What is CBD oil?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabinoid family that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. Scientists have isolated 108 different types of cannabinoids in cannabis. 

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is probably the best-known thanks to its psychoactive properties -- it's the one that gets you "high" -- but CBD oil is quickly gaining ground due to its potential therapeutic benefits. 

How does CBD work?

CBD (and THC) work by interacting with our body's endocannabinoid system, a regulatory system made up of naturally occurring cannabis-like molecules. These endocannabinoids, as they're called, work like neurotransmitters, shuttling messages through the body to help maintain homeostasis. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system at two known receptors: CB1 and CB2. 

CB1 receptors are mainly present in the brain -- where they're involved with cognition, memory, motor skills and pain -- but also in the peripheral nervous system, liver, thyroid, uterus and more. THC attaches itself to these receptors, inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters and possibly increasing the release of others, altering normal functioning.

CBD oil is one popular way people ingest CBD

Researchers once thought that CBD did the same thing, but with CB2 receptors -- which are abundant in the immune and gastrointestinal systems, as well as the brain and nervous system. However, they no longer believe that to be true. 

Although the exact way CBD affects our bodies is still unknown, scientists think CBD encourages the body to produce more of its own endocannabinoids, which may help reduce anxiety, pain and inflammation.