Floridian here, back after numerous adventures. I have been doing lots of cancer research the past 2 years as a family member has stage 4 breast cancer.

One of the things that has been helpful for the cancer is CBD, so I have been reading all I can about it. Just came across this report of another fellow here in Florida that uses CBD for cluster headaches with good effect, so I thought I would bring it up for discussion here.

(Forum won't let me post a link to an article on the Palm Beach Times that mentions CBD and clusters - Can DJ or a moderator upgrade my status? TIA)

I realize that the search turns up a few mentions of CBD on this board, but I believe that it has mostly been dismissed as it is confused with THC in marijuana. CBD (cannabidiol) is present in low or zero amounts in the typical black market marijuana product because it does not cause a high. CBD is found in 'Charlotte's Web' or 'Hailey's Hope' strains that are used for epilepsy. One of these strains was originally called 'Hippy's Dissapointment' as there was essentially no THC.

CBD works mostly on the serotonin receptors, not the cannabinoid receptors. CBD is often called "non-psychoactive" because it does not cause the high associated with marijuana. But it is mildly relaxing, so it does act on the mind, just not as an intoxicant. There is also some evidence that CBD is useful for anxiety, OCD, and other conditions that respond to changing the serotonin dynamics in the body.

The laws on CBD are conflicting and ambiguous. It currently can be bought on the internet and shipped to all 50 states.  Some vape stores in Florida carry a CBD juice (it is rather weak and expensive). 

How are the laws ambiguous? The Controlled Substances Act says anything from the plant Cannabis sativa is marijuana and is prohibited. A recent Farm Bill authorized the possession, production, and sale of industrial hemp products as long as the product has less than 0.3% THC. We can buy hemp seed in Costco to sprinkle on salads because it is less than 0.3% THC. The CBD products being sold are billed as industrial hemp.  That does not guarantee that someday the Feds will not want to interfere, although I am not aware of anyone who has been arrested because of CBD. State laws also complicate things, as some states might specifically ban CBD. The U.K. has recently taken action to restrict CBD over the counter, while a British company has developed a prescription only CBD product for epilepsy and seizures.

Typical dose?  10 mg seems to have a noticeable effect, and it is common to see than in capsules. There are also transdermal patches with 10 or 15 milligrams, and my relative has had good results with these. It may actually be more effective through the skin, as there is less metabolism by the gut and liver.

How safe? The molecule itself is quite safe. Some studies on humans have involved 600 mg per day with no serious issues observed. Some brands are produced in eastern Europe using questionable extraction methods, this might be a problem for some.  There are several brands made in Colorado (and even one in Texas) that seem to be high quality and trustworthy.