CBD
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound (phytocannabinoid) found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes both marijuana and hemp varieties.
Key Facts About CBD
- Non-psychoactive: Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main intoxicating compound in cannabis, CBD does not cause a "high" or impair thinking/judgment. It is generally considered non-addictive and does not produce effects indicative of abuse potential.
- Source: It can be extracted from hemp (cannabis plants with ≤0.3% THC, which is federally legal in many places like the US) or from marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD is widely available in oils, edibles, topicals, vapes, capsules, and more.
Common Uses and Potential Benefits
People use CBD for a variety of reasons, including:
- Anxiety and stress relief — Many report a calming effect.
- Pain and inflammation — Often tried for chronic pain or soreness.
- Sleep support — Some find it helps with insomnia.
- Epilepsy — The FDA has approved a prescription CBD product called Epidiolex specifically for certain rare seizure disorders. This is the only FDA-approved CBD drug.
