5 Common CBD Questions Answered
So many people are turning to CBD as a more natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. However, there are still many questions people have about CBD. For example, does CBD work? Is CBD legal to purchase? Check out the answers to these common questions as well as some others that might be on your mind.
Does CBD Do Anything?
While studies about CBD are still ongoing, there is much evidence suggesting that it can be used to treat many things. For example, the FDA-approved drug EPIDIOLEX contains CBD and is prescribed to help treat patients struggling with seizures. In fact, your body naturally produces endocannabinoids in your body to help regulate things like inflammation, mood, sleep, and more. In other words, our bodies already have cannabinoid receptors that work well with cannabinoids, so using CBD is one way to support your endocannabinoid system.
Are All CBD Products the Same?
Not all CBD products are created equally. CBD is derived from the hemp plant through a multi-step extraction process. The process itself can vary depending on the manufacturer, which is why potency and purity are not always the same when comparing similar products from different brands.
For instance, during the extraction stage, CBD can contain impurities like waxes and oils that dilute its potency. If extraction is not done carefully and with consideration, the product may not give the desired effect. Reputable companies will always showcase the lab test results on their products to maintain total transparency with customers like you.
Can You Get “High’ from CBD?
Because CBD comes from the cannabis plant, there is valid concern that taking it could result in feeling intoxicated, but the truth is that CBD does not demonstrate psychotropic effects on its own. In fact, most CBD extracts come from the hemp variant of the cannabis plant per industry standard because it naturally produces less THC than its cousin marijuana. With consideration to the fact that THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, any product that is deliberately stripped of THC should not get you “high.”
Better still are products made with isolate CBD because the compound is extracted through a method that separates it from all other cannabinoids. So, if you purchase an isolate CBD product from a reputable company, you shouldn’t have to worry about experiencing any psychoactive effects from using CBD whatsoever.
Regardless, we always recommend reading the label to make sure you know exactly what is included in the product that interests you. Shop smart!
Is CBD Legal in All 50 States?
In the simplest terms, CBD is legal in all 50 states, but CBD laws differ from state to state. For example, states that have legalized marijuana view CBD as medicinal and recreational. On the other hand, states that have not legalized medicinal or recreational marijuana allow CBD usage in some cases.
In Maine, you can only purchase CBD products that have been approved by the FDA. Conversely, in Utah, CBD oil is legal, while CBD edibles are not, with the exception of gummies. All in all, the laws differ from state to state, so be sure to check your state’s statutes.
Is CBD an Addictive Substance?
It does not appear that CBD has addictive properties. A study from the World Health Organization concluded that “human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential.” While THC consumption has been linked to addiction, CBD has not, because it doesn’t impact heart rate, blood pressure, or cognitive function. In fact, some studies suggest that CBD could be a useful treatment against addiction to substances like opiates and alcohol. More studies must be conducted on CBD to determine long-term effects, but at this time, there’s no evidence of developing a dependency on it.
CBD Myths Busted
It’s common to have questions about a new supplement on the market. Now that you’ve gotten your questions about CBD answered, the myths around it have been busted. You should be well equipped with the knowledge you need to make your own decisions about CBD.
Works Cited
1. AuthorGuido F. Pauli – Centerfor Natural Product Technologies, et al. “The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Cannabidiol (CBD).” ACS Publications, pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00724.
2. “Hemp CBD vs. Cannabis CBD: What’s the Difference?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hemp-cbd-vs-cannabis-cbd#hemp.
3. “How to Extract CBD Oil – the Extraction Process & How CBD Oil Is Made.” Apeks Supercritical, 12 Nov. 2020, www.apekssupercritical.com/cbd-extraction-process/.
4. Lu, Hui-Chen, and Ken Mackie. “Review of the Endocannabinoid System.” Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Elsevier, 1 Aug. 2020, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451902220302068%C2%A0.
5. Maria Loreto, The Fresh Toast. “This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Consume CBD.” Chicagotribune.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2020, www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/sns-tft-body-when-you-consumer-cbd-20200518-hq7l2n6jtrcu3cu45j2pnofdse-story.html.