CBD is extremely popular. There are claims it treats a variety of medical ailments, ranging from pain to insomnia. People appreciate that it is not intoxicating and offers health benefits. The following are a few things you should know about CBD.

What is CBD?

Cannabis contains hundreds of chemicals. The chemical that is talked about most often is THC. However, CBD is a chemical in cannabis that is becoming more popular.

 

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. This compound is in marijuana and hemp. During the process, the CBD is extracted from the plant. Next, it is diluted with natural oils. You can extract CBD from hemp and marijuana. However, it is more common to extract it from hemp.

 

CBD and THC share some therapeutic qualities in common. However, the two compounds are substantially different. THC is a psychoactive compound. This means that it will get you high. CBD will not produce a high.

 

CBD is being sold in a variety of products. CBD tincture oil, gummies, skincare products, chocolates, and even treats for your pets are available. There is some murkiness around the legality of some of these products being sold in some states.

How Do You Use CBD?

Many people claim that CBD can alleviate several health concerns, including:

 

  •     Anxiety
  •     Depression
  •     IBS (inflammatory bowel disease)
  •     Mental disorders
  •     Migraines
  •     Nausea
  •     Pain and inflammation
  •     Psychosis
  •     Seizures

 

The medical community does not have strong scientific evidence for the effectiveness of CBD in treating some of the above-mentioned conditions. However, there is solid evidence it is effective in helping children with epilepsy. It has been shown to minimize the number of seizures they experience. Sometimes, it stops seizures altogether.

What Does CBD Do to the Body?

CBD works with your brain receptors, encouraging the body to make use of more of its own naturally produced cannabinoids. CBD is informing the body on how it should interact with and perceive inflammation, anxiety, and pain. This leads to a better general balance in a person’s health.

 

People are understandably concerned about how CBD makes them feel. CBD users have commented that there are no noticeable psychoactive effects. If you use CBD, you don’t get high. However, you may feel a calming effect, an increase in energy, and a reduction in anxiety.

 

This does not mean that everything is fine and good with CBD. As with any supplement, there are some potentially negative side effects. These potential negative side effects may include:

 

  •     Nausea
  •     Fatigue
  •     Irritability
  •     Anxiety
  •     Changes in appetite
  •     Dizziness
  •     Diarrhea
  •     Dry mouth
  •     Mood changes

How Long Does CBD Remain in Your System?

According to one study, CBD reaches its half-life, which is the point where it is half as potent, at around two to five days. Others believe CBD stays in the system for between three to four days. There is still more research that needs to be done on the subject.

 

The jury is still out on whether CBD is addictive. What is clear is that CBD is not as addictive as drugs like cocaine or heroin. However, for individuals battling with substance abuse or for individuals who have an unhealthy relationship with substances, CBD could become something that they use to treat anxiety and as a coping mechanism to handle life’s problems.

Does CBD Help with Pain?

There are two types of pain conditions. There are musculoskeletal pain and nerve pain. Research suggests that CBD could be beneficial in addressing both types of pain.

 

However, there is also research that suggests that CBD works best if it is combined with THC. This depends on the type of pain a person has. This can make getting access to CBD a bit more challenging. In many places, you can purchase CBD over-the-counter. However, if it has THC added to it, then a person needs a prescription for it.

 

Getting the proper dosage is also a challenge. What works to eliminate one person’s pain may not be as effective in eliminating another person’s pain.

The Takeaway

CBD is a powerful supplement that is available in a variety of forms. It is being used to help with both physical and psychological health issues.