In an interview for the UW School of Medicine's Right as Rain, Dr. Bia Carlini discusses the growing popularity of CBD (cannabidiol), a compound found in marijuana. Unlike the THC-laced joints and edibles that typically come to mind when you think of cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t give you the high you might get from marijuana with standard levels of THC.
Proponents say CBD can instead treat seizures that don't respond to traditional medications, and may help treat anxiety, pain and inflammation. You can find a slew of CBD-infused wellness products everywhere from recreational pot shops to your neighborhood drugstore, hair salon or spa. There are CBD oils, lotions, bath bombs, coffees, candies, and even pet treats.
According to Carlini, a senior research scientist at the UW Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute and affiliate associate professor in the School of Public Health, “. . . when adult cannabis use was legalized in Washington in 2012, it opened a dialogue and curiosity about using a plant that was so vilified in the public. Coupled with an industry that is for-profit, and therefore very interested in mainstreaming cannabis, CBD was brought to people’s attention.”
Read "What Is CBD and Can It Really Help Your Anxiety?" by Angela Cabotaje in Right as Rain.
