What is it? What does it help with? Who needs it? Is it worth the money? How is it different from marijuana? Why our products are the best?

By now, you’ve heard of – and probably wondered about – CBD. This trendy ingredient is showing up everywhere, from capsules and salves to drink mixes, candy and even beauty products, with claims that it can reduce inflammation, ease pain and soothe stress. Here’s everything you need to know about the ubiquitous supplement bogarting the natural health aisle lately.

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 our — 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.