The Allen County Board of Health is exploring plans to craft guidance for physicians and patients regarding the use of CBD oil.

A researcher, two physicians and a pharmacist addressed the board Monday during a discussion related to the hemp-based product that has been advertised as a remedy for pain, sleeplessness and other ailments. The Indiana General Assembly legalized CBD oil during its 2018 session. In the state, CBD oil derived from hemp is legal, meaning it has less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.

Dr. Rudy Kachmann, a retired neurosurgeon, told the board he became interested in the subject after he was given the Indiana State Department of Toxicology report on CBD.

Kachmann said reports indicate some products sold to the public are impure. Other chemicals found in CBD oil, Kachmann said, could interact with prescription medications a patient is taking.

“There are many other cannabinoids in there, and they haven't studied their interaction,” Kachmann said. “So that's unpredictable.”

Others who spoke Monday said that although some issues have been found, there are also indications that CBD oil can be effective in certain situations. More data, they said, is needed on the substance, which can be found at a range of retail stores, including CBD shops, hair salons and gas stations.

Brian Henriksen, director of research of the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program, said CBD oil has compounds that can have adverse drug reactions, but they're compounds that are also found in some kinds of food.
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