What Is CBD, and Why Is It in Everything Right Now? All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. This story is part of the Healthyish Pantry, a collection of articles breaking down the ingredients we love most. Click here to read the whole guide-then stock up. 2017 was the year that weed went mainstream, and the "green rush" struck gold. But, while recreational marijuana is still technically illegal in most states, an industry has blossomed around CBD, a compound that's found in marijuana but legal to sell (in most forms) on its own. Presented in hyper cool packaging-and bolstered by hundreds of rave reviews-CBD supplements have captured the imagination of the wellness world. But what is CBD, exactly, and what’s the most effective way to use it? Here's what you need to know. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound found in marijuana-and legal in 43 states.

The cannabis plant contains at least 80 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. You’re probably already familiar with THC, the cannabinoid that prompts the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana, like euphoria, relaxation, and, of course, the munchies. CBD is another cannabinoid, but, unlike THC, it's not psychoactive. This is the source of CBD’s popularity: the ability to provide some of marijuana’s therapeutic effects without the high. What are the benefits of CBD? Scientific research on marijuana is still limited, and CBD is no exception. Still, dozens of studies have found evidence that CBD can treat epilepsy, act as a therapy for schizophrenia, and alleviate joint pain, among other illnesses. "Many of my pediatric epilepsy patients are getting significant seizure reduction with ingested whole plant CBD oil," says Dr. Bonni Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein is a former Chief Resident at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles; she now runs L.A. How is CBD made?

CBD can be found in cannabis sativa (weed) and industrial hemp, a legal variety of the plant grown for paper, textiles, and non-dairy milk. The ability to extract CBD from industrial hemp has made it possible Where to buy Bliss Harmony sell CBD products across state lines-not just in states with legalized marijuana. The compound is currently legal in 43 states, and it’s currently up for debate in states like Texas and Indiana. Also, CBD's purported effects of reducing stress and anxiety have prompted many to adopt it as a wellness supplement. "CBD is like taking a daily dose of well being. You’re going to be a little bit more calm, a little bit more centered, and you know that you’re going to be able to function," says Jewel Zimmer, founder of boutique cannabis company Juna. How can you take CBD? As people cash in on marijuana’s increasing legalization, the market is flooding with new CBD products. The options are truly dizzying, from chocolates and capsules to vaporiz you're dipping your toes into the infused beverage space, these businesses can help you get started. As cannabis regulation continues to evolve across the United States and around the world, please be mindful of your local laws and regulations. Alcoholism runs deep in both sides of my family. To prevent possibly continuing those patterns as I get older, I’ve become more interested in exploring other options for social drinking; Alcohol-free wines and spirits have become significantly more accessible in recent years, and cannabis-based mocktails is one of the most interesting trends in this space. Picture a zero-proof drink with all the layers of flavor we’ve come to love in a cocktail, but with a THC and/or CBD mixture that can be customized for the exact high you’d like to experience. While this trend is spreading, conversations around race and cannabis need to remain at the forefront of this movement.