CBD — short for cannabidiol — is a chemical compound found abundantly in cannabis plants. It exploded onto the American market after the federal government passed the 2018 Farm Bill — which legalized the use of CBD in consumer products.
The use of CBD might seem new to many people. However, it actually has a long and tumultuous history. CBD usage dates to about 5,000 years ago, with reports of Chinese Emperor Shen Nung using it to relieve a variety of ailments. In 1940, chemist Roger Adams isolated the CBD compound from a cannabis plant.
In modern times, the 1930s propaganda film Reefer Madness led to panic with the US federal government — which ultimately classified cannabis as an illegal drug. CBD began making a comeback when California legalized medical cannabis in 1996. But, the stigma surrounding CBD would not fade until 2012.
The captivating story of Charlotte Figi, a young girl with a rare epilepsy disorder, swept the nation in 2012. Figi’s story opened the nation’s eyes to the positive possibilities of CBD and resulted in its legalization.
Now, CBD is everywhere and in everything. Current statistics indicate 33% of American adults have used CBD at least once.
6 Ways CBD Is Used Today
CBD has come a long way in a short time. Scientists are currently conducting a vast number of studies on how CBD interacts with the body. Every year companies are launching new CBD products to meet surging demand. You can purchase CBD products in various forms, including tinctures, tablets, gummies, and oils.
The following list will help you navigate the many uses of CBD.
1. CBD Oil As Medication
Charlotte Figi’s story ignited the demand for CBD research in the medical industry. The oil she used is still available today and was named after her — Charlotte’s Web.
Even though research has only recently begun, some early findings indicate CBD may have positive benefits for:
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Epilepsy/ Seizure disorders
A medical professional can help determine the proper dosage for your needs.
2. CBD for Acne Relief
Acne can make the most confident person feel self-conscious. If you’ve ever had any kind of acne, you know the frustration of trying every cream and cleanser available. Severe acne cases are often treated with prescription medication, which can have undesirable side effects.
Researchers have recently discovered that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. More research is currently being conducted on the effects of CBD on acne. But, CBD acne products are already available for you to try.
3. CBD for Hair Care
CBD hair care products have hit the market and have many potential benefits like:
- Encouraging hair growth
- Helping scalp conditions
- Reducing hair loss
- Preventing hair damage and breakage
Recent research suggests that CBD interacts with the hair follicle and promotes growth. CBD oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that nourish and strengthen the hair. CBD has cleansing properties that eliminate damaging particles found on the hair.
4. Hemp Seed Oil for Moisturizing
If CBD oil can benefit your hair, then it stands to reason it can benefit your skin as well. Every day, your skin is subjected to harsh elements like oxygen and water.
Water removes the natural oils your skin produces and leaves your skin dry and flaky. As a result, you likely seek out moisturizers to soothe the dryness left behind by water. However, have you ever read the label on your moisturizer? You might be surprised to discover the main ingredient is water — denoted as aqua — and it would not keep your skin moisturized for long.
Many CBD products include hemp seed oil — which contains several essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. The nutrients found in hemp seed oil can moisturize and protect the skin, while the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can reduce redness. The hemp seed oil can also prevent water from penetrating the skin.
Next time you go shopping for a moisturizer, be on the lookout for full-body and facial hemp creams and CDB moisturizers.
5. CBD in Beauty Routine and Cosmetics
Inflammation can cause a plethora of problems inside and outside your body. So, industries in every market are capitalizing on CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, and the cosmetic industry is no exception.
While official research is still being conducted, early evidence has indicated that adding CBD products to your beauty routine can help moisturize and reduce facial redness. However, there are other benefits to using CBD oil in cosmetics. For example, mascara often clumps on the lashes, but mascara that includes CBD oil goes on much smoother.
CBD cosmetics can be found in:
- Lip Glosses and Lipsticks
- Mascaras
- Color Correctors
- Face Serums
- Foundations
6. Pet Products
The demand for CBD pet products is growing exponentially. Pet owners are switching to CBD products in the hope of relieving their pet from:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Skin conditions
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Epilepsy
Currently, most CBD pet products are available for dogs. These products are readily available as:
- Dog Chews
- Tinctures
- Gummies
Giving your pet CBD products should be done with caution. If you have questions or concerns about giving CBD products to your pet, contact your veterinarian.
The Endless Possibilities of CBD
Just a few short years ago, CBD was illegal, and it was only legally available in a few places for medicinal use. Now a simple search for any type of skincare product wields a mountain of results for CBD products.
More studies and research are needed to understand the full range of benefits CBD can provide. With time, you will see more and more CBD and hemp products hitting the shelves of your favorite stores.