CBD 101 – class is in session! CBD seemingly became a household name overnight, but the popular cannabinoid found in marijuana certainly won’t be having just fifteen minutes of fame.
Photo by Alesia Kozik from Pexels
It’s a billion dollar industry that’s expected to grow considerably over the next few years. Pretty hard to believe when you think of how often you hear, see and read about it. From skincare lines to treats for our furry, four-legged friends… CBD is featured everywhere and in everything!
Since it isn’t going away anytime soon, you should at least know the basics of CBD – even if you’re not considering to use any products yourself. Many brands seem to promise and boldly claim those three letters will be a perfect fix for all of your problems.
While CBD can support your lifestyle and help improve well-being, you should know what sorts of claims are reasonable apart from those that are simply outrageous!
Get educated so you have a formed opinion if and when the time comes where it’s presented to you or a loved one. You will want to know what it is and how it can help so you won’t have to make a blind decision. Let’s get to know CBD!
What is CBD? Does it get you high?
Starting with the basics, what is CBD – what does it even stand for? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring chemical compound and the second most prevalent active ingredient of the cannabis plant. It is one of the hundreds of components found in marijuana, another being the popular tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
While THC is a psychoactive ingredient that produces a “high,” CBD is distinct in that it doesn’t have any mind-altering effects. In short, taking CBD is not going to make you feel stoned or much different on any ordinary day. With consistent use, however, research suggests CBD can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.
Why take CBD?
From pain relief to reducing acne and calming anxiety to getting better sleep, you’ve likely heard some of the many claims that CBD can have a positive impact on our health. See a list of potential benefits below may:
- Alleviate pain
- Reduce anxiety & depression
- Regulate appetite
- Produce an anti-inflammatory response
- Relieve nausea
- Promote deeper sleep
- Reduce acne
- Lower risk of diabetes
- Strengthen bones
The list of uses and benefits can go on and on! Yet, you should know that a ton of research still needs to be done before anyone can say CBD is a proven solution for anxiety, insomnia, cancer.. you get the picture.
At this time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved of just one product on the market, a prescription oil called Epidolex that is used to treat two types of epilepsy. While businesses can feature CBD in their products and highlight the ingredient as a benefit, they can’t make the same claims that an FDA approved product can.
Is CBD legal?
Don’t exit this page yet friends, this part is important! CBD’s legal status in America is just a bit complex. While federal law still considers cannabis as a controlled substance, the prohibition on hemp plants was lifted in 2018.
What did that mean for those on the market? Hemp-derived CBD became federally legal so long as products did not contain more than 0.3% of THC content. Additionally, it can be outlawed at a later time on the state level. Long story short – always check your state’s laws as well as any travel destination ahead of time.
It’s not all bad news though. We’ve come a long way in the last few years, and the future looks just as promising. Aside from CBD’s legal status, we’re seeing progress in the medical realm as well. The U.S. government pledged $3 billion toward research on CBD just last year, and consumers are equally as thrilled as businesses to hear it (Associated Press).
The Bottom Line
There’s a ton to research when it comes to CBD, so take it piece by piece. This CBD 101 introduction is a great way to get familiar with the basics. Consider asking yourself what topic is your priority at the moment. Thinking it might help grandma? Start looking into research around CBD’s possible physical benefits. Want to take CBD to help manage stress at work, but you get drug tested annually? Then you’ll want to begin by looking into the legal side of things in your own backyard.
What we can say with certainty is that CBD is here to stay! Remember you can always trust Moya CBD to provide you with accurate, honest information.
