CBD myth-busting: 5 things you need to know about CBD oil
The CBD industry is still relatively young, which means there are still plenty of myths circulating as users learn about the product. Less reputable retailers that are looking to make a quick profit on the trend are often behind many of the more harmful myths out there.
To help provide a little bit of balance, we are here to clear up these myths in a simple and easy-to-understand way. We don’t want you to feel like you need a science degree to be able to make an informed choice about your CBD products. So, with this in mind, let’s explore some of the most common myths surrounding CBD products today.
Myth: CBD is the same as hemp oil
Believing this one could result in you paying a lot more than you need to for something that isn’t going to have the same benefits as CBD. They are not the same thing, so you need to look carefully at the ingredients and certificate of analysis to see what is in your product.
CBD oil contains cannabinoids (the compounds that interact with the body) which are extracted from the stalk, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant. Hemp oil is simply cold-pressed oil extracted from hemp seeds.
There are no cannabinoids in hemp seed oil, so it is much cheaper. Hemp seed oil is sometimes used as a carrier oil for CBD, which gives it a distinct natural flavour.
Myth: CBD will get you high
This absolutely isn’t the case, unless you buy your CBD from an unreliable source. For CBD to be sold legally in the UK, it has to contain less than 0.02% THC. THC is the component of cannabis responsible for the high.
Hemp plants used to make CBD oil are naturally low in THC, and a lot of the THC is removed during the extraction process. The result is a product that contains trace amounts of CBD that are safe and legal.
So, without high levels of THC, your CBD oil can’t get you high. And the only way to confirm the THC content is to check your certificate of analysis.
Myth: The higher the price, the better the oil
Again, this one is completely false. The price has nothing to do with the quality of the CBD oil. There’s no shortage of companies selling low-quality CBD for a high price.
To determine the quality of your CBD, you should look for a few key factors:
- Is it made from organic hemp?
- Is there a third-party certificate of analysis?
- What carrier oil is used?
- How strong is the oil?
- Is it labelled correctly?
These are the telltale signs that your CBD product is from a reputable source and therefore high quality. Don’t assume that the highest price means a superior product.
Myth: CBD can cure anything
Be wary of any company that tries to push the idea that CBD can cure or treat any condition. While it would be amazing to believe this, it simply isn’t the case.
CBD can help to support the endocannabinoid system, which is essential for a wide range of processes throughout the body. But it isn’t a recognised medicine that can cure cancer, stop your pain or give you superhuman abilities.
While studies into the potential health benefits of CBD are ongoing, CBD companies are not allowed to make health claims, so run a mile from any company that makes such promises.
Myth: CBD good, THC bad
THC has a bad reputation, likely due to its presence on the list of Class B controlled substances. THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for getting cannabis users “high”. It blocks endocannabinoid receptors and results in mixed and missed messages throughout the body.
However, it is harmless in small quantities, which is why full-spectrum CBD products are so popular. THC may offer some health benefits that are yet to be explored, so don’t fear products that contain trace amounts of THC that are both legal and safe.
