What Is CBD? A New Product On The Rise.
In 1937 the hemp plant was banned from US production and selling with the passing of the Marijuana Tax Act, but since the recent passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, it has opened the door for scientists and researchers to study the many medicinal benefits of hemp, and products derived from the hemp plant.
The most popular of these products is CBD, or Cannabidiol. CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of the cannabis plant. There has been some controversy surrounding the use of CBD, due to it being derived from the same family as the marijuana plant. Marijuana and hemp are two different varieties of cannabis that developed due to selective breeding: Hemp for its fiber and marijuana for its narcotic components.
The major difference between the two plants is the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), the chemical that causes the high that marijuana is famous for: CBD cannot contain more than 0.3% of THC, whereas marijuana derived from the cannabis plant can contain upwards of 20% THC.
Many people have been searching for a way to gain the health benefits of marijuana, while not experiencing the “high” or intoxicated effect. It has also been proven useful for those seeking alternatives to pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects – medicine more in sync with natural processes. CBD and THC act in different ways because they interact with different receptors in the brain and body.
Currently, CBD is being studied by countless doctors and scientists all over the world, and being found useful to treat many different kinds of illness and disease. There is current research on the use of CBD oil in the treatment of anxiety, depression, migraines, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and even cancer.
According to an article from Forbes, “the one thing that CBD producers will have to work on is educating the consumer about CBD products.” There is still a lack of understanding of CBD oil and exactly how it can be used, but thanks to the Farm Bill, and thanks to scientists and doctors willing to explore the effects and its benefits to society, it looks like we will be seeing a lot more of this unique plant in our future.
