CBD: What's the Deal?

CBD combines three things that are all the rage right now: wellness, natural care, and anxiety. Its proponents list a litany of problems that it’s supposed to solve like a magic elixir: inflammation, menstrual pain , insomnia, depression, even PTSD. It’s no wonder it’s gained such wild popularity in recent months—political conflicts, melting glaciers, and a world-paralyzing pandemic are enough to stress out even a Zen master.

But what exactly is CBD?

For a substance advertised on the packaging of oils, lemonade, bath bombs, and even dog treats, cannabidiol (CBD for short) still sounds rather mysterious to the average foodie (even if they spread CBD butter on it—yes, it exists). Cannabidiol is nothing more than a substance found in hemp leaves—but before you get too excited and run to the health food store in preparation for a party, I have to warn you: unlike its more famous cannabinoid cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), completely legal CBD does not get you high.

Which doesn't mean that you feel completely normal after taking it.

Its fans talk about feeling a physical high instead of a psychedelic one – they sometimes compare it to the feeling of deep relaxation in a hot bath or after a meditation session . You also don't have to worry about madly eating mayonnaise sandwiches in the light of the fridge, because cannabidiol doesn't cause the so-called "gastrophase".

How does it actually work?

Studies have shown that we have something called an endocannabinoid system, which stimulates certain responses in the receptors in our cells. It affects the skin, brain, and even the lungs. These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, are designed exclusively to process cannabinoids, meaning your body is always ready to absorb the benefits of CBD. CB1 is found in the brain and nervous system, CB2 is found in most peripheral organs—which explains why CBD can help ease tension and reduce feelings of anxiety. According to a Consumer Reports survey, 22 percent of CBD users replaced over-the-counter medications they were previously using, with 47 percent of those being painkillers (like Tylenol) and 22 percent being sedatives (like Xanax).

A long-term study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that CBD may help prevent cognitive decline. What's more, according to a report published in the journal Neurotherapeutics, CBD may also be effective in treating addictive disorders.

What are the benefits of CBD in body care?

“CBD offers a triple-A approach to skincare—it’s anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory,” Samir Juneja, who left pharmacy to start his own cosmetics company, CBD of London, told British Vogue. “In terms of antioxidants in the skin, it provides the missing molecule for free radicals to bind to, stopping them from going on to cause DNA damage. In terms of anti-inflammatory properties, we know that skin ageing and inflammation go hand in hand, and CBD helps combat oxidative stress.” Studies also suggest that cannabidiol may help treat eczema and psoriasis. But before you go shopping for a new cream, make sure the marijuana leaves on the packaging aren’t just a marketing ploy. Hemp oil is a great skincare ingredient on its own, but if you’re looking for cannabidiol, read the label carefully and make sure the product contains CBD, not just hemp. Also, keep in mind that when applied to the skin it may not affect your mood in any way.

Why has CBD become popular now?

As The New York Times aptly observed, each generation has a defining psychological affliction: tranquilizers rose in popularity in the postwar era, Gen Xers grappling with the economic crisis had Prozac, and millennials, who inherited the ecological catastrophe and the unstable job market from their parents, had anxiety. With a growing interest in topics like self-care and alternative medicine, CBD seems to have displaced avocado toast from the millennial trend pedestal. But it would be a mistake to dismiss cannabidiol as just another hippie fad straight from Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog. Older generations are also reaping the benefits of CBD: According to the AARP, CBD has become a popular method for relieving joint pain among boomers, whose last brush with marijuana was likely at a college party in the 1970s.

Conclusions?

As with any wellness craze that hasn’t yet had the time to undergo years of research confirming all its claims of miracles – moderate enthusiasm is most advisable. However, if you’re curious, you have nothing to lose: CBD is completely safe. Well, except for your wallet.