Health Tips

Medical Cannabidiol 

On 14 July 2022, the Health Minister of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin has announced that the framework for registration of cannabidiol (CBD) products will be made public by the Health Ministry the following year. Once considered an illegal drug in Malaysia, this may mark the start of a commercial and legal route to market products containing cannabis compounds in Malaysia. 

Cannabidiol’s Market in Asia 

Image Credit: Hello Sehat 

While many Asian countries are becoming more tolerant of the once taboo drugs- cannabis, the plant still remains illegal in the majority of Asian countries. According to consulting firm Prohibition Partners, the medicinal cannabis business in Asia could be worth $5.8 billion by 2024. Due to the stigma associated with the plant, many people are still hesitant to openly wager on the commodity. 

Knowing Cannabidiol (CBD) 

All products obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant are referred to as cannabis. This cannabis plant contains around 540 chemical substances. Among these chemical compounds, CBD is one of the active compounds found in the cannabis plant. It helps in preserving a state of balance by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in your body. 

The other most commonly known compound is the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is well known for causing ecstasy feeling associated with marijuana use. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive like THC. 

Hence, this makes CBD an appealing alternative for those seeking pain treatment and other ailments without the psychoactive effects of cannabis or other negative side effects associated with some prescription medications.
 

Table: Differences between CBD and THC  

Types of CBD 

1. Full-spectrum CBD: retains all components of cannabis plant, including a small trace of THC are still present in this type of CBD.  

2. Broad-spectrum CBD: contains all components of the cannabis plant, except for THC. 

3. CBD isolate: pure CBD, no additional compounds present in this form. 

CBD Products Formulations 

Image Credit: Nutritional Outlook 

CBD medical products come in a variety of formulations including oral tablets, gummies, capsules, etc. Here is a list of the following products:  

1. Oil and tinctures: CBD-infused liquids taken sublingually under the tongue. It has a fast onset if held under the tongue rather than swallowed, however the taste may not be acceptable to some. 

2. Edible: CBD products like gummies 

3. Capsules: CBD-containing pills or softgels 

4. Topical: cream, lotions, patches, or ointment are applied to the skin and provide direct relief to a specific spot on the body 

5. Vape juices: CBD-infused liquid which are inhaled with a vaporiser. It has a faster onset of action, but may pose health risks including lung injury 

Health Benefits of Medical Cannabidiol 

1. Pain: CBD, particularly if combined with THC, may be useful to ease nerve pain and back pain, including pain associated with multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. However, there has been studies that show CBD makes pain feel less unpleasant, but does not reduce pain intensity. Thus, further studies are still required to verify the effect of CBD on pain relief. Press on link to read more! 

2. Anxiety: CBD may help to reduce some anxiety-related symptoms. A study showed that those with social anxiety disorder experienced less anxiety in a simulated public speaking test after taking CBD. CBD’s potential use for treatment of other mental health disorders are currently undergoing investigation. Press on link to read more! 

3. Cancer-related symptoms: Dronabinol or Nabilone are found to be more helpful than placebo and have similar effectiveness to medicines used to treat nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy. However, side effects including dizziness or sleepiness may be experienced after taking CBD medicines. Moreover, CBD may be useful to extend the life of people with glioblastoma (an aggressive form of cancer). Press on link to read more! 

4. Neurological disorder: CBD may be useful to treat seizures related to a variety of medical disorders. The FDA has approved prescription CBD products Epidiolex to treat seizures related to uncommon, seizure-inducing diseases such as Dravet syndrome (a complex childhood epilepsy disorder). Press on link to read more! 

5. Heart health: Although more studies are required, CBD may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure by maintaining lower blood pressure levels in response to stress and improving arterial function. In this manner, CBD may also be useful for people with glaucoma by lowering the pressure in the eye. However, they can only affect pressure in the eye for a short duration of time. Press on link to read more! 

Possible Side Effects of CBD 

Side effects of CBD are usually well tolerated and usually occur due to drug interactions. Some people may experience nausea, fatigue, irritability, and appetite changes. Do inform your healthcare professionals (pharmacists, doctors, specialists) if you are regularly using CBD as CBD may potentially interact with your medications. 

Medically reviewed by Nur Ariffin, MBBS UniSZA

Reference: 

1. Healthline. 6 Health Benefits of CBD Oil — and a Look at Side Effects. Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits 

2. Healthline. CBD Shopping Guide: Which Type of CBD Should You Buy? Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-cbd#ways-to-take-cbd 

3. Healthline. CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference? Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#further-clarification

4. NIH. Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know. Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know 

5. CNBC. Medical cannabis is gaining momentum in Asia.  Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/15/medical-cannabis-is-gaining-momentum-in-asia.html 

6. Codeblue. Malaysia Looks To Register Prescription CBD Drugs. Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2022/07/14/malaysia-looks-to-register-prescription-cbd-drugs/ 

7. The Star. ‘Study medicinal value in cannabis’. Accessed on 17 July 2022. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/07/study-medicinal-value-in-cannabis 

Written by

DOC2US Editorial Team