Increasingly, products containing cannabidiol, or CBD, a chemical component of cannabis, are popping up at grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores, and internet marketplaces. Celebrated for its purported therapeutic effects and legal when derived from hemp—a form of the cannabis plant—CBD can be found in shampoos, hand lotions, skin creams, and even dog treats. Far-reaching medical claims tout its success at treating various conditions such as anxiety, acne, insomnia, addiction, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. Despite all of this, there is very little evidence-based information about the health effects of cannabis or about how to maximize the potential benefits while minimizing harm.
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