Cannabis products have been growing in popularity, both in terms of recreational use and as a health supplement. More research is uncovering the health benefits it has to offer for common health and wellness issues, such as sleep quality, stress, workout recovery, skin health, and so on. However, it can also help with more serious conditions, illnesses, and disorders, such as epilepsy, eczema, cancer symptoms, arthritis, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and more. There is also emerging evidence-based on early, smaller clinical trials that it may help with issues like diabetes and addiction recovery.
There has been a long history of negative stigma around cannabis, so if you are someone who is still wary of it, now is a good time to gain an understanding of what it actually is, how it works, and if it is safe.
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What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical from a family of compounds found in cannabis called Cannabinoids. These chemicals are what drive many of the health benefits that cannabis has to offer. The side effects of CBD are few and minor; potential fatigue and diarrhea are the most common, although it can also have a bad reaction if combined with certain medications. The major benefit of CBD is that it doesn’t have any psychoactive properties when taken on its own. That’s why CBD and hemp are legalized across the country, where marijuana and the compounds that do make you high are still more heavily regulated in many states.
What Is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main chemical compound in cannabis that makes you high and is part of the same family of cannabinoids as CBD. They have similar health benefits, but THC is better at relieving pain, reducing nausea, and improving your appetite. On the other hand, it is less beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, and in some cases, THC may make your anxiety worse. However, for some, THC can help improve your mental health by inducing a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
What Health Supplement Products Can You Buy?
The other similarity between CBD and THC is the types of products you can purchase that include them as ingredients. The most common form you will find is in an oil dropper bottle, but you can also smoke or vape the marijuana or hemp flower, or purchase edibles like d8 watermelon rings. There are several others that are more specialized, such as topicals for skincare, or protein powder for exercise recovery. There is a surprisingly large selection you can find if you shop around.
Don’t think of cannabis as a singular item. It can be broken down into its unique chemical components, with CBD and THC as two of the most well-known, popular, and effective supplements for your well-being. In some cases, cannabis or cannabinoids have been used as the main ingredients in FDA-approved medication, such as Epidiolex, which uses CBD to treat severe forms of epilepsy. Be sure to speak with your doctor before trying them, as they will be able to tell you if your medication may cause a bad reaction.