What is CBD oil?

CBD is one of many cannabinoids (compounds) in the cannabis plant. Researchers have been looking at the possible therapeutic uses of CBD.

Two of the compounds in marijuana are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. These compounds have different effects.

Until recently, THC was the best-known compound in cannabis. It is the most active constituent, and it has a psychological effect. It creates a mind-altering “high” when a person smokes it or uses it in cooking. This is because THC breaks down when a person applies heat and introduces it into the body.

CBD, in contrast, is not psychoactive. It does not change a person’s state of mind when they use it. However, it may produce significant changes in the body, and it is showing some significant medical benefits.

Find out more about the differences between CBD and THC.

Where does CBD come from?

CBD comes from the cannabis plant. People refer to cannabis plants as either hemp or marijuana, depending on how much THC they contain.

The FDA note that hemp plants are legal under the Farm Bill, as long as they contain less than 0.3%Trusted Source THC.

Over the years, marijuana farmers have selectively bred their plants to contain high levels of THC and other compounds that suited their interests.

However, hemp farmers rarely modify the plant. This oil comes from these legal hemp plants.

How it works

All cannabinoids produce effects in the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, which form part of the endocannabinoid systemTrusted Source.

The body produces two receptors:

CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, particularly in the brain. They co-ordinate movement, pain, emotion, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, and other functions.

CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.

THC attaches to CB1 receptors but CBD stimulatesTrusted Source the receptors so that the body produces its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an oil derived from the cannabis plant. Possible health benefits include reducing inflammation and pain. However, it is not legal in all states, and there may also be some risks.