The use of CBD oil in Indiana is officially legal after nearly a year of uncertainty, ending speculation among patients who have already been using CBD to treat their pain, and among local physicians who swear by its effectiveness.
Dr. Gary Gettelfinger, who practices out of the IU Health Pain Center on Bloomington’s east side, said he is thrilled with the new law. “I’m excited for my patients,” Gettelfinger said. “The fact of the matter is, (CBD) is working, and nothing good ever came without a fight.”
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD or hemp oil, is a cannabis compound that contains little or no THC, the compound that creates the high commonly associated with marijuana use. Studies show it can alleviate the effects of Parkinson’s disease, reduce inflammation and blood pressure, relax muscles, reduce anxiety and substance abuse behaviors and provide pain relief.
The legal confusion began in November when Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill issued an opinion that CBD oil should be illegal in the state. The opinion states, “Simply put, cannabidiol is a Schedule I controlled substance because marijuana (cannabis sativa) is a Schedule I controlled substance.”
Gettelfinger had already been treating patients with CBD oil because Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb had signed a bill into law last April allowing its medical use. That law allowed the use of CBD oil in the treatment of children with epilepsy if it contained at least 5 percent CBD and less than 0.3 percent THC. CBD was permitted for other uses as long as the solution was less than 5 percent.