What Are Doctors and Physicians Saying About CBD?

CBD is reaching new milestones every year as people idolize the compound for its unparalleled ability to offer them support in several applications. Consumers even have access to hemp-derived gum and pet treats. However, despite its increasing popularity, there are still a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to the legitimacy of the compound. Questions such as, “Can a doctor prescribe CBD?” and “What are doctors and physicians saying about CBD?” are becoming all too common. 

When it comes to CBD, the public interest is surprisingly high, but medical evidence is still lacking, which means doctors aren’t likely to recommend and even less likely to prescribe the compound as a medical treatment.

For physicians to prescribe a medication, the drug has to meet official standards, and they must have the expertise to approve its use to their patients. Even if they consider themselves qualified to recommend CBD, doctors and physicians must ensure standard therapies have been attempted before authorizing treatment. This is true for CBD cream for pain and other CBD products as well.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound primarily extracted from hemp plants. Cannabidiol is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (marijuana and hemp). Unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not cause intoxicating effects.

What Does the Medical World Say About CBD?

As of now, there just isn’t sufficient research on the possible long-term inflictions and benefits. Studies have been limited to the compound because of the legal matters circling the plant. Right now, everybody has to be cautious, doctors and consumers alike until consistent evidence is in. Medicinal research takes time; studies have to go through many stages, from initial lab tests to animals and later humans. Each review can take months. Furthermore, information concerning the long-term harm and full benefits needs even more time. 

So, to answer this question, not much. Until the legal concerns are cleared up, and evidence clarifies the true potentials and harms of the compound, the medical world will stand behind the curtain.

The Evidence

When it comes to the scientific evidence for CBD oil, most success cases are purely anecdotal. But the research is well on its way as the compound’s impact is undeniable.

The lack of evidence is certainly not a halting factor for the industry as more and more people are attempting to try the compound for its potential benefits. It’s one of those rare cases where public demand will drive the research.

That being said, people who want CBD products are going to get them if they feel it’s the right direction for them. However, instead of dissuading them, physicians should be honest about the murky situation and encourage their patients to do the necessary research before buying CBD products and familiarizing themselves with different brands before committing.

Can Doctors Legally Prescribe CBD?

Unfortunately, the answer is not as black and white. The truth is, even if a doctor operates in a state where hemp-derived products are legal, they might not be willing to jeopardize their reputation over claims. Since the FDA prohibits any claim to be associated with the compound, doctors will stay away from prescribing CBD products to their patients. 

In 2014, Florida lawgivers passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. Under this law, physicians were allowed to prescribe moderate amounts of medical marijuana to a limited number of patients, but these patients had to qualify to receive that prescription. They either had to be under considerable pain or suffering from a terminal ailment.

Following the 2014 law, Florida Governor Rick Scott approved a more widespread medical marijuana bill into law on June 2017. Under this new law, authorized doctors in Florida could prescribe medical marijuana as well as CBD when requirements are satisfied. To put it simply, the patient needs to have a qualifying medical condition to be approved.

Conclusion

To recap, doctors and physicians are fully aware of the many claims being thrown around, but they will remain unbiased until the FDA and state regulations clarify the status of the compound. Ultimately the burden is on the patients and doctors to become more informed about CBD and its benefits. Many People are using CBD already, and this is not going to stop.

Because the pace of research has not kept up with the public interest, health care providers will stay away from prescribing CBD to their patients. If you do choose to try  CBD, it’s important that you keep your doctor in the loop.

Looking for trustworthy, pharmacy formulated CBD products? Check out Green Roads CBD, they produce the highest quality products in the market, and they are a reliable source of information when it comes to CBD education.