CBD oils have gained immense popularity in the wellness products industry, but it is often difficult to identify valuable, corroborated information from the cannabis hype prevailing in the subject. Sensational media, politicians, and zealous and uncritical fans of cannabis do not help the situation.
As a result, even people supposedly knowledgeable about CBD oil often repeat myths and half-truths. Let us take a closer look at this still little-known product.
Myth #1 - All CBD oils are the same
Different types of products are available on the market and distinguishing between them is important.
CBD isolate
Usually the price of CBD isolate is relatively lower than that of full or broad-spectrum varieties as it contains only extracted CBD and carrier oil, so costs less to produce. Although CBD isolate might be a plausible option for those sensitive to other cannabis-derived cannabinoids, there is less demand for isolate and it does not provide results as promising as broad or full-spectrum oils.
Broad or full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is also known as whole-plant CBD as it contains all (or nearly all) plant elements naturally occurring in cannabis. These total over 110 cannabinoids plus many terpenes, flavonoids and antioxidants.
Terpenes obtained from plants have unique physiological and therapeutic effects, depending on their type. In addition, they create a powerful synergistic effect when combined with CBD.
10mg CBD of isolate isn’t the same as 10mg of full-spectrum CBD. In the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes, CBD can be up to 4 times more effective. In Hoil, thanks to its low-pressure extraction method, most natural terpenes and cannabinoids remain virtually intact making it one of the most popular choices amongst CBD users.
So, take care when choosing CBD oils, as some brands may use CBD isolate but imply it is a full or broad-spectrum oil.
Myth #2 - CBD is addictive
CBD oils are not addictive. This component of the cannabis plant does not produce a high and does not interact with the brain centres related to addiction. A 2018 study showed that people using oral cannabidiol did not have any signs of addiction compared to a placebo. Interestingly, some evidence exists which suggests CBD might be useful in helping people to recover from addiction [SOURCE].
Myth #3 - CBD is illegal
CBD is legal in the UK and most other countries across the world. THC, however, has psychoactive properties and its medical and recreational use is lawful only in a few countries and states.
Myth #4 - CBD gets you high
CBD is one of many cannabinoids which do not activate the centres in the brain that make you feel high.
CBD hemp oils are made from approved plants (Cannabis sativa L.), or specifically, ones containing no more than 0.2% THC. This is the threshold value set by law and is below any potentially psychoactive effect.
CBD operates in a complex way in the body. However, we can identify two main functions: it increases the production of natural cannabinoids and reduces the activity of some receptors in the body. CBD also works beyond the endocannabinoid receptors, regulates serotonin production, stimulates GABA receptors (involved in calming and anti-anxiety roles in the brain) and interacts with some receptors which control pain, anxiety and fear.
THC binds with cannabinoid receptors and activates them to make you feel high. CBD, however, does not activate the endocannabinoid receptors in the same way. The two are often confused, hence a great deal of misunderstanding exists about CBD.
Myth #5 - I did not feel an immediate effect, so it doesn’t work
Everyone is unique, and although we share similar biology, some things work differently from person to person. Here are a few suggestions on why you might not feel an effect right away:
- For some, CBD needs time to build up in the body. Regular use to establish an effective level in the blood plasma is key. We strongly recommend taking it twice a day for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
- The dosage you are taking may be too low; some people simply need a higher dose. If you have been taking CBD daily for a couple of weeks, try increasing the dose by 4 to 5mg a day.
- The CBD you are using might not contain additional terpenes and cannabinoids (i.e. CBD isolate) which requires a dosage up to 4 or 5 times higher to achieve a similar result. Try switching to full-spectrum CBD which is more effective at lower dosage levels.
- The terpene profile in your CBD may not be the best one for you. The CBD ‘entourage effect’ can be potent, so it is worth trying oils with different profiles.
- The reason you decided to take CBD may not have anything to do with the endocannabinoid system. Despite having a wide-ranging effect throughout the body, e.g. controlling many organs and tissues, it does not affect everything.
Myth #6 - Science doesn't prove that CBD works
In the 1990s scientists discovered human receptors which interact with cannabinoids. This initiated a wave of research into the endocannabinoid system, the effects of cannabis on the body and its potential use in the treatment of certain diseases.
Studies show that by interacting with pain receptors and reducing inflammation, CBD can be effective in relieving chronic pain. A review of randomised controlled trials showed CBD was successful in pain management, with a strong analgesic effect reported in the majority of studies.
A summary of a comprehensive survey of CBD users shows CBD is used mainly for pain (typically associated with inflammation), sleep and anxiety. Many users have felt a positive change in their mood, stress levels and sleep quality after using CBD. In addition, a study using mice shows how CBD can have an antidepressant effect by acting on serotonin receptors.
