As a social scientist, I am trained to be skeptical; to be a critical consumer of research.

As a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, I’m extra skeptical of most substances – I do quite a lot of research before I recommend people put anything into their bodies for any reason.

I’m doing a lot of research on CBD these days.  There is quite a bit of information out there, so it’s hard to wade through fact and opinion, but here is what I know:

The human brain, and the brain of many of mammals, has an Endocannabinoid system that is wired to receive CBD, as well as other cannabinoids, like THC – the one that makes you “high”.

The Endocannabinoid system participates in the regulation of a variety of physiological and cognitive processes, including fertility, pregnancy, appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory.

The recent history of cannabis and marijuana in the U.S., and worldwide in fact, is quite complex and very political – often contributing to the negative perception of the plant.  Prior to its criminalization nearly 100 years ago, cannabis was widely accepted and used for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes.

Cannabidiol, or “CBD” and tetrahydrocannibidol THC are just two of 113 identified cannabinoids in the hemp plant.  THC is a hallucinogen that makes the user feel “high”.  CBD is believed to have myriad possible positive health effects – but much of the research is still pending. 

Even with that, I asked a simple social media poll about CBD, and here are some of the responses I received:

• It helps my “anxiety, stress and pain.”
• “My parents have various ailments that cause them significant pain. They’ve been using it for pain relief, topically and internally, and both have seen relief. Since the alternative is an addictive, synthetic pain killer, I say it’s a win!”
• “Has been incredibly helpful in dealing with post-concussion syndrome. One gummy a day, and it’s been a complete game-changer.”
• “I was giving it to my daughter when she was at her sickest. She said it helped her a bit.”
• “I haven’t tried it or needed it but fully support it being used to improve quality of life. I work with so many children and adults who have multiple seizures daily as well as serious SIB. If this can help, I’m all for it!”  (a variation has been approved by the FDA for use in childhood epilepsy)

Again, I’m always skeptical.  I’m especially skeptical of something that is said to be able to treat so many different issues.

However, maybe there is something to it.

I’ll keep reading and asking questions, and will share what I find here.