Many big Hollywood names and professional athletes have started promoting the use of CBD products. This was in the wake of the 2018 Farm Bill, which made both hemp and its byproducts — including CBD — legal for cultivation and consumption across the US. But what is it about the substance that attracts famous individuals and everyday consumers alike? Is the CBD trend just the result of clever marketing?

Skeptics will note that some of the celebrities who are being so public about CBD also have conflicts of interest. They either own stock in CBD companies or have started selling CBD products through their lifestyle brands. And while it is true that some CBD endorsements are more self-serving than others, that doesn’t mean that the substance has no merit. After all, there are over 113 active agents to be found in hemp. Why is CBD, out of all the options, the substance that is getting the most attention?

Here are some of the reasons why so many celebrities and athletes love CBD.

1 – Pain relief

Many absurd health claims have been made in the name of CBD, and part of the reason why these claims are made is that the actual effects of CBD are incredibly versatile. For example, on top of having calming properties, CBD also has analgesic properties. How can a single substance do both those things and much more?

The answer is simple: there is a common denominator to all of CBD’s effects. And that common denominator is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of neurotransmitters that can be found in most mammals. On humans, the ECS helps regulate everything from your stress levels to your immune response, and even your pain and sleep. It’s not a coincidence that CBD can impact all of those areas as well.

The analgesic properties of CBD make it valuable for athletes who are recovering from injuries, or for Broadway actors who need help recovering after a long performance. On top of being an analgesic, CBD has the benefit of being a non-addictive substance with very few side-effects, which makes consumers prefer it over pharmaceutical alternatives.

2 – Anti-inflammatory

The interaction between CBD and the ECS can lead to a reduction of inflammation throughout your body. This is particularly valuable for athletes, as the working out often causes inflammation in the muscles. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties mean it does more than just hide the pain; it actively treats the cause of the pain and helps people recover.

3 – Anxiolytic

There’s hardly a need to explain how celebrities and athletes can benefit from the calming properties of CBD. While the media often focuses on the glamour of being famous, most people in a position of global fame also need to work very hard to keep their career afloat, all while dealing with a lot of pressure and uncertainty. These circumstances can cause a lot of anxiety, and CBD can help reduce that anxiety. It’s especially useful the morning before a big game or interview.

Want to learn more about CBD and its effects? Visit Cibdol’s CBD encyclopedia.