CBD Myths and Truths

While serving the Cannabis & Hemp industries executive recruitment needs, I've found myself also in the role of Cannabis plant educator to parents at my kids' school, neighbors, the friendly staff at my favorite Whole Foods Market, random people introduced to me at parties as "the cannabis industry guy!", gym buddies and friends and family over all.

Though I have no special scientific training on the plant, I've spent the past year completely immersed in the market and all of the education offered by the wonderful cannabis community, so here's my stab at something written for those still on the outside looking in for some more answers to their CBD-related questions...

Step aside, kale! When it comes to superfoods, CBD is climbing the ranks! Cannabidiol (CBD) is having a moment—and with good reason. Not only are scientists expanding their studies of the relationship between cannabis and the human brain, but hundreds of positive anecdotal stories from individuals around the world support CBD’s role in alleviating various physical, mental and neurological challenges.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is having a moment—and with good reason. Not only are scientists expanding their studies of the relationship between cannabis and the human brain, but hundreds of positive anecdotal stories from individuals around the world support CBD’s role in alleviating various physical, mental and neurological challenges.

But, what exactly is CBD?

A brief primer: the cannabis plant is made up of 400 different compounds. Not all of these compounds are unique to marijuana, which is why some strains smell like pine and others taste like citrus. Of these compounds, 60 solely belong to the plant genus Cannabis and are known as cannabinoids. But the two cannabinoids that get the most press are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD makes up 40% of cannabis extracts and can be derived from both hemp plants and marijuana. And the more we learn about this compound, the more important it becomes to separate fact from fiction and embrace its status as a next-level superfood.

Myth: CBD can produce a “high.”

False. The high most cannabis users experience is directly attributable to the THC in the plant. Now, even though cannabidiol has no toxicity for humans (i.e., it doesn’t get you high), it is highly reactive with the endocannabinoid system, a biological system found in the human body that’s made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and metabolic enzymes.

We’re wired to work with cannabis. In fact, two main cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are present in the central nervous system. CBD influences these receptors indirectly, unlike the psychoactive compound THC, which interacts with the cannabinoid receptors directly. 

So, when it’s introduced to our system, things start to happen. CBD users claim to experience mental clarity, improved sleep, reduced pain and inflammation, better skin, reduced anxiety and even lower blood pressure. Pure CBD that’s extracted from the hemp plant and contains less than .3% THC will not produce any psychoactive effects which means consumers can enjoy the health benefits without any undesired surprises.

Myth: CBD is illegal in most states.

Not exactly. But CBD’s legal status is a bit complicated. Because CBD doesn’t elicit the “high” that comes with marijuana (that’s the THC), most products are able to get around the legal ban because they’re technically classified as hemp.

While it’s usually THC that runs into legal problems in most states, the Farm Bill Act—which legalizes the cultivation of “industrial hemp” containing less than .3% tetrahydrocannabinol under a state pilot program or for academic research—has its limitations and can render a CBD product illegal if the hemp is obtained from a non-sanctioned source.

Myth: You may get fired from a job if CBD comes up on a drug test.

Highly unlikely. Drug tests typically look for THC markers in urine, not CBD.

Myth: CBD has only been found to alleviate seizures in patients.

While that’s certainly one of the benefits, the profile of a CBD user can include everyone from an athlete looking for a way to boost recovery to an individual looking to receive anxiety. Studies looking into its various medicinal benefits have found that it can, indeed, stop epileptic seizures, protect nerve cells from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s, relieve pain, treat mood disorders like anxiety and PTDS, reduce inflammation and even fight cancer.

CBD can be used as an alternative to opioid medications

Myth: To fully enjoy the health benefits of CBD, it must be smoked.

If you have a consumption preference, there’s a CBD product out there for you. While vaping is pretty common, CBD also comes in capsule form (which makes precise dosing much easier), tinctures that are administered under the tongue, topical creams and gels that are absorbed through the body, and edibles like gum, candy, baked foods and drinks. 

Scientists are quickly unlocking that vast array of benefits CBD provides with an eye on how it can work to improve our mental and physical capabilities. Whether it’s taken for medicinal purposes or daily supplementation, the future of CBD holds plenty of promise for both our quality of life and businesses looking to tap into the deep spring of wellness solutions.