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All ABout CBD 

what is cbd?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Over 100 cannabinoids have been discovered in the cannabis plant. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a “high.” CBD is rapidly growing in popularity because it may provide some of the medicinal benefits of cannabis but without the “high” or loss of mental clarity.

benefits of cbd

The only FDA-approved use for CBD is for a rare form of epilepsy. There’s a ton of preliminary research on CBD and a variety of conditions, but it’s all considered anecdotal by the FDA. Nevertheless, CBD has flooded the market with people who swear by it (myself included). According to a recent Gallup poll, 14% of Americans say they use CBD products. The top reasons for CBD use were pain, anxiety, sleep, arthritis, migraines (which I wrote a whole book about), headaches, stress, muscle relief, pet care, and more.

CBD oil for pain

CBD is considered by consumers to provide extraordinary pain relief. An extensive survey reported in Forbes found that nearly half of CBD users said they had stopped using over-the-counter and prescription medications in preference of CBD products. A study by researchers from the University of California found that nearly 90% of cannabinoid users preferred cannabinoids over their opioid prescriptions.

Although a growing number of CBD enthusiasts report high levels of pain relief, more clinical research is needed to support those claims.

Other CBD uses

Research is underway on the treatment of CBD for a variety of conditions. It’s critical to remember that this CBD research, aside from CBD epilepsy research, is preliminary and in no way conclusive. Project CBD has gathered dozens of CBD studies on acne, ADD and ADHD, addiction and alcoholism, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia, antibiotic resistance, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, autism, autoimmune diseases, bipolar, cancer, colitis and Crohn’s disease, depression, diabetes, endocrine disorders, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, heart disease, HIV, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, inflammation, IBS/IBD, kidney disease, liver disease, migraines, mood disorders, motion sickness, MS, nausea, neurodegeneration, obesity, OCD, osteoporosis, pain, Parkinson’s disease, mad cow disease, PTSD, rheumatism, schizophrenia, sickle cell anemia, skin conditions, sleep disorders, spinal cord injury, stress, stroke, TBIs, weight loss, and wellness.

How does CBD work?

CBD influences the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the human body and control the immune system, inflammation, energy, stress response, sleep, and more. CBD indirectly influences these cannabinoid receptors and increases cannabinoids that the body naturally makes, which are called endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning “within”). CBD also activates some of the most essential systems within the human body. CBD binds with serotonin receptors, which may produce its anti-anxiety effects. CBD also binds with TRPV1 receptors, which are receptors that can relieve pain and inflammation. CBD activates PPAR receptors, which can reduce cancer growth and degrade the plaque responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. CBD also enhances GABA receptors, which may induce relaxation. While scientists have documented how CBD interacts with these critical systems, more research is needed to understand how CBD will affect human health.

Is CBD legal?

Hemp-derived CBD became federally legal in the United States after the passage of the 2018 farm bill. You can even fly with hemp-derived CBD, according to the TSA. However, you need to check your state laws. For example, South Dakota’s state attorney general recently stated that CBD is illegal in South Dakota based on a federal ban, which no longer exists. Hemp is federally legal, but it may take time for some states and local laws to catch up.

CBD vs. THC

CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Over 100 cannabinoids have been discovered in the cannabis plant. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a “high.” CBD is rapidly growing in popularity because it may provide some of the medicinal benefits of cannabis but without the “high” or loss of mental clarity.

CBD oil for dogs and pets

CBD pet products are soaring in popularity. Pet products are among the fastest-growing sectors of CBD sales despite a lack of CBD pet research. Yet, people are claiming in public submissions to the FDA that CBD is helping their pets overcome seizures, anxiety, pain, and more.

CBD oil for pets is often the same CBD oil that is sold to humans. The packaging is what needs to be different, according to the FDA. Products for pets must have different labels with different suggested serving sizes because a human-size dose of CBD may be too large for a pet. While the FDA has not approved any cannabis-derived products for pets, it also has not directly received any reports of adverse effects.

Many of the CBD brands that we have reviewed for authenticity also sell products for pets. Make sure you take a look at our independent lab tests and company reviews to make sure the CBD company is trustworthy.

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