Here’s Why CBD Is All The Rage

Introduction

You may be thinking that you’ve heard a lot about this CBD stuff lately. That’s probably because you have!

CBD, or its full name, Cannabidiol, has set the world ablaze over the last few years, popping up everywhere from television ads, corner stores, marijuana dispensaries to pet stores. It’s even invaded our food and cocktails as creative chefs look for ways to incorporate it into our diets.

But like many people, you might also be thinking, just what is this trendy new three-letter word that everyone seems to be talking about, and why am I just hearing about it now?

If so, you are not alone. While CBD has seemingly infiltrated our culture, there’s still much confusion about what it is and why it’s all of a sudden so widespread.

Let’s have a closer look…

What is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound (called a cannabinoid) that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant.

There are over one hundred cannabinoids in a marijuana plant, but few have been studied to the extent of CBD and THC.

You may have heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the oft-referenced chemical that is responsible for creating the “high” sensation that marijuana users know and love.

CBD does not contain the same psychoactive ingredients as THC; therefore, it does not produce a noticeable “stoned” or “buzzed” feeling.

Some people report feelings of deep relaxation with CBD, while others feel nothing at all. While not known for its party-vibe qualities like THC, CBD is thought to contain a host of other medicinal benefits that has both scientists and consumers excited.

CBD is consumed the same way as THC, including inhalation, oils, or edibles like Sunday Scaries CBD Gummies.

How is CBD Different from Marijuana?

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant – both marijuana and hemp variants of cannabis. However, any given cannabis plant can contain THC and CBD, just THC, or just CBD, depending on the strain.

With the booming marijuana industry, growers and producers offer a bevy of products designed to suit individual consumer’s needs.

Many people enjoy the benefits of CBD but have no desire to feel high, so they can procure their products in a bespoke fashion.

For example, hemp based CBD products are most popular with consumers who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, but without the high.

Why is CBD Suddenly so Popular?

CBD is flourishing right now, thanks to the widespread legalization of the plant. In 2018, the United States passed the Farmer’s Bill to legalize CBD derived from the hemp plant, making it legal to consume across the nation.

The widespread availability and the subsequent hype of health benefits have consumers intrigued and eager to learn more about this chemical compound that has been touted as a new wonder drug.

How Does CBD Work?

Our bodies have something called the endocannabinoid system, which contains neurotransmitters that attach to receptors in our nervous system and help synchronize an array of important functions like sleep, stress, appetite, and anxiety.

Though there is much to be learned about how CBD works with the body, scientists believe that the compound interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system and influences them in a way that produces the health benefits associated with CBD.

How is CBD Used?

CBD is most often inhaled by smoking or vaporizing. It can also be administered through ingestion in the way of chocolate, candy, and baked goods (edibles), topicals such as lotions and creams, and oils that can be applied under the tongue or mixed into a drink.

There is currently no consensus on dosage, so it is best to speak with a practitioner to determine where to start and adjust from there. The Food and Drug Administration does not currently regulate CBD.

What are the Health Benefits of CBD?

The main reason CBD has exploded onto the scene is due to its potential and perceived health benefits. Although research and studies are still in early development, the outlook is promising.

There are claims of benefits for a variety of ailments, both physical and mental, including:

• • Epilepsy
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Skin issues
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Acne

Medical studies are still in their infancy, but some of the findings have been encouraging.

A 2015 review suggests that CBD had a positive effect on people with certain anxiety disorders.

Another study in 2020 explored adding CBD to chemotherapy treatment as a way to boost the immune system during cancer treatment.

A 2018 study on mice reported benefits controlling inflammation for pain relief.

Are There Any Health Risks with CBD?

Although the consensus is that CBD is generally safe, most CBD products are not FDA approved and therefore have not been through enough testing.

There are some reports that CBD may not interact well with certain medications and supplements, so it’s important to consult with a doctor before consuming the compound.

Some reported side effects include:

• • Drowsiness
  • Mood changes and irritability
  • Adverse reactions with alcohol or drugs
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea

Conclusion

As research and studies continue to ramp up, we will continue to learn more about this mysterious yet promising chemical compound. As of now, there simply isn’t enough data to hail CBD as a panacea to all of our ailments.

However, there is substantial backing in the medical field and an army of staunch proponents that currently swear by its healing properties. For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation as we are just scratching the surface on what CBD offers concerning health benefits.

There is no doubt that CBD is trending in an upwards trajectory as people look for more natural alternatives to alleviate unpleasant medical symptoms.

For now, if you are interested in experimenting with CBD, it’s best to speak with a medical professional to come up with a plan that is best for your situation.

About Theresa Duncan

Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.