it seems like everyone is talking about CBD these days. It can be found in foods, oils, supplements, beauty products, and countless other applications.
Before you go spending money on these hot new products, it is important to understand exactly what does CBD stand for and more about its effects on the body
Facts about CBD
CBD is the abbreviation for the chemical compound cannabidiol. It is one of the active compounds in the cannabis plant, which contains more than a hundred different chemicals. Most of these are inactive and have no effect on the body.
If you’ve heard of CBD, you’re probably also familiar with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the chemical largely responsible for the “high” experienced by many marijuana users. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that CBD alone cannot get you “high.”
Although CBD is found in abundance in the cannabis plant, it can also be derived from another source: hemp. The hemp plant is a close cousin to cannabis and shares many of the same properties.
If CBD has no psychoactive effect, then why are people suddenly so excited about it? The answer lies in the growing body of research that has come to light over the past few years.
What does CDB do?
Studies have shown CBD to be effective in treating a number of medical conditions including:
- Seizure disorders, especially in children
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
CBD research is an exciting field of study. New discoveries are being made every year. Scientists have recently demonstrated that CBD may also help with:
- Acne
- Symptoms of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and MS
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation in the heart and circulatory system
- Prevention of diabetes
- Substance abuse
Given these many potential benefits, you might be tempted to call CBD a miracle drug. Keep in mind that many of the studies that show these positive effects have yet to be replicated or tested on actual people. Trials to test new drugs often take many years.
Many scientists and entrepreneurs have also begun to seek out ways that CBD might also help improve the quality of life of healthy people without underlying conditions.
Is CBD legal?
The short answer is yes, but it’s complicated.
Currently. All 50 states have laws that legalize CBD, though some states are more restrictive than others. At the federal level, CBD is still in the same class of drugs as marijuana, which means it is technically illegal. However, the FDA has eased restrictions on many types of CBD research.
The federal government does not generally enforce the laws criminalizing the use or possession of CBD, but confusion persists. CBD derived from the marijuana plant can still be considered illegal, while CBD derived from hemp is not.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is safe for most people to use, but it has been known to cause nausea, irritability, and fatigue. Like many chemical compounds, it can also react with other medications that you might be taking. If you are concerned, ask your doctor before taking CBD in any form.
Many companies market CBD as a supplement rather than medication. The regulations surrounding supplements are very lax, meaning that the FDA does not regulate their safety and purity. If you buy a supplement, there is really no way to know for sure what you are taking.
The Last Word
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a relatively safe and legal compound that shows promising results in treating a number of common medical conditions. There are currently a wide variety of CBD products on the market that you can try.
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