WHAT IS CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a a compound found in the hemp and cannabis sativa plant. CBD is one of the plant’s more than 100 cannabinoids. CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis that produces a high. The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule. Food, drinks and beauty products are among the many CBD-infused products available.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD?
The therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A safe, non-addictive substance, CBD is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids, which are unique to cannabis and endow the plant with its robust therapeutic profile. Animal studies, and self-reports or research in humans, suggest CBD may also help with:
- Anxiety Studies and clinical trials are exploring the common report that CBD can reduce anxiety.
- Insomnia. Studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Chronic pain. Further human studies are needed to substantiate claims that CBD helps control pain. One animal study from the European Journal of Pain suggests CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis when applied to the skin. Other research identifies how CBD may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain, which are difficult treat.
- Addiction. CBD can help lower cravings for tobacco and heroin under certain conditions, according to some research in humans. Animal models of addiction suggest it may also help lessen cravings for alcohol, cannabis, opiates, and stimulants.
