Stay with me here. Long albeit necessary introduction ahead regarding the first source in English of “It is what it is.” The earliest known written reference dates back to 1949 when the phrase appeared in a column written by J. E. Lawrence in the Nebraska State Journal:
It is what it is. I use that expression, too, a lot, regarding my stroke pain. I always have a mild sensation, rarely severe, in my affected leg, so much so that now I don’t even regard it as pain, just an annoying tingling. It’s become the way it is (see, again), at times forgetting about it. And now I discovered relief. Welcome to the world of Cannabidiol!
I attribute the following information to Harvard Medical School:
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been recently covered in the media, so what exactly is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is gotten directly from the hemp plant, which is directly related to the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.”
According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
CBD is easily available in most parts of the United States, though its exact “legal” status is in limbo. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction, and while the federal government still considers CBD in the same class as marijuana, it doesn’t make a habit to enforce against it. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials.
Forbes says once associated into the arena of Controlled Substances Act for nearly 50 years alongside heroin, LSD, and marijuana (or cannabis), the non-psychoactive relative of marijuana–CBD–cannot get you stoned like weed, and it is defined by the federal government as containing not more than 0.3 percent THC, the “getting high” part of cannabis.

CBD relieves anxiety, insomnia, (with both falling asleep and staying asleep), and pain, and a variety of other conditions seen in the chart above.
A significant safety concern with CBD is that it is primarily sold as a supplement, and the FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of supplements. However, it can also be added to a number of non-edibles and used topically, like balms and lotions.
The researchers need more data, but CBD may be proven an option for managing anxiety, insomnia, pain, and other ailments. It’s true that CBD is currently mostly available as an unregulated supplement, and it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting. If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor to make sure it won’t have an adverse effect on other medications you are taking.
- Is this a full-spectrum or pure CBD oil, an extract, or wax?
- What is the actual quantity of CBD in the product?
- Can you give me the name of the company that produced this product?
- Do you have any documents to show that this product is effective and safe?
- Do you offer exchanges or refunds if I feel that the product is not helping me?

I can’t ingest (take by mouth) CBD because I’m on the blood thinner Coumadin, but I’ve used a CBD lotion locally from Amazon called Hemp Cream 1000 which helps my leg temporarily from that awful tingling. Again, check with your doctor before using any CBD products. I did, and now constant relief!