Cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is also the source of the fiber hemp and the drug marijuana. Cannabidiol is often abbreviated as CBD. It is one of several compounds found in cannabis—known as cannabinoids—that affect the nervous system. A cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main compound in marijuana that produces a high. CBD has several effects on the brain and body that promote calm and relaxation, but it does not produce the feelings of euphoria associated with THC.
Prescribed by a physician, CBD is an effective medication used to prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy. CBD oil and CBD-infused products are also widely available as an alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. CBD oil is made by extracting cannabidiol from commercial hemp or marijuana plants and mixing it with vegetable oil. It may be ingested or used topically (by rubbing it into the skin). CBD is also infused into a variety of foods and other products, including dietary supplements, candies, bath products, drinks, and skin creams.
Most CBD-infused products are marketed as supplements. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that drugs are safe and effective to treat the conditions for which they are prescribed. However, supplements can be sold without FDA approval. Most CBD products are safe when taken according to directions. However, CBD may interact chemically with certain prescription medications. People on medication should consult a physician before taking any supplement with CBD.
Today, U.S. states and most countries vary in their laws regarding the use of CBD. In the United States, marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal under federal law, but they are legal in many states. Hemp-derived CBD products are legal under federal and most state laws. A few states and several countries ban all CBD products.
