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  • Crohn’s Disease

    Crohn’s Disease

    Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive system and can affect various areas of the body. Symptoms can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, but they can be managed with treatment.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can range from mild to severe, may be gradual or sudden, can vary from patient to patient, and may be dormant for periods of time. When active, symptoms include:

    • Persistent diarrhea
    • Abdominal pain/cramping
    • Rectal bleeding (which can lead to anemia)
    • Fever lasting more than a day or two
    • Ulcers
    • Reduced appetite and weight loss
    • Fatigue
    • Skin disorders
    • Eye inflammation
    • Constipation
    • Liver inflammation

    See your doctor if you experience multiple symptoms from this list, particularly the diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and/or fever.

    Causes

    The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but experts believe that several factors may contribute to its onset:

    • Abnormal immune system response to bacteria normally found in the intestine
    • Heredity
    • Smoking
    • Age – you are more likely to develop the disease between ages 15 and 35
    • Ethnicity – Caucasians seem to have a higher risk, with the highest risk for those of Jewish descent
    • Environment – those in urban areas and industrial nations seem to be at higher risk

    Diagnosis

    If your doctor suspects you have Crohn’s disease, they will run several tests, which could include a physical exam, stool sample, blood test, X-ray, MRI, CT scan, colonoscopy and/or biopsy of your intestine lining.

    Treatment

    While there is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease, there are several treatment options.

    Treatments may include:

    • Drug therapy – anti-inflammatory, immune system suppressors and short-term steroid use
    • Diet – to prevent further bowel irritation and ensure adequate nutrition
    • Surgery is an option for those who do not respond to drugs, though there is still no guarantee that symptoms will not return.
  • Cybersecurity Tips for Holiday Online Shopping

    Cybersecurity Tips for Holiday Online Shopping

    During the holiday season, it’s often easier to shop online to find gifts for your loved ones. But while online shopping can save you the trip to the store, it also comes with cybersecurity risks.

    Online shoppers are often top targets for cybercriminals – especially during the holidays. In fact, according to a recent survey from Experian, 43% of identity theft victims reported that the theft happened while they were holiday shopping online. With this in mind, consider these tips to stay safe and secure while online shopping this holiday season.

    PROTECT YOUR DEVICES
    Keep your devices secure by conducting regular software updates, utilizing proper privacy settings, creating complex passwords, and implementing multifactor authentication (if possible).

    STAY PRIVATE
    Avoid online shopping while connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as this will make it easier for cybercriminals to access your device. Stick to a private, protected network.

    SHOP SMART
    Only buy from trusted sources. Always check a vendor’s reviews to ensure they are reputable, and confirm that their website is legitimate (and encrypted) before shopping.

    BE WARY OF SCAMS
    If you receive emails from unknown senders or digital advertisements offering holiday deals that seem too good to be true, these could be scams. Never respond to suspicious emails or click on links or attachments from unknown sources.

    USE A CREDIT CARD
    Consider using a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases, as the latter could give cybercriminals access to the entirety of your checking account funds rather than just your available credit.

    CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS
    Especially during the holidays, keep an eye on your bank statements to detect potentially fraudulent activity as quickly as possible.

    CLICK HERE to contact Lawley for more personal risk guidance.

  • Inside Medicare: Am I supposed to sign up for a Medicare Prescription Payment Plan?

    Inside Medicare: Am I supposed to sign up for a Medicare Prescription Payment Plan?

    Lawley Medicare Solutions Learning Center:

    Ask Janell!

    QUESTION: I received a Medicare Prescription Payment Plan form from my insurance company. Am I supposed to sign up for this?

    ANSWER:  The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P) is a new option for individuals with Medicare Part D coverage. This option is designed to help those with high prescription drug costs by allowing you to spread the cost of medications across the entire year. You may see it referred to as M3P in some documents.

