CBD market is booming, and the consumers are getting aware of CBD as a potential health aid. At the same time, some of the myths about CBD are spread, especially when people misunderstand its usage and benefits. Here we’ll try to demystify CBD and clear up the confusion.

Myth # 1. CBD gets you high

CBD is not a psychoactive cannabinoid, and it does not produce any mind-altering effects because it does not directly bind to the CB1 receptors located in the brain. Instead, CBD regulates various non-cannabinoid receptors throughout the body¹. It means neither hemp-derived CBD oil products nor CBD itself makes you high.

Myth # 2. All CBD is the same

Not all CBD is created equal. It may be possible to extract CBD oil from industrial hemp cultivars that contain far less cannabidiol than high-resin CBD-rich cannabis flower tops. A small amount of CBD extract needs huge amounts of industrial hemp². It usually causes that CBD products have more contaminants and therefore offer less therapeutic effects.

Myth # 3. THC is a bad cannabinoid. CBD is the good cannabinoid

Anti-cannabis groups continue to demonize THC because it gets you high. Also, many people praise CBD and call it good cannabinoid. But the thing is that both cannabinoids have their own unique medicinal properties, and they are used to treat different illnesses. One more important fact is that when THC and CBD are combined, they work best together. This process is called the entourage effect³.

Myth # 4. High doses of CBD work better than low doses

CBD isolates require higher doses to be effective in comparison with whole plant CBD-rich oil extracts. But it does not mean single-molecule CBD is more beneficial than CBD-rich products. Yes, some studies show that few patients may need different doses to obtain satisfactory results. But at the same time, taking too much CBD may lessen its effectiveness. Thus, when it comes to CBD, a user should find his/her own precise dose that will work personally.

Myth # 5. CBD cannot be used by people of all ages

In November 2017, the World Health Organization released a report showing CBD is well-tolerated in humans. And it is considered to be safe enough for people of all ages, including children. Currently, it is used to help reduce severe epilepsy in children⁴. The main requirement is that CBD oil should be extracted from high-quality hemp cultivated in fertile soil under favorable growing conditions. This kind of plant is safe and non-toxic.

Myth # 6. There is little science to prove CBD benefits

The popularity of CBD over recent years led to a significant number of researches on its benefits. There are several preclinical research studies that support the therapeutic effects of CBD. Thus, CBD has shown to be effective in treating a severe form of epilepsy, and its synthetic version was approved by FDA⁵. The finding show CBD is a potent treatment for anxiety disorders⁶. Also, it can be used as an anti-cancer agent⁷. Currently, other studies are being done to support CBD benefits in other areas.

References

1. Pertwee RG. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;153(2):199-215. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442
2. Freese B. What Farmers Need to Know About Growing Hemp. Successful Farming. https://www.agriculture.com/news/crops/what-farmers-need-to-know-about-growing-hemp. Published January 17, 2019. Accessed November 11, 2019.
3. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
4. Wong SS, Wilens TE. Medical Cannabinoids in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2017;140(5). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-1818
5. Commissioner O of the. FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy. FDA. http://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms. Published October 9, 2019. Accessed November 11, 2019.
6. Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
7. Ladin DA, Soliman E, Griffin L, Van Dross R. Preclinical and Clinical Assessment of Cannabinoids as Anti-Cancer Agents. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7. doi:10.3389/fphar.2016.00361