What We Actually Know About CBD

Before getting to know CBD, it's important to get familiar with cannabis. While many people use the term "cannabis" interchangeably with "marijuana," the two are somewhat distinct. "Cannabis" refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains about 540 chemical substances. The term "marijuana" on the other hand, specifically refers to parts of (or products from) the Cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of a compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

While THC is the substance that's primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana (i.e. the ingredient responsible for inducing the "high " people feel when they smoke or ingest it), some cannabis plants contain very little THC; these plants are considered "industrial hemp" and not considered marijuana. CBD is derived directly from the hemp plant, a form of cannabis that has 0.3% or less THC. This plant is related to the marijuana plant, which also contains CBD, but is distinguished by the higher levels of THC.

CBD doesn't induce a high on its own - but it has earned a reputation for potentially improving certain health conditions. The compound is formulated as an oil, but it can be sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid, or as an ingredient in any number of edible and topical products ranging from gummies and chocolates to soaps and lotions.