Unpacking Three Common CBD Misconceptions
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of this year’s biggest buzzwords and generating interest from industry leaders to everyday consumers. With the legalization of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill, this comes as no surprise. So what is it, and why should you care?
CBD was first identified in the 1940s but only recently began gaining popularity. As interest continues to rise for accessible alternatives to opioids and prescription pain-killers, consumers and investors have become increasingly interested in cannabinoids, one of the classes of chemical compounds found in cannabis plants and hemp capable of altering neurotransmitter release in the brain.
CBD, like THC, is one of at least 113 different cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp and has spawned a range of products including: CBD cream, CBD gummies, CBD oil capsules and CBD oil SoftGels. In fact, the widespread interest of cannabidiol for humans has even led to the creation of products for animals that aim to treat many of the same conditions.
Although CBD is similar to THC in its origin, benefits and effects set it apart from other cannabinoids. Nevertheless, for many people unfamiliar with the benefits of cannabidiol and the science behind it, confusion between CBD and THC is common.
In today’s blog post we’ll try to shed light on the common misconceptions about CBD, and how & why people are trying it.
1. It gets you high
This is one of our most frequently asked questions, particularly as people seek pain management that won’t affect their ability to work. However, unlike it’s wildchild cousin, THC, CBD does not get you high. It is its own cannabinoid, targeting entirely separate areas of the brain than those affected by THC.
While THC activates receptors in the brain relating to intoxication such as attention, motor skills, executive functions and decision-making, cannabidiol inhibits them. Consequently, it does not activate the receptors that lead to intoxication, in fact, it may actually interfere with them.
Although often described as “non-psychoactive” this statement can be confusing; technically any substance that directly effects and inhibits the brain’s functions are considered psychoactive. CBD products are thus best described as “non-intoxicating” because while they don’t get you high, they still affect the brain, albeit in a much more practical way.
2. It is 100% legal
Actually, it depends. Although it is produced by both hemp and marijuana plants, in the eyes of the law the two hold very different statuses. For one thing, in many states, marijuana remains illegal, meaning marijuana-drived CBD will also be prohibited.
Actually, it depends. Although it is produced by both hemp and marijuana plants, in the eyes of the law the two hold very different statuses. For one thing, in many states, marijuana remains illegal, meaning marijuana-drived CBD will also be prohibited.
3. It shows up in a drug test
Whether you’re using legal CBD products to manage your pain or aid in short-term recovery, the misconceptions and assumptions that can arise from its use can be difficult to contend with. With so much misinformation, it’s no surprise that users of legal products are often hesitant to disclose their use.
Drug tests administered by employers are intended to screen for THC, a different type of cannabinoid, and which produces intoxication. Cannabidiol is non-intoxicating and produced as either isolate (THC-free) or Full Spectrum (less than .3% THC).
Whether you’re using the products to deal with muscle ache, take the edge off pain, or give you an advantage over the competition, chances are you’re not alone. As more people discover cannabidiol and its uses it’s likely we’ll continue to realize new uses. Most recently, CBD is being increasingly embraced by the athletic community for post exercise application. It is on the fast track to revolutionizing the natural health and wellness industries and has already begun being used by veterinarians and studied for the natural benefits it provides pets.
An exciting and emerging industry surrounded by a lot of mystique, CBD is a practical solution to a number of everyday problems. If you’re already using CBD or are interested in trying it out, sharing your story can help you connect with other legal users and demystify this elusive product.
Today, the popularity of cannabidiol has led to the creation of a wide range of legal products designed to soothe the body and even enhance recovery times. From options such as CBD cream, oil capsules, and even SoftGels, when it comes to choosing CBD there’s no shortage of practical options.
