Are you considering trying CBD for the first time but aren’t sure if it’s right for you?

According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, 33 percent of American adults have tried CBD at least once. Additionally, around 64 million Americans have tried CBD in the last 24 months.

Why are millions and millions of Americans using CBD? What’s so great about it? Can CBD cure a common cold?

Check out these CBD facts to learn everything you need to know about CBD.

1. What Is CBD?

First things first, what exactly is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol. It’s an active and essential chemical component in the cannabis plant.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a family of plants broken down into two primary categories: Indica and Sativa. CBD exists in both Indica and Sativa plants. However, unlike other chemical compounds like THC, CBD does not get you high, as it doesn’t have any psychoactive properties.

CBD is a safe, non-addictive substance that offers many therapeutic benefits.

2. CBD vs. Hemp: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms CBD and hemp interchangeably. While CBD and hemp offer some similar benefits, they’re not the same product.

Like CBD, hemp also does not contain any psychoactive properties. Hemp oil can only be extracted from the hemp plant, which is a member of the cannabis Sativa family.

For something to be considered hemp, it needs to contain 0.03% of THC or less. If it contains more than 0.03% of THC, then it’s classified as a marijuana plant.

CBD is a compound that exists in hemp plants as well as other cannabis plants. However, hemp plants contain more CBD and less THC, while other cannabis plants contain more THC and less CBD.

3. Is CBD Legal?

Many people are confused about the legalities of CBD.

Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD is legal within all 50 states. According to this bill, manufacturers can sell CBD products within their state of origin or in states where CBD products are legal.

However, CBD products labeled as food or dietary supplements cannot be sold across state lines.

It’s also important to note that while cannabidiol is legal in each state, not all states have embraced selling CBD. Here are the states with the friendliest CBD laws:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• South Carolina
• Indiana
• Illinois
• North Carolina
• Kentucky
• Missouri
• Oregon
• New York
• Wisconsin
• Utah
• Texas
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Rhode Island

Some states have friendly laws toward CBD sales but still aren’t as flexible as the states listed above. These states include:

• North Dakota
• New Mexico
• Hawaii
• Kansas

The District of Columbia is also considered a “friendly state.” There are also “gray area states”. Even though Congress passed a bill that legalizes CBD and hemp, in certain states, the hemp plant is still regulated. In these areas, the state law conflicts with federal law, creating a gray area.

States with gray areas include:

• Maine
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• Washington
• Virginia
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Pennsylvania
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Virginia
• Washington

There are also some states where there aren’t any explicit prohibitions against the sale of CBD, but recent law enforcement actions raise a bit of concern.

These states include:

• California
• Alabama
• Arizona
• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Nevada
• Michigan
• Ohio
• Virginia
• West Virginia

It’s essential to keep in mind that each state has its own laws and policies regarding the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and possession of CBD. Before purchasing CBD, you should always look into your state’s rules and regulations.

4. What’s the Best Way to Take CBD?

One of the best things about CBD is that there are multiple ways to take it. For example, if you prefer to ingest CBD, you can purchase honey sticks from Hempzilla CBD.

Here are some other popular ways to take CBD:

Topicals

CBD topicals can be applied directly to the skin. You can purchase CBD-infused balms, lotions, creams, and salves.

If you’re using CBD for a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, then a CBD topical product is a great option. CBD topicals are also a great choice for those experiencing sore muscles or joints, as they can provide concentrated relief to the area experiencing pain.

Tincture Drops

A CBD tincture is a type of oil that’s infused with CBD. CBD tinctures come with eye droppers that allow you to easily ingest your CBD directly or add it to your favorite tea or beverage.

Many tinctures also contain other components that can help improve your health.

Oil Capsules

Many people prefer to take CBD oil capsules because they’re fast, effective, and convenient. With a CBD capsule, you never have to worry about measuring out the right dose.

However, capsules don’t come with the same versatility that tinctures do, and if you want to adjust your serving size, you need to buy an entirely different product.

Gummies/Edibles

CBD edibles and gummies are a popular option for those who want all of the benefits of CBD wrapped up in a sweet treat.

This can be an inconspicuous way to enjoy CBD if you’re around other people, as it just looks like you’re eating candy. Besides, CBD gummies and honey sticks, you can also find CBD cookies, candies, and brownies.

Bath Bombs

If you’re looking to make your hot bubble bath even more relaxing, then you need to invest in some CBD bath bombs.

Most CBD bath bombs contain a combination of aromatics, essential oils, and Epsom salt to help you fully relax. All you need to do is drop the bath bomb into the water, let it dissolve, and relax!

Smoking/Vaping

Of course, you also can smoke or vape your CBD. Smoking/vaping allows CBD to directly enter your bloodstream, so you’ll feel the effects much quicker than the other methods available.

If you choose to vape or smoke CBD, avoid cartridges that contain thinning agents or carriers such as vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, or fractionated coconut oil (MCT). A 2017 review found that these compounds can damage your lung tissue.

5. Does CBD Cure a Common Cold?

As we mentioned earlier, people take CBD because it offers a variety of health benefits. But, can CBD cure the common cold?

While most people believe that chilly weather is the culprit of the common cold, the truth is, there are more than 200 different viruses that can trigger cold symptoms.

After breathing in certain viral particles, people come down with cold symptoms. According to the CDC, adults suffer from an average of 2 to 3 colds per year, while children suffer from 6 to 10 colds per year.

While there is no cure for the common cold, there are medications and remedies that can help alleviate symptoms. For a long time, people have used zinc and vitamin C to relieve their cold symptoms.

Now, more and more people are turning to CBD for cold symptom relief. This is because studies show that CBD can help relieve inflammation.

All of the symptoms of a common cold stem from inflammation. To allow white blood cells to more easily reach the infection site, your body initiates an inflammatory response.

While the inflammatory response can help your body heal, it can also cause some uncomfortable symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, headache, or sore throat. CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve some of these symptoms.

6. What Are the Benefits of CBD?

In addition to relieving symptoms of the common cold, CBD offers a host of other benefits. Here are some of the biggest benefits of taking CBD:

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Relieve chronic pain due to arthritis
• Reduce acne
• Alleviate symptoms related to cancer
• Contains neuroprotective properties that can provide benefits for those suffering from neurological disorders
• Improve heart health
• Improve sleep and combat sleep disorders

Research shows that CBD may be able to help those who suffer from epileptic seizures. A 2016 study looked at 214 patients suffering from epilepsy. Scientists added 2 to 5 mg of CBD to each patient’s existing epilepsy medication.

They monitored the patients for 12 weeks, and they found that overall, participants experienced 36.5% fewer seizures each month.

CBD Facts: Are You Ready to Try CBD?

Now that you’ve read these CBD facts, it’s time for you to try CBD. You can either purchase CBD in-store or online. Make sure to do your research beforehand to ensure that you’re purchasing from a reputable manufacturer.

Before you know it, you’ll be experiencing all of the benefits that CBD has to offer. And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more CBD-related news and tips.