Cannabidiol (CBD) has scientifically backed benefits primarily in treating certain rare forms of epilepsy. CBD is legal in the US because it can be derived from hemp and is non-intoxicating. In other words, don’t make its users go ‘high’. However its legal status is complex due to its relationship with THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the main psychoactive compound found in some CBD products that causes the ‘high’ associated with its use.
What is CBD
Cannabidiol or CBD is found in cannabis and hemp plants which is preferably used in various products due to its potential therapeutic benefits. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not cause a “high”. It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to influence cell communication.
Does CBD make you High
No, generally speaking CBD never causes ‘high’. As ‘high’ feeling is because of another compound THC which is removed. CBD is reported to have a chemical structure and does not bind to the same receptors in the brain that cause intoxication.
What does CBD do That Makes it so Popular in the US
CBD has become very common and popular among US citizens. It is used orally and tropically both depending on the user’s preference. The legal status of hemp plants made people more attracted towards this compound. Further, it is heavily advertised by the wellness industry. They claim that CBD relieves anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia without the psychoactive “high” associated with THC. Furthermore, the good word-of-mouth from its users also increased its sales. Other than all this, the wellness brands use attractive custom packaging to make it more desirable. As 77% of strolling customers in retail stores seeking CBD products are attracted by the product’s unique and branded display. Such CBD products presented in custom CBD display boxes have the high significance of being picked up by the customer.
Most Commonly Reported Perceived Uses of CBD
The most commonly reasons of CBD usage based on various surveys by its users are:
General Health and Well-being
A significant number of individuals use CBD as a daily supplement for overall wellness rather than a specific ailment.
Pain Relief
People working for long hours on desk or suffering from obesity deal with chronic pain, arthritis/joint pain, and fibromyalgia. CBD users have reported that they found very less amount of pain and inflammation after using it.
Anxiety and Stress Management
Many users take CBD to cope with mental and psychological symptoms like anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and everyday stress.
Sleep Problems/Insomnia
Insomnia is a very common problem among people who have suffered childhood trauma or some other fatal incident. CBD helps them fall asleep faster. Users stay asleep longer. Overall, their sleep quality gets better.
Depression
Many users have reported that CBD has acted as a coping mechanism to improve symptoms of depression.
Skin Conditions
People suffering from active acne or eczema disease have found that it has helped them recover from these skin diseases. Thus, CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Substance Use Disorders
CBD users have seen significant change in the cravings and anxiety associated with addiction to substances like opioids, alcohol, or nicotine. CBD has helped them overcome more effectively than any other drug.
Cancer-Related Symptoms
CBD is now widely used by patients getting cancer treatment. It helps with side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting, and pain.
States Where CBD is Illegal in the US
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp plant by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. CBD is now legally considered as the Cannabis sativa L. A delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% is allowed. Well the good news is CBD is legal in all the 50 states of the United States. But these CBD laws come with some serious conditions. CBD products made from hemp and containing 0.3% THC or less are federally legal in the United States. Idaho and Kansas are the only two states that have banned CBD. These two states demand CBD products must contain 0% THC.
Types of CBD Products
CBD products generally fall into three types based on their content and potential:
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the extracts of a hemp plant or cannabis. It includes THC in the allowed legal amount of 0.2% or 0.3%. Here it is noteworthy that this amount is nowhere near to cause any intoxication. This type contains all the natural compounds found in a hemp plant. This is often considered the most effective type of CBD. This type is often considered the most effective due to the combined “entourage effect” of all its compounds working together.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD contains a wide range of plant compounds, but the THC is nearly or completely removed through additional processing.
CBD Isolate
It is a pure and isolated type of CBD. All other plant compounds including THC are removed from it. Hence, it’s attributed as the purest form of CBD. Further, it’s separated from other cannabinoids or terpenes. Thus, making it the number one choice for those who want a 100% THC-free product or who are new to CBD.
CBD Products available in the US Retail Stores
The CBD retail market is not fully regulated. So, there is no correct number of products available. But the retail stores are flooded with different CBD products all over the counters and aisles. You don’t need a prescription for it. But there are countless types including tincture oils, gummies, lotions, creams, capsules and vice versa. CBD drops are also very popular among its users. But the most popular CBD product is the CBD gummies. CBD gummies had been valued at $2.4 billion in 2024. It is also one of the most dominating CBD products in the global CBD market.
To Wrap it all Up
CBD is a legally approved compound. Its credibility depends on the specific health needs. How these products have helped millions around the world to cope with depression, cancer treatment, horrific pain makes it a hero product. The best part is it’s available in numerous forms. Then the wellness companies use custom CBD packaging with custom inserts to make the customer experience better. But remember to use CBD with the help of a professional healthcare team.