    If you complete this form and return it to your insurance company, you will not need to pay for your medications upfront when you visit the pharmacy. Instead, you will receive a monthly bill from your insurance company, which will spread the costs across the remainder of the year.

    The M3P option is intended for individuals with very high prescription drug costs. For those whose medications cost thousands of dollars each month, the out-of-pocket expenses at the beginning of the year can be significant. Most Medicare Part D plans have a deductible, which requires you to pay full price for your medications until the deductible is met. The deductible can range from $200 to as high as $590. Once the deductible is paid, you enter the Initial Coverage phase, where medications are covered with a copay, which can vary. Copays might be a fixed amount (e.g., $0, $5, or $42) or a percentage (e.g., 25%, 33%, or 40%).

    If you’re considering using the M3P to spread out the cost of the deductible, keep in mind that as you continue to fill prescriptions throughout the year, those costs will be added to your monthly payment. For example, if your deductible is $590, spreading it out over 12 months means an additional $49.16 per month. If you continue to fill a medication that costs $42 per month for the remainder of the year, your monthly payment will increase. In this case, by February, your monthly payment would rise to $52.98, and by March, it would be $57.18, continuing to grow as the year progresses.

    If you only have a standard deductible and regular copays throughout the year, the M3P might not be the best choice for you. It is most beneficial for individuals with very high medication costs, especially those who quickly reach the Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) limit of $2,000.

    For example, if your first medication copay is $1,479, the M3P option would spread that cost over 12 months, resulting in a monthly payment of $123.25. In February, if your next medication copay is $521, your payment for the month would increase to $170.61. From February to December, this amount would stay the same, as you would have already reached your $2,000 MOOP for the year. This structure allows you to spread out large costs without facing interest charges, unlike using a credit card.

    In the past, many people with high prescription costs had to use credit cards to cover their medication bills, resulting in high interest charges. The M3P option eliminates that concern and helps individuals manage their medication costs more easily.

    While I believe the M3P option will be a great help to individuals with extremely high medication costs, it’s important to remember that it’s not for everyone. When reviewing your coverage for 2025, consider your expected copays and how they accumulate throughout the year. If you will reach the $2,000 MOOP early in the year, the M3P is likely a good option for you. However, for most people who only have regular copays, you likely don’t need to sign up for the M3P.

    So, unless you fall into the group that would benefit from spreading out high medication costs, do not complete the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Participation Request form. Simply keep it for your records or recycle it if you don’t need the plan.

    If you have questions or need assistance navigating your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lawley Medicare Solutions Team. You can contact Medicare Service Team Lead Gabrielle Connor at 716.849.8223, or submit an inquiry through our contact form below. We’re here to help you find the right coverage for your needs!

    At Lawley Medicare Solutions, our Medicare and Individual Health Consultants are dedicated to helping you make the most informed decisions about your healthcare needs. We offer personalized service and expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule a consultation and ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.

    Read all Inside Medicare articles HERE.

    LAWLEY HAS A TEAM DEDICATED TO MEDICARE INSURANCE!

    Our licensed Medicare & Individual Health Insurance team can help clients understand the details of Medicare insurance plans, assist with choosing the right benefits and coverage, and provide guidance when life events that affect health coverage occur.

    For questions, concerns, or to reach Lawley Medicare Solutions, call 716.849.8223.

  • Inside Medicare: What happens once I start social security and Medicare?

    Inside Medicare: What happens once I start social security and Medicare?

    Lawley Medicare Solutions Learning Center:

    Ask Janell!

     

    QUESTION:  I started collecting Social Security and signed up for Medicare this year. What happens in 2025?

    ANSWER:  It’s that time of year when a lot of new information is announced, and I’m glad we have answers to your questions. It’s important to understand what your Medicare premiums and other cost shares will be as you plan for 2025.

    Social Security’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
    Social Security has announced a 2.5% increase for 2025. This means your monthly Social Security benefit (the gross amount) will rise by 2.5%. For example, if your current benefit is $1,000, you’ll see an increase of $25 per month. Your exact increase will depend on your individual benefit amount.

