What is CBD?
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What is CBD?

You’ve heard all about it, but what is CBD? Here are the basics.

By By Nancy Coulter-Parker

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The Live Naturally CBD Series  |  Part One 
Answering your questions about CBD one step at a time


By now, you’ve likely heard the term CBD, short for cannabidiol. If you’re wondering what exactly CBD is and what it can really do, you’re not alone. Here are some basic facts to know about CBD. 

Where does CBD come from? 

CBD that is sold in mainstream stores is derived from hemp. Both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis family of plants, which is primarily categorized into two species: sativa and indica. Hemp only comes from the sativa species. Marijuana can be derived from the flower of the female plants from either sativa or indica cannabis plants. 

CBD is not marijuana. CBD is present in both marijuana and hemp. However, only CBD derived from hemp is legal. The key difference between hemp- and marijuana-derived CBD is that hemp contains less than 0.3 percent THC, the compound known to have psychoactive effects. Therefore, CBD derived from hemp will not cause any mind-alternating effects. 

Marijuana-derived CBD products are still considered to be Schedule 1 controlled substances, or illegal at the federal level. 

CBD Keypoints

Will CBD make me feel high? 

No. 

Quality makers of CBD products adhere to good manufacturing practices  and regulations similar to those for dietary supplement companies. It’s very important to buy CBD products from a reputable retailer to ensure you are getting the product you expect.

What does CBD do?  

There is a lot of circumstantial evidence as to the possible benefits of CBD. Because hemp-derived CBD is still relatively new to being legal in the marketplace, research is still playing catch up. When considering using CBD, it is important to do your research and even talk to a healthcare specialist to make sure you are taking products that are right for you.

But the research that has been conducted to date shows promising results for the use of CBD to help with anxiety and depression, as well as managing inflammation, pain and nausea. It has also been shown to help mitigate some types of seizures. 

THC and CBD

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