CBD seems to be everywhere these days, making it more important than ever to be informed about it.
Staying up-to-date on the CBD landscape is no easy task. Even as someone who’s been using CBD for years, I continue to learn as research, policies, and products evolve. This guide brings together all of the key information about CBD including what it is, what it does, and how to use it so you can level up your knowledge and be a confident CBD consumer or spectator — or as I like to say, so you can “grow your know!”
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound and one of over 140 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't cause a "high." CBD exists in all varieties of cannabis, though it’s most abundant in hemp.
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, mood, sleep, and immune response. It is commonly reported to help with issues like pain, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep disorders. Due to its holistic nature, CBD is used in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, creams, and even pet products.
The legality of CBD is multifaceted. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and production of industrial hemp, which is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC. This means hemp-derived CBD can be legally grown and manufactured at the federal level. As a result, hemp and hemp-derived CBD are no longer classified as controlled substances under federal law.
However, the bill did not address products derived from hemp CBD, leaving that responsibility to the FDA. This means businesses marketing, selling, and shipping CBD products must also comply with regulations from other federal agencies, including the FDA and FTC. These agencies have their own rules regarding the labeling, marketing, and health claims of CBD products, which can impact the legality and distribution of these products.
Additionally, the legality of CBD can vary significantly by state. Some states fully embrace CBD, while others impose restrictions or outright bans. State laws regarding CBD are continually evolving, so it's essential to stay updated on the regulations in your specific area. Always check local laws to ensure compliance with current regulations regarding the purchase, possession, and use of CBD products.
It's also worth noting that the 2018 Farm Bill is subject to periodic renewal, with updates potentially affecting the legal landscape of hemp and CBD. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for businesses and consumers alike.
Unlike its sister compound, THC, CBD doesn’t produce drastic psychoactive effects, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t doing anything. Research has identified several potentially therapeutic applications for CBD such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and insomnia, among others.
While individual experiences vary, many people find that CBD contributes to relief from symptoms.
People often incorporate CBD into their routine to reach health goals and support their well-being.
Here are some of the things folks commonly use CBD for:
Furthermore, there’s a ton of research (more every day!) showing evidence that CBD might be an effective part of a care plan to address:
CBD exhibits so much promise that it’s expected that the body of research will continue to grow. As we learn more, we’ll develop a better idea of CBD’s capabilities and effectiveness.
No, CBD will not make you high.
Some users of full-spectrum CBD experience what’s been dubbed the entourage effect, which may result in a mild euphoric feeling. This is thought to be because of a synergy between small amounts of THC and other plant compounds.
Even the most intense entourage effect experience won’t cause the same level of impairment as smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol. As a regular full-spectrum CBD user, I find the entourage effect produces a mild stress and tension-reducing effect.
When CBD is introduced into the body, it engages with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes that help regulate physiological and mental processes. It’s through this relationship with the ECS that CBD may promote homeostasis.
Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite fluctuating external environments. In other words: homeostasis helps you keep your cool in times of stress, and introducing CBD to your ECS might make it easy for your body to achieve homeostasis.
The ECS has two primary receptors:
Unlike THC, CBD does not directly bind to these receptors. This is why you get different results from the two cannabinoids. Instead, research suggests that CBD changes how your body’s natural cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, interact with these receptors.
CBD can also interact with other receptors and enzymes in the body. For instance, it activates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
In these ways, CBD encourages your body to achieve homeostasis rather than aiming to override it or mask symptoms.
CBD is generally considered safe for most people, but it’s not compatible with all health conditions and medications, and there is the possibility of side effects. It’s also not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing or for children.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you are taking other medications.
CBD is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects. Potential side effects of CBD include:
Experts agree that, while more research is needed on the effects of long-term and high-dose CBD use, occurrences of adverse reactions are low and that CBD tends to have fewer side effects compared to many everyday drugs.
