@kimspr3 building on @astaingegerdm garden’s point, I also recommend everyone do some research on the efficacy of any alternative treatment like CBD or marijuana before using it.

As the discussion has turned to cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring cannabinoid constituent of cannabis and medical marijuana, I thought you'd appreciate the following information that has been posted elsewhere on Connect. Below are articles and information to help give some guidance about the evidence and regulation (or lack thereof) of CBD use in the US. It's not an exhaustive list, but a starting point to help you with your own research and decision-making.

1. Evidence vs usage
To date CBD to treat epilepsy (in children) is the only condition that has some scientific evidence supporting its use in some cases. CBD for pain, anxiety, inflammation and sleep remains as yet scientifically unproven and requires more validated research.

According to this article by NPR (https://n.pr/2HnI1SM), “By one estimate, the CBD industry has doubled in size over the last two years, and is now worth $200 million. But with this popularity the hype may have gotten ahead of the science.”

While there is promise and ongoing research into CBD effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, inflammation and sleep, the jury is still out. Here are recent articles that help clarify.

– CBD Oil: All the Rage, But Is It Safe & Effective? (WebMD) https://wb.md/2K11QfD
– Does CBD Really Work For Anxiety? (HuffPost) https://bit.ly/2wF1VUs
– Anxiety Relief Without The High? New Studies On CBD, A Cannabis Extract (NPR) https://n.pr/2HnI1SM

2. Industry is unregulated

CBD is not regulated. “Because of the legally murky nature of marijuana, the FDA has not stepped in to regulate products like CBD oil. Read more about regulation in this WebMD article (https://wb.md/2KCS4UW).

There are risks associated with medical marijuana CBD. See this post from a Mayo Clinic pharmacist (https://mayocl.in/2KDyip2). People should also consider interactions with other drugs and always discuss the use of CBD with their medical provider and consult with a pharmacist.

3. Information from Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic provides the following information on medical marijuana https://mayocl.in/2KyrGvp

- CBD products, hemp oil may be helpful but more research is needed, Mayo Clinic review says https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cbd-products-hemp-oil-may-be-helpful-but-more-research-is-needed-mayo-clinic-review-says/

- Mayo Clinic Minute: Is CBD safe to use? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-is-cbd-safe-to-use/

4. Get informed
Information about the use, efficacy and legality of CBD and medical marijuana is constantly being updated. I underline the point again to do your research. It is advisable to talk with a health care professional if you have questions.

Members sharing their findings in this discussion helps too.