Given the rapid and meteoric rise in the popularity of CBD, the misconceptions around CBD and Cannabidiol are also gaining in popularity. As is the case with any other product, medical or otherwise, released in the market, there is a pool of negative and positive opinions formed in next to no time. When it comes to CBD, a number of users compare it to its related strain – Cannabis which leads to the formation of a number of inaccurate facts and opinions.
Though derived from Hemp and containing none of the psychoactive effects of THC or marijuana, hemp-based CBD is constantly fighting an uphill battle since it was first discovered in the 1940s.
The misconceptions around CBD and the anti-CBD movements have their origins in the Reefer Madness of 1936 which only increased in the 1960s with President Nixon’s ‘War on Drugs’ policy.
Thanks to its many uses and benefits, hemp has been widely cultivated for thousands of years. However, CBD is not widely known to be derived from the hemp plant. This is largely thanks to the negative undertones associated with the product and the subconscious bias that is formed whenever a hemp leaf is viewed.
Here we take a look at some of the common CBD myths in an effort to throw some honest light on CBD and to shift the focus away from THC and Cannabis when thinking about CBD.
CBD Will Make Users ‘High’
Let us start with one of the most common misconceptions surrounding CBD – It gets users ‘high’. While this cannot be further than the truth, the misconception is understandable given that for the last 80+ years hemp and cannabis have been projected in a similar manner. It is therefore not hard to imagine those new to the concept of CBD to paint it in the same brush as cannabis.
As facts stand, hemp-based CBD contains negligible amounts of THC. CBD isolate contains absolutely no THC while full-spectrum CBD oil contains only up to the legally allowed 0.03% of THC. This low level of THC is not even close to a level that can alter the mental state of a user or leave users intoxicated. In fact, such low levels of THC will probably not even show up on most drug tests.
Lack of Concrete Proof for the Various Health Benefits
Another common misconception surrounding CBD is the lack of substantial proof to back up its myriad health claims. To get to the truth of the matter, interested parties will need to do a bit of research. A number of peer review studies on the benefits of hemp-based CBD are available as are research papers on how CBD interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
That said, there is quite a bit of anecdotal evidence of CBD floating around. A number of CBD advocates make bold claims about how CBD has cured or treated a number of different ailments and medical problems. The best piece of advice for potential CBD users is to conduct their own unbiased research or consult a trusted, unbiased source like licensed medical professionals.
More is Better When it Comes to CBD Doses
Like other prescription or over-the-counter medications available in the market, CBD also has specific dosage directions that need to be followed. Anything taken in excess can cause negative side effects. While overdosing on CBD may not lead to dangerous side effects, it is always best to take the recommended dosage. New users are best advised to start with smaller doses and gradually work their way up to a dose that is optimal for them. This will save both money and the product.
A general rule of thumb when it comes to CBD dosing is bodyweight x 0.2 for lighter doses and bodyweight x 0.5 for heavier doses. It is important to remember that a higher dose of CBD does not mean quicker results. The right dose of CBD is entirely dependent on individual users and the symptom they are trying to treat.
CBD Consumption Can Lead to a Failed Drug Test
CBD was given legal status with the passing of the Farm Bill of 2018 with the caveat being that hemp-based CBD products need to contain less than 0.03% of THC. While cannabis is still a controlled substance in the USA, the 2018 Farm Bill allows for hemp to be cultivated for its many uses, products and because of its lack of mind-altering properties.
CBD can be largely divided into two broad categories – CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum CBD. CBD Isolate is a specific extract that only includes the CBD compound. On the other hand, Full Spectrum CBD includes all the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant and can also have up to 0.03% of THC.
While CBD Isolate has 0% THC, Full Spectrum CBD may have THC in such a low concentration that it will not be enough to result in a positive drug test.
CBD is an Illegal Substance
The misconception that CBD is an illegal substance is perhaps the most common misunderstanding among all the ones discussed here. It is easy to understand how the average user, who has not fully researched CBD, could be fooled into believing the illegality of CBD. The Federal Government has deemed Hemp-based CBD legal across the United States with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Individual states within the US have their own different versions of the ‘legality’ of CBD. This can make things like the shipping of CBD across state boundaries a complex affair.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed 0.3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.