Cannabidiol is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. Over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major active ingredient in marijuana, cannabidiol is also obtained from hemp, which contains only very small amounts of THC.

The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to sell hemp and hemp products in the U.S. But that doesn't mean that all hemp-derived cannabidiol products are legal. Since cannabidiol has been studied as a new drug, it can't be legally included in foods or dietary supplements. Also, cannabidiol can't be included in products marketed with therapeutic claims. Cannabidiol can only be included in "cosmetic" products and only if it contains less than 0.3% THC. But there are still products labeled as dietary supplements on the market that contain cannabidiol. The amount of cannabidiol contained in these products is not always reported accurately on the product label.

Cannabidiol is most commonly used for seizure disorder (epilepsy). It is also used for anxiety, pain, a muscle disorder called dystonia, Parkinson disease, Crohn disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

CBD may benefit a person’s health in various ways.

According to a 2018 study, reasons for taking CBD oil include:

• chronic pain
• arthritis or joint pain
• anxiety and depression
• sleep disorder
• migraine
• cluster and other headaches
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• nausea
• cancer
• allergies or asthma
• epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• lung conditions
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease

There is some evidence to support some of these uses.

Conventional drugs can help relieve stiffness and pain, but some people see CBD as a more natural alternative.

There is growing evidence that the non-psychoactive compounds in marijuana, such as CBD, could provide a new treatment for chronic pain.

In 2018, mouse studies showed that CBD reduces inflammation by preventing the release of compounds that trigger inflammation in the body.

A 2019 study showed that CBD applied to the skin as an ointment significantly reduced inflammatory skin disease and scarring.

A 2013 pilot study found that smokers who used inhalers containing CBD smoked fewer cigarettes than usual and stopped craving nicotine. This suggests that CBD may help people quit smoking.

A 2018 study found that CBD helped reduce cravings during withdrawal from tobacco because of its relaxing effect.

Authors of a 2015 review found evidence that specific cannabinoids, such as CBD, may help people with opioid addiction disorders.

The researchers noted that CBD reduced some symptoms associated with substance use disorders. These included anxiety, mood-related symptoms, pain, and insomnia.

Research continues to support CBD’s use in managing withdrawal symptoms.

Authors of a 2012 review found evidence that CBD may help prevent the spread of some types of cancer. The compound appears to suppress the growth of cancer cells and promote their destruction.

The researchers pointed out that CBD has low levels of toxicity. They called for more research into how CBD could support standard cancer treatments.

A 2020 review article discusses adding CBD to chemotherapy drugs to improve the immune system’s response to cancer treatment.

Other research has been looking at how CBD might help:

• prevent the growth of cancer cells
• reduce anxiety
• improve the action of chemotherapy
• lessen the side effects of conventional chemotherapy

However, there is still some confusion over the specifics.

People should check the laws in their state and any travel destination.

It is worth remembering that the FDA have not yet approved any nonprescription products, which means people cannot be sure about what their product contains.

It is not possible to know if a product:

• is safe and effective for everyone to use
• has the properties or contents stated on the packaging

Anyone who is using CBD – whether as a prescription drug or in other forms — should first speak to a doctor.

Possible adverse effects include:

• liver damage
• interactions with other drugs and alcohol
• changes in alertness, which can make driving dangerous
• gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite
• mood changes, including irritability and irritation
• a reduction in fertility for males

Future research may prove CBD effective in treating various conditions. For now, however, the FDA urge people not to depend on CBD as an alternative to conventional medical care.