CBD (cannabidiol) and products derived from CBD are in a unique time in history. With growth in 2020 expected to top more than 700%, and more and more research into CBD’s wellness benefits, it’s no wonder people are really interested in how it works and what makes it so powerful. There is also plenty of misinformation out there, so we’d like to set some myths aside to fully educate you on CBD. CBD is not approved by the FDA in the treatment, prevention, nor curing of any disease at this time so anyone that says or infers otherwise is not being truly genuine.
Myth #1: CBD Oil Will Get You High
In order to explain the truth behind this myth we have to make a distinction between hemp-derived CBD oil and marijuana-derived CBD oil.
Hemp-derived CBD oil usually contains high concentrations of CBD, but its THC content doesn’t exceed the legal 0.3% limit. While marijuana-derived CBD oil is sourced from selectively bred high-CBD strains, it also comes with significant amounts of THC, ranging between 5% and 30%.
So this myth is half right. Where you buy your CBD products and where it’s derived and produced is extremely important.
In reality, CBD is non psychoactive. This makes it much different from THC, which stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the active ingredient in marijuana and produces the “high effect.” So it’s not CBD that produces the high effect, but the amount of THC that may or may not be present.
For example, all Puure Therapeutics CBD oil products are hemp-derived and contain less than .3% THC and each batch is tested by an independent lab to prove what’s on the label is in the bottle.
Myth #2: CBD is Only Available Where Medical Marijuana is Legal
If you read through Myth #1, it will help you understand Myth #2. Products made with hemp-derived CBD oil can be bought anywhere in the United States without a prescription. Hemp derived CBD oil and products with no more than .3% THC are widely available, but marijuana derived CBD with high concentrations of THC may only be available where cannabis has been legalized.
Myth #3: All CBD Products are the Same
If you’re ready to fit CBD into your wellness routine but don’t know how to choose the right CBD products, you are not alone. Some businesses would have you believe that all CBD products are the same. As with any product on the market quality will vary greatly.
The quality of a CBD product depends primarily on where the CBD comes from (farming), and the manufacturing process. In order to see the greatest benefits from your CBD oil or other products, it’s important to make sure you’re buying from a company that makes its products from organic plants that are grown here in the United States.
It can be hard to tell which CBD businesses are legitimate and which are not, especially since the industry is largely unregulated at this point and it has grown out of this unregulated environment so quality standards have not been set.
Here are a few important facts to understand to see if you’re purchasing a quality product.
Independent third party lab testing; Look for a company that pays for third-party independent lab testing for every batch of their products.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified; Look for a company that is GMP certified. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. GMP certified means that the manufacturer has demonstrated a strong regulatory commitment and compliance to international GMP standards. Finding a GMP certified CBD company is rare, but tells you a lot about that company’s commitment to quality from farm to bottle.
FDA Registered Facility; Look for a company that makes its products in an FDA registered facility. Again, this is a rare sign of a good company that cares about the quality of its manufacturing process from farm to bottle.
Pharmacist founders vs pharmacist formulated; we believe one of the major differentiators when trying to decide on a brand of CBD is to do some research on the company founders and what their backgrounds are. Again, this industry grew out of an underground industry just a few short years ago. Many people look for “pharmacist formulated” on the label as one key differentiator which is great. At Puure Therapeutics, we take it a huge leap further. Two of the founders at Puure are both pharmacists so the rule of purity, quality, and effectiveness guides all product decisions.
Myth #4: CBD is a Sedative
While CBD can promote better sleep (often in people who have a hard time sleeping because of pain or anxiety), it’s actually not a sedative in and of itself. CBD actually helps the brain to produce more melatonin throughout the night. This allows the user to sleep more heavily and wake up feeling rested the next day.
In a recent Consumer Reports survey on CBD, 10% of respondents report using CBD as a sleep aid. The majority of them said it worked, but that evidence is anecdotal. Without controlled studies, it is difficult to tell whether CBD is truly acting alone to induce sleep. There are several complicating factors.
Here’s another excerpt from a Consumer Reports article titled “Can CBD Help You Sleep?” “Today, people are still using cannabis to help them sleep, particularly one form of it: CBD, or cannabidiol. That’s a compound found in marijuana and hemp that doesn’t get you high, and that has recently exploded in popularity because of its potential to treat other health problems, including pain and anxiety.
Myth #5: A Large Amount of CBD is Needed
As CBD becomes more popular, many businesses are putting out a variety of CBD-infused products, including items like CBD drops, CBD capsules, CBD gummies, as well as an ingredient in food products.
The problem with these products is that they often contain a varying amount of CBD. Also the process by which CBD is applied or infused can vary by product and even each individual serving can vary the amount of CBD it contains.
CBD consumption is less noticeable than THC, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking a sufficient amount of CBD (that can be anywhere from 2 to 200 milligrams) to truly see results.
Of course, everyone is different, and some people can benefit from a very small serving of CBD. But, if you’re not seeing results from these small amounts, consider slowly increasing your dosage or using a more concentrated form (such as CBD oil) before you give up on CBD altogether. As with any supplement, advice from your primary care physician or trusted CBD provider (think pharmacist founders) is advisable.
Myth #6: Hemp Seed Oil is the Same as Hemp CBD Oil
Because a lot of CBD oil is derived from the hemp plant, some people have gotten it into their heads that hemp seed oil is the same as CBD oil.
Hemp seed oil does have nutritional value and is a great supplement for many people, however it does not actually contain significant quantities of CBD. That’s because CBD hemp oil comes from the resins and glands of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil comes only from pressed hemp seeds.
Myth #7: There’s No Scientific Evidence that Backs up CBD’s Benefits
Of all the CBD myths out there, this one could not be further from the truth. Yes, CBD is still being studied, but that doesn’t mean that scientists haven’t been able to uncover significant benefits from their research so far.
Scientists have discovered an amazing system with our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the link between CBD, your own body’s endocannabinoid system and the wellness benefits of your body achieving homeostasis.
The FDA has not regulated the CBD industry or any claims to its many benefits but many people have discovered for themselves that CBD therapy helps with health issues like anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, muscle and joint pain and inflammation and digestive issues and a whole host of other health related issues.
