Many people are interested in finding more natural remedies, so, understandably, interest in CBD is rising.
But is CBD a wonder drug, or just another health fad?
We’ve compiled reliable research to put the popularity of what is CBD used for and its potential health benefits into perspective.
CBD Uses
People seem to use CBD for almost everything these days. Name a medical condition and there’s likely someone out there treating it with CBD.
But when someone claims that CBD cured their migraines or cleared their skin rash, take it with a grain of salt.
Because the CBD industry is so new, there simply hasn’t been enough research to fully understand its effects and benefits just yet.
While it shows plenty of promise in treating various conditions, it is not a one-size-fits-all [remedy] to treat specific conditions or symptoms of those conditions for every individual.
Research on the benefits is ongoing. That experimentation is in its preliminary stages and there is still a long way to go.
The medical potential for CBD and other cannabinoids is undeniable, but medical research takes time and careful analysis.
That said, it has shown efficacy in treating chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep (three of its most common uses), as well as arthritis and joint pain.
Anecdotal Evidence
CBD enthusiasts will tell you that it changed their lives, citing all sorts of positive effects. Skeptics will tell you that it’s all hype and has no actual benefits.
The truth falls somewhere in between. However, 32% of people who’ve used CBD did not find it effective.
While 22% of people who’ve used CBD said it helped them supplement or replace prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including opioids.
75% or nearly three-quarters of American CBD users say it’s moderately effective for the symptoms they’re taking it for.
About 48% or nearly half of them say it’s very or extremely effective for their symptoms.
Top Reasons Why People Use CBD: What Is CBD Used For?
The data was gathered from a Consumer Reports 2019 survey of 4,000 American CBD users.
37% of people use CBD for stress and anxiety. 63% or over 3 in 5 of them find CBD very or extremely effective.
24% of them use CBD for joint pain. Of this percentage, 38%, or nearly 2 in 5, found CBD helpful and effective.
11% used CBD for fun and recreational purposes. There’s no significant difference between those who found CBD effective for recreational use (24%) and those who didn’t (22%).
10% said they used CBD to enjoy better sleep. More than half of them (52%) found CBD effective.
If you decide to try CBD, here's what to know about its potential risks, as well as how to stay safe and avoid potentially dangerous products.
Most Common Side Effects Of CBD
CBD statistics show that dry mouth appears to be the most common side effect associated with CBD use, affecting 11.12% of CBD users.
6% reported increased appetite, and 3% had red eyes.
Sleepiness or grogginess, on the other hand, is the least common side effect, affecting only 1.78% of CBD users.
How To Avoid Potentially Dangerous CBD Products
Shop at reputable places: Avoid purchasing CBD products at gas stations or smoke shops.
Instead, consider buying CBD from locally licensed dispensaries or online companies that provide information on their growing and manufacturing practices, as well as their third-party lab results.
A third-party lab result, known as a Certificate of Analysis (COA): A COA is produced when an independent third-party lab tests a product for a company.
A COA is a detailed document that displays the test results, i.e., the cannabinoid profile, plus tests for the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, and other impurities.
Reviewing the COA is a pro-consumer move that helps you avoid mislabeled, low-quality, or fake products. A reputable company will always provide one.
Purchase domestically grown products: These are required to meet quality-control standards determined by the U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA).
Try to select USDA organic products: Hemp plants absorb toxins that can pass to you, so finding products that are grown without pesticides and fertilizers is ideal.
Check for up-to-date COAs: Be sure that products are tested by third-party labs, which verify the products’ cannabinoid content, purity, and safety. These should be easy to find on the company's website.
Make sure there are no additives: If you’re vaping, only use products that contain 100% cannabis and hemp and no additives. Failing to do so can put you at risk for lung injury, a condition called EVALI.
If you’re using non-vape products, be aware of any additives that could cause an allergic reaction, such as nuts or coconut oil.
Find CBD products that follow all the guidelines above here.
Stay Safe When Dosing CBD
Ingesting too much CBD can cause unpleasant side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and general disorientation.
Make sure you start with a low dose, and slowly increase it over time to see how you respond to CBD.
Consider starting a daily journal where you report your CBD dose and reactions to help you determine what is the best dose for you without overdoing it.
Final Thoughts On What Is CBD Used For
While there hasn’t been extensive research on its effectiveness, it shows promise as an anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety treatment, as well as a sleep aid and pain and arthritis.
And this can give us some great insight into CBD’s appeal as a new addition to holistic wellness routines.
We recommend not using any CBD during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult your physician before use.
And just as importantly keep it out of reach from children and pets.
Hello! We are writers here at Hemp Jubilation. We are a diverse small group of experienced CBD users. We strive to bring you the finest, up-to-date reviews and content on all things CBD.
We have been writing about CBD for more than 5 years and have tried and reviewed dozens of CBD products. We are knowledgeable about the popular CBD brands and products, the CBD industry as well as the science and research behind this popular natural remedy.