Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in cannabis. But unlike its better-known counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), responsible for cannabis’ mind-altering effects, extensive research suggests that CBD is not psychoactive. CBD is most commonly found in oil-based form, which may be applied topically, ingested or sprayed.

At the present time, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists marijuana and its cannabinoids as a Schedule I controlled substance, arguably due to THC’s psychedelic effects. This means that cannabis cannot legally be possessed, sold or prescribed. Having said that, 16 states in the United States have already CBD-specific passed laws.
Hemo-derived CBD, a THC-absent variety of cannabis sativa, had been declared legal by the industry on account of the legality of hemp itself. Confusion arose, however, when the DEA issued a statement in December 2016 stating that any derivative “from any plant of the genus Cannabis” will continue to be treated as Schedule I controlled substances, lumping cannabis and hemp together. Its legality is unclear though, as in 2004 a Federal Court ruled that hemp was OK to traffic.

What is clear though, is that with research on CBD and cannabis showing indisputably positive results, legalization has been picking up pace around the globe. And with CBD hemp oil already legal throughout much of the US, Australia and the EU, millions of people are already experiencing the benefits of CBD, with numbers only increasing exponentially.

CBD’s benefits can be obtained through its wide range of uses. It can be applied topically upon the affected area in order to fight pain directly, inhaled for a faster effect or ingested for a more long-lasting effect.

Ingesting CBD oil remains the preferred form of dosing given its wide-ranging and long-lasting effects. However, it is not fast-acting like inhalation and may take up to 2-3 hours for the effects to peak.
This is where the CBD oil spray comes in as one of the best options available for usage, with the second-fastest method of absorption. Its ease of use, near immediacy of results and some of the highest absorption rates possible, make the spray the preferred option of choice.

While side effects related to THC-containing cannabis are many, hemp CBD oil has been proven to be safe for consumption.
It should be noted, however, that some potential side effects of CBD include its inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism and the decreased activity of p-glycoprotein, which may interact with several pharmaceuticals by changing the rate at which they are metabolized. According to the Indiana University Department of Medicine these include:

• Steroids
• HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
• Antihistamines
• Calcium channel blockers
• IV antivirals
• Immune modulators
• Benzodiazepines
• Anti-arrythmics
• Antibiotics
• Anesthetics
• Anti-psychotics
• Anti-depressants
• Beta blockers
• PPIs
• NSAIDs
• Angiotension II blockers
• Oral hypoglycemic agents
• Sulfonylureas