CBD is the latest buzz word in the wellness industry, and anyone visiting a local health store or pharmacy may see products promoting it. But what is CBD, and why exactly is everyone so interested in it?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is an active ingredient, known as a cannabinoid, found in both cannabis and hemp plants. While it is found in marijuana, it does not cause a high. The cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what causes the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Hemp plants contain very little THC (usually less than 0.3%), which is why it is often the source for CBD products, both to reassure people who are worried about getting high but also to stay within federal regulations.

There are three different categories of CBD products you will find on the market. Full spectrum CBD means a product contains all terpenes, meaning other compounds and ingredients, and cannabinoids found in the plant where it originated from, including THC (if the THC is less than 0.3% of the total contents). Broad spectrum CBD is like full spectrum since it also contains other terpenes and cannabinoids from the original plant, but it will have the THC removed. And CBD isolate means a product has no other terpenes or cannabinoids in it, just pure CBD.

But why would someone want a full spectrum or broad spectrum product over a CBD isolate? CBD benefits from something called “the entourage effect.” This is a term that means the effects of CBD become heightened when combined with other cannabinoids or ingredients. This isn’t to say that isolate products are not effective. It simply means that others may provide slightly better performance.

Benefits of CBD

There are many health benefits associated with CBD, although the research is limited. Several studies have shown an effectiveness for treating seizure-related conditions, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The FDA has even approved drugs that contain CBD in the past to treat similar syndromes.

CBD is often cited as an effective remedy for several other conditions, including pain relief, anxiety, and many more. It has also been noted for its anti-inflammatory properties, which helps explain why many people use CBD to help improve skin health.

There are several conditions that CBD is theorized to help treat, such as psychotic disorders, substance abuse, and others. But due to its murky legal status, the research and studies on these effects are limited.

Is CBD Legal?

Yes, CBD is legal. But how legal is the question. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production, possession, and sale of CBD products in the United States as long as the THC content in them is less that 0.3%.

CBD products however cannot (legally) be added to food or dietary supplements, at least according to the federal government. The FDA has promised to deliver regulations for CBD products but has not done so yet. But using CBD in creams, gels, or other methods is perfectly legal.

Of course, at the state level laws are much different. Many states have legalized marijuana, and therefore CBD is also legal as well. And the federal government also doesn’t seem too interested in enforcing possible CBD law violations either.

So yes, CBD is legal. But the specifics are a little more confusing.

Is CBD Safe?

Yes. As mentioned above, CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects and cannot get users “high.” A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has also stated that it does not cause any known health problems. They said, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

There are some side effects to CBD, such as nausea, fatigue, and irritability. And some have noted that it can raise the levels of certain medications in a person’s blood in the same way that grapefruit juice does. The FDA also does not currently regulate most CBD products as they are considered “supplements,” so consumers should ensure they purchase only from reputable sources.

Conclusion

CBD is a cannabinoid derived from marijuana and hemp plants with various health benefits. While legal, there are some gray areas that determine which products can or cannot be sold. But ultimately CBD is safe and could help consumers with several different types of conditions.