If it seems like you keep hearing about CBD, you’re not alone. There’s buzz about CBD everywhere – from natural food stores to search engines to newspapers and legislative chambers.
People are drinking it in tea, swallowing it in capsules and putting it by the dropperful under their tongues.
What is CBD Oil?
So, what the heck is CBD? CBD stands for Cannabidiol, which is a compound extracted from the hemp plant. It is one of more than 100 unique compounds found in hemp, known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are known to promote health and to keep people resilient to changes in their environment. And while CBD is an incredibly safe and therapeutic component of cannabis, as its popularity grows, so do the many misconceptions associated with it. Here are a few of the top myths about CBD.
Myth # 1: CBD Makes You High
CBD is non-intoxicating (it doesn’t make you feel euphoric) and is considered extremely safe. In fact, CBD can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC, the component of marijuana that makes you feel “high.”
Myth # 2: All CBD Comes from Marijuana
While CBD is present in Marijuana, when utilized as a legal health supplement, it is extracted from industrial hemp. Hemp has been cultivated by humans for over 10,000 years and is grown in many parts of the world with multiple uses. It is also an earth-friendly plant that is highly sustainable and renewable.
Myth # 3: Hemp and Marijuana are the Same
Hemp and marijuana come from the same plant family, but are completely different in function, cultivation and application. Marijuana generally has a high level of THC (a psychoactive compound that makes you feel “high”) and is used for medicinal or recreational purposes. Hemp contains a negligible amount of THC (but is high in CBD) and is used in dietary supplements, skin products, clothing and paper.
Myth # 4: CBD is Sedating
Technically, CBD is not a sedative. While some people find CBD “relaxing,” the misconception that CBD is a sedative may have come about because some products containing CBD extracted from marijuana can also have high concentrations of THC, which can have a sedating effect.
Myth # 5: More is Better
When it comes to CBD, more isn’t necessarily better. Reports from clinicians and patients suggest that the therapeutic amount of CBD per serving varies for each individual, and in fact, the synergistic effect of full-spectrum CBD can be effective at low doses.
Source: Barlean’s