    This COLA increase will likely cover the increase in your Medicare Part B premium, which will go up to $185 per month starting in January 2025 — an increase of just over $10 compared to 2024.

    Medicare Part Premiums for 2025

    • Medicare Part A: For most people, the Medicare Part A premium will remain $0 in 2025 if you have at least 40 quarters (10 years) of work history. If you have fewer than 40 quarters of work history, you’ll pay a premium:
      • For 30-39 quarters of work history, the Part A premium will be $285 per month.
      • For fewer than 30 quarters, the premium will be $518 per month.
    • Medicare Part B: The monthly premium for Medicare Part B will increase to $185 in 2025, up from $174.70 in 2024. If your income is above $106,000 for an individual or $212,000 for a couple, you will pay an additional amount due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you a letter with your specific Part B and Part D premiums based on your income.
    • Medicare Part A Deductibles and Co-Pays:
      • In 2025, the Medicare Part A deductible for hospital stays will be $1,676 for the first 60 days of care.
      • If you need skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, the first 20 days will continue to be covered in full. For days 21-100, you will have a co-pay of $209.50 per day.
    • Medicare Part B Deductible: The Part B deductible for 2025 will be $257, which is a $17 increase from 2024. Once the deductible is met, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of most covered services, and you’ll pay the remaining 20%. Some preventive services are fully covered by Medicare.

    Important Information

    • The Medicare & You handbook, which you recently received, provides detailed information about your coverage, including premium amounts, deductibles, and co-pays. You may also have received an email version of this handbook.
    • In late November or early December, you should receive a letter from Social Security confirming your 2025 Social Security benefit amount. Be sure to review this letter carefully.

    Since this is your first year collecting Social Security benefits, everything may seem new to you, but as time goes on, you’ll become more familiar with the annual schedules and changes related to your benefits.

    Medicare Open Enrollment
    It is also my hope that you have health insurance (Medicare) and that you are watching those changes to your coverage. The opportunity to change that Medicare Insurance Coverage is October 15 to December 7 each year. So don’t forget to think about those decisions for 2025.

    If you have questions or need assistance navigating your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lawley Medicare Solutions Team. You can contact Medicare Service Team Lead Gabrielle Connor at 716.849.8223, or submit an inquiry through our contact form below. We’re here to help you find the right coverage for your needs!

     

    At Lawley Medicare Solutions, our Medicare and Individual Health Consultants are dedicated to helping you make the most informed decisions about your healthcare needs. We offer personalized service and expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule a consultation and ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.

     

    Read all Inside Medicare articles HERE.

     

    LAWLEY HAS A TEAM DEDICATED TO MEDICARE INSURANCE!

    Our licensed Medicare & Individual Health Insurance team can help clients understand the details of Medicare insurance plans, assist with choosing the right benefits and coverage, and provide guidance when life events that affect health coverage occur.

    For questions, concerns, or to reach Lawley Medicare Solutions, fill out the contact form below or call 716.849.8223.

  • New Change for NYS Contractors

    New Change for NYS Contractors

    Recently, the NYS Department of Labor announced the addition of subsection 220-I to Article 8. This addition will require all NYS Contractors to register online with the intent to form an online database of electronic certified payroll records over the next year.

    Beginning on December 30, 2024, all NYS contractors must register with NYS Department of Labor’s Bureau of Public Work prior to bidding on public work projects, commencing work on public work projects, or covered private projects that are subject to the prevailing wage pursuant to Sections 224-a, 224-d, & 224-e. No contractors or subcontractors are required to register prior to this date.

    STEPS TO REGISTER:

    1. Create an Account – Visit NYS Department of Labor to create an account to register
    2. Submit documents and business information – Name, address, phone number, owners, and officers must be provided along with providing any discourses on any outstanding wage assessments, debarment, or other labor law violations.

