A Texas-wide hemp law has opened the door to a growing industry, with a booming market in great products. It’s a natural alternative to prescription medications and has been shown to relieve chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

Is CBD a drug?

There are several different ways to take CBD, including capsules, edibles, sprays and tinctures. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, as does the type of CBD product.

By mouth, CBD is absorbed into the digestive tract, and the effects can last from one to three hours. Capsules are a great way to take CBD on a daily basis for long periods of time, but it’s important to find a dose that is safe and effective.

If you’re on a diet, it’s also recommended to avoid any form of CBD that is infused in sugary, high-calorie edibles like gummies and cookies. These foods are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s a good idea to check the label carefully.

For a variety of medical conditions, including muscle spasticity and autism, CBD can be beneficial. It’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that can help alleviate symptoms, like aggression, hyperactivity, insomnia and anxiety.

The right CBD product for you should be sourced from a company that follows good manufacturing practices established by the FDA for pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, and that offers test results on its packaging. It should also carry a certificate of analysis from an independent lab that uses validated testing methods approved by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia or the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, and should be made in the United States with ingredients grown domestically.