CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a popular herbal compound found in the sticky flowers of Cannabis and Hemp. These flowers have a long history of medicinal use across Europe and Asia, and were widely available for treatment of aches, pains, and illness before modern medicine. Countless studies have confirmed our ancestors were onto something: it is safe, non-addictive, and unusually effective. But is CBD just a trend?
Figure 2: Search Interest in “CBD” for the United States over 2022, with 100 representing peak interest and 50 representing a 50% reduction in search interest. Source: Google Trends
Look at the figure above. The blue line represents the popularity of the term “CBD” on Google in 2022. Notice how it never dips below 75. Interest in the US has never been stronger. Americans are fascinated by CBD and are taking it in all sorts of ways, from gummies and tinctures to gelcaps and lotions. But why is it so popular?
Relief.
Most people either take CBD for pain/inflammation or for stress/anxiety. Many find their current pharmaceuticals are not effective enough, or the side-effects are too difficult to manage. CBD is quickly becoming the go-to plant-based alternative for things like ibuprofen (aka Advil).
Will CBD get me high?
No. CBD cannot get you high, that is THC. Intoxicating cannabis (aka marijuana) contains huge amounts of THC, but not hemp CBD. Can CBD show up as a false positive on a drug test? Yes, so if you are going to be tested…best to avoid CBD.
Want to learn more? Our Info Center is full of helpful information.