by Vessel Brand 21 Jan 2020

The CBD industry is not only experiencing unprecedented success in the market, but it’s also influencing trends in politics, research and pop culture - it’s everywhere. 

Even though CBD was just legalised in 2018, the trending market for CBD oil and similar products is projected to bank £16 billion in revenue by 2025. 

And as the industry rapidly grows, the CBD facts and benefits can’t be ignored, but neither can the spread of harmful misinformation that follows this industry as it outpaces regulations. 

Common CBD Myths 

When adding CBD to your routine, you should research, read labels, confirm third-party testing and remember that these are just CBD tall-tales: 

Myth 1: CBD hasn’t been proven to help any health conditions 

The vague assertion that “CBD hasn’t been proven to help any health conditions” is a generalised fallacy grasping at traditional medicine, even though persistent research and trials have seen breakthroughs in conditions like epilepsy. 

In 2018, the industry made significant gains to dispel this myth when the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex. Epidiolex is a CBD-based medication that treats Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. According to the FDA, “It [Epidiolex] is also the first FDA approval of a drug for the treatment of patients with Dravet syndrome.” 

While epileptic patients are the first to experience the FDA-approved benefits of CBD, other studies suggest that they won’t be the only ones, especially when it comes to the future of treating certain cancers, anxiety and ulcerative colitis. 

Myth 2: All CBD oil is the same

Not all CBD oil is created equal, no matter what labels say. Just because businesses advertise CBD oil does not mean you’re getting the high-quality benefits you paid for. This is due to the fact that the industry is like the wild west, and largely unregulated. So if you’re considering using CBD, then it’s important to research brands dedicated to transparency. And here’s what to look for:

• Where was the hemp grown? States like Colorado hold hemp cultivation to a high standard because they are routinely spot-tested by the state’s agricultural program, according to Consumer Reports. 

• What kind of cbd is it? Your choices are CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD. It’s important to distinguish that full-spectrum CBD products may contain THC, and depending on the state of purchase could be illegal. 

• How much THC does it contain? Under UK law, CBD products may only contain up to 0.2% THC.

• Was the product third-party approved? Check a brand’s website for proof of a lab report or Certificate of Analysis that will tell you what’s exactly in the hemp.  

• How much CBD is in each dosage? This will help you gauge whether or not the product will meet your needs. 

Myth 3: CBD products are illegal 

Often consumers are wary of purchasing CBD products because of the confusion around their legality, the law change is still relatively unknown hence CBD is considered a grey area. But essentially speaking, a CBD product must be derived from hemp that contains 0.2% THC or less to be considered legal.

Myth 4: There’s a ‘correct’ amount of CBD you should take 

When it comes to CBD dosages, people commonly assume more is better, but that’s far from true, especially because everyone is different. 

The dosage depends on the person, potential reactions and consumption methods. The best way to discover the most effective CBD use for you is by starting with the lowest dose possible, and then slowing increasing your dosage to your sweet spot, or ratio.

Myth 5: CBD works by activating the cannabinoid receptors 

To debunk this myth, you have to understand the endocannabinoid system and that THC and CBD interact differently within the body.

The endocannabinoid system is essential in helping humans respond to illness and injury through receptors that fire neurons in the brain. And this myth suggests that THC and CBD both activate the cannabinoid receptors, but in actuality, it’s the opposite.

While THC directly binds with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors to help with pain management, nausea in cancer patients and other health benefits, CBD actually blocks these cannabinoid receptors, while also triggering other receptors and benefits, like the 5-HT1 serotonin receptor that helps in combating symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Understanding how these compounds behave will only elevate your health and wellness routine, and appreciation for the Cannabis Sativa plant. 

Myth 6: CBD gets you high 

When it comes to CBD, the most common question by far is “does CBD get you high?” And this comes from the assumption that CBD and THC are the same since they come from the same plant. But they’re actually pretty different when it comes to benefits, effects and getting high. 

Simply put: THC gets you high, but CBD doesn’t. 

Why? Because CBD doesn’t activate the CB1-receptor, which is the receptor that binds with THC and induces those mind-altering effects. CBD blocks those neurons from firing in the brain. 

And this is why the compounds are sometimes used in tandem so you can feel THC’s medicinal benefits without the intense high. Although this all depends on your needs and dosage.

Myth 7: You’ll know it’s working within a few hours 

Experiencing the benefits of CBD is unlike THC, where you will feel the effects quickly. CBD consumption is like working out or taking an acne medication - you need to do it consistently over a period of time before you really feel any results. The best way to completely feel the benefits of CBD oil is to gradually increase your dosage and to understand why you’re using the supplement. 

The bottom line

The reality of CBD’s growing popularity is that for all the benefits, there is a dark side to the industry that wants to profit off of these potentially harmful myths. So take control of your CBD experience, support trusted brands and fact check, always.