A compound in marijuana appears to be relatively safe and nonaddictive, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO).
In an initial review of existing research, the WHO found that the compound, called cannabidiol or CBD, is “generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile,” according to the November report. In addition, the compound appears to have “no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential,” the report found.
The report, which was conducted by the WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), is not an endorsement of CBD. Representatives of WHO told Newsweek that the report “does not say WHO recommends the use of cannabidiol.”
Rather, the review was carried out in response to interest from “Member States,” or countries who are a part of the WHO. (The WHO is the United Nations’ health agency.)
The ECDD concluded that the current information available on CBD does not justify scheduling the compound as a controlled substance.
Potential benefits?
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another compound found in marijuana, CBD does not have “psychoactive” effects. In other words, CBD won’t get you high.
CBD has been studied for potential therapeutic benefits. The report found that CBD “could have some therapeutic value for seizures due to epilepsyand related conditions,” according to the WHO. And there is preliminary evidence that it “may be a useful treatment for a number of other medical conditions,” though the evidence is less robust, the report said.
The WHO report noted that there is “unsanctioned medical use” of products containing CBD, including oils, supplements and high-concentration extracts that are available online. However, a study from November, published in the journal JAMA, found that these extracts are often mislabeled and can contain higher or lower doses of CBD than what’s listed on the label.
credit:livescience.com