Opioid use is on the rise in America, with medical and nonmedical overuse of opioids exacting a huge toll on society in recent years. CBD is becoming a popular solution, but there is still much to learn on how and if it's becoming effective. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of receptors found in the brain and body (bones, GI, skin, organs etc.). The ECS is intriguing and important because it is the body’s "master regulatory system." It communicates and interacts with virtually all other bodily systems (CNS, organs, autoimmune system, GI tract etc.) to keep the body in a healthy state, i.e., homeostasis. While research is advancing rapidly, it has already implicated the ECS as a crucial component of health. Since CBD, and cannabis in general, targets this ubiquitous system through various mechanisms of action, cannabis has potential applications for many diseases.

Third party testing is the name of the game. There should be a batch report available detailing each category. It is best to get CBD extracted from therapeutic (cannabinoid-rich) hemp, as opposed to cannabinoid-deficient industrial hemp, because it will be less likely to contain contaminants. It is also best if the product is manufactured in a registered lab that follows cGMP standards and AHPA guidelines.

If the psychoactive effects of marijuana were undesirable, then the person should not fear the same with CBD, as it is not psychoactive. If a person thinks they had an allergic reaction to marijuana, they should consult a physician before trying a hemp product. It is a plant and, while it has not been reported to my knowledge, allergies to cannabis could exist.

It is important to use caution with any new product. There are many factors to consider, such as where and how the plant was grown, how the product was processed and manufactured, and the route of administration used. Take into account allergies, plant nutrient, herbicide, pesticide, mold, mildew, or other contaminant in a marijuana product that could be absent in a different CBD product.