What do people use CBD for?

Because a great number of factors contribute to homeostasis, CBD is applicable to many ailments that disrupt the body’s balance. One of CBD’s more famous uses is for physical pain and inflammation, such as joint pain due to arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Similarly, people who use medical marijuana for cancer-related pain may opt for cannabidiol-heavy products instead of THC because it soothes their symptoms without getting them high.

It is common to hear that CBD is not psychoactive, which is misleading. CBD is not an intoxicant, but it does indeed have psychoactive properties—which is why countless people find it beneficial for temporarily alleviating anxiety and depression. Treating these illnesses usually entails pharmaceutical drugs, but untainted and well-made CBD products provide a more natural alternative (some medications can even be addictive, like benzodiazepines, but CBD is not well known to cause addiction). Some people also report taking CBD for other brain-related conditions, including PTSD and insomnia.

There are also many supposed benefits of CBD that people use it for, though such cases lack necessary research (especially in humans). Some studies, though, suggest that cannabidiol can be beneficial for heart health, reducing acne, preventing the spread of cancer, and preventing diabetes. It may also be useful as a substance abuse treatment.

It is important to note that most CBD research is conducted on animals, not humans, so evidence of CBD’s effectiveness often comes from personal anecdotes. The only FDA-approved CBD product in the United States is Epidiolex, which is useful for treating two forms of pediatric epilepsy. While new research is encouraging and personal stories are convincing, keep in mind that CBD’ effects in humans are still under-explored. CBD boasts many health benefits, but it is not an outright cure for any ailment and is only intended to relieve symptoms.