4 Lies You’ve Been Told About CBD Oil

CBD oil has taken the health and wellness world by storm in the past few years. Most likely, you know at least a few people who’ve given it a shot. And their experiences, just like the reasons they tried it, might be very different. Similarly, you’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting information about CBD, from subtle misconceptions to downright lies. We’re here to set the record straight. Here’s the truth behind four common CBD myths.

1. CBD Oil, Hemp Extract & Hemp Seed Oil Are the Same

Most CBD suppliers extract their CBD from hemp plants. So we can see the logic behind this myth. But the truth is hemp extract is a catch-all that can encompass both CBD oil and hemp seed oil. The big difference here is hemp seeds don’t contain any CBD. Not even a little bit. As you might have guessed, the hemp seed oil is extracted solely from the seeds. On the other hand, CBD oil is made using various parts of the hemp plant, including the leaves, stalks, and flowers, all of which contain multiple cannabinoids.

Hemp seed oil has some benefits, like providing a good source of healthy fats. But it doesn’t have the same properties as CBD. A reputable CBD supplier should clearly state how much CBD is in their product, even if the ingredients list has “hemp extract” instead of “CBD oil.”

2. All CBD Oils Are Equal

Some people try CBD oil once, feel nothing, and declare it a scam. That’s understandable, really. When everyone from our coworkers to celebrities is touting cures that range from “worth a try” to downright crazy, it’s easy to decry something as just another snake oil remedy. But there are a couple of fundamental truths to keep in mind when it comes to CBD.

One, it doesn’t work for everybody. Just like any supplement, it works for some folks better than others.

Equally important, the kind and quality of CBD significantly impacts its effectiveness.

There are three main types of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum contains all naturally-available cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including CBD and THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. Broad-spectrum includes all of the above except for THC. Isolate contains just CBD and CBD alone. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils tend to work best because of a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect,” which you can learn more about here. Simply put, CBD works best when rolling with its posse.

And then there’s quality. Think of it this way. You probably don’t want to buy a new phone from the corner store that shamelessly sells two-day-old nachos and counterfeit cigarettes and is more than likely a front for an illegal drug ring. Consider your source.

Some companies put profits before people and use unscrupulous business practices, like using low-grade hemp or shoddy extraction methods to cut corners and save cash. Their prices might be low (like too-good-to-be-true low), but so is the product quality. Buy from reputable companies with good reviews whose products are third-party tested for quality and content and made in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant facilities. As with most things in life, with CBD, you get what you pay for.

3. CBD Is Just THC Without the High

There’s a misleading notion that CBD is the medicinal part of the cannabis plant, while THC is the recreational part, i.e., CBD is the responsible older brother while THC is the naughty toddler.

In fact, both CBD and THC have proven medicinal properties. Plus, as we mentioned above, the two often work best together. Many people use CBD and THC for the same reasons, such as pain and inflammatory response support. However, each of these cannabinoids has its unique properties and benefits too.

The other reason this notion is incorrect is that THC and CBD affect the brain and body differently. This applies to their influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and beyond. Within the ECS, CBD interacts mostly with CB2 receptors, while THC interacts mainly with the CB1 receptors. This key difference is part of why THC produces a “high” while CBD does not. It’s also why CBD is more effective in treating certain conditions compared to THC.

4. CBD Oil Can Replace Medications

Any CBD company that claims their product can heal a specific ailment or replace your prescription medications is a) not looking out for your best interest and b) straight-up breaking the law. It’s not legal for any CBD supplier to make specific medical claims, for one. But also, it’s irresponsible.

There is a tremendous amount of evidence showing CBD’s benefits and potential benefits. That being said, it is always important to check with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your health regimen. Many prescription medications have adverse side effects, so it’s understandable you’d want to cut them out, or at least reduce usage, if possible. However, if you think side effects are bad, withdrawals can be a whole other level of misery, especially with certain drugs, such as anti-depressants.

Fortunately, these days, most doctors have at least a basic understanding of CBD, how it works, and how it can help patients. They can also tell you if CBD will interact with any of your current medications and assist you in weaning yourself off of current prescriptions if they think that is a good plan.

To know the truth about CBD, make sure you are buying from a reputable supplier who has an active blog or knowledgebase. We want to be sure you make informed decisions about your health. If you have any questions about your CBD purchase, we welcome you to connect with us on our social channels. Find us on instagram here.