    Information collected through registration will be used to develop a publicly accessible database of electronic certified payroll records scheduled to be available on December 31, 2025.

  • Inside Medicare: How to Manage Medication Coverage Loss

    Inside Medicare: How to Manage Medication Coverage Loss

    Lawley Medicare Solutions Learning Center:

    Ask Janell!

     

    QUESTION: My insurance doesn’t cover my Invokana prescription in 2025. What should I do?

    ANSWER: Each year as you evaluate insurance products, one of the primary factors you need to consider is the prescription drug coverage as insurance companies adjust their formularies each year. You should never assume that the drug coverage is going to be the same.

    Insurance companies of all types adjust the formularies to reflect the new years business model for them. Medications can be removed from the formulary or they can change within the formulary regarding the rules that apply to them. An insurance company can change:

    • The tier the medication is covered on
    • The prior authorizations required to fill it
    • The quantity limits applied to it
    • Or the Step Therapy rules for the medication

    Let’s delve a little deeper into each of these.

    An insurance company can remove the medication entirely from the formulary. This is what happened in the case of your Invokana. Each year, we see medications do this. In 2024 we had difficulties with some types of insulins, inhalers and also a relatively inexpensive generic, called celecoxib. In 2025 one of the medications we are having a hard time finding coverage for is Invokana. I can’t explain why a particular medication falls out of favor with the insurance companies, but we can address what to do about it.

    In this situation you really have four options.

    1. Talk to your physician who prescribed this medication and see if there are alternative medications that would be appropriate | I recommend getting a copy of the 2025 formulary from your insurance company to take with you, so you and physician don’t have to try this multiple times with alternate medications. If you have the formulary book, your physician can look through it and decide if there is an appropriate alternative medication.
    2. Consider switching your insurance to an insurance product that covers that medication | Although I will say in 2025, Invokana is difficult to find any insurance companies that cover Invokana, there just are not many companies covering the medication.
    3. Work with your physician after 1-1-25 to appeal to the insurance company to cover this particular medication for you | Maybe you and your physician have already worked through the alternatives in the past, and this is the one that works for you. Your insurance company doesn’t know that and maybe by your physician documenting the medication history, they would make an exception and cover for the medication for this year. It is important to understand that if the insurance company makes this exception for you, the medication may very likely move to a higher tier than it was in the past, and your copay may be significantly more when you fill it.
    4. Look into alternative ways to fill that medication | One common way I would suggest is something like GoodRx. This is not insurance, so it doesn’t replace your part D coverage, but you would fill this one medication using this type of alternative coverage.Each pharmacy has its own particular product they offer like GoodRx, so talk to the pharmacists about the alternatives used at their pharmacy. Another common alternative is Cost Plus Drugs. This is a mail order pharmacy which does not use your insurance to cover your medications, but often sells medications for cash, for much less than local pharmacies using your insurance.

      In 2024, we often recommended Cost Plus Drugs to purchase Celecoxib. It is mail order, so you will have to create an account with this company, usually done online, and then your physician notifies Cost Plus Drugs pharmacy of the medication you will fill there. You then order the medication, and usually pay for it with a credit or debit card. Then the medications are mailed to you.

      Today when I checked the price of Invokana on Cost Plus Drugs, a bottle of 90 tables 100mg strength was $727.76. Now that would be a 90 day supply, and you are NOT using your Part D plan, so this spending would never count towards your maximum $2000 spending at the pharmacy with your Part D plan. So there is definitely a downside to using this pharmacy. But it would be a way to get your Invokana, even if you can’t find insurance coverage for it.

    I hope this gives you some ideas of how to handle this situation of your insurance no longer covering your Invokana. I know this is frustrating, but I am glad you are looking into now, so you have time to fix the problem before you are out of medication.

