by Dr. Lorin Bradbury
Question: I’m reaching out to ask your opinion on the use of CBD. I am 22 years old, and currently 3.5 years clean from marijuana, about 3 years clean from pills, and about 2 years clean off the bottle. I do still have a glass of wine every now and again, but when I do, I am mindful and responsible. I have no desire to get “high” again. As a matter of fact, it was by the grace of God that I was able to get away from that lifestyle of constantly being high and/or chasing the next high. The last handful of times I had marijuana or other drugs it was less of a euphoric sensation but rather a constant struggle to overcome a strong sense of paranoia. I did not enjoy it at all, and I do believe it was the Lord’s way of speaking through and beyond the substances to show me that I needed to stop. So, I did, and I am still learning to live a sober and vigilant life.
Lately, I have had some trouble sleeping due to a new work schedule, and I have also been dealing with some minor scale depression. Nothing too substantial, it is just something slightly noticeable in my thought patterns and perceptive analysis as of late. Now, obviously prayer and intercession are the most efficient and reliable answer to these issues. I will not deny that, nor would I like to navigate around it.
However, I have read about CBD, and I have been questioning whether it would be a healthy supplement to add into the equation. It is not a psychoactive drug or substance like its counterpart THC, the chemical that everybody chases after. As I stated before, I have no intent or desire to achieve any form of high from the use of CBD but rather the subtle positive health benefits and calming properties that it has to offer.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I feel as though we could compare it to drinking a cup of coffee in the morning as opposed to smoking a marijuana joint in the morning. Caffeine itself is a psychoactive substance that stimulates the brain; however, we don’t perceive it as a drug or threat to our salvation.
I drink an energy drink most days to keep me awake at work and I don’t think anything about it. Just as you described different plants having different purposes, I believe caffeine is fit for human consumption under God’s plans for his creation. Thus, I am curious as to your opinion on God’s intended use for CBD and whether you would recommend I incorporate it in my daily supplement intake.
Answer: CBD has been touted by its manufacturers to cure nearly everything; however, its efficacy has not been proven. The Mayo Clinic responded to a similar question as yours with the following answer:
At this time, CBD cannot be rated for any condition other than epilepsy due to lack of evidence. This is true even though it is used for, or claimed to be effective for, many other conditions.
CBD is a central nervous system depressant, so it can make you drowsy. However, its long half-life in the body of 50–60 hours makes it undesirable as a sleep aid. Half-life is defined as how long half of the drug is eliminated after one dose. Sleep aids are best suited to medications with shorter half-lives, so fatigue and drowsiness are not experienced into the next day. Other common side effects are decreased appetite, fever, increased liver function tests, anemia, fatigue and gait disturbances.
Given the fact that you refer to yourself as 3.5 years clean from marijuana, 3 years clean from pills, and 2 years clean from alcohol, suggests that you have history of dependence on intoxicating substances. I would strongly encourage you not to use CBD as it has potential to create a psychological addiction, even if it is unlikely to result in a physical addiction.
