CBD, short for Cannabidiol is a naturally-occurring chemical in marijuana and hemp cannabis plants. The use of this compound is on the rise with people taking it for managing inflammation, reducing anxiety, boosting energy, and everything in between. Here are five things you should know about using cannabinoids.

CBD does not produce a high like the cannabinoid THC. While using marijuana containing THC will likely produce psychoactive effects such as heightened sensory perception, euphoria, and pleasure, CBD will not. By law, products containing CBD must have less than 0.3 percent THC in them. Taking high doses or more than the recommended dose of a CBD product could put you in a better mood, it is not the same as a high.

Just like any other supplement, CBD may cause side effects in some users. However, CBD is generally well-tolerated and considered safe. CBD can interact with some medications, so you should always talk with your doctor before taking it. Common side effects of CBD include diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, and fatigue.

The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate sleep, appetite, immune response, pain, and with managing inflammation. Neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. Some studies show that CBD can help reduce chronic pain and inflammation by changing endocannabinoid receptor activity. This is especially true for patients who have pain from arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Suffering from a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression can sometimes be debilitating. Available without a prescription, CBD oils and products could help relieve these conditions.

While prescription medication for both pain and anxiety or depression have the potential to be addictive and cause substance abuse, CBD is not addictive. CBD products are safely used for children with insomnia and anxiety who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD can help with these conditions because it acts on the serotonin receptors in the brain that are vital to the regulation of social behavior and mood.

In addition to improving mental health and decreasing pain, CBD has also been proven effective in improving heart health, reducing acne, alleviating cancer-related symptoms, and acts as a potent neuroprotective. Additionally, there are studies that show CBD can help reduce the incidence of diabetes, have anti-tumor effects, help with substance abuse treatment, and may even help with conditions such as schizophrenia.