CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in marijuana and hemp. You're probably already familiar with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is another compound found in the cannabis plant and its main psychoactive component. But unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. In other words, it's not what gets you stoned. It's also different from medical marijuana, which has been shown to reduce pain.

In addition to treating epilepsy, research has shown CBD may help reduce anxiety for people who have schizophrenia or psychosis, or who are addicted to opiates.Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD may even help treat acne. It may also be beneficial for arthritis. Last fall the Arthritis Foundation became the first major health organization to release guidelines for the use of CBD.Advocates believe there are many potential health benefits, but clinicians say more research needs to be done.

"I do believe that cannabidiol has potential, absolutely," Dr. Yasmin Hurd, a neuroscientist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told TODAY. Hurd's research suggests CBD can may have positive effects on opioid addicts."But you need studies to really be able to give us knowledge about how much CBD each day someone should take for their particular illness, and how it might interact with other medications they take," she said. "That's what you get with a clinical trial."

CBD can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on the product. There are lots of options out there, from gummies and softgels that supposedly ease anxiety to calming bath soaks, creams and oils — and even beer.

Most of the products claim to ease pain and anxiety. But whether or not these products actually contain the amount of CBD they advertise is up for debate, since they're not approved by the FDA. The FDA has tested various products and found that many didn't have the amount of CBD they had advertised, and has often sent warning letters to companies that make unfounded health claims.