Sir,
The article by Sophie Christie (Telegraph Business 22 June ) could be read as a paean for Cannabis based medications and CBD particularly.
While we have long suspected and said, that CBD in particular may well have clinical uses, that is with caution.
Evidence for the epigenetic and teratogenic effects of cannabis can easily be found via Google Scholar.
The NHS Wales lists the risk for Gastroschisis (babies with large intestines outside their bodies). Cannabis and Cocaine are both suspect.
There has been a gastroschisis outbreak in South Wales.
CBD is not off the hook, therefore self-medication and mass marketing of it and products containing it, may not be a good idea.
As long ago as 1973 Professor Gabriel Nahas MD, PhD, DSc of Columbia University gave evidence to a Senate Committee that, in vitro at least, molecules of the cannabinoids CBD and CBN, were, like THC, potent inhibitors of DNA production.
There seems to be a danger of CBD being oversold in the rush to market.
The last Teratogen that was marketed extensively was Thalidomide, we all know how that turned out.
The pharmaceutical regulation system, in a 1st world nation like the UK, is onerous for very good reason.
We should trust that system , not seek to by-pass it
David Raynes
National Drug Prevention Alliance
Slough.
Source: Email from David to dtletters@telegraph.co.uk June 2018