What is CBD?

Short for “cannabidiol,” CBD is a type of cannabinoid — naturally occurring chemical compounds that have unique health benefits. It’s derived from hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa species that’s been used for thousands of years for rope, clothing and other textiles, paper, building materials and food products like hemp seeds. Marijuana also comes from the cannabis plant, but here’s the difference: Marijuana is high in THC, the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, while hemp is extremely low in THC and high in CBD. By law, hemp-derived CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC, and some forms — CBD isolates — are THC-free. So, no, it’s not pot and it won’t make you high.

How does CBD work?

CBD works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system made up of receptors that interact exclusively with CBD, THC and other cannabinoids. These receptors, called CB1 and CB2, are concentrated in various parts of the body: CB1 receptors occur in high levels in several brain regions, while CB2 receptors occur primarily in immune cells and a few neurons. CBD works by indirectly influencing the ECS and helping the body produce more endocannabinoids naturally. Newer research suggests CBD may also work by impacting serotonin receptors, desensitizing pain receptors and influencing other receptors involved in inflammation, brain health and cancer.

What conditions can it help?

The strongest evidence is for treating epilepsy and seizures, but promising new research suggests other powerful benefits. Some studies have found CBD can treat joint pain, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain and other types of chronic pain and inflammation. Other research suggests CBD can ease anxiety and sleep disturbances and treat depression by impacting receptors for serotonin, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter. And CBD may also protect against cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases and even cancer.

Why should I consider a CBD supplement?

If your body already makes its own cannabinoids, why would you need a supplement? Good question. Stress, diet and other factors impact the body’s own endocannabinoid system. It’s thought that natural levels of endocannabinoids diminish with age, and those declines may contribute to age-related changes in the brain. Additionally, some people may have less-than-optimal levels to begin with. Some studies suggest migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS and other conditions are linked with an underlying endocannabinoid deficiency that may benefit from cannabinoid supplementation.