4 CBD Myths debunked
Although more concrete evidence has come to light in recent years surrounding not only the cannabis plant but more specifically CBD, there are still certain myths, rumours and suspicions that are believed due to the stigma long-attached to the plant and its compounds. However, with the growing evidence of CBD and its effects, the public knowledge of this compound is also growing. With that, we thought we would cover four of the biggest myths and worries that people who are new to the CBD scene may have heard, and be concerned about.
Myth #1 - CBD and Hemp Oils are the Same
Sometimes the words “cannabis”, “marijuana” and “hemp” are used interchangeably, which is not correct, as cannabis is a class of genus of plant, whereas hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant.
Both CBD oil and hemp oil bear their own health benefits, but they are fairly different from each other in this respect. Hemp seed oil, or hemp oil, comes only from the seeds of the hemp plant, and in the seeds, there are no phytocannabinoids, which in turn means there are minor traces if any CBD content at all. Hemp seed oil is flush with omega-3 fatty acids and is used mainly in food and skincare products, and therefore is used widely in the cosmetic industry, for products such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and soap.
Whereas CBD oil is made from the leaves, flowers and stalks of the hemp plant variety, as those are the parts of the plant where cannabidiol can be found. The main uses of CBD oil are as an alternative medicine to help balance the body’s internal systems.
Myth #2 - There is No Scientific Proof that CBD Can Help with Certain Health Conditions
This myth is of course not true, and this can be seen in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving Epidolex, which is a CBD-based drug used to help difficult to treat seizure disorders. Recent clinical trials of CBD-based medications in recent years have been so compelling that it cannot be said that there is no scientific proof of CBD’s effects. Other examples can be seen in; the EU approving the use of Epidolex to treat two severe forms of childhood epilepsy, and multiple preliminary clinical studies on the effects CBD has on pain relief, arthritis and even Alzheimers.
Myth #3 - Cannabis Based Oils Get People High
A product that has 0.3% or less of THC does not have enough of the cannabinoid to result in any psychoactive effects. In the UK for a CBD oil to be legal, there should be no trace of THC in the product, and if they do then they should not be on the market. Although when the CBD enters the system it is possible for the person to experience the cannabinoid being introduced into their endocannabinoid system, this is the same effect that happens when the body produces cannabinoids naturally to the endocannabinoid system. This is in no way a ‘high’ or psychoactive behaviour. The way the body’s receptors react to phytocannabinoids- compounds that come from the cannabis plant- are the same as natural cannabinoids released by the body itself.
Myth #4 - CBD Products Are Unsafe
The human body already produces natural cannabinoids through the endocannabinoid system- the system responsible for regulating the body’s balance and maintaining homeostasis. Therefore it is not possible to overdose on CBD oil or CBD products as they do not contain THC, and the use of CBD just mirrors our own body’s natural endocannabinoids, which enhances their effects- science has revealed that high doses of CBD do not result in any signs of toxicity.
It is clear that clarification is still necessary when it comes to false statements and rumours that have been spread around due to stigmas and misconceptions, but it is time to realise what is fact and what is fallacy, so we can move forward and see the real potential of the cannabis plant and its compounds.