As mentioned above lower heart rate is one of the potential CBD side effects. However, the effects of CBD on heart rate are not fully understood due to limited research. Some studies indicate potential impacts on the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and heart rate, but results vary based on factors like dosage, individual health, and administration methods. More extensive human studies are needed to draw conclusions.
If you are considering using CBD and are concerned about its effects on your heart rate or have any cardiovascular conditions, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The FDA plays a crucial role in regulating CBD products in the US. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD, it left the regulation of CBD products to the FDA.
Currently, the FDA has approved only one pharmaceutical-grade CBD drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of certain severe seizure disorders. This approval means CBD is recognized as an active ingredient in a prescription drug, complicating its status as a dietary supplement.
Due to its inclusion in a pharmaceutical drug, CBD cannot be legally marketed as a dietary supplement without FDA evaluation and approval. However, the FDA has been slow to create clear regulatory guidelines for CBD products. Despite widespread public interest and commercial pressure, the FDA has punted the issue back to Congress, leading to uncertainty in the market.
This regulatory limbo has significant implications. Businesses must navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape, ensuring compliance with existing FDA regulations while anticipating future changes. Consumers are left with limited assurances about the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter CBD products, underscoring the need for comprehensive regulatory oversight.
For further details, please refer to the FDA’s official statements and guidelines on CBD products.
CBD has several properties that make it a popular choice for those seeking natural, plant-based solutions to support their health:
Anti-Inflammatory: CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This property is particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory skin disorders.
Analgesic (Pain-Relieving): CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and immune system to reduce pain perception. It's commonly used to manage chronic pain without the side effects associated with traditional pain medications.
Anxiolytic (Anxiety-Reducing): CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. It interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood and anxiety levels.
Neuroprotective: CBD shows promise in protecting neurons from damage or degeneration, potentially benefiting conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Antioxidant: CBD has antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This may contribute to its anti-aging and skin-healing effects.
Antiemetic: CBD can reduce nausea and vomiting, making it beneficial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing nausea as a symptom of other medical treatments.
Anticonvulsant: CBD has anticonvulsant properties, making it effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in certain types of epilepsy.
Sleep-Promoting: CBD may improve sleep quality and duration by interacting with receptors involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and promoting relaxation.
Because the side effects of CBD are mild if they occur at all, some people prefer to use CBD to reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals such as opioid painkillers, which carry a high risk of addiction and dangerous side effects.
These properties collectively contribute to CBD's potential therapeutic effects across a range of health conditions. As CBD research continues to unfold, our understanding of the benefits of CBD and how to wield it for optimal health and wellness will grow.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD mean it may be effective for addressing various types of pain, including arthritis, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and inflammatory pain from conditions such as irritable bowel disease and fibromyalgia.
No, CBD is not FDA-approved for general use. While the FDA has approved Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical-grade CBD drug for treating certain severe seizure disorders, this approval does not extend to CBD products in general. As such, CBD cannot be legally marketed as a dietary supplement or for other uses without FDA evaluation and approval. The FDA has yet to establish clear regulatory guidelines for CBD products, resulting in a complex legal landscape for businesses and consumers.
CBD can stay in your system from a few hours to several days. How long CBD is eliminated depends on several factors including bioavailability, dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual body chemistry.
Consuming CBD products such as gummies, drops, and soft gels isn’t the same as smoking cannabis or any other substance because you’re not inhaling any smoke. However, there are high-CBD strains of cannabis that can be smoked and vaped.
No, unlike THC, CBD does not cause a buzz or high. That said, you might notice that you feel lighter or more carefree after using CBD. These mild effects are thought to be due to the synergistic effects of CBD and the other compounds in the product. This is known as the entourage effect.
CBD might have little to no effect on heart rate, or it could lead to a temporary decrease. Research on CBD's cardiovascular effects is still ongoing, and more studies are needed to fully understand its impact.
CBD typically does not cause significant psychoactive effects or make you feel "funny" in the way that THC can. Some users report feeling calmer after using CBD. There is also the possibility of side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or changes in appetite, especially at higher doses. These effects are generally mild and temporary.
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