What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. Over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the major active ingredient in marijuana, cannabidiol is also obtained from hemp, which contains very small amounts of THC and therefore does not create a “buzz” or “high”. The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to sell hemp and hemp-based products in the United States. CBD can only be legally included in a product if it contains less than 0.3% THC.
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CBD is most commonly used to ease the symptoms of seizure disorder (epilepsy). It is also used for anxiety, joint pain, dystopia (a muscle disorder), Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and many other conditions. Unfortunately, there is no good scientific data or evidence to support these uses. While cannabidiol affects the brain, however, the exact cause for this affect is not clear. CBD seems to prevent the breakdown of a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood and mental function.
Benefits of Cannabidiol or CBD
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While these benefits have not been scientifically proven, research continues to discover new benefits for CBD. People use CBD for the following benefits:
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• Relief of chronic pain, arthritis pain and and chronic nerve pain.
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• Reduces inflammation.
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• Reduces muscle spasms and other symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
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• Eases chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting for cancer
patients.
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• May slow cancer cell growth.
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• Relieves anxiety and depression.
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• Relieves insomnia and improves sleep.
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• Helps treat acne and psoriasis.
• Can aid nicotine and heroin addiction recovery by reducing
withdrawal symptoms.
