A lot has been written about CBD, and quite a bit of that information is myth. Think of this blog as CBD myths debunked. There is a lot of information about and interest in CBD oil for topicals. For as much information as there is about CBD, there is just as much misinformation. Here, I’ll debunk five CBD myths.
Myth No. 1: CBD will get you high and show up in drug tests
CBD myth debunked
Wrong. To get to the point, let’s go back to basics. Cannabidiol, usually referred to as CBD, is derived from the hemp plant. It’s nonpsychoactive, which means you don’t get high when you use it. Plus, CBD topicals don’t make it to the bloodstream, so even though CBD derived from hemp contains a minute amount of THC, it’s irrelevant.
Drug tests don’t check for CBD. Mostly those tests check for THC or other illegal substances. But you’ll want to make sure your CBD topicals adhere to the government requirement of no more than 0.3% THC. Not that long ago, CBD was considered illegal. In 2018, with the passing of the US Farm Bill, CBD became legal with this caveat: it must be derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC. At such low levels, THC cannot produce a high.
Myth No. 2: CBD works the same for everyone
CBD myth debunked
Not true. Because everyone is biologically different, each person will have a different reaction to CBD. However, CBD isn’t a cure. It works in concert with other systems in the body to maintain balance and harmony.
To understand how CBD works in our bodies, it’s important to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS) we all have. The ECS, along with CB receptors comprise a regulatory system that monitors organs, the brain and the immune system. If an imbalance occurs, the CB1 and CB2 receptors travel to the affected system to help restore homeostasis. Sometimes, adding CBD topically or externally is necessary to give the ECS a boost. When that’s the case, CBD doesn’t attach to the receptors. Instead, it helps your body use its own cannabinoids more effectively. Meaning it can inhibit or activate compounds in the ECS. That’s why CBD topicals for conditions such as arthritis, burns, muscle and joint pain and more can begin to act more quickly to treat pain and injury.
Myth No. 3: All CBD is the same
CBD myth debunked
Wrong again. Popularity and spiked interest have created a huge market for CBD topicals and other products. There are a lot of products available, but not all are what they claim.
To know what you’re getting look at these six things:
- CBD must be organically grown to be chemical-free. In addition, look for full-spectrum CBD oil, which means you get the full benefit of all the CBD components, not an isolate, which is just pure CBD without the cannabinoids contained in hemp.
- Find CBD grown in America, particularly in states that have legalized cannabis. These states tend to have stricter standards for growing the hemp as outlined in the 2014 Farm Bill. U.S. growers must abide by FDA rules, and ensure that the product is grown and harvested responsibly.
- Check for lab testing by an unbiased third-party. Doing so assures that the final product contains all the cannabinoids without the contaminants. Don’t be afraid to request proof of testing. If a company doesn’t respond, move on.
- Check for purity of other ingredients. Lost Remedy uses only organic carrier and essential oils in combination with CBD for the most benefit. Carrier oils such as sweet almond, avocado, grapeseed and others, in addition to 300-plus essential oils, possess therapeutic benefits of their own. Avoid chemical or junk elements that can hinder the efficacy of the products.
- Find out how the CBD is extracted. Two methods predominate, CO2 and ethanol. The more difficult method with the purest form of CBD is CO2 extraction. This method is considered the cleaner of the two, and ethanol can compromise the health benefits of the CBD.
- Finally, read customer reviews. Any company can say great things about its products, but the real information comes from testimonials by people who use those products. Customer reviews offer a wealth of information that can steer you in the direction of the product most likely to benefit your situation or condition.
Myth No. 4: CBD can cure ailments
CBD myth debunked
Nope. CBD is not a cure, it’s a treatment. It’s a known anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic and antioxidant. Those properties go a long way in treating pain, skin conditions, fibromyalgia pain, inflammation, wounds and injuries. Not to mention soothing and nourishing dry and damaged skin. A big plus for using CBD to help treat symptoms is that there have been few if any side effects, unlike most over-the-counter products.
Myth No. 5: There’s no research on CBD
CBD myth debunked
Au contraire. The discovery of the ECS and the popularity of the products has infused the field of research with energy. The FDA approval of Epidiolex, an antiseizure drug for epilepsy, helped bring the value of CBD in the public’s eye. But, there is ongoing research that includes CBD’s effect on conditions such as, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and as a potential treatment to preventing cancer cell growth. In other clinical studies, CBD has shown to help with pain-specific medical conditions including chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, pain and inflammation, arthritis pain and myofascial pain. It can also help improve pain in patients receiving palliative care.
There you have it, five CBD myths debunked. CBD, in its infancy, is a product to watch.