CBD is similar to blockchain and bitcoin in that they are buzzwords people hear a lot about on the internet, but the general public still does not know precisely what they are. They are the subjects of a significant amount of misinformation, so many people shy away from them because they do not understand. You have most likely heard of CBD before, but when you heard about its proximity to marijuana, you might have shied away. Are you still curious about the incredible benefits this molecule can provide the human body, though? If CBD is a drug, why are so many people talking about it? Let’s clear up a few of your misconceptions about CBD:
CBD gets you high like marijuana
You know that marijuana affects your brain and makes you feel “stoned.” This effect is the result of THC, a psychoactive molecule. THC can indeed provide bodily health benefits as well, but not everybody believes that the price of getting high is worth those benefits.
However, CBD products, such as CBD Oil and CBD Gummies, are not intoxicating, so it can work wonders in your body without the effects of THC. Your body has its own endocannabinoid system that plays an integral role in regulating bodily functions like digestion, sleep, mood, pain, motor control, inflammation, your immune system, and more. Essentially, it helps you maintain homeostasis. Your body produces its own endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning “inside”), but sometimes, people like to give it some assistance with the phytocannabinoids (“phyto” meaning “plant”) found in cannabis—and one of those phytocannabinoids is cannabidiol (or CBD for short).
CBD doesn’t affect your brain
On the flip side, another misconception amongst people who know that CBD is not intoxicant is that it does not affect your brain whatsoever. This is not the case—some of CBD’s primary benefits are in the brain (so it’s a bit misleading to call it non-psychoactive).
CBD is a miracle drug
Though CBD boasts a significant number of benefits, it is in no way a cure for any disease or condition. Cannabidiol can treat symptoms, but not the root cause. It is a pharmaceutical alternative for people who desire a natural treatment for their symptoms. All trustworthy businesses know this, so if you encounter a product that claims to “cure” a malady, steer clear of it.
CBD works better in higher doses
The logic here is that if CBD is good for you, then taking more means reaping more benefits. However, this is not exactly the case—you should consult with a doctor to determine what dosage and concentration are appropriate for you. A lower dose might actually be more effective, and many studies show that CBD is more effective when combined with a bit of THC.
CBD is legal in all 50 states
The 2018 Farm Bill passed late last year, which legalized cultivating industrial hemp (cannabis with less than .3 percent THC). CBD is now no longer within the DEA’s purview and the Controlled Substances Act. This sounds like CBD is completely legal on a federal level, but each state has the freedom to make its own rules and laws regarding the molecule.
In some states, CBD is legal for both recreational and medicinal purposes. It is only permitted for medicinal or other purposes in 23, and 14 only allow CBD oil products. Both medicinal and recreational use is prohibited in Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska, so conduct some research regarding the legalities surrounding CBD in your state.
Returning to the federal level, the FDA has only approved a pharmaceutical drug with CBD called Epidiolex. It maintains that selling CBD as a dietary supplement is illegal. The DEA also maintains that CBD derived from marijuana, not hemp, is unlawful. Project CBD notes that marijuana prohibition is actually rooted in reefer madness racism and disproportionately affects people of Color.
It doesn’t matter where CBD comes from
It does indeed matter where your CBD comes from. Hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it absorbs substances from its environment—including pesticides and toxins in the soil. If you are going to purchase CBD, it is imperative to double check that who you are doing business with practices sustainable farming, only grows organic hemp, tests their products with third-party labs for potency and purity, and is transparent about their processes.
Some people are nervous about embracing CBD due to misinformation, so hopefully, we have corrected some of your misconceptions. What other questions do you have about CBD?
