What Is CBD?
A plain-English beginner's guide to cannabidiol — what it is, how it's different from THC, and what to look for.
CBD is everywhere these days — oils, gummies, lotions, even drinks. If you're new to it and just want a straight answer to "what is this stuff and is it going to get me high?", this is for you.
CBD, defined
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many natural compounds — called cannabinoids — found in the cannabis plant, including hemp. It's one of the two most talked-about cannabinoids, the other being THC. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating: on its own it doesn't produce the "high" that cannabis is known for.
CBD vs. THC — the key difference
They come from the same plant family, but they act differently:
- THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating "high."
- CBD is non-intoxicating — people generally describe it as calming or "clear-headed" rather than impairing.
Most CBD products sold in stores are made from hemp, a variety of cannabis that's naturally very low in THC.
Is CBD legal?
In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived products that contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight — which is why hemp-derived CBD is so widely sold. But "legal to grow and sell as hemp" isn't the whole story. The FDA currently says CBD cannot be marketed as a dietary supplement or added to food in interstate commerce, and it hasn't approved CBD for general wellness use (only a single prescription medication). On top of that, state and local laws vary and the rules are still evolving. Bottom line: check the current regulations where you live before buying.
The three types of CBD
On labels you'll usually see CBD described one of three ways:
- Full-spectrum — contains CBD plus the plant's other cannabinoids and compounds, including trace THC (up to the legal 0.3%).
- Broad-spectrum — like full-spectrum, but with the THC removed.
- Isolate — pure CBD, with everything else stripped out.
Common forms
- Oils & tinctures — drops taken under the tongue.
- Edibles — gummies, capsules and other foods.
- Topicals — creams and balms applied to the skin.
- Vapes & flower — inhaled forms.
How to choose quality CBD
The CBD market isn't tightly regulated, so quality varies a lot. A few things worth looking for:
- Third-party lab testing. Reputable brands publish a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab confirming the CBD content and that it's free of contaminants.
- Clear THC content — especially important if you're subject to drug testing (even legal trace THC can matter).
- Straightforward labeling of how many milligrams of CBD you're actually getting per serving.
This page is general educational information, not medical advice. CBD is not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and it can interact with some medications. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.