Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Endocannabinoid System and CBDCBD for Nasal PolypsHow to Use CBDSide EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD
CBD for Nasal Polyps
How to Use CBD
Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Nasal polypsare small benign (noncancerous) growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses. Many traditional treatments for nasal polyps exist. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties,CBDis being explored as a complementary therapy.
Experts have recognized the potential of CBD for nasal polyps relief, but more research is needed.
This article will discuss the basics of nasal polyps, how CBD might help, and any known side effects.
Casarsaguru / Getty Images
Your body has anendocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates and controls bodily functions such as:
The ECS is constantly working to keep your body in a state of equilibrium. It’s able to do this via two types of cannabinoid receptors expressed in select locations in the brain and body:
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can also affect these receptors.
Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that come from the cannabis plant (also known asmarijuana).
The two main types of cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?THC has a psychoactive effect and is derived from the marijuana plant. CBD doesn’t have a psychoactive effect and can be derived from the marijuana plant or the hemp plant.
What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?
THC has a psychoactive effect and is derived from the marijuana plant. CBD doesn’t have a psychoactive effect and can be derived from the marijuana plant or the hemp plant.
CBD is of interest to the research and medical communities because of its potential for health benefits and treatments without the “high” of THC.
Natural Nasal Polyps Treatments
In theory, CBD may help reduce inflammationand act as an antibacterial.This could give it potential as a treatment for nasal polyps. However, more research is needed, especially for use with nasal polyps.
What Are Nasal Polyps?
Nasal polypsare soft, sac-like, noncancerous growths that can grow anywhere on the lining of the nose or the sinuses.
They can cause symptoms such as:
How Can CBD Help With Nasal Polyps?
Currently, there isn’t enough evidence to confirm that CBD can be used as an effectivetreatment for nasal polyps. Some studies have shown that CBD oil may help with inflammation.It targets the CB2 receptors that regulate inflammation.However, further research must be done on using CBD specifically for nasal polyps to determine if it is an effective treatment.
Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also called Samter’s Triad, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the sinuses and lungs. People with AERD have a sensitivity to aspirin and othernonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Approximately 40% of people who have both nasal polyps and asthma will develop AERD.A small pilot study that removed nasal polyps from people with AERD indicated that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in AERD. This suggests that cannabinoids might be a useful treatment. While this study was very limited and much more research is required, the results are encouraging.
How to Use CBD for Nasal Polyps
The three main types of CBD are:
CBD can be taken:
A CBD nasal spray may be beneficial for nasal polyps as it may improve bioavailability (the extent of the drug that enters the bloodstream).
There are currently no regulated CBD nasal sprays available, but as with other CBD products, unregulated ones exist.
The “Entourage Effect"The entourage effect is the idea that full-spectrum cannabinoids may be more therapeutic because the cannabis plant contains active ingredients as well as “synergists” that boost effectiveness above that of the isolated compound. It has been likened to an orchestra supporting and enhancing the melody of a soloist. This effect is largely anecdotal, but there are some studies that show evidence to support it.
The “Entourage Effect”
The entourage effect is the idea that full-spectrum cannabinoids may be more therapeutic because the cannabis plant contains active ingredients as well as “synergists” that boost effectiveness above that of the isolated compound. It has been likened to an orchestra supporting and enhancing the melody of a soloist. This effect is largely anecdotal, but there are some studies that show evidence to support it.
Dosage
There isn’t a suggested dosage for CBD in the treatment of nasal polyps as it hasn’t been deemed an appropriate treatment yet.
With the exception of the use of CBD forepilepsy, there aren’t standardized doses for other conditions in the United States. A study in 2020 explored potential dosages for varying conditions, but the study had a number of limitations. Further research is needed.
How to Buy CBD
These days, depending on where you live, it’s typically easy to find CBD for sale online or in local stores. Some tips for buying CBD include:
Are There Any FDA-Approved CBD Medications?In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy:Lennox-Gastaut syndromeand Dravet syndrome.Epidiolex is an oral solution with CBD as its active ingredient. It’s the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana.
Are There Any FDA-Approved CBD Medications?
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy:Lennox-Gastaut syndromeand Dravet syndrome.Epidiolex is an oral solution with CBD as its active ingredient. It’s the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana.
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy:Lennox-Gastaut syndromeand Dravet syndrome.
Epidiolex is an oral solution with CBD as its active ingredient. It’s the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana.
How to Tell If You Have Nasal Polyps
Are There Any Side Effects?
