You hear a lot about CBD these days, and with so much different information flying around, it can be hard to figure out what’s true and what’s…well, not. Here, we’ll debunk five common myths about CBD so you can make more informed choices about whether CBD is right for you and which types of products will benefit you most.
Oh, and if this is your first time learning about CBD, we’d recommend you start here first to brush up on the basics.
Let’s start busting some myths!
MYTH #1: ALL CBD IS THE SAME
While a lot of products put “CBD” on their labels, those three letters don’t always mean the same thing. CBD is actually available in three different types—full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate—and the type your CBD product contains can make a big difference in how effective it is.
Full-spectrum CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant in its entirety. This means that in addition to CBD, the extract also contains compounds like other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and waxes from the cannabis plant. It may also contain up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid found in marijuana, but nowhere near enough to produce any sort of high.
The beauty of the variety of extracts in full-spectrum CBD is that they can work together in what’s known as “the entourage effect,” combining their powers to more effectively help people with conditions like pain, inflammation, insomnia and anxiety. Verist CBD products are made using full-spectrum CBD for this very reason—we like to think of it as eating your broccoli rather than just taking a vitamin.
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD in that it also contains additional compounds extracted from the cannabis plant and has the ability to produce the entourage effect. The big difference is that broad-spectrum CBD products contain zero (or trace amounts) of THC as opposed to the up to 0.3% THC included in full-spectrum products.
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that contains no other compounds from the cannabis plant. Unless manufacturers add artificial flavors to CBD isolate, it is flavorless, odorless and more refined than full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.
MYTH #2: CBD WILL GET YOU HIGH
While it makes complete sense to assume that CBD would get you high, it actually does not have the ability to produce any of the psychoactive effects of its cannabinoid cousin, THC.
Both CBD and THC are naturally occurring in cannabis plants, and both have an impact on cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain. That’s where the similarities end. THC activates these receptors, causing the euphoria or high commonly associated with marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, behaves as an antagonist, meaning that it blocks the intoxicating impact on CB1 receptors. In fact, if you take CBD and THC at the same time, the effects of THC may actually be diminished.
For more details on what CBD can do for you, visit this section of our What is CBD? page.
MYTH #3: CBD IS ADDICTING
A 2017 report by the World Health Organization states that “evidence from well-controlled human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential.” CBD does not produce intoxicating effects; therefore, it does not appear to be habit-forming. Additionally, there is growing evidence that CBD can be effective when used in addiction recovery settings. It has also been shown to be useful in combatting tobacco dependence by helping to minimize cravings.
MYTH #4: CBD WILL GIVE YOU INSTANT RELIEF
CBD does not work instantly, and it can actually take quite bit of time for the benefits of CBD to reach their peak effectiveness. Multiple factors determine how and when you feel the effects after taking CBD.
For one, the quality of your CBD may affect the rate at which you feel its effects. Because the CBD market is unregulated, many brands do not produce high-quality products, and some brands include additives or impurities that can affect the overall effectiveness of the CBD itself. That’s why we work hard to make organic, single-origin CBD products—so you can feel the benefits faster.
The form and dosage of your CBD also has an impact on when you feel its effects. Topical products are typically slowest to absorb into the body, followed by edibles like gummies and then oils and tinctures. Higher dosages of CBD will affect you faster than lower ones.
Consistency may also affect your body’s response to CBD products. Some people may experience the effects of taking CBD after just one dose, but many find they need a few weeks of taking CBD to notice the most beneficial results. Consistently taking an appropriate dose of high-quality CBD is the best and most reliable way to experience optimal effects.
Finally, your individual biology also helps determine your response to CBD. Because CBD is fat-soluble, those with a higher body fat composition may take longer to start feeling the effects of using CBD, and those with higher metabolism may feel it sooner.
MYTH #5: IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOUR CBD COMES FROM
The idea that it doesn’t matter where your CBD is grown or processed is patently false. In fact, the source of your CBD is one of the most important factors in determining whether your CBD regimen will be effective.
For starters, the soil conditions used to grow the hemp plants your CBD is extracted from can set the final CBD product up for success or failure. At Verist, we choose the areas of our farm where we know the soil will be able to best nurture the right mix of cannabinoids and terpenes to produce the most therapeutic CBD. We also use clean, green, natural farming practices so no chemicals or pesticides are introduced to the crop—or into your body.
But the most important differentiator in buying from a brand like Verist is the fact that our CBD comes from a single-origin point. We grow and extract our CBD ourselves on our family farm, so we are able to ensure the same level of quality every time. This means that when you start a CBD regimen with our products, you’ll be able to experience more consistent benefits than you would with a brand who gets their CBD from a variety of different sources. When you choose a single-origin brand, you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you expect, every time.
Ready to try CBD for yourself? Visit our shop to get started––and don’t forget to enter your email to get 10% off your first order.