CBD oil’s popularity is growing quickly because it’s being hailed as an effective treatment for various health issues. Known officially as cannabidiol, CBD oil is a chemical derived from the cannabis plant. One misconception about cannabidiol is that it’s the same chemical used as a recreational drug, but in fact CBD does not have any psychoactive effect. These psychoactive effects are instead created by another chemical found in the cannabis plant, THC. CBD is not used to “get high”, rather it’s used as an alternative to traditional western medicine. It’s been proven to relieve pain by reducing inflammation. This is why it’s becoming a staple of athletes, whose hard training has an impact on their bodies. CBD, they claim, helps them recover quickly from training. Its pain killing effect also makes it popular with sufferers of chronic conditions such as arthritis and sclerosis. CBD has also been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, as it can trigger the brain’s serotonin receptors, which regulate our mood. Studies are showing that CBD can also be effectively used by cancer patients to treat chemotherapy-related symptoms like nausea, vomiting and acute pain, while it also appears to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. One last potential benefit of CBD oil is that it has been linked with reduced high blood pressure, which suggests that it’s a heart-healthy supplement too. It’s thought that the anxiety and stress-relieving properties of CBD oil are responsible for this effect. However, it’s worth noting that we do not yet know the entire truth about CBD oil, so it’s too early to believe that it’s a miracle cure. Indeed, there are potential side effects, with a notable number of users experiencing above average fatigue, convulsions, diarrhea and rapid weight change. Before trying CBD, it’s important to first check its legal status in your country or state, and consult your doctor for advice.