There are plenty of CBD articles out there that list tons of “facts” on CBD oil, but ultimately, those facts end up being biased one way or another. Typically, you’ll find one of two articles: the “CBD is a miracle compound that can cure anything” article and the “CBD is awful and should be illegal/doesn’t actually work” type article.
What’s a person to do with so much conflicting information? Whether you’re new to CBD or you’ve been using it for an extended period of time, having access to clear, unbiased information makes life easier and the facts clearer. The best CBD oil is only a click away, but first, you need to know the facts.
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It’s Not A Cure-All
Yes, CBD is an awesomely versatile and effective compound. It can help with anxiety, pain, and many other ailments, but it does not cure anything. At least as far as science is concerned. There are no studies to support the claims that CBD can cure any ailment, make you live longer, or erase the age lines on your face. Sorry, folks; it’s all embellishment on the part of CBD brands and users.
That doesn’t mean that CBD has no uses outside of personal day-to-day dosages. It’s being researched as a medical supplement to many pre-existing treatments and as a standalone compound for managing certain symptoms and ailments.
Our Bodies Are Designed To Accept CBD
CBD is what’s known as a Cannabinoid. Surprisingly, our bodies are actually set up to accept Cannabinoids via the endocannabinoid system. This system is largely responsible for managing functions like hunger, pain response, mood, and more.
Our bodies even produce similar molecules called endocannabinoids that are similar to Cannabinoids, but produced inside of the body instead of in a plant (hence the “endo” prefix, which means “inside”).
Some cannabinoids, like THC, affect the body in an entirely different way than CBD by binding directly to cannabinoid receptors and causing impairment. CBD doesn’t actually bind to any receptors, but still influences the ECS in a way that’s still unclear.
It Has Few To No Side-Effects
Whatever might be said about CBD, it’s true that CBD oil has few to no side-effects. You also can’t overdose on CBD. It’s non-addictive and the worst side-effects you might experience are dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite. Some users have reported diarrhea as well. Even so, these symptoms are incredibly minor, especially when you compare them to the side-effects from OTC and prescription meds.
It Doesn’t Get You High
Remember the bit about THC binding directly to Cannabinoid receptors and causing impairment? CBD and THC are two different compounds, and each has its own effect on the ECS, but unlike THC, CBD produces no impairment. It doesn’t get you “high” at all and can help reverse the impairment caused by THC.
It’s Completely Legal
Because of hemp’s close relationship to marijuana, both being separate strains of the Cannabis plant, it’s legal status is often the subject of confusion. Hemp and CBD are legal. Hemp contains very low concentrations of THC, amounting to about 0.3% or less. Marijuana plants contain higher concentrations of THC, and these are still illegal.
While it’s true that hemp was only recently made legal in 2018, it’s still been used for thousands of years all over the world for many things, including clothing, textiles, and even biofuels. Your CBD isn’t the only thing this versatile plant is good for.
It Doesn’t Come From Marijuana
We’ve already stated the difference between THC, CBD, hemp and marijuana, so let’s clarify a bit further: CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana plants but in different concentrations. The CBD you buy online or at the store comes from industrial hemp containing 0.3% or less THC.
You won’t get high from it, and you won’t get in legal trouble for buying it.
It’s Used In The Medical Field
CBD has uses that go beyond the scope of home remedies. In fact, an FDA-approved drug derived from CBD is currently in circulation to help treat certain rare seizure conditions. Clinical studies are being conducted on CBD’s effectiveness in other areas as well, such as reducing anxiety and treating anxiety-related disorders, as well as treating certain cancers and even improving heart health.
Research Is Growing To Support Various Uses
CBD is one of the few “natural remedies” that has the support of various scientific studies. The research, however, is struggling to catch up to decades of criminalization and stigma caused by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. However, there is plenty of promise in the area of CBD research as the demand and cash flow continue to grow year by year.
The Industry Is Growing Each Year
Speaking of the demand, the CBD industry is on a path toward exponential growth for at least the next few years. It’s already become a billion-dollar industry, and liberal estimates set the industry somewhere around $22 billion dollars or so within the next five years.
With so much money pouring into the industry, research is finally getting the funding it needs, companies are able to streamline production, and consumers are learning what good CBD oil looks like.
Oil Is Versatile And Convenient
With so many CBD options around, CBD oil is still one of the most commonly-used CBD products. Taken as a tincture, the oil is quick and convenient, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can put your CBD oil in pretty much any drink or food, and there are even tasty gummy treats available if you’d rather have candy.
The Bottom Line
CBD is safe, legal, and its benefits (for the most part) are supported by several scientific studies. That’s not to say there aren’t claims that have absolutely no roots in facts, but that’s pretty much the truth for any “natural” compound.
What matters is that you pay attention to the studies that have been completed and choose only the highest quality oils on the market to help staunch the growth of sub-par brands and products.