Dwight K. Blake
If you’re like most people, the idea of using CBD for your health issues may feel a bit unsettling. After all, it’s closely associated with marijuana and all the negative ideas about it. Plus, the laws concerning it are a bit murky. But do you really know the CBD facts?
In reality, however, CBD and CBD products aren’t as bad as you think. In fact, they actually possess properties that can end or manage many health concerns. Its list of potential health benefits is quite long.
If you’re still thinking twice about CBD’s effectiveness, we’ll be sharing with you the most important CBD oil facts and other CBD products to ease your mind.
But before that, let’s get to know cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) first.
CBD vs THC: How Are They Different?
Cannabinoids are compounds that naturally occur in the body. They interact with specific receptors to create physiological effects.
In a cannabis plant, there are over 100 types of cannabinoids, but the most common ones you’ll hear about are CBD and THC.
Now, here’s where it gets a bit complicated.
In your body, there are two types of receptors that respond to cannabis: CB1 and CB2. These two receptors are parts of the bigger endocannabinoid system which mainly controls and regulates the hormones that influence your energy, mood, and appetite.
You can mostly find CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are found more in the body’s peripheral nervous system.
Substances and chemicals that affect your CB1 receptors are more likely to create psychoactive effects as they are mainly in your spinal cord and brain.
Any chemical that affects your CB2 receptors, meanwhile, can create reactions to the rest of your body without creating a “high” feeling.
Now, going back to CBD and THC.
THC has a stronger affinity to CB1 receptors while CBD is more drawn towards CB2 receptors. This simply means that THC is more likely to trigger a euphoric feeling while CBD is more likely to reduce inflammation.
Take note, however, that CBD and THC aren’t exclusive to each receptor. THC, for example, may still react with CB2 receptors but it’s way more likely to interact with CB1 receptors.
Fact #1: CBD isn't psychoactive
Let’s start off with the most common of all CBD myths
Contrary to what many people think, CBD doesn’t cause a high. It doesn’t act on the same pathways that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does.
THC, in case you’re wondering, is the psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Basically, it’s the main chemical responsible for creating most of marijuana’s common psychological effects.
Now, despite being psychoactive, it isn’t that bad for the body. It actually has neuroprotective properties which means that it can protect your brain cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
Furthermore, it can promote the growth of new brain cells, too.
Those things, however, don’t suggest that CBD is completely free from side effects. Although rare, there are still people who react negatively to it.
Fact #2: THC Doesn't Always Produce That High Feeling
Even though THC is known to cause a “high” feeling, it’s not always the case. You see, in cannabis plants, THC mostly occurs as THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid which doesn’t possess the same psychoactive properties.
To get THC, you need to add a little heat, which starts the process called decarboxylation. This why recreational users aren’t into consuming cannabis raw (baked goods still involve heat).
Another way THCA can be converted into THC is by storing it. When the cannabis plants are stored for a long time, it causes the conversion of small amounts of the acid.
Fact #3: CBD Can Minimize the Negative Effects of THC
Fact #4: CBD Still Has Gray Areas When It Comes to Legality
Hearing all the benefits you can get from CBD use, you’re probably eager to find a CBD product you can start with.
Now, before you go ahead and do that, you need to know the law. Without proper knowledge, you could face a lot of legal problems.
Based on the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products are actually legal on a federal level. As long as your CBD product doesn’t contain more than 0.3 percent THC, you should have no problems.
If you consume a CBD product, like a hemp oil, with a higher THC content, then you could possibly fail a routine drug test.
One of the most important THC hair testing facts is that trace amounts of marijuana use can be found in the chemical makeup of your hair for months, if not years. So long as you have hair, it can be used to test what substances you used at around the time that hair was growing.
And its validity can last for centuries. This was the case of John Keats, a Victorian poet, whose hair samples tested positive for opiates about 167 years after he died.
A THC mouth swab drug test can detect THC in your saliva up to 24 to 72 hours after consumption. For some people, it can be detected even after a week.
Like other supplements, CBD isn’t regulated by the FDA. The agency needs more information before it can regulate CBD production, marketing, and distribution. Because it’s unregulated, there are no reliable dosage recommendations.
Despite the unclear laws concerning CBD, the hype around it continues to increase. In fact, it’s now finding its way into a lot of common products. You can now find CBD in chocolates, creams, coffee, shakes, and cocktails.
If you are feeling tempted to try those products, make sure that you know what you’re getting. Know where your CBD products are sourced and how what extraction method was used.
It’s also a good idea to be familiar with the Farm Bill as much as possible.
Fact #5: CBD Can Help With Addiction
The Different Types of CBD Oil
If you are considering the idea of taking CBD, you must consider staring with CBD oils first. They are easier to take since you can add them to your foods and drinks. Or you can just put a few drops of the oil under your tongue.
Take note, however, that not all CBD oils are the same.
If you have been doing your research about CBD, you’ve probably encountered the three following categories of CBD oil.
Full-spectrum possesses the full spectrum of CBD as well as trace amounts of THC found in the hemp plant. It also has cannabis-derived terpenes and minor cannabinoids.
Broad-spectrum, on the other hand, has the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. There are no trace amounts of THC in this category which is why it’s commonly preferred by people who usually undergo drug tests.
Isolate doesn’t have the other cannabis compounds. It only contains CBD crystalline.
If you are new to taking CBD products, particularly the oil, you can decide which of these types you should take based on your needs. For example, if you undergo routine drug tests or if you just drive or operate machines at work, you can consider taking broad-spectrum CBD oils because they don’t have THC.
In case you want to experience a more potent effect, try full-spectrum CBD oils. Since they possess cannabinoids, terpenes, and all the good stuff from CBD, they are capable of producing that entourage effect on the human body.
Final Thoughts
As with anything you take for your health, awareness is important. Learning these important CBD facts should help you in deciding whether or not it’s the solution for your health issues.
Take note that there are tons of CBD myths out there, particularly concerning hemp oil. In fact, you can find a lot of them stated as CBD oil “facts” in forums or across websites like Reddit.
If a claim sounds confusing or too good to be true, do further research. And if you really can’t find anything online or in published studies, make sure to ask your doctor.
It won’t hurt to ask the opinion of your healthcare provider, particularly if he’s currently managing the health problems, like high blood pressure, that you are thinking CBD oil might be useful in treating. CBD products can only be effective when they are used properly.
Also, it’s important to remember that the existing studies about CBD and medical marijuana, including their potential health benefits and side effects, aren’t conclusive. This means that you can’t rely on it as your sole solution to your health problems. You can, however, use it as a part of your treatment plan as long as you have your doctor’s approval.
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