is not well-regulated, leading to variability in product quality. Some products may contain contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides, or they may not include the advertised amount of CBD. It’s essential to choose products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
Potential Liver Enzyme Alterations: Some studies have indicated that high doses of CBD could affect liver enzymes, which could be a concern for people with liver conditions or those taking medications that impact liver function.
A quick note about CBD-only products on the liver: as I mentioned, these are popular for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Research has shown that CBD has a favorable safety profile, with few and mild side effects, such as dry mouth, fatigue, and changes in appetite. But that doesn’t make them harmless. CBD (cannabidiol) products are generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. CBD can interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzymes, which may affect the efficacy of the medication.
What drugs are those? This includes blood thinners like Warfarin and Apixaban, antidepressants such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline, antiepileptics like Clobazam and Carbamazepine, statins such as Atorvastatin and Simvastatin, benzodiazepines like Diazepam and Clonazepam, beta-blockers such as Metoprolol and Propranolol, and immunosuppressants like Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine.
That’s right – if you have high blood pressure or depression and are on medications already, taking CBD to relax or help ease pain may be a bad idea for your liver. Lifestyle approaches should be your first go-to interventions to try first. For example, if your high blood pressure is partially due to anxiety, try other methods to reduce your stress and anxiety to lower your blood pressure, such as exercise, meditation, and biofeedback.
Lack of Long-Term Research: While short-term studies suggest that CBD is safe, limited research exists on the long-term effects of regular CBD use. As a result, the full range of potential risks is not yet well understood.
Additionally, the quality and purity of CBD products can vary, so it’s crucial to choose products from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing to ensure they are free from contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and THC (if a THC-free product is desired). Use this guide to help you purchase your cannabis or CBD.
🧴 How do I use CBD topically?
The effectiveness of CBD cream can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the concentration of CBD in the cream, and individual responses to the treatment. Generally, CBD creams are expected to provide localized relief within a relatively short period, often within 15 to 45 minutes of application.
However, it may take longer for some people to notice a significant difference, and consistent use over several days or weeks might be necessary to experience the full benefits. When I tried CBD topically, I didn’t use it consistently because I didn’t know how to — now I do.
It’s crucial to track the consistency of use. Without paying attention to how you’re using it, you may not get the intended effects.
🍃 Recommended Use for Topical CBD:
Initial Relief: You should feel some relief within 30 to 60 minutes after applying the cream. If you don’t notice any immediate effects, it might be worth trying the cream for at least a week.
Consistent Use: For chronic conditions, consistent use throughout one to two weeks may be necessary to evaluate its effectiveness. Apply the cream as directed, typically once or twice a day.
Adjusting Dosage: If you don’t notice any improvement after a week or two, try a higher concentration of CBD cream or a different product. It’s also essential to apply the cream properly and use it enough.
Suppose you still don’t notice any positive impact after a couple of weeks. In that case, topical CBD might not be practical for your particular condition, and you could explore other treatment options.
Do you currently use CBD for anything? Does it work for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
See you next week! Stay well,
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
You can find more about The Health Navigator Group at our website: www.thehealthnavigator.org
On Instagram: @the.health.navigator
And learn more about Dr. Alice Burron at her website: draliceburron.com
Or via her personal Instagram: @dr_burron
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