Lately, it seems like CBD, Cannabidiol, or so- called “CBD-infusions” are being placed in everything from youth serums to smoothies. Celebrities are jumping on the CBD bandwagon and swearing by CBD oil to keep their stress, anxiety, and pain under control. But what is CBD?  Is it cannabis, is it hemp? And does it actually work?

CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol, is one of most critical cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant, and is the second naturally occurring primary cannabinoid behind THC. It exists both in hemp and cannabis, and while cannabinoids are present within several plants in nature, cannabis is the only plant known to contain actual CBD.

THC, which stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. THC is a chemical secreted by the glands of the cannabis plant, and occurs mostly in the reproductive organs, and in the female plant, in the resin glands of the bud and flowers.

While both THC and CBD interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the human body and brain, their psychological and physical effects can differ dramatically: see image below