While CBD is generally considered safe, there are some possible side effects and safety concerns.
Possible side effects of CBD include:
Safety concerns include:
CBD and Supplement SafetyCBD is marketed as a supplement in the United States, and the FDA doesn’t regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements.The active ingredients can vary from the dose listed on the label, from bottle to bottle, or even from dose to dose. It may also contain other (unknown) elements.A 2017 study showed that among CBD products purchased online, the range of CBD concentrations varied widely, consistent with the lack of an accepted dose. Of the products tested, about 26% contained less CBD than labeled, which could make them less effective or ineffective. Some contained almost no CBD at all.
CBD and Supplement Safety
CBD is marketed as a supplement in the United States, and the FDA doesn’t regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements.The active ingredients can vary from the dose listed on the label, from bottle to bottle, or even from dose to dose. It may also contain other (unknown) elements.A 2017 study showed that among CBD products purchased online, the range of CBD concentrations varied widely, consistent with the lack of an accepted dose. Of the products tested, about 26% contained less CBD than labeled, which could make them less effective or ineffective. Some contained almost no CBD at all.
CBD is marketed as a supplement in the United States, and the FDA doesn’t regulate the safety and purity of dietary supplements.
The active ingredients can vary from the dose listed on the label, from bottle to bottle, or even from dose to dose. It may also contain other (unknown) elements.
A 2017 study showed that among CBD products purchased online, the range of CBD concentrations varied widely, consistent with the lack of an accepted dose. Of the products tested, about 26% contained less CBD than labeled, which could make them less effective or ineffective. Some contained almost no CBD at all.
Why Can Nasal Polyps Make You Dizzy?
Summary
Nasal polyps are small benign (noncancerous) growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses. Many traditional treatments for nasal polyps exist. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, CBD is being explored as a complementary therapy. However, research specifically for use for nasal polyps is lacking.
CBD comes in various forms: topical, oral, edible, and inhaled. However, smoking CBD isn’t recommended. CBD can be bought online or at local stores.
While CBD is generally considered safe, there are some possible side effects and safety concerns. Talk with your healthcare provider to get a better sense of whether CBD is a safe treatment option for you.
Nasal Polyps in Children
A Word From Verywell
While research is very limited on the use of CBD in the treatment of nasal polyps, preliminary studies show promise, particularly when it comes to inflammation and antibiotic use.
If you have nasal polyps and aren’t already on a standardized treatment plan, consult with your healthcare provider to see what treatments would benefit you. If you would like to try CBD as a complementary treatment for nasal polyps, also check with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no research that shows nasal polyps can be removed with CBD. If you have or suspect you have nasal polyps, see your healthcare provider for a proper exam and to determine treatment.Nasal polyps have similar symptoms to a head cold, but the symptoms either don’t go away or they go away and return quickly. If you feel like you have a head cold that has gone on too long, see your healthcare provider for an exam.There are currently no regulated CBD nasal sprays available. As with other CBD products, though, unregulated ones exist. Research is lacking as to whether they are useful for nasal polyps.
There is no research that shows nasal polyps can be removed with CBD. If you have or suspect you have nasal polyps, see your healthcare provider for a proper exam and to determine treatment.
Nasal polyps have similar symptoms to a head cold, but the symptoms either don’t go away or they go away and return quickly. If you feel like you have a head cold that has gone on too long, see your healthcare provider for an exam.
