CBD supplements have enjoyed a big rise in popularity over the past few years. So much so that some of the nation’s largest grocery stores have started carrying CBD infused products and supplements. So, what is all the fuss about? Even if you’ve only heard of CBD supplements in passing, you probably know that they have something to do with the marijuana plant.

Yes, it is true that CBD comes from a plant that is most well known as an illicit psychoactive substance. Be that as it may, CBD supplements do not induce the same effects on users. In other words, CBD does not get you high. Even so, it is believed to have a number of positive health benefits often associated with medical marijuana. Here is a closer look at CBD, its products and supplements, and its possible health benefits.

CBD

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is just one of over 80 naturally occurring chemicals found in cannabis or marijuana. In fact, it is the second most active ingredient in marijuana, with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, as the most active. THC is the chemical in marijuana that causes the psychoactive high most often associated with cannabis. Conversely, CBD is completely non-intoxicating and antipsychotic. In fact, CBD is believed to actively prevent the breakdown of mental function, whereas THC has been shown to have the opposite effect.

CBD infused supplements

Many people make the mistake of assuming they will have to smoke a pipe or hand rolled cigarette in order to enjoy the effects of CBD, but that is not the case at all. CBD supplements come in a variety of shapes, sizes, dosages, and delivery methods. From softgel manufacturers to candy makers, it seems more and more industries are expanding into the CBD market. There are even unusual items such as bath soaps and body lotion containing CBD available.

Some of the most popular types of CBD supplements are vapes, tinctures, softgel capsules, edibles, and oil extracts. Some of these supplements contain only CBD, while others contain a mixture of CBD and other ingredients.

Choosing the right means of CBD delivery for you is going to depend on your personal preferences as well as what you are hoping to accomplish by taking CBD. Tinctures and edibles infused with CBD typically take a much longer time to start working — around 4 to 6 hours — but their effects last longer. On the other hand, more immediate delivery systems such as vape pens may produce results faster, but they also wear off in a much shorter amount of time.

Reported health benefits

It is important to note that while there is a great deal of research that indicates CBD has a variety of health benefits, it is not entirely conclusive. For example, one of CBD’s most highly touted benefits is its pain-relieving attributes. Various scientific studies and first hand accounts have reported that CBD relieved subjects’ pain relating to arthritis, neuropathic pain, and pain caused by chemotherapy. While all of this is extremely promising, CBD has not been approved by the FDA to treat and relieve pain.  

All of that is not to say that CBD can’t help you. If you are looking for a natural alternative to prescription pain medication, CBD may be a great option. Be sure to consult with your doctor or another trained medical professional before trying CBD or any other type of health supplement.

Besides pain relief, CBD is also known to relieve anxiety, promote restful sleep, reduce acne, and treat epilepsy induced seizures. CBD was even recently approved by the FDA to treat seizures caused by epilepsy. If you think CBD may be able to help improve your quality of life, be sure to do the proper research and consult with a doctor prior to starting treatment.