    If you have questions or need assistance navigating your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lawley Medicare Solutions Team. You can contact Medicare Service Team Lead Gabrielle Connor at 716.849.8223, or submit an inquiry through our contact form below. We’re here to help you find the right coverage for your needs!

     

    At Lawley Medicare Solutions, our Medicare and Individual Health Consultants are dedicated to helping you make the most informed decisions about your healthcare needs. We offer personalized service and expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule a consultation and ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.

     

    Read all Inside Medicare articles HERE.

     

    LAWLEY HAS A TEAM DEDICATED TO MEDICARE INSURANCE!

    Our licensed Medicare & Individual Health Insurance team can help clients understand the details of Medicare insurance plans, assist with choosing the right benefits and coverage, and provide guidance when life events that affect health coverage occur.

    For questions, concerns, or to reach Lawley Medicare Solutions, fill out the contact form below or call 716.849.8223.

  • Thanksgiving Safety Tips

    Thanksgiving Safety Tips

    Did you know that home cooking fires are three times more likely to happen on Thanksgiving Day than any other day besides Christmas? While preparing your Thanksgiving turkey in a turkey fryer can be a fun tradition, it’s important to keep cooking safety measures in mind to protect yourself, your guests, and your home.

    Don’t let your next holiday gathering become another statistic. Use this guidance to ensure your safety and enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving.

    Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

    • Stay in the area where you are cooking. Leaving the turkey unattended may cause the fryer to overheat, resulting in a fire.
    • Use your turkey fryer on a level surface. Anything that might cause the fryer to tip over may result in a hot oil spill.
    • Thaw your turkey before cooking. Water from a still-frozen turkey can cause the oil to bubble or splash over the pot.
    • Keep small children and animals away from the fryer while it is in use. There is a great risk that a child or pet could run into the fryer, knocking it down and causing serious injury. A safe distance of three to 10 feet away is recommended.
    • Have safety equipment ready. Use oven mitts, goggles and an apron while cooking. Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency, and keep flammable items away from the fryer.
    • Keep it Outdoors. For your safety, only use a turkey fryer outside and away from your home. Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a porch. Also, be sure to keep some distance between yourself and the fryer as you monitor it—you wouldn’t want to accidentally get splashed with hot oil.

    Kitchen Safety Tips

    • Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
    • Stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stovetop.
    • Keep children and pets away from the oven.
    • Don’t leave your home when the turkey is in the oven and check on it frequently.
    • Keep the floor clear of toys and other objects that can be tripped over.

    For more home safety guidance and homeowners insurance solutions, contact your account manager.

     

     

    This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. © 2018, 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

  • Type 2 Diabetes

    Type 2 Diabetes

    Between 90% and 95% of those diagnosed with diabetes in the United States have Type 2 diabetes. Formerly called adult onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, the condition is increasing at an alarming rate due to the current obesity levels in the United States.

    About the Condition

    Type 2 diabetes causes the body to resist insulin, a hormone that controls the absorption of sugar. As a result, a normal glucose level cannot be maintained. People can develop Type 2 diabetes at any age, including during childhood years. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 is usually preventable with a balanced diet and exercise. Unfortunately, once present, Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

    Causes and Risk Factors

    While it is not completely understood why some people develop Type 2 diabetes, research has shown the following factors significantly increase the risk of developing the disease:

    • Obesity
    • Physical inactivity
    • Genetics
    • High blood pressure
    • Abnormal cholesterol levels
    • Ethnicity (being African American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian or Asian American)
    • Age (risk increases as you get older, especially after age 45)
    • Having pre-diabetes—left untreated, it likely will develop into Type 2 diabetes
    • Previously or currently having gestational diabetes
    • Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

    Symptoms

    Consult your doctor if you’re concerned about diabetes, or if the following symptoms appear:

    • Increased thirst and frequent urination
    • Extreme hunger
    • Weight loss despite eating more than usual
    • Blurred vision
    • Fatigue
    • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
    • Patches of dark skin in folds and creases of the body

    Testing

    It is recommended that anyone 45 years of age or older consider getting tested for diabetes, as well as those under age 45 who are overweight. The following tests are used for diabetes diagnoses:

    • Fasting plasma glucose test: This measures blood glucose after abstaining from eating for at least eight hours.
    • Oral glucose tolerance test: This measures blood glucose after at least eight hours without eating and two hours after drinking a glucose-containing beverage.
    • Random plasma glucose test: During this test, the physician checks blood glucose no matter when the last meal was consumed. This test is administered in addition to an assessment of symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, and unexplained weight loss.

