CBD oil as health treatment: We answer 5 questions about cannabidiol products

Products containing cannabidiol better known as CBD oil might seem pretty widespread these days.

Evidence and research about someCBD products' health claims, however, might be a little harder to find.

CBC News looked into what experts are saying about CBD to answer five big questions.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of more than a dozen major cannabinoid chemicals produced by the cannabis plant. It is dramatically different from THC, however, as it causes no intoxication or high.

Some tout it as an over-the-counter solution to aches and pains andinsomnia. In the U.S., where CBD is less regulated,some companies even promote it as a cure fordeadly diseases.

But many scientists and health professionals think some of those claims are exaggerated and have little evidence to back them up.

CBC Explains: What is CBD?

5 years ago

Duration 2:21

We answer five big questions about Cannabidiol better known as CBD oil which some say has unique health benefits.

Why are people embracing it?

Despite researchers'skepticism, some Canadians are already singing CBD's praises.

"Sometimes, maybe it's a placebo but honestly, when I'm feeling really stressed and on edge I can sorta feel my shoulders relax a bit," saidCamille Dibbs, a customer of Evergreen Cannabis, a Vancouver dispensary.

"It makes a difference, especially when you're having a frustrating day."

You might see CBD advertised as a medication for everything from acne to seizures.

But experts in B.C. saythe strongest evidence for CBD's benefitsis for treating pain and anxiety.

What does the research say about CBD?

Despite the growing popularity of CBDproducts, the body of research abouttheir benefits is small.

University of British Columbia researchers are studying cannabis's potential for treating people with opioid addictionbut researcher M-J Milloy says the benefits of CBD have not been fully explored.

"Scientists believe it has anti-anxiety effects, anti-psychotic effects and anti-inflammatory effects," he explained.

"We do have ... good literature from studies among animals. That's the best source of evidence at the moment."

As forsome of the claims that CBD can fight cancer or Alzheimer's disease, Milloy says the evidenceis "nothing credible."

Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry agrees, saying that while pain management with CBD appears promising, more research is needed"to better understand what doses and types of products are effective for different conditions.

"Right now there is still a gap in research evidence, so we encourage people to be cautious," Henry said.

Can CBD help my pet?

Believe it or not, it's not just two-legged wellness seekers getting in on the action.

Mike Babins, owner of Evergreen Cannabis, says many people are asking for CBD products to help with pet pain relief.

"They ask for the treats," said Babins."Those aren't legal 'cause they're technically an edible."

That hasn't stopped concerned pet owners from seeking CBD oil and CBD spray products for their furry friends.

Veterinarian Adrian Walton with Dewdney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge says he can't recommend CBD products, however.

"We have to use products approved by Health Canada and there currently are no products approved by that agency," Walton explained.

"We currently can't write a prescription for any of these products."

Is there any risk of addiction?

Experts agree: CBD poses littlerisk of addiction or dependence.

However, it can interact with other medications, meaning you should consult your prescriber if you want to try it.

Henry says medical professionals urge people to "start lowand go slow" when embarking on atreatment regimen with CBD: meaning to start with a low dose and watch for any negative reactions.