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CBD Explained: What It Is, What It Does, and What It Doesn’t

 

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant

CBD Explained: What It Is, What It Does, and What It Doesn’t

Separating facts from hype in the world’s most misunderstood cannabinoid

CBD seems to be everywhere — oils, gummies, lotions, coffee, pet treats — yet many people are still unsure what it actually does.

Let’s clear it up.

What Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating and does not produce a “high.”

CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp. Most commercially available CBD products are derived from hemp, which is legally defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9-THC.

How CBD Works in the Body

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory network involved in maintaining balance (homeostasis) across systems like mood, inflammation, sleep, and pain response.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain. Instead, it influences receptors indirectly and affects other systems, including serotonin, vanilloid, and GABA pathways.

This is why CBD is often described as supportive rather than intoxicating.

Commonly Reported Benefits of CBD

Research is ongoing, but many users report CBD may help support:

CBD is also being studied for its potential role in seizure disorders, which led to the FDA approval of a CBD-based medication for specific conditions.

What CBD Does Not Do

  • CBD does not get you high
  • CBD does not impair cognition
  • CBD is not a cure-all
  • CBD does not work the same for everyone

Despite marketing claims, CBD is not magic — but for many people, it can be a useful wellness tool when used thoughtfully.

Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate

CBD products typically fall into three categories:

Is CBD Legal?

Hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% delta-9-THC is federally legal in the United States. However, state laws may vary regarding product types, sales, and marketing.

Always purchase CBD from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing.

How to Use CBD

CBD comes in many forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, and beverages. The right choice depends on your goals and lifestyle.

As with edibles, the best approach is to start low and go slow, gradually increasing dosage until desired effects are achieved.

CBD isn’t about getting high — it’s about helping the body find balance.

© Tennessee Cannabiz

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