There are currently no regulated CBD nasal sprays available. As with other CBD products, though, unregulated ones exist. Research is lacking as to whether they are useful for nasal polyps.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Medical School.Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t.Harvard Medical School.The endocannabinoid system: essential and mysterious.Bie B, Wu J, Foss JF, Naguib M.An overview of the cannabinoid type 2 receptor system and its therapeutic potential.Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2018;31(4):407-414. doi:10.1097/ACO.0000000000000616Ferranti AS, Foster DJ.Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits.Front Neurosci. 2022;16:925792. doi:10.3389/fnins.2022.925792Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel).2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021Blaskovich, M.A.T., Kavanagh, A.M., Elliott, A.G.et al.The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol.Commun Biol4, 7 (2021). doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01530-yMedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N.The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation.Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016;73(23):4449-4470. doi:10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4Penn Medicine.Aspirin- exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).Corrado A, Battle M, Wise SK, et al.Endocannabinoid receptor CB2R is significantly expressed in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: a pilot study.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(10):1184-1189. doi:10.1002/alr.22163National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE.Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD).Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(9):219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219Weston-Green K.The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition.IntechOpen; 2018. doi:10.5772/intechopen.79266Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4090U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy.Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res.2017;2(1):139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi: 10.1159/000507998Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909Wassmann CS, Højrup P, Klitgaard JK.Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10:4112. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-60952-0
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard Medical School.Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t.Harvard Medical School.The endocannabinoid system: essential and mysterious.Bie B, Wu J, Foss JF, Naguib M.An overview of the cannabinoid type 2 receptor system and its therapeutic potential.Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2018;31(4):407-414. doi:10.1097/ACO.0000000000000616Ferranti AS, Foster DJ.Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits.Front Neurosci. 2022;16:925792. doi:10.3389/fnins.2022.925792Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel).2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021Blaskovich, M.A.T., Kavanagh, A.M., Elliott, A.G.et al.The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol.Commun Biol4, 7 (2021). doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01530-yMedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N.The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation.Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016;73(23):4449-4470. doi:10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4Penn Medicine.Aspirin- exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).Corrado A, Battle M, Wise SK, et al.Endocannabinoid receptor CB2R is significantly expressed in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: a pilot study.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(10):1184-1189. doi:10.1002/alr.22163National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE.Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD).Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(9):219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219Weston-Green K.The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition.IntechOpen; 2018. doi:10.5772/intechopen.79266Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4090U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy.Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res.2017;2(1):139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi: 10.1159/000507998Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909Wassmann CS, Højrup P, Klitgaard JK.Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10:4112. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-60952-0
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Medical School.Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t.Harvard Medical School.The endocannabinoid system: essential and mysterious.Bie B, Wu J, Foss JF, Naguib M.An overview of the cannabinoid type 2 receptor system and its therapeutic potential.Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2018;31(4):407-414. doi:10.1097/ACO.0000000000000616Ferranti AS, Foster DJ.Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits.Front Neurosci. 2022;16:925792. doi:10.3389/fnins.2022.925792Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel).2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021Blaskovich, M.A.T., Kavanagh, A.M., Elliott, A.G.et al.The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol.Commun Biol4, 7 (2021). doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01530-yMedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N.The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation.Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016;73(23):4449-4470. doi:10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4Penn Medicine.Aspirin- exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).Corrado A, Battle M, Wise SK, et al.Endocannabinoid receptor CB2R is significantly expressed in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: a pilot study.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(10):1184-1189. doi:10.1002/alr.22163National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE.Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD).Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(9):219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219Weston-Green K.The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition.IntechOpen; 2018. doi:10.5772/intechopen.79266Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4090U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy.Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res.2017;2(1):139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi: 10.1159/000507998Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909Wassmann CS, Højrup P, Klitgaard JK.Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10:4112. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-60952-0
Harvard Medical School.Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t.
Harvard Medical School.The endocannabinoid system: essential and mysterious.
Bie B, Wu J, Foss JF, Naguib M.An overview of the cannabinoid type 2 receptor system and its therapeutic potential.Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2018;31(4):407-414. doi:10.1097/ACO.0000000000000616
Ferranti AS, Foster DJ.Cannabinoid type-2 receptors: An emerging target for regulating schizophrenia-relevant brain circuits.Front Neurosci. 2022;16:925792. doi:10.3389/fnins.2022.925792
Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel).2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021
Blaskovich, M.A.T., Kavanagh, A.M., Elliott, A.G.et al.The antimicrobial potential of cannabidiol.Commun Biol4, 7 (2021). doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01530-y
MedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.
Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N.The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation.Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016;73(23):4449-4470. doi:10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4
Penn Medicine.Aspirin- exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).
Corrado A, Battle M, Wise SK, et al.Endocannabinoid receptor CB2R is significantly expressed in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: a pilot study.Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018;8(10):1184-1189. doi:10.1002/alr.22163
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.
Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE.Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD).Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(9):219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219
Weston-Green K.The United Chemicals of Cannabis: Beneficial Effects of Cannabis Phytochemicals on the Brain and Cognition.IntechOpen; 2018. doi:10.5772/intechopen.79266
Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi: 10.14740/jocmr4090
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy.
Iffland K, Grotenhermen F.An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.Cannabis Cannabinoid Res.2017;2(1):139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034
Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi: 10.1159/000507998
Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, et al.Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.JAMA. 2017;318(17):1708–1709. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11909
Wassmann CS, Højrup P, Klitgaard JK.Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria.Sci Rep. 2020;10:4112. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-60952-0
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