CBD has become extremely popular over the past few years, as the incredible cannabinoid has been making its way into products of all kinds, from gummy candies to soft drinks to hair conditioners and nail polish. 

 

While it is widely considered to be safe and non-intoxicating, it is nonetheless worth learning a bit about CBD before ingesting it, applying it to your nails, or lathering any in your hair during your next shower!

 

Below are 10 things that all CBD users should know. Some of them have to do with the legality of the product, others have to do with the health implications, and some are just sort of interesting. Enjoy!

 

1. CBD Will Not Get You High 

 

CBD is a cannabinoid, just like THC — the element in cannabis that gets you high — but CBD itself is not intoxicating. This means you will not become impaired or disoriented if you use CBD products, so you can enjoy their positive effects at any time.

 

2. Hemp-Derived CBD is Legal

 

For many years, the hemp plant was lumped in with cannabis and totally outlawed — some say this was done for dubious reasons, but that’s for another blog entirely! 

 

What’s important is that with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp production was legalized in the United States. With that came the legal production of hemp-derived CBD. 

 

3. CBD is Largely Safe 

 

If you’re concerned about any health risks related to CBD, don’t worry. Although you may experience some mild side effects, such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and diarrhea, it is otherwise considered to be safe for consumption. However, consult your physician before using CBD if you take medications.

 

4. CBD is Non-Addictive

 

There’s often a worry that ingesting a substance that’s touted to have euphoric and relaxing effects can be habit-forming and therefore dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, CBD is not one of those substances.

 

5. Studies Have Shown that CBD May Help Anxiety 

 

There have been many studies into the wide range of positive effects that CBD is purported to offer. One of the more interesting among these is this 2015 study into the cannabinoid’s potential as an anxiolytic.

 

6. CBD Has Been Used to Treat Pets 

 

There are a number of CBD products designed for dogs and cats that are intended to reduce inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and to stimulate appetite. As of right now, there is no scientific data to back these claims, but studies are currently underway.

 

7. CBD Oil Comes in Three Different Forms 

 

You can get broad-spectrum CBD — which contains other cannabis compounds, but no THC — full-spectrum CBD — which contains trace amounts of THC as well as other cannabis compounds — and isolate, which is pure CBD.

 

8. CBD Was Discovered in the 1940s

 

It may seem like a recent discovery because of the current surge in popularity it’s experiencing, but CBD has been the subject of research since the mid-20th century.

 

9. You Should Be Careful When Flying with CBD 

 

Although the cannabinoid is legal in America, it may not be legal if you’re flying to another country. Be sure that you’re aware of local laws before boarding a flight with CBD products.

 

10. CBD Has Been Used in the Treatment of Addiction 

 

A number of studies have shown that CBD may in fact be effective in helping addicts to wean off of substances such as nicotine and opioids.