INDIANAPOLIS–News channel WTHR 13 on Monday reported that U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams told them that neither Health and Human Services or the Food and Drug Administration currently has a position on nationwide CBD legalization, but that “components” of it are being studied.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds derived from hemp and whole plant cannabis. Unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not have a psychoactive affect, but is used widely for its reported beneficial properties.
CBD oil is increasingly used as an alternative medicinal therapy for patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, and other serious conditions.
“We want to make sure folks understand the benefits and the dangers of any medication that is out there,” Dr. Adams told WTHR. “Used properly, some of these substances can be helpful, but misuse can lead us down the path of addiction. That’s what we want folks to remember.”
Dr. Adams was speaking to the news channel regarding recent legalization of CBD oil in Indiana, and also to promote a new ad campaign addressing the opioid crisis. Dr. Adams on Thursday issued a statement regarding the ‘Truth on Opioids’ campaign:
“Opioid addiction can happen to anyone. It can happen all too quickly and lead you down a dark path once thought unimaginable. We are hopeful that these hard-hitting ads will prevent young people from a fate that is all too familiar in our country today,” he stated.
“Perhaps if there was a campaign like this when my brother was growing up, he might have avoided his powerful addiction and been spared its consequences. While the ‘Truth on Opioids’ ads may be shocking, so are the almost countless stories of addiction and overdose in our communities–especially among our youth.
“Our partnership with the Truth Initiative and the Ad Council–entities with a proven track record of connecting with youth–can help us turn addiction and despair into hope and recovery. We need Americans to understand that there truly is a crisis next door, and that awareness of the dangers of opioids must be part of the solution. These ads are an important part of the Administration’s comprehensive response.”
Numerous media reports and studies have showed that CBD products or cannabis-derived medications may be a promising alternative for those with intractable pain, as well as recent research that showed states with access to legal cannabis had lowered rates of opioid use.