The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has warned the public against the proliferation of imported cannabidiol (CBD) oil being sold as a pain reliever as well as immune system booster.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said there has been an increasing number of illegal delivery of CBD oil through mail and parcel services.
Aquino said CBD oil is also openly sold in online shopping platforms in the country.
Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent active ingredient of marijuana next to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes mind-altering and euphoric effects.
THC is considered a dangerous drug under the 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
But unlike the THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and there is no evidence of public health problems associated with it.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.
“CBD is not addictive, but contains very small amounts of THC which remain illegal under the law. In general, the law dictates that any variety and derivative from marijuana, including CBD, is prohibited,” Aquino said.
Aquino cited clinical studies which said that CBD has broad therapeutic value. CBD is known to be effective for seizure disorder and chronic pain. The cannabis oil may also be used to help improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and stress.
CBD oil, however, can also cause unpleasant side effects, the most common of which are nausea, fatigue, and irritability. Cannabis oil can also cause dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, and drowsiness.
“While marijuana remains illegal, including for medical purposes, in the country, terminally-ill patients may apply for special permit from Food and Drugs Administration for the compassionate use of CBD oil,” Aquino said.
