Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the more than 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive cannabinoid produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant, commonly known as marijuana. The strain of Cannabis Sativa that produces more CBD and only trace amounts of THC are referred to as hemp or “industrial hemp.” Unlike THC, consuming CBD does not cause the sensation of getting “high.”

The Cannabinoid Industry Association has introduced a series of certifications for people seeking jobs in the rapidly-growing field of cannabidiol (CBD) product creation and sales.

“The CBD Specialist credential makes you a recognized expert of CBD health and wellness,” per the course description on the CBD Industry Association’s website. “CBD Specialists are practitioners with the knowledge to design custom programs for patients. Earning this certification demonstrates advanced skill and professional distinction.”

While there are limited studies on CBD and CBD Oil, CBD can be used to treat various medical conditions. Prescription CBD Oil (Epidiolex) has now been FDA approved to treat seizures. While limited studies are using natural CBD and CBD oil, it has been successfully used to treat pain, anxiety, insomnia, reduce the risk of diabetes, aid in weight loss, and even reduce the risk of cancer.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. When CBD specialists look at CBD-infused products like capsules, sprays, lotion, sodas, beers, and gummy bears, they find many claims of healing properties like pain relief, anxiety reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, and sleep enhancement. Thus, while it is important to note that research is ongoing as to the safest and most effective uses of CBD, they are currently

experiencing a major increase in various products containing CBD. A telling sign was a recent survey, where it was found that more than half of the arthritis patients surveyed had tried medical marijuana and CBD products to cope with symptoms like chronic pain. CBD specialists assist in the education, training, and mentoring CBD professionals to advise, consult, and sell federally legal CBD products to consumers.

Many cannabis-based products are available to buy online, but their quality and content are not known. They may be illegal and potentially dangerous.

Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as “CBD oil” or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But there’s no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits.

And some cannabis-based products are available on prescription as medicinal cannabis by CBD specialists. These are only likely to benefit a very small number of patients.

Some cannabis-based products are available to buy over the internet without a prescription.

It’s likely most of these products – even those called “CBD oils” – will be illegal to possess or supply. There’s a good chance they will contain THC and may not be safe to use.

Health stores sell certain types of “pure CBD.” However, there’s no guarantee these products will be of good quality.

They tend only to contain very small amounts of CBD, so it’s not clear what effect they would have.

A prescription for medical cannabis by a CBD specialist would only be given when it was believed to be in your best interests and when other treatments had not worked or were not suitable.