Depending on your age, when you hear “bath bombs,” you think of something different. If you’re in your 20s, you might think of Lush, the popular cosmetics store. Your grandmother might still think of those oil-filled pearls that dissolve. But, surely when you think of potential medical aid, “bath bombs” are not the words that spring to mind. However, maybe they should be–because CBD bath bombs are here, and they have the potential to help.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol, which is one of the ingredients of marijuana. CBD has no psychoactive effects–that’s THC–and, as such, cannot get you high. (1) 

Is CBD legal?

That should be a simple question–but it’s not. It is somewhat legal in every state, but subject to rules and restrictions, while, on a federal level, it is very much not. However, CBD restrictions are rarely enforced federally. Additionally, whether the CBD comes from marijuana plants or hemp plants can also affect its legality. (1) In short, the simplest way is simply to Google “is CBD legal in” with whatever state you’re in–and please, be sure you find a reliable source. Your cousin’s Facebook status or a Reddit thread will probably not be where your local government posts their hot news. 

What Can CBD Treat?

That’s also a tricky question, mostly because the research hasn’t really been done. It was only at the end of 2015 that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed researchers to begin trials with CBD.

However, there are conditions that have been shown to be treatable with CBD. Various forms of childhood epilepsy are one such group of ailments, pain and inflammation are another. CBD can also help to reduce nausea from chemotherapy and anorexia as well. “There’s definitely a lack of research on the subject,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip. “The studies that are out there suggest that CBD is anti-inflammatory and potentially antimicrobial, meaning it could help fight bacteria and pathogens.” (1, 2, 3)

Are There Side Effects?

Medical marijuana is thought to have potential side effects, including memory loss and development of cognitive difficulties, as well as the possibility of exacerbating the onset of schizophrenia, if used as an adolescent. However, maybe you are just interested in pure CBD. Then it comes down to just knowing what you’re getting. See, the problem with “pure” CBD is there’s no true way to know if it’s pure. CBD is commonly sold as a supplement, and not regulated by the FDA. Part of the FDA’s job, in case you didn’t already know, is to make sure that the products they regulate contain the right amounts of the right ingredients. There’s an obvious danger to putting anything in your body when you don’t know exactly what’s in it, especially when that something has as much stigma around it as CBD. (1, 2)

But Does It Help Fibromyalgia and Sleep?

Again, another question that can’t be answered–but this time, it’s not just me who can’t give you the answers you’re looking for. A medical survey failed too. 

What this medical survey did was look at the results of four different clinical trials. They were randomized controlled trials of different lengths, and the results were inconclusive. People seemed to do okay on them, but not so well that it could be ruled as the definitive cure-all for things like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or spinal pain. In the words of the review, “there is insufficient evidence for recommendation for any cannabinoid preparations for symptom management in patients with chronic pain associated with rheumatic diseases.”

Anecdotally, people have claimed that CBD helps their insomnia, but so far, no medical studies back those things up. (4)

Should I Use It?

This is something I can give you an answer for–ask your doctor. Your doctor is not as cool as me, granted. In fact, when it comes to asking about substances that may or may not be legal, your doctor may be a total square. But he or she also knows your medical history, possible drug interactions, details about your body chemistry, and other things you or I may not know. They may even know some safe and reliable sources to get your CBD from, so you don’t have to worry about what it’s mixed with.

So? Bath Bombs?

There are many places online that sell them, as well as a couple of guides online for making your own bath bombs. So what are you waiting for? Get that achy bod into a bath and see for yourself what all the fuss is about!