The recent popularity and availability of CBD and lack of regulation and limited research have led to widespread misinformation and misunderstanding about this natural molecule.
Some claim CBD is a miracle drug that can treat anything, while some claim it’s a scam with no benefits at all. But the truth is something else.
In this article, we have debunked 13 myths about CBD with facts to inform people and set the record straight on whether you should use CBD or not.
Myth: CBD gets you high.
Fact: CBD is not a “psychoactive” substance and it won’t get you High.
No, CBD will not get you high, CBD may improve your mood but it will not alter your senses, give you giggles or munchies.
Even on a high dose of CBD, you will not feel “stoned” or feel any other intoxicating effects that you get from consuming Cannabis or THC.
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system and helps manage anxiety, pain, stress, depression, and appetite. So you might feel different than before but it will not damper your senses.
Myth: CBD isolate is the most potent form of CBD.
Fact: full spectrum or whole plant-based CBD is the most potent form of CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD contains a wide range of cannabinoids including CBD, CBG, CBD, THC (less than 0.3%), and more. While CBD isolate contains CBD only.
Many people think that CBD isolate is more potent and effective than Full Spectrum but it’s not true. According to research, CBD with little THC works far more effectively than just CBD isolate.
A full-spectrum CBD contains various flavonoids, terpenes, and many other cannabinoids, in addition to THC. Each of these compounds has specific attributes, but when combined they create an entourage effect within a body which increases its therapeutic properties multifold.
Myth: CBD is completely legal in the U.S.
Fact: CBD is legal but there are restrictions in certain States.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp that includes CBD derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% of THC. This makes CBD a federally legal substance in the U.S. However, CBD derived from cannabis is still considered illegal.
Certain states like Idaho still restrict the purchase and possession of CBD products extracted from hemp that contain even less than 0.3% of THC in it.
Myth: Using CBD every day is harmful.
Fact: It is recommended that you use CBD every day for the best results.
CBD is lipophilic (meaning fat-soluble) which means it compounds in your body with time and taking CBD every day will not only increase its potential health benefits but will give you much better results than taking it occasionally.
Read more about taking CBD everyday.
Myth: You can’t fail a drug test on CBD.
Fact: Certain full-spectrum CBD products may show up on a drug test.
If you are taking a CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD product, which has all the THC removed in processing, you should not fail a standard cannabis drug test, which looks for THC.
But if you are taking full spectrum CBD products that contain less than 0.3% of THC then beware, it may show up in a cannabis drug test screening.
If your job requires you to take a drug test, then avoid using full spectrum CBD products, instead use CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD products.
It is also important that you purchase CBD products from a reputable supplier that guarantees it contains no THC. Look for products from a company that can provide an independent third-party certificate of analysis that certifies their product was tested and contains the amount of CBD and THC listed on the label.
Myth: CBD Is medicinal and THC Is recreational.
Fact: Both CBD and THC can be medicinal.
According to research, THC also has a lot of medicinal benefits associated with it.
The FDA acknowledges that THC has clear medicinal benefits (which is why it is federally legal for doctors to prescribe it in its pure form as dronabinol (brand name Marinol), an anti-nausea compound and appetite booster.
As we embrace CBD, it’s worthwhile considering the value of legalizing cannabis, not just THC or CBD, on the federal level in the US.
Read more about CBD and THC.
Myth: CBD has no side effects.
Fact: CBD may exhibit certain side effects.
According to WHO, CBD is a safe compound with no potential for abuse or dependency. That means CBD is generally considered safe.
However, it is important to remember that any substance that has the power to minimize health problems may also have the power to cause side effects. In the case of CBD, those unwanted side effects only happen when you are taking CBD with other medications.
CBD has the potential to increase the levels of other medications. If you’re taking other medications, you should check with your doctor before adding CBD to the mix.
Read more about the Side Effects of CBD.
Myth: All CBD products are safe and effective.
Fact: Not all CBD products are safe and effective.
Not all CBD products are created equal. Currently, the FDA does not regulate the purity or safety of CBD, so there is no guarantee that the CBD product you buy has the same active ingredients as listed on the label.
In a recent study, It is found that of 84 CBD products from 31 companies bought, 26 percent of them contained less CBD than listed on the label, and only 30 percent of the products were accurately labeled.
You must purchase CBD products online from a brand that provides a certificate of analysis of their product from a licensed and reputable lab.
Myth: All CBD products work the same.
Fact: Every CBD product works differently.
No two types of CBD products have the same effects. When you place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue, it will work faster and require a small dosage to be more effective than CBD gummies or capsules.
However, when you consume CBD in food, drinks, or pill form it will take some time for the effects to kick in. Smoking or vaping CBD flowers works almost instantly.
Myth: You have to take CBD in an exact dose to be effective.
Fact: Dosing for CBD is different for everybody.
There is no recommended dosage of CBD that works for everyone.
People use CBD for different reasons. Some need relief from Chronic pain, Some use it to take the edge off Anxiety. While both people are using the same CBD product, the effective dosage will vary.
For some a small dose of CBD will suffice, while some need a stronger dose to notice any difference in their Health. It all depends on a person’s physiology and severity of Symptoms.
Manufacturers generally recommend between 10 and 50 mg of CBD per day.
Myth: CBD will work for everyone.
Fact: CBD is not for everyone.
CBD has many benefits and has changed the life of many people, but some people will not feel any changes even when taking CBD in any dosage.
Every person’s endocannabinoid system is different and responds to CBD differently. Some people have a well-nourished and healthy endocannabinoid system and taking CBD will barely produce any noticeable effects.
In some cases, CBD doesn’t work because the product you are using may not be for you. In this case, try a different CBD product.
Myth: You will feel the effects of CBD immediately.
Fact: CBD takes time to be effective.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to CBD, so it may take some trial and error to see what works for you. Some people feel the relaxing effects of CBD fairly quickly. Others may experience a more subtle effect that takes longer to materialize.
Generally speaking, if you try CBD and you feel absolutely nothing, don’t just throw in the towel and assume it doesn’t work. Instead, gradually increase the dosage and see if you notice a difference.
Be patient and give it a few weeks you will see the difference, if not try a different CBD product.
Myth: CBD makes you Sseepy.
Fact: CBD does promote sleep but doesn’t always make you sleepy.
Many people are using CBD to sleep better. Generally speaking, most CBD products for sleep contain melatonin (a sleep hormone) in them to induce sleep. Otherwise, a normal CBD product only balances your body’s endocannabinoid system.
If you are feeling sleepy while using general CBD products, the issue may be that your body needs sleep. After a few days of restful sleep, you will feel better.
CBD is also known to produce a biphasic effect, which means that low and high doses can produce opposite effects in person. So while moderate doses of CBD can be mildly energizing, higher doses of CBD can be sleep-promoting.