Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil - UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Conversation

Have you heard of medical marijuana or CBD oil? Medical marijuana and CBD oil are getting more popular every day. Marijuana is the name given to the dried leaves and buds of the plant Cannabis sativa. It is known by many other names, such as pot, grass, or weed. Marijuana contains cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can affect the brain and your moods. The two best studied cannabinoids in marijuana are called THC and CBD. Different types of marijuana can have different amounts of cannabinoids. This can make it hard to predict the effect of marijuana in a person.

CBD oil is made by taking the CBD cannabinoid and mixing it with an oil, such as hemp seed oil. It contains very small amounts of the THC cannabinoid so does not give people the “high” usually associated with marijuana. CBD oil and similar products are not regulated by the government’s Food and Drug Administration and their ingredients can vary widely.

About half of all U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use. North Carolina is not one of those states. It is important to note that possessing marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law.

Some studies say that marijuana and CBD oil may help people with diabetes, mental disorders, and certain types of cancers. However, more research in humans is needed.

It is a good idea to talk to your doctor if you consider using products like medical marijuana or CBD oil. Below are questions you may consider asking your health care provider.

• Is it legal for me to use this product?
• What are the risks or harms of using this product?
• What are the benefits of using this product?
• Can I use this product while taking other medication?
• What are the costs of using this product?
• Does my insurance cover any part of the cost?
• Are there other products that may be helpful to me?
• Where can I learn more about these products?

Are you interested in learning more? Check with your local healthcare provider and visit Cancer.Net and MedlinePlus.Gov. You may also attend “Cancer Conversations,” a monthly educational webinar series that Carteret Health Care’s Cancer Center hosts in partnership with UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The topic for June is, “Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil: What Do We Know?” presented by Amanda Corbett, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, Assistant Dean for Professional Curriculum, Associate Director of Global Engagement, and Clinical Associate Professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

The program is free and open to the general public. This is just another way that Carteret Health Care and UNC Lineberger are working together to bring cancer information and resources to your community.

Topic: “Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil: What Do We Know?”

Date: Friday, June 28, 2019

Time: 12-1PM

Location: Carteret Health Care, Meeting Room 1, inside Main Entrance

Register: Call (252) 499-6200