What is CBD?

CBD is new to the scene, an alternative to painkillers for aches/pains, inflammation, and a host of other maladies. It is a compound found in the hemp plant, which is extracted as an oil and applied sublingually or through contact with the skin. It is researched and proclaimed to be a mild painkiller (to the effect of NSAIDs) and anti-inflammatory. Other claims are of neuroprotective benefits, and treatment for sleeplessness. Sales doubled over a year (2016-17) and CBD has netted sales of an estimate $200 million.

CBD is often confused with THC, which is found in the marijuana plant (but not in the hemp plant). THC causes an intoxicating psychoactive response, which is why people use marijuana.

CBD being closely associated with an intoxicating (but now legal in Oregon) drug carries a guilt-by-association stigma. CBD however, is a compound which can be a safe alternative to opioid prescription painkillers. Opioid painkillers, such as Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycodone are of similar chemistry as heroin, yet not thought of the same way as CBD to THC. These painkillers can be dangerously addictive, and pose a huge burden on our society. If CBD can sometimes take the role of these without the addictive or withdrawal risks, it's worth examining.

Now legal, CDB proponents claim it's effective for: pain relief; inflammation; sleeplessness; neurological conditions; seizures; anxiety; and general well-being. Some of the claims read very sensational, while others relate it to over-the-counter meds in their effectiveness. Whether or not it actually is effective, the jury is out. Determining whether or not a substance is efficacious is a daunting task. Anecdotes don't tell the story because of people's expected effects, their beliefs, and subtle placebo effects.

CBD is currently being assiduoulsy studied. Thus far, no danger in using the substance has been discovered. The claims, however, are not definitive and are currently only speculative. A promising drug is always an instant attention-grabber, but keep in mind that 95 percent of the drugs that make it past the initial safety test do not meet the final requirements. They never hit the market.

One of the caveats with CBD is that it is not an FDA-regulated substance. One proprietor may extract CBD differently from others. It may be less potent or less pure. The source or crop of hemp can be very different. The consumer largely doesn't know what they're getting. All they can do is trust the source they're buying from as legitimate. In a world of hucksters promoting weight-loss miracles and seven-day detoxes, the buyer ought to beware.

Will CBD cure chronic pains, rid the body of anxieties, and change your life? Any time something is labeled as a wonder drug, it will fall short. Know what the substance is: an herbal extract; know that it's effect is probably going to be modest, and mild. Once looked at from the scope of realism then CBD may be a valuable treatment for mild conditions. It's not an intoxicating drug, and it likely poses no risks. It won't be a wonder cure, and lifestyle management will always be more important than the next wonder drug.