CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a "high." According to a report from the world health organization, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. In 2018, the Farm Bill made hemp legal in the United States.
CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don't respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and, in some cases, stop them altogether. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions.
CBD may also help with:
- Anxiety: Studies and clinical trials are exploring the common report that CBD can reduce anxiety.
- Insomnia: Studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Pain: Studies show CBD could help lower pain and inflammation and may inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
