CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis that does not have intoxicating effects. Research shows that CBD has an effect on anxiety and pain and is often used as a treatment for epilepsy, as an anti-inflammatory and even for treating drug addiction. It took a while, but CBD is now legal in almost every state here in the United States and is becoming a trend: establishments such as doctors’ offices, physical therapy clinics and pharmacies have signs saying “we sell products containing CBD”.
On a cool Sunday morning a few months ago, the kids and I walked to the town hall, where Vermont’s first CBD Fair was being held. Small-scale growers of plants (CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana) and manufacturers were displaying their products. I had no idea what to expect, but I was curious: a sore knee had kept me out of the gym a few days ago, and who knows, maybe I would find a magical cure that didn’t involve taking so many anti-inflammatories? The fair didn’t disappoint, with many booths and a huge variety of products: edibles (candies, simple syrup for drinks, chocolates), ointments, massage creams, essential oils for diffusers, essential oils for consumption, pills, and more. I bought two jars of ointment, one for myself and one for my stepfather, who has been suffering from chronic back pain, and ran out before my son saw me and asked me – again – to buy some candy.
Later, when we visited Las Vegas, I saw many dispensaries on the side of the roads we passed and realized – quite belatedly! – that the wave had not only hit the ultra-progressive state of Vermont, but had long since arrived – and was booming! – on the West Coast. The dispensaries in Vegas are huge – any search for ‘Las Vegas dispensaries’ and you can see photos and the size of the business – largely because they sell not only CBD but also marijuana itself, which is legal in Vegas.
My husband and I went out for drinks a while ago during the week. We are at the end of a stressful time in our lives, about to move, about to, as the Americans say, “settle” in one place for an extended period of time, and short getaways every week or two while a babysitter looks after the kids have been doing us a world of good. After a cocktail, we decided to walk to a small restaurant that serves great petit fours, among other delicacies, for a quick dessert before walking home. To our surprise, next to the traditional beautiful desserts were several small, very charming jars labeled with funny names, such as “Penicillin” and “Strawberry Blonde”, listing the CBD content in each. The saleswoman cheerfully assured us that the effect was “relaxing” and not intoxicating. I bought it, wrapped it up and sent it to my stepfather – the “adventurous grandpa”, who in his old age decided to open himself up to the unknown – with the message: “Happy Birthday!” and “Enjoy!”
I can see CBD replacing anti-anxiety medications and the like in the near future. Just like LED bulbs, which used to cost close to a thousand dollars each and now sell for a pack of 5 for $10, I imagine that CBD will one day become a commodity and, as research progresses, its use will expand. A quick search on Medscape found about two hundred articles containing the word “cannabidiol” and promising articles such as “Cannabis-Derived Agent May Offer Benefits for Type 2 Diabetes” and “Cannabidiol Reduces Seizures in Dravet Syndrome.” The world is changing and, who would have thought, we are finding some answers for the future in cannabis!