When a substance such as CBD (cannabidiol) enters society, it is usually accompanied by a lot of prejudice and is very controversial, which is only natural. Too often associated with the image of traditional cannabis conferring psychoactive effects, CBD is still sometimes misunderstood.
However, there is no question of being swayed by all the misinformation and misconceptions about CBD. On the contrary, it is necessary to educate ourselves in order to make good use of it and to pass on our knowledge to future generations.
So are the misconceptions about cannabidiol true? How can you tell the true from the false? All the answers to your questions about CBD misconceptions can be found in this article.
CBD provides psychoactive effects
Often, when CBD is mentioned in a conversation, the first misconception that comes to mind is that CBD provides psychoactive effects. Some people think that because CBD is extracted from hemp, it necessarily provides euphoric effects or an instant brain high. A rather easy shortcut but, unfortunately, still too common.
In reality, it is the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) molecule that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. And for CBD products to be legal in the UK, they must always contain less than 0.2% THC. A level that is almost non-existent and has absolutely no harmful or psychoactive effects. Very clearly, there is no risk of getting high with CBD.
CBD is addictive
Contrary to what many may think, CBD is not addictive either. This information ties in with the previous one as they are intimately related to the fact that CBD is still sometimes associated with a drug.
In fact, the reason CBD is not addictive is simply because it is not a drug. Even when taking a large dose of CBD on a daily basis, there is no withdrawal sensation when taking a break or stopping. Moreover, the WHO has stated that CBD is not addictive, making its use healthier than other types of cannabinoids such as THC.
CBD use is illegal
There are many questions about the legality of CBD and these are the ones that everyone is most interested in. In order to understand the legislation, it is important to keep in mind that each country decides its own fate.
In Europe, each country sets the rules that must be adopted. Because of this, it is important to know that in the UK, many changes have taken place since CBD was introduced to the international market. It is now legally possible to consume CBD and CBD-based products, provided that the THC content is still below 0.2%. In addition, there are laws that allow the cultivation as well as the import and export of hemp flowers.
CBD is dangerous to health
Many people take the liberty of judging CBD to be a dangerous substance for health, but it should be noted that until now, no study has focused on this aspect of CBD. Moreover, the WHO has stated that this substance in its pure state is not dangerous to humans, which is why it should not be classified as a controlled substance under any circumstances.
With regard to potential side effects, these are very rare and not very compelling. For example, some people have reported slight drowsiness and decreased attention, but these effects dissipated on their own after a few hours. In sum, CBD has not yet caused anything dangerous or alarming in consumers.
CBD has no proven effects
When the topic of CBD is controversial, we often hear that it has no scientifically proven effects. Of course, this is completely untrue as many scientists have already spoken at length about the subject.
Among the proven effects of CBD, it is possible to cite:
- improving sleep quality;
- the reduction of stress and anxiety;
- relief of chronic pain;
- the reduction of symptoms for certain pathologies.
CBD cures diseases
Some people tend to believe that CBD has miraculous effects and that it is able to cure certain diseases. While these people are very enthusiastic about consuming CBD, one must be very careful not to confuse this natural option with a medical alternative.
Let's be clear, CBD does not cure any disease and it cannot replace a medicine. However, it can help reduce symptoms, it can relieve pain and it can even boost the immune system. All these points are already more than enough to provide physical and moral support in a natural way. Thus, many sick people take CBD with the aim of improving their condition and optimising their recovery alongside medical treatment.
CBD makes you want to sleep
Many studies have already proven that consuming CBD can help overcome sleep disorders. However, it is not a drug that triggers sleep instantly.
In fact, CBD does not act as a sleep aid but rather as a regulator. On the one hand, it promotes relaxation and unwinding by eliminating stress and anxiety. On the other hand, it fights insomnia, promotes sleep and provides restful sleep. In other words, CBD regulates your circadian rhythm so that you are rested at night and energised during the day. So no, CBD doesn't act as a sedative, but it does help regulate your nycthemeral rhythm in a completely natural way.