5 Facts and Myths to Know Before Buying CBD
Misinformation about CBD is everywhere. From hot takes to forums with conflicting information to shady brands making absurd claims, it can be tough to discern CBD facts from myths.
As with any health supplement, it’s important to be armed with as much knowledge as you can before making any decisions.
So, before you take a trip down to a CBD shop near you, make sure you’re armed with the truth about these 5 common CBD myths.
1. CBD is a scam
Myth
A lot of people see CBD as a part of the “green rush” – the recent massive spike of activity in the cannabis industry. Skeptics can only see companies trying to cash in on trends in health and wellness to sell more hemp products.
Hemp extracts popping up in unlikely places like convenience stores, local coffee shops, or gas stations deepens their suspicion (for good reason). When was the last time you picked up health supplements at the same place you topped off your tank anyway?
Fact
It’s true that CBD is a big part of the green rush. But that’s because of changes in federal regulations in the 2018 US Farm Bill. The bill made it legal to grow and sell industrial hemp, making selling CBD possible.
But, using CBD as a supplement is not a new idea. It just couldn’t be done until now. CBD has been around since the 1960s when it was the subject of a handful of early studies. Researchers were interested in its therapeutic benefits since it’s so similar to THC without any intoxicating effects.
Unfortunately, there are some shady companies taking advantage of the trend, hawking low-quality products. But, these cheap brands are easy to spot and avoid with a bit of effort.
2. Science hasn’t proven anything about CBD yet
Myth
CBD has been in the sphere of knowledge since the 1960s, so why do we know so little about it? And why hasn’t the FDA approved it?
These are reasonable questions that lead to this common myth about CBD. But the truth is, modern science has uncovered a lot about CBD since its first trial (even if we still have a long way to go).
Fact
To date, researchers have found links between CBD and inflammation, pain, depression, anxiety, day-night sleep cycles, and more. Scientists have even made huge advances towards understanding the complexities of the endocannabinoid system. That’s a homeostasis-maintaining system of receptors that was completely unknown until 1988.
The harsh truth is that because of federal law, getting the funding for long-term, comprehensive cannabis studies is extremely difficult. So for now, data and conclusive evidence of exactly how CBD works as a therapeutic supplement are sorely lacking.
And unfortunately, the process of becoming FDA-approved is a slow crawl. Even aspirin, which was first sold to the public in 1915, didn’t earn FDA approval until 1980. Keep in mind that fully understanding how any substance works is a lifelong pursuit. Aspirin is still the subject of 700 to 1,000 research studies per year.
3. I tried CBD and nothing happened. It doesn’t work!
Myth
It can be easy to dismiss CBD as “not working.” CBD doesn’t cause any high. It doesn’t give any particular feeling or sensation when you take it. How you can be sure it’s working at all?
Fact
CBD seeming to “not do anything” is the exact reason science has taken such an interest in it. It’s the complete opposite of THC that can have a strong, intoxicating effect. Not feeling intoxicated means it’s working as directed.
It’s also important to have a clear purpose for taking CBD. Make sure CBD can help your problem. Try to measure its effectiveness with a goal that’s easy to quantify. For example, pay extra attention to your body when you use CBD. See how it affects the problem you had in mind, your mood, and your general sense of wellbeing.
4. CBD causes bad side effects like liver damage
Myth
They say CBD can cause nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and fatigue. A recent animal study and a review of the FDA-approved drug Epidiolex also suggest CBD causes liver damage.
Fact
CBD may cause side effects in some people at very high serving sizes. A 2017 review noted that tiredness, changes in appetite and weight, and diarrhea were the most common negative reactions.
That sounds pretty scary. But, there are two important points to know. First, researchers observed these effects in animal studies. And second, the doses were astronomically higher than an average person would take.
For example, the study mentions an experiment giving 120mg/kg of CBD to rats having adverse effects. That’s 7200mg of CBD per day for someone who weighs about 130 pounds. You would have to drink over 2 full bottles of some of the most powerful tinctures available every single day to match that potency.
The Epidiolex and animal study about liver damage also use heavy servings (10 – 20mg/kg and 50 – 200mg/kg respectively).
Servings up to 1500mg of CBD per day are generally safe in humans. And most people will never get anywhere close to that strength to find the effects they’re looking for.
5. CBD is making me feel worse
Myth
You heard a lot of good things and read some amazing reviews about what CBD can do. So, you decided to give it a try. You did a bit of research, found a trustworthy company, and bought something to help.
But whenever you take CBD, it seems like you’re feeling worse than ever! Is CBD hurting more than helping?
Fact
It’s true, CBD can create negative side effects in some people. But, that doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the right extract for you.
There are so many forms and types of CBD on the market. And everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system that reacts to the dozens of natural compounds in CBD extracts. Any one of those compounds could be the culprit causing an unwanted side effect.
For example, the traces of THC in full-spectrum CBD extract can make anxiety worse in some people. Switching to a THC-free broad-spectrum extract might be the answer.
Or, if you want to make sure CBD is for you, go for a CBD isolate. Most research studies use isolates for accurate servings and objectivity. You can use them in the same way.
They’re out there. But people who have a bad reaction from CBD are in the minority. And even though it’s possible CBD just isn’t for you, it’s absolutely worth a try. CBD’s proven safety and incredible potential benefits might be just what you needed all along.
Where is the best place to buy CBD?
There are so many factors to keep in mind when buying CBD. Things like the CBD type, form factor, and serving strength are all important to think about. And all that is before even finding a reputable company you can trust. It can take a lot of time and effort to choose the right CBD extract for you.
Browsing an online CBD shop or visiting a CBD store near you lets you skip all of that. They do the hard work of vetting brands, outlining the products, and helping you choose just what you need.
Now that we’ve dispelled a few of the more common myths about CBD, skip the research and get some more peace of mind instead. Check out a store near you to see what CBD can do for you.