Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a high. It is often extracted from the plant in the form of an oil and mixed with an inert carrier oil such as hemp seed oil for consumption. Potential health benefits of CBD include reducing inflammation and pain, but it is not legal in all states and there may also be some risks. We're still not sure exactly how CBD works.
Unlike THC, CBD does not have a strong connection to the molecules in the brain that THC binds to create psychoactive effects. However, more studies are needed, as many suggest that not only CBD, but a combination of CBD and other cannabinoids, can help reduce many of these symptoms. Of the 60% of US adults who report having used CBD before, 55% of them use CBD oils and tinctures specifically, according to a recent Forbes Health 2000 U. S. survey.
People who support the use of CBD oil say it can treat pain and anxiety; it can help stimulate appetite and may help control some types of seizures. Research is underway investigating the effects of CBD under certain conditions, and much remains to be learned about the possible uses of CBD. In fact, one study suggested that CBD oil could be a complementary therapy for people with high blood pressure who are affected by stress and anxiety. Another study found that CBD is useful in reducing several psychiatric and medical symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and pain in patients with substance use disorders, indicating that CBD may be an effective treatment for opioid addiction. CBD oil comes in different strengths and can interact with your existing medications and supplements, so it's important to keep your doctor informed at all times. That means that taking CBD oil with these drugs could cause them to have a stronger effect than you need or not work at all. If CBD oil were primarily used by adult consumers, who are well-informed and reasonably healthy, the impact of its widespread use would perhaps be quite acceptable and limited.
However, although research into the therapeutic effects of CBD is rapidly increasing, most current uses of CBD are not (yet) supported by clinical data. Almost overnight, CBD oils have become an interesting combination of popular holistic medicine, miracle cure and a natural response to synthetic drugs that dominate modern medicine. It should be noted that even in places where CBD is technically illegal, the products may still be readily available because authorities are weak on law enforcement, or how to deal with the influx of CBD is still being discussed.