    Positive results should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test on another day.

    Management

    Those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes need to follow a stringent daily plan to ensure that blood glucose is kept in the proper range, such as:

    • Following a specific meal plan
    • Being physically active
    • Taking prescribed medication, including insulin if needed
    • Testing blood glucose as recommended
    • Keeping daily records of blood glucose levels and any unusual issues that come up during the day

    Dangers and Complications

    Left uncontrolled, there are several serious complications that can arise from type 2 diabetes, such as:

    • Heart and blood vessel disease
    • Blindness or eye disease
    • Kidney failure
    • Nerve damage
    • Osteoporosis
    • Skin infections
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Gum infections

    Prevention

    Take the following precautions to help avoid developing Type 2 diabetes:

    • Get a routine diabetes screening.
    • Make healthy food choices—select foods low in fat like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
    • Monitor salt intake and choose foods with a low salt content.
    • Get more physical activity—aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. If a long workout is not possible, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
    • Lose excess weight—even a loss of 10 pounds may lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

    For more information, contact the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.

  • Is it a Cold or the Flu?

    Is it a Cold or the Flu?

    Though the common cold and seasonal influenza share several symptoms, there are points of differentiation that will help you identify which you may have in order to seek proper treatment. It is important to tell the difference, as the flu can result in more serious health complications, while the cold likely will not.

    Common Cold

    Typically, symptoms of the common cold come on gradually, and may start with a sore throat or irritated sinuses. The most common symptoms of a cold are nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose. Symptoms can also include a cough, mild headache and minor body aches. Young children may get a low-grade fever as well, but a fever in older children or adults typically indicates the flu.

    People are generally contagious during the first three days they have a cold. Symptoms tend to go away within a week.

    Seasonal Flu

    Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and vigorously, often starting with a high-grade fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In addition, flu symptoms can include a dry cough, sore throat, and sometimes a runny or stuffy nose.

    Symptoms are generally more severe than with a cold. Flu symptoms tend to gradually improve after two to five days, but can last for a week or more. You should stay home for at least 24 after your fever is gone to avoid passing your illness to others.

    Prevention

    There are strategies that can help you avoid getting sick from either of these conditions. These include frequent hand washing, sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you are sick, cough and sneeze into your elbow to prevent spreading germs to others.

    Also consider getting a seasonal flu vaccine each year, which is now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all people over 6 months of age.

    Treatment

    For the common cold, a doctor visit is usually unnecessary.  Over-the-counter medications can be effective in treating symptoms. For the flu, a doctor may prescribe anti-viral drugs that will help decrease the severity and length of symptoms.

    Potentially serious health complications can occur in people suffering from the flu. Call your doctor if you think your symptoms are worsening or if you have a condition such as asthma, diabetes or are pregnant.

  • Potential Benefits & Drawbacks to CBD Oil

    Potential Benefits & Drawbacks to CBD Oil

    Cannabidiol (CBD oil) has become widely popular and is steadily finding its way onto the shelves of health stores, coffee shops, and at stores that specialize in or exclusively sell it. While you may have heard many stories on the varying uses and effectiveness of CBD oil, it can be difficult to distinguish the truth from the fiction. In fact, there are many things about CBD oil that even experts have yet to fully understand.

    What Is CBD Oil?

