Available near you: marijuana extract

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A marijuana extract believed to have multiple medical uses has shown up at several retailers in the county in recent months.

A year ago, Kansas legislators voted to remove cannabidiol with no THC — the marijuana component that produces a “high” in users — from the state’s definition of marijuana.

That made the product available in the state. Three pharmacies and a food store in the county sell it.

Cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating extract of marijuana often credited with helping treat medical problems including seizures, anxiety, inflammation, and sleeplessness.

Some studies on its effectiveness are more convincing than others.

At Marion’s Lanning Pharmacy, owner Tracy Lanning said the store carries an assortment of strengths of CBD products.

Higher-strength formulas have been the best-sellers, she said.

Besides CBD oil, Lanning stocks CBD-laced creams, lotions, body washes, bath bombs, coffee beans, and lip balm.

A certificate of analysis showing the product’s CBD level as well its miniscule level of THC is available, she said.

Hillsboro Hometown Pharmacy sells multiple sizes of CBD oil in a single strength, manager Myrna Hamm said.

“Right now we just have the oil,” she said.

Peabody’s CK Pharmacy carries a limited supply of CBD products including capsules, oil, vapor, creams, gummies, and dog treats. The products are available in various strengths, and demand has been “decent,” owner Steve Kuder said.

Carlsons’ Grocery in Marion, stocks CBD as both oil and gummy bears.

“We’ve stocked it about eight months,” co-owner Greg Carlson said.

The store has one strength available.

No regulations control CBD production, so quality varies from one brand to another.

Scientific evidence supports CBD use as a tincture applied under the tongue in treating epilepsy, and a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel last year recommended approval of the CBD medication Epidiolex for treating two rare forms of childhood epilepsy.

Less scientific evidence exists to support its use for other ailments.

Some human clinical trials with adults suggest CBD could be effective in treating anxiety.

Evidence of usefulness in treating inflammation is based mostly on animal studies. So is evidence of usefulness as an antipsychotic, antidepressant, or sleep aid.

CBD’s interactions with prescription medications have been poorly studied, although epilepsy studies show an increase in blood levels of some anti-seizure drugs when used with CBD.

A small percentage of CBD users had to discontinue because of increased liver enzymes, which could lead to possible liver damage.

Medical references recommend people interested in using CBD seek out a physician who is knowledgeable so they can be monitored and their medications managed.

On July 1, a new state law went into effect allowing residents to possess cannabidiol products containing up to 5% THC for treatment of a medically diagnosed condition causing serious impairment of strength or ability to function, including seizures, as long as they are under treatment by a licensed physician and have a letter from the physician that identifies the condition.