CBD can be used for just about everything. As research is increasing and so is CBD’s popularity, it is important to learn about all this natural plant can do.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the most well-known ingredients derived from the cannabis plant. Along with CBD, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another popular ingredient that comes from the same plant. While CBD is also found in medical marijuana, it differs from the marijuana plant because, instead, it comes from hemp. Don’t get confused—unlike THC, CBD does not cause an intoxicating effect which is oftentimes associated with the marijuana plant.
In contrast to THC, cannabidiol does not have the same addictive properties. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” The WHO further states that consuming or using CBD topically does not create any health-related problems.
Is CBD a Drug?
Whether or not CBD is a drug is a common question amongst those unfamiliar with it. As research and legalities have prevailed, people have started to realize that CBD is not a drug, nor will it cause users to experience a “high.”
Buying CBD responsibly is imperative when it comes to ensuring your safety when using. Since there are so many CBD options available in stores and online, learning more about CBD is important so you can make sure you are making the right choice when purchasing.
In 2014, the Farm Bill was passed in the United States allowing state governments the legal ability to grow and research CBD. Since CBD is often categorized closely with marijuana, the healing plant has received some backlash due to misinformation. With the Farm Bill, however, CBD containing less than 0.3% of THC are not classified as marijuana and therefore are legal for consumers to consume and use topically.
A few years later, in 2018, the Farm Bill received some updates which included the legalization of production, consumption, and sale of CBD in the United States. However, this should not be confused with THC, as any products that are derived from marijuana are not included in the bill’s revision.
It is also important to note that, yes, CBD is federally legal. However, all states may have different rules regarding purchasing CBD products. Before you go out and purchase your first CBD ingestible or topical it is a good idea to check with your state’s laws to ensure you are not breaking any rules.
Does CBD Get You High?
The short answer is ‘no’. While THC will cause users to experience a “high,” CBD does not create the same experience. Even though both plants have a completely different effect from one another, CBD and THC are often confused.
Unlike THC, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive and offers many healing and natural benefits without feeling intoxicated. Instead, many CBD users will experience a calming and relaxing feeling when using it!
A growing number of CBD studies
As more research and education around the healing benefits of CBD are coming to light, and as scientists and health professionals are beginning to release more information regarding the best ways for consumers to use CBD and what problems it can help with, people are starting to realize CBD’s healing power.
CBD can be used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments without producing any negative side effects and can be used in many different ways. Through both ingestion and applied topically, CBD users can experience the many benefits of the plant without having an adverse reaction.
As mentioned above, CBD has been undergoing extensive research, however, there is still more to be done. According to the Mayo Clinic, the only CBD prescription that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is called Epidiolex, “It’s approved to treat two types of epilepsy.”
In addition to epilepsy, CBD has been known to help with many diseases including Parkinson’s along with diabetes, anxiety, and more.
Before hopping on the CBD bandwagon, it is important to check-in with your doctor or another health professional to see if CBD is right for you.
Interesting related article: “What does cannabidiol mean?“