    CBD is a natural compound and the second most dominant ingredient in cannabis. While it can be extracted from the same plant as marijuana, it doesn’t include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the ingredient that causes the symptoms associated with getting high. More commonly, however, it is extracted from hemp, which has very low levels of THC and is legal in the United States. As a result, while CBD cannot alter a person’s state of mind, it can help the human body to function more effectively. Pure CBD oil consists of CBD dissolved in oil made from either hemp seeds or coconut.

    Legality of CBD

    As of December 2018, the Agriculture Improvement Act made it legal for CBD to be extracted from hemp nationwide, though it must contain less than 0.3% THC to not be classified as marijuana. CBD extracted from other cannabis plants remains illegal on the federal level, but may be legal under state laws.

    Additionally, each state has varying degrees of legal restrictions regarding CBD, and the federal government still technically considers it in the same drug class as marijuana.

    As of 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relaxed requirements to allow researchers to conduct trials on CBD to better understand its impact on the human body. As a result of these trials, the FDA approved the first drug to contain purified CBD—called Epidiolex—in 2018 as a medication to treat certain types of epilepsy.

    Selling food or drinks containing CBD is still illegal on the federal level due to concerns over the safety and unproven effects of its use in this capacity. Its legal status hasn’t stopped some organizations from including CBD in their edible products or selling it as a dietary supplement.

    Health Benefits

    Research into the effects of CBD is still relatively young, ongoing and limited due to legislation restrictions. However, there are several health benefits that CBD oil can offer and even more for which testing is incomplete but early results are promising.

    Reducing Seizures

    Evidence strongly supports CBD oil’s effectiveness in treating seizures. Specifically, childhood epilepsy syndromes such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut, which don’t usually respond to traditional antiseizure medications, saw a reduction or even complete elimination in the number of seizures in patients treated with CBD in numerous studies.

    Alleviating Cancer-related Symptoms

    One popular argument for the legalization of marijuana has typically been that it helps to alleviate symptoms related to cancer and its treatment. Indeed, in a study of people with cancer-related pain, those treated with CBD and THC experienced significant pain reduction compared to those treated only with THC. Common chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, appear to also be relieved through a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that CBD can prevent the spread of or even outright kill cancer cells, though it remains to be seen if this effect could translate to humans.

    Pain Relief

    For anyone suffering from chronic pain, CBD can reduce inflammation and pain by helping naturally produced endocannabinoids respond to the immune system. Some studies have even found that CBD and THC could be effective in treating multiple sclerosis and arthritis pain.

    Reducing Anxiety and Depression

    While both anxiety and depression are typically treated with pharmaceutical drugs, these drugs can sometimes be addictive, leading to substance abuse. CBD oil, however, is not addictive and has been shown in studies to reduce anxiety and cognitive impairment in situations that would typically increase both. CBD is also in early clinical trials for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

    Other Possible Benefits

    Scientists continue to study CBD and its effectiveness in treating a wide range of other ailments and their symptoms, such as the following:

    • Acne
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Blood pressure
    • Diabetes
    • Drug withdrawal
    • Epilepsy
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Schizophrenia

    Potential Side Effects

    While CBD is considered safe, it is not without its potential side effects. CBD could be especially harmful if taken with other medications.

    The medication Epidiolex includes warnings that liver damage, lethargy, and depression or thoughts of suicide are possible side effects, though these are common of other epilepsy treatments. There is also evidence to suggest that nausea, fatigue, irritability, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight are possible side effects of CBD. However, there is not much currently known about any potential long-term side effects of CBD or its impact on brain development.

    Of particular concern, however, is the fact that all CBD products currently on the market—aside from Epidiolex—are unregulated by the government, as the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements. As a result, CBD products may have different amounts of ingredients than advertised, may have ingredients not advertised at all (e.g., THC) or may not include any CBD at all.

    Because of this, it’s important for you to talk to your doctor before trying any CBD products and become as well-informed on the products as possible.