What is CBD and how it is different from Cannabis?

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil has long been under the spotlight. With so many different people divided in their opinion over its practical use and safety, it’s been difficult to procure it in the past due to strict laws and regulations. However, with more and more states legalizing cannabis itself and lifting tough rules on the use of CBD oil, it’s never been easier to purchase.

But what actually is the difference between CBD oil and cannabis? What are their defining features, and why are their practical uses so vastly different? Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you just that and provide you with some more interesting facts about CBD oil.

So first of all, what is cannabis? Cannabis is a plant which originated in Asia, and its leaves are used all over the world to create weed, the recreational drug. The only other recreational drugs which are more popular worldwide are alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, highlighting just how popular this drug is. It has a variety of side effects upon use, including a great feeling of relaxation and the highlighting of certain colors when they are looked upon. The drug can be taken in a variety of different ways, and is most commonly smoked. It has long been illegal in most places around the world, but in recent times more and more states in the U.S. have legalized it in order to have greater control and regulation over its use.

CBD is very different from cannabis itself. To put it simply, CBD is the oil or liquid which is extracted from the cannabis plant. This means when it is put to use it’s not the actual leaves which are used, so the effects it has are very different. The most standout difference between cannabis and CBD is that CBD doesn’t produce a psychological high, leaving other benefits free to be explored without worrying about the ill effects of cannabis on its own. It can be smoked, consumed as a brownie, or taken as an oil in liquid form.

There are a variety of different benefits that CBD can have on your body which cannabis does not, at least legally.

CBD oil is said to be a great pain reliever. Lots of people use over-the-counter versions of the oil in order to numb any physical pain they may have, including stiffness, muscle pain and any chronic injuries. Solid proof is lacking in this area of medicine, but the individual statements of those who have used the oil for these purposes seem to point to the same outcome; it’s a great substitute for painkillers.

Although researchers from either side of the argument come up with different results, it’s believed among a lot of people that CBD can also help fight against anxiety-related disorders. Examples of conditions which can be fought against are post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The oil is very effective at acting as a calming measure, and many researchers have called for further work to be done on using it as a remedy to mental health issues.

This is a guest blog entry.