Have you heard of CBD oil? This hemp extract has gained a lot of popularity around the world. Today it is promoted by doctors and movie stars alike. But what exactly is that oil, and why did it gain so much attention? Since the trend continues to grow in popularity, those are questions worth answering.
CBD Basics
The medical use of cannabis plants is nothing new. Specialists can trace the origin of this practice back for thousands of years. Today we understand that cannabis plants contain over 100 different active agents, many of whom are very beneficial for your health. Those active agents are called cannabinoids, and they interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is universal to all mammals, and it helps regulate critical bodily functions like pain, sleep, and immune response, among others.
Of the 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis plants, two have caught the public eye in recent years: THC and CBD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a mood stimulant with intoxicating properties. Meaning that this substance is responsible for making them feel intoxicated when they smoke cannabis. As a stimulant, THC also induces euphoria, and in high doses it may induce paranoia.
Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, is a mood depressant. The substance induces feelings of calm and relaxation, and it helps reduce both pain and inflammation throughout your body.
Will CBD get you high?
CBD is not intoxicating at any level. It will not alter your perception of reality, no matter how much you use it. That’s one of the reasons why the World Health Organization removed CBD from its list of banned substances, pointing out that it offers no risk for addiction or substance abuse.
That said, the use of CBD oil is not without its risks. The substance has potential side effects; it can lead to constipation, diarrhea, dryness of the mouth, among others. But these reactions are rare. The most common side effect of CBD is drowsiness, which often presents itself if you take too much of the substance. Being drowsy is useful if you are trying to get some sleep, but it can cut your productivity if you are trying to work.
Why is it so popular?
At the time of writing, several countries around the world have taken steps to legalize CBD extracted from hemp. The list of countries where CBD is now legal includes the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and South Africa. That alone was a big contributor to the popularity of the substance — it simply was illegal for CBD to be popular a few years ago.
On top of that, the widespread availability of the substance is a win for medical marijuana proponents around the world. Therefore, it can be said that CBD had a large potential customer list to begin with, as many were hoping for its legalization.
The wide number of use cases also helps bring CBD into the spotlight. The substance can help treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety. It can help people fall asleep more easily, and it reduces nausea caused by cancer treatments. And as Cibdol pointed out, there are many ways to integrate CBD into your lifestyle.
