People make CBD oil by extracting it from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. It is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.

CBD can be found in various products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food.

It continues to gain momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies finding that it may ease symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety. But is it the right choice for you?

This article covers 6 evidence-backed health benefits of CBD, as well as potential side effects and safety concerns related to CBD products.

Heads up: Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3% THC) are legal on the federal level but are still illegal under some state laws. Cannabis-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. And keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approvedTrusted Source and may be inaccurately labeled.

May relieve: pain Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C. More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters