Interesting Facts About CBD Products

By: Melissa J. Murphy

Without a doubt, many hot topics in wellness today center around the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products. Consumers have many questions about CBD products. These questions are usually focused on the legality, addictiveness, safety, and delivery method of CBD products. Fortunately, there have been many studies done which, indeed, confirm the overall safety and efficacy of CBD as a therapeutic treatment for many ailments.

CBD is One of Many Non-Psychoactive Compounds Found in Cannabis

Many consumers question whether CBD is psychoactive like the cannabis plant it comes from. But the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. In fact, there are over 100 compounds found in cannabis. CBD is one of those cannabinoids that has been found to not have psychoactive properties.

The Legality of CBD Products

Since many consumers associate CBD with marijuana, it would be natural for people to question the legality of CBD products. It should be noted that CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants, being that they are the same species. The difference between marijuana and hemp is that hemp is a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. However, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in all 50 states. CBD derived from marijuana is only legal in states where marijuana is legal. But hemp-derived CBD is legal in all parts of the U.S.

Addictiveness and Safety of CBD Products

It is a fair question that many consumers have: Since CBD is present in cannabis, isn't there a possibility of getting "high" or even addicted when using CBD products? According to the World Health Organization, CBD is not addictive. The reason this proclamation can be made is that hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC - the psychoactive component that causes people to get "high".

CBD Product Delivery Methods

As the number of CBD products grow, often people are confused as to how these products should be consumed. There are four main delivery methods for CBD products: Oral, sublingual, topical, and through inhalation. Oral products come in the form of edibles like cookies and gummies. Sublingual products are usually in the form of drops. Topical application of CBD is through the use of oils, creams and lotions applied to the skin. And vape pens are popular inhalation devices. Regardless of delivery system, CBD acts on the body's ECS, or endocannabinoid system.

This system helps regulate nervous system functions such pain perception, inflammation, sleep, and mood. Whether it is through vape pen, creams, drops, or edibles, the goal of CBD products is to deliver CBD to the cannabinoid receptors located throughout the human body.

In the coming years, the CBD industry is projected to grow exponentially as products become more available to the general public. As such, some retailers will use this trend to turn a quick profit with inferior CBD products. Make sure your retailer carries products that have been tested by third-party external sources to ensure you are buying top-quality CBD products.