Recent Food and Drug Administration conference examined cannabidiol, or CBD (CBD), in the context of biological sex variations...
Several key insights emerged from the November conference. First, the FDA doesn't just focus on CBD; it also considers other cannabinoids.
"The focus of research for many decades has been on tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC), and this leaves significant gaps in understanding how the well over 100 cannabinoids and 120 terpenes found within cannabis plants," stated David Shurtleff PhD, deputy director at the National Institute for Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Patients who are curious about CBD tend to be reluctant to talk with doctors. This could be due to lingering stigma or lack of training.
Cinnamon BIDWELL, PhD, director of Center for Research and Education Addressing Cannabis and Health, University of Colorado, Boulder, pointed out that CBD may be more effective in anxiety than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in females compared with males.
Another important topic was pain management. Dr. Daniel Clauw from the University of Michigan pointed out that CBD targets the central nervous system and periphery, where chronic pain originates. Dr. Clauw states that women experience 1.5-2 times the chronic pain of men. Clauw suggests that CBD may offer more relief for pain than CBD.
CBD use during pregnancy: Despite a lack of data, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid CBD.
This conference highlighted the inequalities between men and women involved in cannabinoids clinical trials. As a result, these studies have been more heavily focused on men than other types of research.
"NIH has increased the enforcement of studying sex in biological variables because women weren't included in studies," stated Betty Jo Salmeron, staff clinician at NIH's National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The conference ended with a familiar conclusion: everyone needs more research into CBD. But, finally, that is something we can all agree on.
Image Credit: Gerd Altmann
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/equality-male-female-symbol-4070495/
Article credit to https://cbdhealthandwellness.net
