What’s the 411 on CBD?

If you don’t have the time to keep up with each and every trend, but have been curious about all the CBD-infused products lining the shelves, then let this article be your one-stop guide to everything a person should know about CBD.

1. What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of several chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. It is important to distinguish CBD from another, more infamous cannabinoid: THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol.

THC is a psychoactive compound responsible for euphoric, mind-altering experiences. CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it cannot get you high, but it can still provide a similar sensation and experience, now with safe benefits.

2. Benefits

Both human and animal studies have shown that CBD is a promising treatment for alleviating anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia, and even symptoms of schizophrenia. Because CBD has a positive effect on the brain’s receptors for serotonin (a “happy hormone), the cannabinoid behaves like a natural, non-addictive antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.

CBD has proven successful at treating convulsive seizures and rare forms of epilepsy in children, so much so that in 2018, the FDA approved the first cannabis-derived drug: Epidiolex.

Another drug called Sativex is an oral spray combination of CBD and THC, and it has been found by conductors of human studies to be effective in relieving pain related to multiple sclerosis. The botanical drug is approved in multiple countries, but not yet in the United States.

A study published in the European Journal of Pain noted reduced inflammation and signs of pain in rats with arthritis after applying a topical gel containing CBD, further supporting theories that CBD can be used to treat chronic pain.

Speaking of inflammation, because CBD has anti-inflammatory qualities and the ability to control the production of sebum, CDB oil can help remedy your acne.

3. Possible Side Effects

These studies may have optimistic results, but researchers still warn those interested in CBD against potential side effects, including, but not limited to:

• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Possible interactions with other medications

As you always should before making changes to your healthcare regimen, please discuss the use of CBD with your physician first.

4. Legality

Whether or not CBD is legal depends on both the plant it was extracted from and the state that you live in. Hemp was federally legalized nationwide by the Farm Act in 2018, so if your CBD comes from this plant, you are in the clear. But CBD that is extracted from marijuana plants is still illegal under federal law, although may be legal at the state level.

5. Where to Begin

Given the amount of CBD products available, it can be intimidating to decide where to start if you’re still interested in giving CBD a try (We cannot emphasize enough that you discuss the use of CBD with your physician first).

Vertly offers a CBD-infused relief lotion as part of its hemp skincare collection and guarantees that its ingredients of Arnica flower, peppermint hydrosol, aloe vera, essential oils, and “150 MG full spectrum hemp cannabinoid extract,” will support muscle and joint flexibility while also invigorating your skin.

For those who don’t want the munchies but still want the goodies, Pure Science Lab makes tasty treats for good vibes, including CBD-infused gummy worms, dark chocolate peanut butter bites, and pomegranate tea.

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Trends come and go, but it looks like CBD and all of its scientifically-backed benefits might be here to stay.