CBD: The Facts and The Benefits

Katie Burkholder

Because of its close proximity to marijuana, CBD is one of the most misunderstood health supplements on the market these days. Despite this, it’s still the latest health fad and seemingly miraculous drug curing everything from anxiety to heart disease.

But is it just that – a fad? Is this “miracle drug” bogus? Or is it really the be-all cure-all of medicine? Before choosing CBD to treat your latest ailment, learn what CBD actually is and what it could do for you. Dr. Mayur Cara, D.C. is a chiropractor at Ease Wellness Chiropractic in the Old Fourth Ward, a practice he says “focuses on natural healing.” One of his ways of healing naturally is CBD – but what is CBD and where does it come from?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis. It’s closely related to another important medicinally active compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the high that cannabis is famous for. Both compounds have significant therapeutic attributes, but unlike THC, CBD doesn’t make a person feel “stoned” or intoxicated. It acts differently on receptors in the brain and body.

“CBD is abundant in the male cannabis plant, also known as Hemp. Hemp is categorized as having less than .3 percent Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in Marijuana, which is the female cannabis plant,” he says. Despite its close relationship with marijuana, CBD is legal in all 50 states.

This compound is actually something we produce naturally in our own bodies, which is why supplements work to treat many ailments. According to Dr. Cara, the body creates CBD in the Endocannabinoid system which maintains homeostasis and regulates appetite, the immune system, and pain.

“Cannabis can be an effective form of managing many issues including pain, headaches, anxiety, arthritis, depression, and has been shown to reduce seizures in children,” he says. “CBD is extremely beneficial in our modern lives where we are hyper-stressed mentally, physically, and emotionally.”

Although oil is its most talked-about form, supplemental CBD can come in salves, lotions, creams, and even infused into foods. The non-toxic supplement really does sound like a miracle drug, but it’s not perfect. You could experience some minor side effects while taking CBD according to doctors.

“Fatigue and diarrhea have been noted as side effects in some,” he says. “There have been some drug interactions that have been identified as well, so talking to your doctor before using CBD is recommended.”