CBD, officially known as cannabidiol, is one of the most prominent cannabinoids present in the Cannabis genus of plants. Cannabis plants have three strains—Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis—some of which are further differentiated as marijuana or hemp. The main difference between the two is that hemp only stems from the Sativa species, while marijuana can come from either Sativa or Indica strains. Marijuana plants contain higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the cannabinoid that produces the “stoner’s high.”
Even before CBD became a cultural buzzword, it was prized by wellness enthusiasts and health experts for its vast all-natural therapeutic properties.
But what exactly is CBD, and what does it do? Here is our definitive guide to everything you need to know about the crop that’s taking over the world
CBD has been touted for its many benefits in the past few years, appearing in beauty and personal care products, on cafe menus, and on the shelves of national chain stores. In fact, it’s now more accessible than ever. Dravet syndrome, an advanced form of childhood epilepsy with seizures that resist most forms of medication. At the end of a 14-week period, the majority of children saw reduced frequency and intensity of seizures. The CBD market is currently valued at around $590 million, and is expected to surpass $22 billion by 2020, according to research firm The Brightfield Group.