CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a compound found mainly in the flowers of  hemp plant. The use of CBD flower is widespread all over the world, and its importance is increasing rapidly. Cannabidiol Flower is used by the same people to get the full health benefits of CBD without the drug effect associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a medical compound. People use CBD flowers as an intoxicant. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is mixed with a carrier oil to make CBD oil.Cannabinoids act on the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate anxiety, mood, and appetite.¹ CBD is extracted from cannabis plants (e.g., Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis). However, the hemp plant (Cannabis ruderalis) typically contains higher quantities of CBD.

The other main component of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa species–but not typically Cannabis ruderalis—is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC can cause a sense of euphoria but can also cause other sensations, like paranoia. CBD oil should not contain more than 0.3% THC, so it does not typically cause a feeling of euphoria—so many people assume it’s safe, although it may not be, especially for specific populations.

CBD products are of interest to researchers and consumers. One source projected that the products may make more than $20 billion in the United States alone by 2024.² CBD has been studied for its use in seizures, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and more.³ However, varying levels of scientific evidence exist for these claims, meaning it’s unclear if CBD works for these conditions.

Note that CBD oil is different from hemp oil. Hemp oil is processed differently (pressing hemp seeds) and typically contains no CBD. Here’s the latest evidence on over-the-counter CBD—its uses, interactions, and what to remember if you decide to try it.

Proponents of CBD oil claim that it benefits people with various health problems. As CBD has gained popularity, researchers have been trying to study it more—but so far, human trials remain sparse. There is little evidence to support its myriad health claims. Here’s a deeper dive into CBD oil’s more compelling health benefits.

Seizures

In June 2018, the FDA approved a CBD oral solution called Epidiolex.⁸ Epidiolex is a prescription drug, not an over-the-counter (OTC) product.Epidiolex is used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy in children under 2 years: Dravet Syndrome   and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. These rare genetic disorders cause lifelong seizures in the first year of life.

In 2020, it was also approved for tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic condition that causes benign tumors to grow throughout the body, often accompanied by seizures. Epidiolex is approved for use in people 1-year-old and older for all three of these disorders.⁹

Besides these three disorders, CBD’s effectiveness for treating seizures is unknown. Even with Epidiolex, it’s unclear whether the anti-seizure effects are from CBD or another factor.¹⁰

Keep in mind that Epidiolex is not a supplement. It requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. CBD products, on the other hand, are not regulated or standardized. And so far, they have not shown benefit in treating seizures.

Anxiety

CBD Flower Anxiety might help treat, although there have not been many trials to look at CBD’s anxiety-relieving effects in humans.In one study, 57 men took either CBD oil or a sugar pill with no CBD (placebo) before a public-speaking event.The researchers assessed the participants’ anxiety levels using blood pressure and heart rate measures. The researchers also used a reliable test for mood states called the Visual Analog Mood Scale.

Addiction

Preliminary studies about CBD’s effects on addiction have shown mixed results.A small randomized controlled trial in fifty people with hetoin use disorder  showed benefits from CBD at 400 and 800 milligrams doses.¹⁵ People receiving CBD vs. placebo (a sugar pill) showed less anxiety and decreased cravings for heroin. More robust trials are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil for this use.

Schizophrenia

In a randomized controlled trial of 88 people already taking medication for schizorphrenia, 1,000 milligrams per day of CBD oil decreased positive psychotic symptoms (hallucinations or delusions). However, there were no significant differences between CBD oil and placebo regarding negative psychotic symptoms (like blunt affect or disinterest in others).

Also note that CBD oil was studied as an add-on therapy here since the people in the trial were already taking prescription medicines to treat schizophrenia. CBD oil can interact with medications, including many used to treat epilepsy. One of the reasons for this has to do with how your body breaks down (metabolizes) drugs.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is a liver enzyme your body uses to break down some drugs. CBD oil is broken down by and can also affect  CYP450. That means taking CBD oil with these drugs could have a more substantial effect than you need or make them not work as well.