What Is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis so far. Unlike THC, it’s non-intoxicating, which means it won’t get you high.
Legal Status of CBD
Because CBD is cheap and easy to extract from hemp plants, it’s most commonly seen as an oil or extract, though there are some high-CBD cannabis strains available for inhalation or vapourizing.
CBD regulations vary all over the world, so in countries such as the United States and Europe it’s common to see CBD products being sold in health stores, groceries, and online. But in Canada CBD is a controlled substance, so it’s regulated by the same laws as THC, and can only be legally purchased from federally licensed suppliers (known as Licensed Producers or “LPs”).
What Does CBD Do?
While scientific research on the benefits of CBD is ongoing, it’s currently most often used in relaxation and the treatment of chronic pain, as well as in the treatment of some forms of epilepsy. Consumers report using CBD products for a wide variety of conditions, though we recommend talking to a doctor before using CBD as a specific treatment.
CBG and CBN
Closely related to CBD are two new cannabinoids you may see in new products: CBG and CBN. These two cannabinoids naturally occur in much smaller quantities than CBD or THC, so they are typically only seen as extracts or components of edibles.
Scientific research continues for both CBG and CBN, but some users suggest that CBG is an effective anti-inflammatory and can help in the treatment of headaches and migraines. And CBN has shown promise in improving sleep and treating insomnia, as well as soothing muscle aches and pains.
Both CBG and CBN have been found to be non-intoxicating, though there is evidence that CBN can be mildly psychoactive at large doses.
