As cannabis continues to become increasingly legalized across states, and with the groundbreaking federal legalization of marijuana in Canada, more studies are being done on the effects of cannabis on a medical basis, and the results are stunning.
The cannabinoids found in cannabis can treat symptoms associated with several medical ailments.
But despite such evidence proving the effects of cannabinoids like CBD, the stigmas continue to persist, though they are weakening as we speak, no matter how steadily. Plenty of misconceptions still exist, and many people are still buying into them.
Here are a few misconceptions and myths about CBD, and the truths behind them.
Myth #1: CBD Will Get You High
CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, but it does not have any psychoactive properties. It's common to assume that consuming cannabis in any way will certainly get you stoned, but this is not the case in all circumstances.
The "high" that recreational marijuana users seek to experience comes from consuming certain concentrations of the cannabinoid THC, which is the cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that causes mind-altering effects. While THC has its own medical benefits, they come with the side effect of getting high.
Such is not the case with CBD. Cannabis plants are diverse and range from being high in THC and low in CBD, to high in CBD and low in THC. Any plant with a THC level of less than 0.3% is classified as hemp, and the CBD that is extracted from such a plant does not get users high.
More specifically, anything with a CBD: THC ratio of 8:1 or higher is considered non-psychoactive and is safe to consume without any effect on a person's presence of mind.
Myth #2: CBD is a Dangerous Drug
Synthetic opioids are dangerous drugs. CBD is not.
Instead, pure CBD is a natural substance that causes no harmful side effects and is not addictive in any way, unlike other types of drugs or prescription medication.
While there may be some mild side effects associated with very high doses of CBD – such as dry mouth and dizziness – they're rare and are usually only associated with doses that are far too much for the user.
Instead, CBD has been shown to be very safe. In fact, even kids and pets can take it. Cannabis oil gained a lot of attention when it was used to help treat a little girl who suffered severe bouts of seizures. Shortly after beginning cannabis oil treatment (now dubbed “Charlotte's Web”), the child's seizures almost immediately stopped.
Since then, many studies have been conducted to investigate CBD oil on children with severe epileptic disorders and have found it to be very helpful without causing any side effects.
CBD oil is not a drug and is considered safe for anyone to use.
Myth #3: CBD Oil is Illegal
This is a tricky topic and is often a bit murky. When it comes to the legal status of a substance, one would have to refer to the Controlled Substances Act, a federal law that dictates what is legal and what isn't. Right now, CBD oil that is extracted from the hemp plant is excluded from the federal Controlled Substances Act, and as such, it's legal under U.S. federal law.
At the same time, cannabis is still considered illegal under federal law because of its THC content and ability to produce mind-altering effects in users. However, it’s legal in certain states across the country, with more and more states steadily adopting legislation that makes it legal to consume.
Some states allow the legal use of medical cannabis with a prescription, while others allow recreational use of marijuana as well.
But when it comes to CBD, you don't have to worry about breaking the law, because it’s legal to produce, distribute, and consume, as long as its THC content is less than 0.3%.
Myth #4: All CBD Oil Products Are the Same
There are plenty of CBD oil manufacturers out there, and more and more seem to be popping up all the time. But not all manufacturers are created equal, nor are their CBD products.
The highest-quality CBD oil products are those that are derived from hemp plants cultivated in ideal conditions in rich soil that's free of toxins.
Certain extraction methods can also play a key role in the end product. For instance, the CO2 extraction method produces higher-quality CBD oil products that are pure and void of any potentially harmful residue. On the other hand, other extraction methods may leave behind certain elements that can compromise the potency and quality of the CBD oil product.
It's always best to do some homework on the manufacturer and the products themselves by reading third-party lab reports to verify the quality of the CBD oil product being purchased.
There are a variety of CBD products that you can find if one administration method isn't for you. From CBD sublingual drops administered below the tongue, to CBD supplements, tablets and water, the choice is yours. And for an even more targeted effect, CBD balms can be applied directly to troublesome areas for relief.
What Does CBD Oil Do?
So, know that we've debunked some common misconceptions about CBD oil, what exactly can it do?
Plenty.
CBD oil can alleviate minor issues while tackling some of the most severe symptoms. Here are just some of the benefits of CBD oil:
- Alleviates pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Calms anxiety
- Alleviates nausea
- Improves sleep
- Regulates appetite
- Boosts mental clarity
- Improves mood
- Reduces acne
- Improves heart health
- Slows growth of cancer cells
- Protects the brain
Final Thoughts
Many clinical trials have already been done that associate CBD oil with the alleviation of many symptoms and the improvement of several important bodily functions. But more studies need to be done.
That said, we have already seen what CBD oil can do without the mind-altering effects and risk of addiction that is common with prescription drugs that are legal. As the stigma steadily weakens, more and more people will open up to the concept of including CBD in their daily regimen to experience the incredible benefits that this natural cannabinoid can provide.
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