What we know about CBD oil and how it can be legally used in Indiana

CBD oil, a cannabis-derived product often praised for its medicinal qualities, still confuses a lot of people.

For instance, is CBD oil legal in Indiana? It is — at least in normal doses.

Will CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, show up on a drug test? Probably not.

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Can it be used on pets? Some pet owners say it can relieve pain in their dogs and cats, but there isn't much medical research to confirm that.

Here's what we know about CBD oil.

What is CBD oil?

Hemp and marijuana are a different variety of the cannabis sativa plant.

CBD or cannabidiol, is one of many compounds — called cannabinoids — found in cannabis sativa, and it is extracted from the hemp variety, which has no or only trace amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that produces the mind-altering "high" associated with marijuana. Hemp also has a higher cannabidiol content than marijuana.

While CBD does not have psychoactive characteristics, it is believed to produce other changes in the body which could have medical benefits.

Feds' impact:FDA approves marijuana-based drug to treat epilepsy. Here’s what it means for CBD oil.

Is CBD oil legal in Indiana?

Yes, it has been legal since March 2018, when Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a measure legalizing low-THC cannabidiol oil in Indiana. The new Indiana law allows anyone to buy, sell and possess CBD oil, as long as it meets certain labeling requirements and contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, the substance that produces a "high."

The law requires manufacturers to have each batch of product tested in order to ensure it has less than 0.3 percent THC. However, the law says nothing about the legality of making CBD oil in Indiana.

Also, Indiana has a zero tolerance law for THC and metabolites, the byproducts from the drug breaking down. So, you could get in trouble here for having even a trace amount of THC in your system, which could be possible if you use large amounts of CBD oil.

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Does CBD oil show up in drug tests?

According to potguide.com, drug tests were designed to detect THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. They weren't designed to detect cannabidiol, or CBD.

So, the short answer is probably not.

Because CBD oil does contain trace amounts of THC, consuming extremely large amounts of CBD oil (in the neighborhood of from 1,000 to 2,000 mg/day) could possibly trigger a false positive result of small amounts of THC in the body, potguide.com says.

Where can you buy CBD oil in Indiana?

CBD oil can now purchased in most vaping shops, at some beauty salons, and at health-related businesses. It also can be purchased online at various CBD oil or pharmaceutical websites.

When purchasing CBD oil, whether in person or online, there are several factors you might consider. First, make sure that it falls at or below the 0.03 percent THC threshold to make sure it's legal to use in Indiana. Second, try to learn whether it was organically grown and grown in the United States. That could lessen the chance of toxic contamination of the hemp from herbicides, pesticides or heavy metals in the soil.

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Is CBD oil safe to use?

Cannabidiol can come in the form of an ointment, a liquid or pill form and is popular as a cosmetic (including mascara). It has reportedly also been used for relaxation by patients with anxiety disorders and for pain management and other uses. Others use CBD oil to reduce inflammation or regulate their metabolism.

However, medical research into the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, such as CBD oil, is limited and often inconclusive. Federal regulators have warned cannabis companies to stop marketing their cannabis and hemp oil products as treatments for skin conditions, panic attacks, arthritis, cancer and Ebola. 

Before buying CBD oil, it would be advisable to contact your physician. Your doctor should know you are using it and may be able to provide advice or supporting materials.

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What cannabis product did the FDA approve?

On June 25, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever drug containing cannabis for use in the U.S. 

Epidiolex was approved to treat two rare forms of epilepsy in patients older than 2. It can be used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, conditions for which effective medicines have been difficult to find to control seizures. Epidiolex may someday be approved for "off-label uses" to treat other conditions.

The drug has known side effects, including lethargy, diarrhea and elevated liver enzymes, so patients who are taking it need to be carefully monitored by their physician.

Epidiolex approved:FDA approves marijuana-based drug to treat epilepsy. Here’s what it means for CBD oil.

What is the CBD oil dosage for dogs?

There is no known safe dosage for CBD oil for dogs, but there have been anecdotal accounts from pet owners about the positive benefits of CBD oil for dogs, especially in relieving neuropathic pain and in helping control seizures.

However, there is no definitive scientific data on how it affects your canine partner, according to the American Kennel Club.

Scientists do know that CBD oil interacts with receptors for cannabinoids present throughout the bodies of mammals, especially in the brain, influencing mood, thinking, pain and other functions. Such receptors are also common in the immune system, and research suggests CBD oil may spur the body to use more of its own cannabinoids.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation also is sponsoring a study, through Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, to evaluate the use of CBD oil in treatment-resistant dogs with epilepsy.

What is the best way to take CBD oil?

Doctors cannot prescribe CBD oil because there is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) or universal dose for patients. They can only recommend it to their patients.

Variables such as weight, diet, metabolism, and genetics all play a role, making the correct amount of CBD oil a personal choice for each patient, according to CBDOilRevieworg. 

CBD oil can be ingested in many forms, including in a liquid drop, in CBD-infused chewing gum, in powder form, in edible foods such as brownies, in e-liquids used in vaping, in skin patches, and in lotions, shampoos, soaps and bath bombs.

Is CBD oil popular in Indiana?

Indiana is one of three states (Vermont and Oklahoma were the others) which had the most consistent interest in CBD oil, according to a new survey of online search data and industry leader opinions compiled by Remedy Review. Their article said Indiana "has seen remarkable popularity in CBD products," since the state legalized them in March.

Call IndyStar digital producer Dwight Adams at 317-444-6532. Follow him on Twitter: @hdwightadams. IndyStar reporters Shari Rudavsky, Kaitlin Lange and Kellie Hwang contributed to this story.