Increasing availability and use of medical cannabis since its legalization created a huge market with tremendous sales. For instance, in 2019, CBD users spent more than $845 million, with the figure expected to double in the next two years. Modern consumers and medical professionals have realized the possible effects of medical marijuana, especially in CBD form, in treating chronic pain, skin conditions, and other conditions. Currently, there are endless CBD-infused products, including CBD oil, lollipops, shampoo, coffee, and dietary supplements.
Unfortunately, despite the widespread availability and use of CBD products, most people still don’t understand what CBD is and its effects. Medical cannabis also contains a lot of jargon, compounds, and abbreviations, which can easily create confusion. Below are common myths and misconceptions surrounding CBD products.
1. CBD Doesn’t Have Any Scientific Backing
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Interestingly, most CBD naysayers use assertions such as there being little concrete evidence that CBD can treat a few conditions. However, the assertions that the benefits of CBD products haven’t been proved are not accurate.
For instance, the FDA recently approved Epidiolex; a CBD formulated medication used to treat seizure disorders. This is the first cannabis-based drug to get FDA’s approval since cannabis was approved as a Schedule 1 drug. Even though Schedule 1 drugs are thought to have no medical value, clinical trials of CBD-based products were so compelling that the FDA had to approve it. While this was good news, FDA’s approval threw the legitimacy of cannabis Schedule 1 classification into question.
2. CBD Is Illegal
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The medicinal use of CBD products is not illegal. The cannabis plant, otherwise called cannabis Sativa, has more than 140 different organic compounds called cannabinoids. However, out of the 140, only two, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabinol (CBD), are considered to be primarily active ingredients.
Most people confuse these abbreviations, promoting the misconception that CBD and CBD products are illegal. THC is an active psychoactive component of the cannabis Sativa plant to differentiate these two ingredients, responsible for the “high” feeling. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and, once processed, can be used to manufacture various CBD products that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
3. CBD Has Immediate Effects
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Most people expect miracles after using CBD for seven days, which is impossible. However, like any other supplements, oils, and tablets, the time it takes for CBD oil and other CBD-infused products to act on your body depends on your body system and method of consumption. For instance, sublingual administration (under your tongue) is absorbed into the system faster than dietary supplements.
While they may not work within seven days, the industry is advancing, and researchers are working on new consumption methods that improve absorption rates.
4. CBD Is a Schedule 1 Drug With No Research Studies
While it is true that CBD is truly a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, the second part about no research is not true. Conducting research on Schedule 1 narcotics is difficult. However, some universities have obtained permission to conduct research on the effectiveness of medical CBD.
For instance, Columbia University conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of CBD in treating glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a common cancerous brain tumor that particularly affects adults. Initially, standard treatment remedies for this condition include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
However, the study concluded that CBD can induce cell death and enhance the radiosensitivity of the cancerous cells without affecting healthy brain cells. Unlike other treatment remedies, CBD can weaken or kill cancerous cells without affecting other normal cells.
That aside, many other studies have been done outside the U.S. Israel was the first country, apart from the United States, to study the potential applications of medical cannabis. Other studies available for review include;
- A 2018 study from the U.K with promising results on the use of CBD in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
- A 2017 Brazil research study found that CBD public speakers experienced less anxiety than those who took placebos.
- 2014 study in Italy on the potential use of CBD in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells
However, these studies were not conclusive, and CBD cannot be used as the mainstay solution to ulcerative colitis, cancer, and anxiety unless further studies are done.
5. All CBD Products Are the Same
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The myth that all CBD products are the same is another dangerous and misleading concept. Most people assume CBD is CBD, regardless of where it is purchased from. However, CBD contains varying ingredients with varying ethical dilemmas.
That said, there are three CBD types of varying qualities. The three include;
- CBD Isolate is CBD in its purest form. CBD isolate doesn’t contain any extras, such as terpenes, THC, or flavonoids.
- Broad-spectrum CBD is CBD extracted from hemp plants without THC. However, it contains flavonoids, terpenes, and other additions, which make it effective. It is the most preferred CBD oil because it has good ingredients without THC.
- Full-spectrum CBD resembles broad-spectrum CBD, only that it has 0.3% THC. It is a very effective form of CBD, but should be used with caution because the trace amounts of THC can get one high.
6. CBD Is Only Available in the U.S in Black Market Deals
Contrary to what most people think, you can buy CBD from various online stores legally across the U.S, provided it has less than 0.3% THC content. Anyone can buy CBD regardless of the state laws on CBD dispensaries.
However, you should be careful about who or where you purchase CBD. The CBD industry is still young, with very few regulations. Companies can easily sell bad CBD to unsuspecting users. Make sure that you purchase CBD from reputable online stores. Read reviews, ask for referrals, and always check third-party laboratory results.
Endnote
While CBD is beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, finding safe and reliable CBD products is key. The explosion of this market paved the way for many products with little or no CBD. That said, if you need real benefits, CBD oil from Joy Organics is a good option.
