CBD – or cannabidiol – is a compound found in the marijuana plant that gives weed some of it’s relaxing properties.

CBD oil is an extract of that compound, distilling those relaxing properties into an easily applicable form without any of the psychoactive elements from THC. Considering the recent wave of marijuana legalization, the potential medical benefits of CBD are just now coming to light. That being said, scientific research is lacking on the subject. So while side effects might seem light or rare, proceed with caution if you’re pregnant or on other medications.

1. Epileptic Seizures

Out of all the possible uses for CBD oil, this is the one with the most scientific backing. Yes, in low doses CBD oil really can help lessen seizures for people with rare forms of epilepsy. The best part is that according to NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center lead researcher, Dr. Orrin Devinsky, the side effects are far fewer than those from other leading treatments.

2. Anxiety/ Depression Reduction

Anyone who has suffered from anxiety or depression knows how complicated these beasts are to tackle. Sometimes the best solution is a combination of treatments, mixing therapy, medication, and holistic approaches. As such, CBD oil might make a good addition to your treatment regimen due to the relaxing effects being touted by many users.

3. Chronic Pain/ Inflammation Management

Many people with chronic pain and various inflammations have turned to CBD oil to alleviate their most aggressive symptoms. User have touted CBD oil’s ability to reduce swelling, aches, and persistent pains with relatively few negative side-effects.

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4. Acne Reduction

If you have acne, you can also try rubbing CBD oil all over your face. Since acne is essentially inflammation of the skin on your face, the inflammation reducing properties of CBD oil might offer a green solution to all that redness.

5. Substance Abuse Help

The soothing properties of CBD oil have also been shown to potentially help recovering addicts avoid relapses. One preclinical proof showed that administering CBD oil to recovering substance abusers at 24-hour intervals for 7 days reduced stress-induced relapses and impulsive behaviors. This is similar to the effects CBD oil has on anxiety.

6. Sleeplessness

Finally, CBD oil might be a great solution to insomnia and other sleep issues. Oftentimes sleeplessness is exacerbated by nighttime anxiety and stress-related factors, so naturally CBD oil seems ripe to ameliorate those symptoms. CBD oil could be the secret to a great night’s sleep.

Dan Kahan is a writer & screenwriter from Brooklyn, usually rocking a man bun. Find more at dankahanwriter.com