Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Afsar
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its well-known counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a “high” or euphoric effect. Instead, it has been found to have a variety of potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation, improving sleep, and providing pain relief.
CBD is often sold in the form of oils, capsules, and tinctures, and it can also be found in topical creams and other products. It can be used to treat a range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Some preliminary research also suggests that it may be useful in treating certain types of seizures and certain forms of cancer. It’s important to note that while CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people, more research is needed to understand its potential risks and side effects fully. Additionally, the legal status of CBD can vary depending on where you live, and it’s important to check the laws in your area before using it.
It’s also worth mentioning that CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana, both forms of the cannabis plant. If you are buying a product that is derived from hemp, it should contain less than 0.3% of THC but higher CBD. With marijuana-derived CBD, it could contain more THC than that.
How does CBD affect you?
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors found throughout the body that help regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. When you take CBD, it is thought to interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which can lead to a variety of potential effects. Some of the most well-established effects of CBD include the following:
- Reducing anxiety: CBD has been found to have an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effect in both animal and human studies. It may help to reduce anxiety associated with conditions such as social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Providing pain relief: CBD has been found to be effective in reducing pain associated with conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.
- Improving sleep: CBD has been found to enhance sleep quality in some people, especially those with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
- Reducing inflammation: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which may be beneficial in conditions such as arthritis and irritable bowel disease.
- Anti-seizure properties: Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce seizures caused by certain neurological conditions such as epilepsy.
Not all the studies on CBD have been positive, and not all the effects have the same level of evidence behind them. Research on CBD is still ongoing and the long-term effects of CBD are yet to be fully understood. Additionally, individual reactions to CBD can vary, so it’s always best to talk to a healthcare professional before trying it, especially if you are on other medications or have a medical condition.
What are the benefits of using CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, including marijuana and industrial hemp. CBD is one of many compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Unlike the compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating and won’t get you “high.”
There is increasing interest in using CBD as a treatment for various medical conditions and disorders. Some potential benefits of CBD include:
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Improving symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Alleviating symptoms associated with cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting
- Improving symptoms of certain neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
It’s important to note that while there is some promising research on the potential benefits of CBD, more studies are needed to understand its effects fully and to establish safe and effective dosing guidelines. Additionally, the FDA has not yet approved CBD as a drug or dietary supplement, so it’s important to be cautious when using CBD products.
