Imagine the cannabis plant (like the one marijuana comes from). This plant has many natural compounds inside it.
CBD is one of those compounds.
Here's the main thing to remember:
* CBD is NOT the stuff that gets you high. That's a different compound called THC.
* CBD is more about helping you feel balanced.
What do people use CBD for?
Many people use CBD because they believe it helps with things like:
* Feeling less stressed or anxious (it can have a calming effect).
* Easing pain and soreness (like aches and inflammation).
* Helping with sleep problems.
* For some rare and severe seizure conditions, CBD is actually a real medicine prescribed by doctors.
Does it have side effects?
Yes, sometimes. Some people might feel:
* A dry mouth
* A bit sleepy
* Have an upset stomach
Important to know:
* CBD isn't a magic cure-all.
* It can sometimes interact with other medicines you're taking, so it's good to check with a doctor.
* Since it's not always strictly regulated like regular medicines, it's important to buy it from trusted places.
How do people use it?
You can find CBD in many forms:
* Oils/drops: You put them under your tongue.
* Pills or capsules: You swallow them.
* Gummies or other edibles: You eat them.
* Creams or lotions: You rub them on your skin for local pain.
* Vape pens: You inhale it (though this one has more health concerns).
There are also different "types" of CBD products:
* Full-spectrum: Has CBD plus all the other natural compounds from the plant, including a tiny bit of THC (not enough to get you high).
* Broad-spectrum: Has CBD and other plant compounds, but no THC.
* Isolate: It's just pure CBD, nothing else.
Is it legal in Canada?
Yes, CBD is legal in Canada.
However, because it comes from the cannabis plant, it's regulated like other cannabis products. This means you usually have to buy it from:
* Licensed cannabis stores (the legal ones).
* Sometimes from pharmacies if it's a medical CBD product.
There's talk of making it easier to buy low-dose CBD products over-the-counter, similar to how you'd buy a natural health product, but that's still being worked on by the government.