Debunking 7 Common CBD Myths

The relatively recent legalization of CBD at the federal level has vastly increased the availability and choices consumers have regarding CBD products.

However, manufacturers developing CBD products often advertise them with promises of significant health benefits, raising consumer expectations. Matters are further complicated by the fact that CBD is still considered a food supplement rather than a medication, so there are few large-scale medical trials or even official guidelines with regards to the dosage, actual effectiveness, or side-effects of CBD consumption.

Instead, consumers rely on word-of-mouth, online reviews, and other sources of information to make up their mind about CBD’s potential. This fuzzy situation has created several myths around CBD that need debunking.

1. CBD Is a Miracle Cure

Although initial studies and preliminary research are showing promising results about CBD’s effectiveness in helping with inflammation, pain, anxiety, depression, and more, there is much we still don’t know about the compound. That is why the FDA has only approved so far one CBD-based medication for rare cases of child epilepsy.

For example, CBD has been shown to be potentially beneficial for people suffering from chronic pain and inflammation due to arthritis. But what is the correct dosage? Are there any counter-indications? How does CBD interact with existing arthritis medication? Does it only treat the symptoms or might it actually cure arthritis?

All these are crucial questions that need to be answered.

The same is true of most conditions CBD may alleviate. For instance, thanks to the interaction between CBD and several brain receptors such as the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, CBD may be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. However, the questions of dosage, counter-indications, and interaction with other medication need to be answered before it can be prescribed as a medicine.

All this should remind people that CBD is not a miracle cure. It has great potential but it can’t cure all illnesses, diseases, conditions, and ailments. People taking CBD expecting all their health problems to wash away, will likely get disappointed.

2. CBD Has No Side-Effects

CBD is generally well-tolerated and safe. The World Health Organization stated in a 2018 report that “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” And research has shown that CBD shows no addiction—indeed, some studies suggest that it may help cure addiction.

However, people can still experience mild side-effects from using CBD, such as nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. Similarly, CBD could interact with several medications including antihistamines, blood thinners, antibiotics, cholesterol medications, and immune-suppressants. Lastly, CBD may exacerbate certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma.

People choosing to experiment with CBD should consult with their doctor to establish their general health. They should also ask their doctor if they are already taking any medication that could interact with CBD.

3. CBD Has an Immediate Effect on the Body

CBD is no miracle cure, nor can it have an immediate effect on the body. If anything, doctors suggest that consumers start with a low dosage and increase it slowly until they perceive some effect.

CBD needs some time before it starts having an effect. Depending on the method of consumption and the individual, this ranges from a few minutes to a couple of hours after consumption. However, for consumers to have a clear idea whether CBD is working for them, they generally have to take it for a few weeks, keeping track of any effects during this time.

The best way to establish CBD’s effect on you is to closely monitor its consumption and how it affects you over the course of several days or weeks.

4. More CBD Is Better

While it’s good to know that there is no possibility of overdosing with CBD, increasing the dosage will not necessarily have the expected results. If anything, it may cause more unpleasant side-effects such as tiredness, drowsiness, and digestive problems.

That’s because studies suggest that CBD may be biphasic: it may have opposite effects in low and high concentrations. For example, CBD is believed to help people stay alert at low concentrations, increasing their focus. In high concentrations, however, it is thought to be sedative and calming.

This is why doctors suggest patients start with a low dose and increase it incrementally. This strategy helps us understand whether CBD is having any effect. Once the desired effect has been achieved, there is no need to keep increasing the dosage. This is beneficial for both your health and your pocket.

5. All CBD Is the Same

Because the FDA has not categorized CBD as a medication, it is sold as a food supplement. However, all CBD is not the same. Consumers need to do a thorough research regarding the various CBD products and their composition.

First of all, there are differences in CBD manufacturing. It is best to choose American-grown and produced CBD, as hemp is used in certain countries to clean up polluted soils. The last thing you want is to consume CBD that has been made from contaminated hemp.

Second, there are several kinds of CBD:

• Full-spectrum CBD contains CBD, terpenes, other cannabinoids, and THC (up to 0.3%).
• Then there is broad-spectrum CBD, which contains CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids—but no THC.
• Finally, there is CBD isolate, which contains nothing but pure CBD.

When cannabinoids, CBD, and terpenes work together, studies suggest that they increase their overall and each other’s effectiveness: this is the so-called entourage effect. Some people prefer full or broad-spectrum CBD because the entourage effect may make CBD more effective.

6. You Won’t Fail a Drug Test with CBD

Consumers who prefer full-spectrum CBD may have traces of THC in their blood, which could be detectable during a drug test.

Broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate contain no THC and should, therefore, be safer for people who have to undergo drug tests for their work.

However, studies have also shown that CBD products are often mislabeled, reporting mistaken levels of THC. That’s why it is important to only buy your CBD from a trusted, reputable source and prefer manufacturers who offer Certificates of Analysis for their products.

CBD Is Still New

CBD is a relatively new item in people’s lives. The lack of official guidelines and authoritative information means that people often get confused about CBD and its use. Many myths abound around CBD and how it works, what it does, and what it contains.

Debunking myths and putting things in the right perspective makes the consumption of CBD safer for everyone.

Educate yourselves and find out how FluxxLab™’s products with CBD and CBDA can improve your life!