Cannabis Wellness Products Raise Safety Concerns

Cannabis wellness products are gaining attention, but doctors warn about safety, dosage, labelling, drug interactions and the need for proper medical guidance

Gummies, oils, gels and supplements made with cannabis compounds are now being sold for a range of health and wellness uses. Cannabis wellness products have become easier to find, but doctors say buyers need to know what they are actually getting.

THC and CBD are the two compounds most often discussed. THC can affect a person's mood, thinking and perception. CBD does not have the same intoxicating effect, but that does not mean it can be used without care.

The quality of products is another concern. Some may not contain the amount of CBD stated on the label. THC may also be present without being clearly mentioned. There is also a risk of contamination when products are not properly tested.

For buyers, cannabis product safety comes down to a few basic questions. What is in the product? How strong is it? Has it been tested? And could it react with another medicine?

The US Food and Drug Administration has raised similar concerns about CBD products, including labelling problems, possible contaminants and drug interactions. (FDA guidance on cannabis and CBD products)

Medical use is different

Cannabis is not without medical value. Some cannabis-based medicines are used for conditions such as certain forms of epilepsy and chemotherapy-related nausea. They may also be considered in palliative care and for some types of pain.

The problem is that these medical uses do not support every health claim made about cannabis products. Evidence for many other uses remains limited.

Doctors also warn about regular use without medical supervision. Dependence can develop, and some users may experience changes in mood or other mental health problems. In some cases, cannabis use has been linked with psychotic symptoms. Frequent use can also lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes repeated nausea and vomiting.

What about products sold as wellness items?

The number of cannabis-derived products on the market has made the line between medical treatment and general wellness less clear.

A product sold as an oil, gummy or supplement may look harmless to a buyer. But the dose still matters. So does the person's health and any other medicine they may be taking.

In India, cannabis-related products are also subject to different rules depending on what they contain and how they are marketed. Experts have called for better testing, clear potency labels and stronger monitoring of side effects.

Consumers should have access to basic information before buying these products. Doctors, meanwhile, need clearer guidance when patients ask whether cannabis is suitable for them.

Cannabis may have a role in medicine, but that does not make every product on the shelf a safe choice. Knowing what is in the product is a good place to start.

FAQs

1. What are cannabis wellness products?
They include things like gummies, oils and supplements made with cannabis.

2. Does THC make you high?
Yes. THC is the compound in cannabis that causes the high.

3. What about CBD?
CBD does not usually make you high. It is different from THC.

4. Can cannabis be used to treat illnesses?
Yes. Some cannabis medicines are used for conditions such as epilepsy and nausea caused by chemotherapy.

5. Can cannabis products cause problems?
They can. Some people may develop dependence or other side effects, especially with regular use.