What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant (hemp is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight). 

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t cause a head high. Research suggests that CBD has therapeutic potential for pain, inflammation, anxiety, sleep, epilepsy, and more.

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate

There are three types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

In its natural form, CBD extract contains cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (less than 0.3% to comply with federal law), as well as terpenes, which are naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis sativa plant.

Other cannabinoids and terpenes can be considered secondary elements that are part of CBD extract. 

Different types of CBD contain different secondary elements in addition to CBD:

• Full-spectrum CBD – Consists of CBD extract as it naturally occurs. Includes other cannabinoids, including THC (legally less than 0.3%), and terpenes. 
• Broad-spectrum CBD – Consists of CBD extract with other cannabinoids and terpenes, but with no THC. 
• CBD isolate – Consists solely of CBD, with other cannabinoids and terpenes removed. 

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Research suggests CBD may be beneficial in a variety of areas, as well as for some specific conditions:

CBD may promote physical relaxation

Several studies and surveys suggest CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

In one clinical study, transdermal (topical) CBD significantly reduced joint swelling. 

A research review examining several studies found that CBD may have beneficial effects for both chronic and acute pain. 

Research has also looked at the potential benefits of CBD for autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). 

CBD may promote restful sleep

Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD may have sleep-supportive properties.

One research review found that CBD may provide therapeutic support for insomnia. 

Anecdotally, many people use CBD as a replacement for Ambien and over-the-counter melatonin.

CBD may promote mental balance and relaxation

Research suggests CBD may promote a calm, stress-free, anxiety-free mind.

One study found that CBD reduced physiological and behavioral stress responses to anxiety and stress. 

Another study found that CBD decreased negative feelings in people subjected to a public speaking test.

Research suggests that CBD may work similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety. 

CBD has therapeutic potential for depression

CBD may promote mental balance for people dealing with depression. 

Research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for depression, and many people use CBD for seasonal affective disorder. 

CBD may have anti-seizure properties

CBD is FDA-approved as an anti-seizure medication for specific types of epilepsy, in the form of Epidiolex. Clinical trials for Epidilex, which is CBD isolate, show that it reduces several forms of epilepsy.

Other research shows CBD may improve the quality of life for epilepsy patients.

Anecdotally, many people use CBD as an alternative to Keppra, a common epilepsy prescription. 

CBD may help with addiction

There is research indicating that CBD has the potential to help people break their addiction to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulant drugs. 

How Does CBD Work in the Body?

CBD and other cannabinoids work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a receptor system responsible for maintaining mental and physical homeostasis, or balance. 

Your ECS regulates all of your vital functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, immune response, inflammatory response, and mood. 

By regulating your vital functions, the ECS works to maintain normal states of health for the mind and body. CBD may promote balance by interacting with the ECS and helping it to better perform its function. 

However, CBD doesn’t bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS as most cannabinoids do. Instead, research suggests CBD promotes wellness by preventing the breakdown of your endocannabinoids, or internal cannabinoids. 

Research also suggests CBD may affect how neurotransmitters (such as serotonin) work in your brain, thereby promoting mental balance.

What are the Side Effects of CBD?

Research suggests CBD is safe and well-tolerated, even if you take large doses and use it regularly.

However, CBD has the potential to cause the following side effects in some people:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Fatigue