In recent years, the popularity of CBD has literally skyrocketed. For example, 80% of all US Americans have at least heard of CBD. 70% have tried it themselves or would like to. Germany imported $240 million worth of CBD oil in 2019, more than any other country except the US. Worldwide, Google searches for CBD have increased by 316% since 2017.
CBD is without a doubt the rising star of the entire wellness industry. And if you're reading this article, you're already part of the growing community interested in CBD for better health and greater well-being. But despite its growing popularity, there are still many misconceptions surrounding CBD, as you can easily discover with a Google search.
This can sometimes be frustrating for anyone interested in CBD. Fortunately, science can help. Here, we'll examine the five most frequently cited myths to see if they're true.
Myth No. 1: CBD is marijuana
Those encountering CBD for the first time may find it difficult to understand what it has to do with marijuana. Perhaps the simplest way to explain it is: CBD is one of approximately 100 different natural components of cannabis plants, such as hemp or marijuana. CBD is a component of marijuana, but it is extracted from the seeds, flowers, and leaves of the female plant. It is not marijuana.
You'll encounter hemp in all sorts of variations and applications. Compared to its counterpart, marijuana, hemp has a wide range of uses. This is because hemp has a low THC content, namely 0.3% or less. Unlike marijuana or similar cannabis plants, hemp therefore doesn't produce a high. As CBD has grown in popularity, it has been possible to breed hemp plants with even higher CBD and even lower THC content.
Fact: CBD is a natural chemical compound extracted from the hemp plant. It is not marijuana and does not produce a "high."
Myth No. 2: The positive health effects of CBD are not scientifically proven.
Research is increasingly being conducted into the diverse effects of CBD on health and well-being. Simply put, CBD helps the endocannabinoid system balance the body through five functions: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiety relief, and psychosis treatment.
Due to its anticonvulsant effect, CBD can be used effectively against epileptic seizure disorders such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This was one of the early focuses of CBD research.
Since then, CBD has been proven effective in treating arthritis in animals, as has its effectiveness when applied topically against inflammatory pain or nerve problems. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety, sleep disturbances, and skin irritations. A small dosage, which can even be self-administered, is usually sufficient for this purpose. If you want to use CBD as part of or instead of another therapy you are already using, you should seek medical supervision.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has found no harmful side effects of CBD, either in larger therapies or in micro-applications. (More on this in chapter Myth No. 5)
While it may seem a bit excessive to use CBD for problems as diverse as seizures, stress, or inflammation, there's actually a good reason for it: CBD influences the body's endocannabinoid system. This system primarily serves two functions: It is responsible for relieving pain while simultaneously enhancing well-being, and restoring physical balance after illness or injury. To fulfill this role, it cooperates with various other body systems and organs. It is through this influence on the crucial endocannabinoid system that CBD can exert such a comprehensive effect.
Fact: A growing body of research demonstrates how CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, exerting a comprehensive healing effect. There are seven main effects: CBD has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, antispasmodic, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects.
Myth No. 3: The higher the dose, the better
Anyone who wants to follow the motto "more is better" when using CBD should be aware that CBD's primary purpose is to create balance. Therefore, the right balance should also be a priority when it comes to dosage.
A moderate dose is always the best choice at first. After that, it's best to listen to your body and adjust the dosage accordingly. Sometimes, for example, if the treatment no longer produces the desired effect, it can be beneficial to simply reduce the dose. With CBD, the "less is more" principle often applies, even if this idea isn't immediately obvious.
Fact: CBD promotes balance. The dosage should take this into account. As a CBD beginner, a low dose is generally advisable. Then it's best to listen to your body. In some cases, even a smaller dose can have a greater effect.
Myth No. 4: It is not possible to judge the quality of a CBD product
You may have heard about the study that examined CBD extracts purchased online. The results were striking: 70% of the products made false claims. Why is this crucial? Quite simply, dosage, potency, and quality are crucial for successful use. Between all the misconceptions about CBD and the lack of transparency on the part of many manufacturers, finding a suitable, trustworthy product can be quite challenging. Therefore, there are a few crucial criteria to assessing a product's quality. First, make sure it's organic and free of chemical additives. Next, find out where the hemp plants used were grown and where the CBD was extracted. What else can you do to find the right product? Pay attention to the manufacturer's information regarding the properties of the CBD and dosage. If this information isn't clearly stated on the packaging, please ask.
If you'd like to learn more about this topic, we'd like to point you to our guide to selecting the best products. (hyperlink)
Fact: Not all CBD manufacturers have a transparent information policy. However, there are several factors you can consider when choosing. Information about how and where the product was manufactured is a good place to start. Check for chemical additives. Choose an organic product, if possible.
Myth No. 5: CBD is dangerous
We can be brief. The answer is clear. CBD is completely natural, safe, and carries no risks, even when used on your own. If you use small doses, which you should definitely do without medical supervision, CBD has no side effects. After thorough research, the WHO concluded that CBD is non-addictive and poses no health risks.
Fact: CBD is a natural remedy with no unwanted side effects at low doses. Research has shown that CBD is non-addictive and generally safe for most people.
Conclusion for all misunderstandings about CBD
So, the bottom line? CBD is a completely natural, safe remedy with a wide range of uses to restore lost balance in the body. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects, with no side effects and no intoxicating effect. We would like to accompany you on your CBD journey. We will help you clarify, clear up any misunderstandings, and find the right solution for your specific needs. For more information, see our FAQ (hyperlink).
And if you are interested in our CBD Effect products, have a look here(hyperlink) our range of additive-free, made in Germany