This Is Where CBD Oil Actually Comes From

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, becoming one of the fastest-growing health and wellness trends in the country. Once viewed as a fringe substance, CBD oil has now become so mainstream that it is found in candy, coffee, skin care products, and even pet treats (via Health). But what exactly is CBD oil and where does it come from?

CBD oil is an extract derived from the cannabis plant that is often used for medicinal purposes. It is one of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the main active ingredient and psychoactive component in marijuana. Unlike THC, however, CBD can't get you high. "CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant, so what that means is you won't have any effects like euphoria," Dr. Junella Chin, an osteopathic physician and medical cannabis expert for CannabisMD, told Health. "You won't feel sedated or altered in any way."

CBD oil can be used to treat certain ailments and medical conditions. For instance, CBD oil is most commonly used to treat pain and inflammation (via Healthline). Although further research is still needed, studies on animals have shown that CBD oil can help reduce chronic pain and inflammation by binding to endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system — which regulate pain, appetite, sleep, and immune system response — and interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain.

CBD oil may also be used to treat common mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety. One Brazilian study found that giving men a dose of 300 milligrams of CBD 90 minutes before a public speaking test helped reduce anxiety during the test (via Healthline). Multiple studies on animals have also found that CBD oil can have antidepressant-like effects by impacting the brain's serotonin receptors. Furthermore, CBD oil may also help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.