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In some states, Walgreens will start selling products based on CBD, a non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
UNITED STATES TODAY & # 39; HUI

Some say that it treats anxiety. Others claim that it is the last answer to Parkinson's disease.

The US Food and Drug Administration has, however, curbed its commercialization while also allowing it to treat two forms of severe epilepsy.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is appearing on the country's shelves in the form of oil, extract, vaporized liquid and capsule, according to the Mayo Clinic. Interest in the product soared after Congress passed the Farm Bill last year, legalizing some cannabis plants.

Here's how USA TODAY describes what you need to know about a substance that appears in products, from lip balm to gummy:

Marijuana at CBD?

No, CBD is non-psychoactive and should not contain THC, the chemical that produces the "high" feeling in marijuana.

Like THC, CBD is a chemical extracted from cannabis plants. It can be found in hemp and marijuana plants – both are technically "cannabis" but hemp must have less than 0.3% THC present.

This does not mean that CBD-based products never contain THC, especially because the laws governing CBD are unclear. In a study of 84 CBD-based products purchased online, THC was found in 18 products, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Where can I find CBD products?

CBD oil is extended to natural medicine, cosmetics and even foods. Walgreens and CVS announced in March that they would start distributing CBD products in some stores.

Walgreens will sell the product as a cream, patch and spray in Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico, Kentucky, Vermont, South Carolina, Illinois and Indiana.

"This product offering is part of our efforts to provide a broader range of accessible health and wellness products and services to best meet the needs and preferences of our customers," he said. Walgreens spokesman Brian Faith in the United States today.

CVS will sell CBD in topical products, including "creams, sprays, roll-ons, lotions and ointments" in seven states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and Tennessee).

CBD is also introduced in popular cosmetics and skincare brands, with stores like Sephora and Ulta Beauty both offering CBD products.

(Photo: Getty Images)

A product based on CBD, Epidiolex, has been approved by the CDC to legally treat two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

"This approval is a reminder that the implementation of valid development programs that correctly evaluate the active ingredients contained in marijuana can lead to significant medical treatment," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement. in June 2018.

The FDA has also approved three "cannabis-related" drugs, including Marinol, Syndros and Cesamet. These improve the nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy and "anorexia associated with weight loss in AIDS patients," according to BlueCross BlueShield.

Is CBD safe for your pets?

The country's pet owners and veterinarians also use CBD-based products for their furry friends.

CBD oil has been associated with the relief of pain and the treatment of anxiety. This chemical has therefore been administered to animals suffering from hyperactivity, ranging from arthritis to cancer.

Martha Stewart announced in February that she is partnering with Canopy Growth to launch a range of CBD-based products, beginning with animal health treatments.

Are there any side effects?

Yes. Side effects may include dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, drowsiness and fatigue, the Mayo Clinic reported.

The chemical can also interact with other drugs. If you suffer from heart problems or are taking blood thinners, some doctors recommend that you avoid CBD.

What is the law on the CBD?

Although the Farm Bill has legalized hemp plants throughout the country, this does not mean that all DBC-based products that advertise weight loss properties or anti-anxiety properties are legal.

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission can still regulate any product that contains false health claims. The agencies sent letters to three companies on Tuesday, including Advanced Spine and Pain LLC, Nutra Pure LLC and PotNetwork Holdings Inc., for "making unsubstantiated claims about more than a dozen different products."

Examples of claims include stopping "cancer cells in several varieties of cervical cancer", slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease and reducing " gratifying effects "of morphine and heroin.

The FDA is organizing a public hearing for "Stakeholders to Share Experiences and Challenges" with the CBD on May 31st.

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