Over the years, CBD has secured the title of a “magical healer” by its recurrent users across the world. Today, you can find CBD products everywhere, showing how the CBD industry is flourishing worldwide. It’s used for several reasons and has a plethora of health benefits. However, people who aren’t aware of what CBD is and what benefits it provides may wonder about its existence. If you are one of those people, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover all the basics of CBD, from what it is, its uses, and whether or not it poses any safety concerns.

What Is It?

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is an essential compound found in cannabis – marijuana. It’s a natural, non-toxic chemical found in large amounts in cannabis plants alongside hundreds of other compounds such as its big brother “Tetrahydrocannabinol” – called – THC.

Both THC and CBD have the same molecular structure – 21 atoms of atoms, 30 atoms of hydrogen, and 2 atoms of oxygen. Despite sharing the same molecular geometry, CBD and THC differ in how they react to your body. Unlike THC, CBD produces the “high” typically caused by taking drugs such as marijuana. This is because CBD doesn’t bind with brain receptors as THC does, and therefore, CBD doesn’t numb your senses. Rather, it’s linked to causing feelings of physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

What Are Its Benefits?

CBD boasts a wide array of medicinal benefits, which is why CBD products are all the rage these days. Here are some useful benefits of CBD:

1.     Helps Treat Pain

CBD is known for possessing pain-relieving properties. Scientific research shows that CBD helps reduce body pain by interacting with endocannabinoids – neurotransmitters that combine with cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. So, CBD intake impacts the endocannabinoid, which, in turn, reduces the body pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, menstruation, etc.

2.     Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common mental health conditions that have adverse effects on the sufferer’s health and overall well-being. Various studies have proven that CBD can reduce stress and anxiety. That’s not all.

CBD has also shown great effects on people suffering from insomnia and depression. All of this is possible because it acts on serotonin – a feel-good hormone in your brain when you consume CBD. People with stress, anxiety, and depression have inactive or low serotonin levels, which shoot up with the regular intake of CBD.

3.     May Alleviate Cancer

Another great benefit of CBD is that it helps alleviate cancer-causing symptoms. According to a test-tube study, CBD prompted the cancer cell in human breasts. A mice-study also showed how CBD hampered the spread of breast cancer cells.

Various other studies have indicated that using CBD in combination with THC inhibited the life-threatening effects of cancer.

4.     May Prevent Acne Breakout

Acne is a common skin issue that affects a large population worldwide. Acne can arise due to stress, bacteria, inflammation, overproduction of sebum, etc. Since CBD oil consists of anti-inflammatory properties and boasts the ability to control the overproduction of sebum, it can control acne breakout.

5.     May Improve Heart Health

Thanks to CBD’s anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, the compound helps reduce the risk of heart diseases such as high blood pressure or heart strokes. Heart problems usually arise from hypertension, so the regular intake of CBD can lower the main risk factor of heart disease.

How to Take CBD?

There are several ways to take CBD. You can have it in the form of vaping, which will have a much faster effect as it will directly go into your bloodstream. You can also consume it in liquid form. Add the required number of CBD drops under your tongue and swallow.

Another common way to consume CBD is by having it in the form of edibles or its topical products for external use.

Does CBD Involve any Safety Concerns?

In many parts of the world, CBD is illegal to buy or sell because certain cannabidiol products violate the FDCA (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act). Under federal law, CBD products are safe and legal to use as long as they contain CBD resourced from the hemp plant with less than 0.3%. While many CBD benefits are proven, more research needs to be done in this area to conclude the benefits of CBD fully.

CBD involves certain risks as well. Some reported side effects of CBD products include fatigue, diarrhea, lethargy, reduced appetite, and drowsiness. Another major concern with CBD is that some of its products contain more THC than CBD, making it harmful for consumption.

Conclusion

CBD certainly has benefits as well as risks. It may work for some people, while it may cause problems for others. The FDA doesn’t provide any specific guidelines for how much CBD one should take. As it is, what dose may work for one person may not for the other person. That means the appropriate dose of CBD varies from person to person. That said, it’s highly recommended to avoid taking CBD in large doses. You should avoid its use if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications. CBD can provide you with a great many benefits. But before you incorporate it into your daily diet, make sure you consult your doctor first. They will be able to guide you in this matter in a much sensible way.