CBD is touted as a wonder drug by some, being hailed as a solution for chronic pain, anxiety, lack of slee, and other health conditions. Meanwhile, others view it as a useless or even product. As it so often happens, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
There is a growing body of research around the potential CBD benefits, but there is also a lot of misinformation out there, so before you buy, perform accurate research on it and make sure you’re getting products with good reviews.
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CBD Defined
Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is a supplement derived from the cannabis plant. Like its cousins, THC and marijuana, it has a variety of health and wellness benefits that make it popular among millions of consumers. However, unlike said cousins, it has no psychoactive properties. In other words, you can’t get high from CBD.
CBD is sold in a variety of forms, including oils, incense, bath bombs, vapor rubs, vape juice, candles, and even CBD gummies. CBD dispensaries are located all over the United States but are most commonly found in states where marijuana is legal for medicinal and recreational use. If you’re over the age of 21 (or 18, depending on the country), you can purchase it from one of these dispensaries or from an online retailer.
Comparing CBD Products
Not all CBD dispensaries are equal, so how do you know if you’re getting the best CBD oil? There are thousands of online and in-person places to purchase your CBD products, and you don’t want to waste your money on a bad product.
You see, some CBD products are purer than others. They have fewer impurities that diminish the effectiveness of the product. Some manufacturers use high-quality materials and products, whereas others try to cut some corners. Additionally, some CBD producers are dishonest about THC content in CBD, and you may end up purchasing something you don’t want.
The problem is, CBD is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — while it is partly regulated in several other countries. It’s considered a supplement, and they typically don’t take part in supplemental regulation. However, you can look for products that were manufactured in a respected facility with publications showing its purity.
You might also look at where the hemp was grown and what might be in it. Organically grown hemp, for example, tends to produce purer CBD oil because there are no pesticides or toxins used during the farming process.
Reading reviews about the CBD retailer is always a good idea, as it is with all products. Most dispensaries, online or in-person, will have Google or Yelp reviews that will help you weed out the bad products. Doing your research is helpful in finding the right products for you.
Dozens of Health and Wellness Benefits
You might be wondering why CBD has virtually exploded in the last few years. There are many factors owing to this natural hub around the supplement, but the most profound is the many health and wellness benefits surrounding it. People have found that it works, and as such, they can’t stop talking about it.
One of the most common uses of CBD is the treatment of anxiety. Millions of anxiety patients have discovered the calming effect of CBD on their racing minds and tense nerves. It helps them fall asleep and stay asleep without the paralyzing anxiety. It can also diminish anxiety in social situations.
Many others use CBD for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that CBD minimizes inflammation while numbing the feeling of pain, much like an NSAID such as ibuprofen. Those suffering from chronic pain, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, may benefit from the use of CBD.
There has also been significant evidence to show that CBD helps with severe illnesses. For example, it’s been proven in more than three-quarters of epilepsy cases to reduce the quantity, frequency, and severity of seizures. There’s also promising evidence that CBD can help Parkinson’s patients, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease — although most studies have been carried out on animal models and still need to be replicated in humans.
Addiction treatment centers have often used CBD in the treatment of addictions as well. Those going through drug and smoking withdrawals are often given CBD because it’s non-addictive and has calming properties that aid the detox process.
There’s even research to indicate that CBD rubbed into the skin can promote skin health. It’s shown promise in reducing sebum production, which leads to acne. Those suffering from adult acne would be very pleased after using CBD creams on their faces.
Research on all the benefits of CBD is still in its infancy, but it won’t be long until immutable research is brought forward to show the many benefits of CBD.
CBD Is Safe and Effective
You may have reservations about using CBD because you’ve come across myths or false advertising about the product. There are many misconceptions that link CBD with THC, and as such, it’s gotten quite a bad name.
However, those who have extensively studied the use of CBD can’t find any reason to believe that it’s unsafe or ineffective — if the product is produced properly. On the contrary, both anecdotal and clinical research suggest that CBD is one of the safest and most useful cannabis products in treating certain conditions.
If you’re still unsure, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide more guidance on how to use CBD properly and how it can benefit you in your case.
Be aware that there are still negative stigmas surrounding CBD, so some healthcare providers might not be open-minded to the use of CBD. It can also pay off to get a second opinion, particularly if your doctor is unfamiliar with CBD.
