The cannabis plant contains several cannabinoids, each containing their own benefits and effects, and cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding CBD that are begging to be busted.
5 Common Myths About CBD
Since cannabis remains federally illegal, a ton of research remains to be done on the plant as a whole. However, CBD is one of the most researched cannabinoids within the plant. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about CBD, explained:
- CBD hasn’t been researched enough to determine its true benefits. When asked about the cannabinoid, many health experts claim that CBD has never really been proven to help with health conditions. Although further research certainly remains to be done, it’s false to claim that there is absolutely no proof of the cannabinoid helping health conditions.
The existence of Epidiolex is proof enough that CBD has been well-researched within the medical community. This drug is the first CBD product to be FDA-approved, because of its success in managing seizures for those who suffer from epilepsy.
Other studies have also been done to determine other key benefits of the cannabinoid, and while researchers believe there is still much about CBD to be uncovered, there’s no denying we’ve already made quite a few findings.
- CBD oil and hemp seed oil are the same thing. Since CBD and hemp both lack the intense psychoactive properties of THC, many people believe the two products are similar, or even interchangeable. However, this isn’t true.
CBD is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. While it can be extracted from the hemp plant’s leaves, hemp seed oil is made exclusively from hemp seeds, and the seeds themselves contain no CBD. Therefore, CBD oil may contain some properties of the hemp plant, but hemp seed oil will not contain any CBD or any of its recognized effects.
The oils will also have different effects and serve different uses for the consumer: hemp seed oil is more commonly utilized for skincare, while CBD oil is used in a more therapeutic sense, like to manage pain, anxiety, or depression.
- CBD affects everyone the same way. While the benefits and effects of CBD may not be too varied, this doesn’t mean the cannabinoid will affect every consumer in the exact same way. How CBD affects you depends entirely on your genetic makeup, your current health condition, and your endocannabinoid system.
Since the cannabinoid offers multiple benefits, different consumers may turn to CBD for many different reasons, whether it be depression, chronic pain, inflammation, or epilepsy.
- CBD is 100% non-psychoactive. Although CBD isn’t as psychoactive as THC, which is responsible for the “high” we feel when we consume, it’s inaccurate to say CBD is completely non-psychoactive.
The cannabinoid still interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system and your brain, and it can have altering effects on your mood. For example, if you utilize CBD to control your anxiety or boost happiness, those changes in serotonin signals have affected your brain and overall state of mind–thankfully for the better.
- CBD is addictive. One of the most common misconceptions about CBD and cannabis as a whole is that it is addictive. However, research has found the opposite to be true, and many medical cannabis patients actually utilize the plant to recover from other addictions, like alcohol or heroin.
5 Real Benefits of CBD
Now that you’ve debunked five of the most common misconceptions surrounding CBD, let’s talk about some of the facts surrounding the cannabinoid, and the benefits consumers tend to reap from using CBD.
- CBD may help relieve pain and/or soreness. One of the most commonly-recognized benefits of CBD is its potential to relieve pain. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD reduces inflammation, which has a positive effect on anyone suffering from chronic pain, aches, or soreness.
This could be particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from painful illnesses like arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
- CBD may help reduce acne. CBD is great for the body as a whole, inside and out, and many people suffering from skin conditions utilize the cannabinoid as a way to ease symptoms. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the cannabinoid has proven successful in reducing sebum production as well, which helps get acne breakouts under control.
This is particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from serious skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- CBD may help boost heart health. CBD’s fight against inflammation is beneficial to the body in several ways, including the heart. The cannabinoid has been recognized to reduce irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure, which may help contribute to overall heart health.
Since CBD is also recognized for reducing anxiety and/or depression, this may also contribute to the overall easing effects on the heart.
- CBD may help reduce anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety and depression are incredibly common throughout society, and CBD may help reduce the difficult symptoms. There are plenty of prescription drugs dedicated to fighting anxiety and depression, but they often come with side effects that can be anything from inconvenient to debilitating.
If you prefer to go the more natural route, CBD may be the move for you. The cannabinoid has shown a significant amount of evidence that suggests it may be helpful for anxiety and/or depression, without any of the unsavory side effects.
- CBD may help those with insomnia. Another incredibly common condition among people is insomnia. CBD seems to have a positive effect on this, increasing a consumer’s ability to relax and sleep.
Many researchers believe this is due to the cannabinoid’s effect on anxiety, which allows the mind to slow down and push the body into relaxation mode.
From mental to physical discomfort and everything in between, CBD contains several potential benefits for consumers of all age and origin. What has CBD helped you with? Whether it’s something from this list or something else entirely, leave a comment below and let us know how this elite cannabinoid made your life a little easier.
And if you want to learn more about CBD, don’t forget to check out our CBD certificate program right here!
