- What Is It
- CBD vs. Marijuana
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Currently, the FDA has approved only one cannabidiol (CBD) product called Epidiolex (GW Pharmaceuticals), which is a prescription drug used to treat resistant seizures caused by certain medical conditions (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex). This medication is generally used in combination with other antiseizure drugs.
Although CBD controls seizures associated with some other conditions such as Sturge-Weber syndrome and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome, the FDA has not approved it for these conditions. Adding CBD to foods or marketing it as a supplement is currently illegal.
Research further suggests the effectiveness of CBD for several other conditions, although none of these uses of CBD have been approved by the FDA due to lack of sufficient evidence. These conditions include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Arthritis
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Sleep disorders
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Acne
- Dystonia (a type of movement disorder due to uncontrolled muscle contraction resulting in repetitive or twisting movements)
- Exercise-induced muscle damage
- Essential tremors (a type of neurological disorder causing uncontrolled rhythmic shaking)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Substance-abuse disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Schizophrenia
- Obesity
- Bipolar disorder
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in the hands and feet)
What is CBD?
CBD is isolated from the Cannabis plant (hemp or marijuana).
Besides CBD, the Cannabis plant contains over 80 other chemical compounds, one of which is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is known for its psychoactive properties or ability to give a high. CBD does not have psychoactive or addictive properties and is mainly used for medicinal purposes.
Is CBD the same as marijuana?
Cannabidiol and marijuana are not the same. CBD is a single chemical substance found in the Cannabis plant, whereas marijuana is a variety of the Cannabis plant or plant material containing several bioactive compounds THC and CBD.
Because marijuana contains the psychoactive compounds (THC), it can give a high, unlike pure CBD. Pure CBD does not have any abuse or dependence potential, unlike marijuana.
What are the side effects of CBD?
The FDA has limited data about the safety of CBD, although some of the side effects of CBD include:
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Gastrointestinal upset (presenting as reduced appetite or diarrhea)
- Fatigue
- Liver injury (presenting as jaundice, ascites [distended abdomen], or problems with digestion)
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
If you are taking any medications or regularly use alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor before using CBD. CBD can interact with other medications, causing serious adverse reactions. It can also interact with alcohol or other drugs that have a calming effect on the brain (such as medications to treat panic disorders, anxiety, insomnia, or stress), leading to an increased risk of drowsiness and sedation.
Animal studies have suggested that CBD consumption during pregnancy may damage the reproductive organs in male fetuses, causing fertility problems in male animals who were given CBD supplementation.

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Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Epidiolex (cannabidiol)
Epidiolex is a prescription medicine that is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex in people 1 year of age and older. It is not known if Epidiolex is safe and effective in children under 1 year of age.Seizures Quiz
Do you know the difference between seizures and epilepsy? What are the types of seizures? Take the Epilepsy & Seizures Quiz to test your knowledge and learn about this complex disorder of the brain.What Is the Life Expectancy of a Child With Dravet Syndrome?
Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe, and lifelong form of epilepsy (seizure disorder). Most people affected by this condition have a good life expectancy. The disease typically starts in the first year of life, and around 80-85% of the children survive into adulthood.Marijuana (Cannabis)
Get the latest marijuana statistics and information. Learn its side effects and how this drug, also known as pot, affects the brain. Also, learn about medical marijuana for cancer patients and its indications.Marijuana Addiction and Abuse
Cannabis use disorder is when you're addicted to marijuana. Learn more about this condition and how to treat it.Pain Management
The goal of pain management for each patient is to minimize suffering and improve quality of life. This goal may be different depending on the patient’s circumstances and disease or injury.All About CBD Oil
Cannabidiol oil: It's made from marijuana and everyone seems to be talking about it. But what is it, and what does it really do?Pain Management: Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is chronic pain resulting from injury to the nervous system. The injury can be to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).Pain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain
What's causing your pain? Learn the common causes of lower back pain, as well as pain in the knee, stomach, kidney, shoulder, chest, gallbladder, heel, sciatic nerve, neck, hip, foot and other parts of the body. Find pain management tips that work to help lower pain triggers, as well as other pain treatments.15 Ways to Reduce Pain
Chronic pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including arthritis, headaches, and others. Comprehensive chronic pain management therapy may include physical therapy, lifestyle strategies such as exercise, diet changes, meditation, journaling, medications, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco use. Make helpful changes to manage your chronic condition.What Does Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Mean?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in marijuana or hemp (biologically known as Cannabis sativa). Over 80 chemicals known as cannabinoids have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant.