CBD has become a mainstream term making its way into popular culture. You may have heard about CBD oil curing common ailments or helping users regulate bodily systems. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is actually the most prevalent compound, or cannabinoid found in cannabis, after Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
With all the hype surrounding CBD, we’d like to talk about some common myths and misconceptions.
CBD Only Comes From Hemp
CBD and hemp both come from the same plant. Just like a tomato plant produces different varieties of tomatoes, farmers have worked with the cannabis plant to bring out desirable attributes. In the U.S. it is only permissible to sell CBD from the hemp plant. CBD is available in all varieties of the cannabis plant, however some strains have been cultivated and produce the highest levels of CBD and they are classified as hemp.
CBD Makes You Tired
While CBD can have a slightly sedative effect, it’s very minor. CBDs effects are more akin to relaxation than sleepiness. It helps your body to regulate itself in a way that if your body needs sleep, it allows you to relax and fall asleep easier. If it’s time to be awake, CBD supports your system to be awake. In essence, CBD supports proper system functions, depending on what your body needs at the time.
All CBD Oils Are Equal
CBD oils are not created equal. It’s very important that consumers do their research and find brands that produce CBD products in the United States. They should have test results that back up their claims of what ingredients exist in their products. Look for a reputable company that has a COA, or certificate of authenticity, on their products. This certifies that the product’s ingredients actually include what they are claiming they include and that it’s been tested for microbes and heavy metals. Having a COA is not required of CBD providers, so chose a company that does this due diligence on their own.
There are three types of CBD available: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Isolates are only beneficial at a very specific dose. A full spectrum CBD has positive effects at all dosage levels. A broad spectrum CBD is the same as the full spectrum but they have removed the THC.
CBD is THC, You Just Don’t Get High
There are 113 cannabinoids that have been identified in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are the most predominant cannabinoids. THC binds with our endocannabinoid receptors and produces that feeling of being “high”. CBD interacts with but does not bind with these receptors, so it’s not psychoactive.
There’s No Proof That CBD Helps With Health Conditions
Whether or not CBD helps with health conditions really depends on the quality of the CBD and the due diligence of the farmers and companies producing it. Since medical marijuana is currently being legalized in various states across the country and hemp has been legalized federally, there are a lot more clinical studies available about the positive effects of CBD. New evidence is released almost. But it always comes back to choosing a high-quality product.
CBD is Illegal
There is a large grey area in terms of the legality of CBD. Hemp is legal in all 50 states. However, every state regulates CBD differently, mostly due to the fact that the FDA has yet to come to terms with how they classify it to the public. At KAMU, we classify it as a dietary supplement. But until the FDA creates a framework for how it should be presented to the public, it remains somewhat undefined.
CBD and Medical Marijuana Are the Same Thing
Medical marijuana was originally legalized in states so that marijuana that contains THC could be prescribed by a doctor for health purposes. There are high CBD strains available in medical marijuana facilities. But in general, medical marijuana was introduced to differentiate being able to obtain THC for non-recreational purposes. While CBD products can contain minute levels of THC, they are significantly lower than what you’ll find in medical marijuana.
CBD Oil and Hemp Oil Are the Same Thing
When a company provides CBD oil they are making the claim that there is an active CBD component in it. Hemp oil, on the other hand, can be a cooking oil or an emollient oil, which may not contain CBD. In other words, hemp oil can be oil that is pressed from the hemp seed, stalk or stems, but does not contain cannabinoids.
CBD is Not a Silver Bullet
There are many companies that make the claim that CBD can cure anything. However, CBD is not a cure-all. It’s part of a foundational piece of overall body health. Companies that sell CBD as a cure-all are actually doing a disservice to their consumers.
CBD Is the Only Medical Cannabinoid
We are actually just beginning to learn about other minor cannabinoids and the role they play, like CBG, CBN, and CBC. With more studies becoming available, we continue to learn about the positive effects of these other cannabinoids and their potential for benefitting health.
More CBD is better
The amount of CBD depends on the result the user is trying to achieve. We like to promote a healthy balance of the appropriate amount depending on what you’re using it for. For a foundational daily routine, 25mg a day is the perfect dosage.
If you’re ready to create a foundation for ongoing wellness, KAMU Labs formulates plant-derived products that improve quality of life. Our CBD products have been designed to sooth, calm, restore, and protect our bodies. See the KAMU Labs line of CBD and non-CBD wellness products.
