CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. Since cannabidiol has been studied as a new drug, it cannot be legally included in foods or dietary supplements. Also, cannabidiol can’t be included in products marketed with therapeutic claims. According to a report from the World Health Organization, in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. So far, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.
In this article:
- Understanding Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Benefits of CBD
Understanding Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. Over 80 chemicals have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. The cannabis plant synthesizes more than 100 cannabinoids that can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and elicit varying clinical effects. In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD), a nonintoxicating compound found in cannabis, has garnered increasing attention and popularity among patients for the treatment of pain, insomnia, and anxiety, though more data are needed from well-controlled trials to confirm any real therapeutic benefits.
Benefits of CBD
CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep. CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis.
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