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The cannabis plant - Cannabis is a plant with more than a hundred chemical compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, is the most famous. It’s the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that makes people feel “high.”

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Hemp vs. marijuana - There are two different kinds of cannabis plants. The hemp plant contains almost no THC, so it’s widely legal and used in many different industries. The marijuana plant contains a higher amount of THC and is much more restricted.

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The benefits of marijuana - Marijuana is known to have certain health benefits and has been legalized for medicinal use in many countries. It can be used to treat chronic pain, nausea caused by chemotherapy, and various mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD.

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Cannabidiol -

Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is another compound found in the cannabis plant. However, CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. CBD provides the therapeutic benefits of THC, without getting you stoned!

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The basics -

CBD is a non-addictive, non-intoxicating substance that has been causing a stir in recent years. It’s an incredibly versatile compound that has anti-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing properties. A wide range of CBD products have been developed, for both humans and their pets, to treat everything from depression to epilepsy.

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What do we know? - Although CBD is wildly popular, there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. As a new product, it’s widely unregulated and many companies make claims about CBD that have not been scientifically proven.

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What are the benefits? - The initial research into CBD is extremely positive and it’s clear that the substance has great potential. Studies suggest that CBD can provide relief from various mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, and anxiety disorders.

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Physical benefits - CBD is effective in relieving some physical conditions too. For instance, it is confirmed to be an effective treatment for seizures, when used properly.

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Pain and inflammation - One study on rats showed that CBD oil might be able to treat arthritis pain. A test on human cells showed that CBD cream is an effective anti-inflammatory.

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How do you take it? -

There are many different ways to ingest or use CBD. This makes it a versatile treatment that can be adapted to each user’s specific needs.

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Oils -

Oils are one of the most popular forms of CBD. The oil is infused with CBD and can be consumed by using a dropper placed under the tongue. This area is full of tiny capillaries, which help to absorb the CBD quickly.

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Creams - CBD-infused creams and lotions are used to treat muscle and joint pain. They’re also used for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

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Capsules -

CBD capsules and pills can be used to treat digestive issues, and even seizures. The FDA approved a medication called Epidiolex in 2018. It was the first high-potency CBD-based prescription medication approved in the US. It’s used to treat seizure disorders.

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Edibles -

CBD can also be infused into edible food products like gummies, chocolate, and lollipops. These are usually the most convenient and enjoyable way to consume CBD! It also takes out any guess work with the dosage. The packaging should tell you exactly how much it contains.

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Vaping - There are a wide range of CBD oils that can be vaporized and inhaled using an e-cigarette. This is the fastest way to feel the effects of CBD. However, it’s still unclear whether or not vaping in any form is harmful to the lungs.

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How does it feel? -

While CBD doesn’t get you high like smoking THC-dense marijuana, it’s incorrect to say that it’s not a psychoactive substance. While the effects are much more subtle and less intoxicating, there can be a sense of calm.

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Anti-anxiety - CBD is best known for its anti-anxiety properties. Many people smoke marijuana to chill out, but it’s also known to cause paranoia and anxiety for some. CBD is different in that it doesn’t have the potential to cause these negative side effects.

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Lack of stress -

While the experience must vary from person to person, some say that when taking CBD it’s more about what you don’t feel. Feelings of anxiety, stress, and even pain can melt away.

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Deemed safe by WHO and WADA - In 2017, the World Health Organization concluded that CBD is not harmful, and it was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. This suggests that the effects of CBD are very mild and unlikely to be dangerous.

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Warning -

One important thing to note, however, is that CBD is still widely unregulated and some manufacturers fail to maintain certain quality standards or correctly label their products.

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Be careful -

They may contain toxic residues of pesticides, and the amounts of CBD and THC can be misrepresented. It’s normal for CBD products to contain trace amounts of THC, but tests showed that some products on the market contained levels of THC that exceeded the legal limit.

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Always be discerning -

Fortunately, there are a wide range of high-quality products available for those who do a bit of research before purchasing.

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The CBD market - The CBD industry is booming at the moment because it intersects with three major consumer markets: herbal supplements, anxiety solutions, and legal cannabis.

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CBD beauty industry -

It has been a growing wellness trend for the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. For instance, the beauty industry has been geared towards more natural cosmetics with long-term health benefits for the skin, and CBD is at the forefront thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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CBD skincare -

According to cannabis researchers Prohibition Partners, the CBD skincare market will reach a value of US$959 million by 2024.

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CBD bedding -

The relaxing properties of CBD are being harnessed in all sorts of industries. CBD bedding is expected to be a rising trend. Brands like Therapedic are infusing their duvets and pillows with CBD, which supposedly helps customers to relax and fall asleep.

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Oral hygiene -

Another up-and-coming CBD trend is CBD-infused toothpaste and mouthwash. Studies have shown that CBD could potentially prevent plaque and gingivitis, and is as effective as certain prescription mouthwashes.

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CBD for pets -

CBD products are even being developed for pets. The effects of CBD on animals has been studied even less than on humans, but some testing has shown that dogs with arthritis are less reactive to pain after taking CBD.

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Conclusions -

It seems unlikely that CBD is dangerous, but there is still a great deal to be learned. While its benefits have been proven in some cases, we still don’t fully understand how it works. Luckily, a great deal of research is underway to discover the true potential of this controversial new product.

Sources: (Healthline) (Project CBD) (Healthline) (Well + Good) (Cannabis Health)

See also: Bizarre wellness treatments you're probably afraid to try

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