Because of its close relationship with marijuana, there’s a lot of stigma surrounding cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is often mistaken as the cannabinoid (compound found in the cannabis family) that gets you high. There are over 100+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant species - THC gets you high, CBD does not. CBD is the non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant. 

     Trying to educate yourself on CBD can be confusing since there is so much conflicting information. Companies will claim their products are broad spectrum meanwhile their products do contain THC. (Read this blog to learn the difference between broad spectrum and full spectrum). Another example is a website might claim CBD helps you sleep while another says it boosts energy. Here are 5 top myths about CBD. 

1. CBD is only made from hemp. 

     CBD is one of over 100+ chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes both the hemp and marijuana plant. The compounds found in the Cannabis plant species are known as phytocannabinoids. Phyto tells us it comes from a plant and cannabinoids are compounds found inside and outside our bodies. 

     The hemp plant is known to have higher levels of CBD and low levels of THC while the opposite is true of the marijuana plant. But CBD can be extracted from either the hemp or marijuana plant. (Stay tuned for a blog on extraction methods!

2. There’s little research on CBD.

     CBD isn’t a recent discovery even with all the buzz it has been getting lately. While there's a lot we don’t know, there’s a lot we do know. The scientific community has researched and known of CBD’s healing properties for decades. CBD has been studied and researched extensively. While the CBD boom may be ahead of science, there is considerable hope!

3. CBD is non-psychoactive. 

     The word psychoactive means not affecting the mind or mental processes so to call CDB non psychoactive would be incorrect. CBD does have an effect on the brain. Research shows CBD interacts with receptors found in the central nervous system. This is why CBD is used to help anxiety, PTSD, depression and many other neurological/mental health disorders.

4. CBD is legal in all fifty states. 

     CBD is federally legal as long as there is less than .03% THC. While it is federally legal, some states have different laws and restrictions on CBD. In some states, you need to have a prescription to buy CBD. Other states you can walk into a store and purchase CBD legally right then and there. Whereas other states, CBD is illegal. Here’s a link to find out if CBD is legal or its guidelines for your state. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx

5. All CBD is made equal. 

     In today's unregulated CBD market, finding the best CBD products can prove difficult. Not all CBD products are created equal. Some products may not even contain CBD. Or products may contain THC when it says they don’t. One thing to check on when buying CBD products is 3rd party lab testing. The lab results will show you what is in the CBD products such as CBD percentages and terpenes presents. Lab results will also show you what is not in the CBD products which may be even more crucial than what is in the product so you know you are not consuming pesticides or mold. 

     Another way to determine which CBD is right for you is to check if it is ‘full spectrum’ meaning it contains THC or it is ‘broad spectrum’ meaning it contains no THC. There are also different extraction methods and some prove to be better than others. And lastly, CBD can be sourced from different locations around the world and it is best to purchase products when they source their CBD from plants grown in the US as the US has strict agricultural practices. 

     For a more in-depth read about finding quality products, read our blog “4 Ways to Find Quality Broad Spectrum Products here HYPERLINK https://ergohempco.com/blogs/blog/4-ways-to-find-quality-broad-spectrum-cbd-products)

     We know that was a lot at once but we hope to have squashed some of the misconceptions surrounding CBD. Here at Ergo Hemp Co. it is our mission to help educate consumers about the amazing benefits of CBD. I hope this helps spark more educational and conversational dialogue. I truly believe more open conversations will lead to more research, legalization, and better health & wellness for all.  

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources: 

1. https://www.foriawellness.com/blogs/learn/your-endocannabinoid-system-cbd
2. https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
4. https://ergohempco.com/blogs/blog/4-ways-to-find-quality-broad-spectrum-cbd-products
5. https://ideas.ted.com/heres-the-truth-about-cbd-from-a-cannabis-researcher/