CBD is still more popular, but it is still very poorly understood by most people. In this article, we shatter 8 popular CBD myths.

CBD has become incredibly popular in recent years. While the media publishes all kinds of information about the components of cannabis, there are still many misconceptions. In this article, we are going to break down 8 common myths around CBD, its effects, and much more.

1. CBD IS NOT PSYCHOACTIVE

This misconception is widespread and many CBD companies and publications still make the mistake of calling CBD "non-psychoactive". What they actually mean, however, is that CBD is "non-intoxicating" or "non-psychotropic".

Unlike THC, CBD does not cause the hovering effect associated with cannabis. However, that does not mean that he is not psychoactive. CBD, as you probably know, affects the endocannabinoid system.

By activating this system, CBD definitely has an effect on the mind. However, it will not give you any leveling or "high" feeling. And while this may seem like a detail, it is actually a fairly important distinction.

2. CBD IS SEDATIVE

Some of the early studies on the effects of CBD suggested that it had sedative effects. However, this is not exactly true. More recent research shows that CBD can actually have waking effects, delaying falling asleep, and even awakening.

Where does all this confusion come from? Well, it turns out that CBD can actually have opposite effects on sleep depending on the dose. At lower doses, CBD tends to have properties that promote arousal. However, some people find that higher doses can promote sleep.

Some people who use CBD-rich cannabis herb also experience more sedative effects. It is important to note that the plant material of cannabis and hemp contains other sleep-promoting compounds, such as myrcene, which could contribute to the sedative effects far more than CBD itself.

3. ALL CBD IS WORTH, NO MATTER ITS ORIGIN

CBD is a chemical molecule. And it is obvious, the molecules of CBD present in a full spectrum hemp tincture will be the same as those present in cannabis grass rich in CBD, or in crystals of an isolate of CBD. However, this does not mean that all three products will cause the same effects.

Cannabis and hemp are really complex plants, which can contain more than 400 different active compounds. These compounds can work in synergy to create an " entourage effect ", with very different results.

It is also important to realize that there are hundreds of varieties of hemp and cannabis, all of which contain different concentrations of these compounds. This is why a CBD product from one type of plant will have a very different chemical composition than a CBD product prepared from another plant. And the effects of a CBD isolate product will once again be different, as it does not contain any other hemp/cannabis compound other than CBD.

In addition, the way CBD is administered can also greatly change its effects. The effects of vaporized CBD, for example, are not the same as a tincture or a locally applied product.

4. CBD BINDS TO CANNABINOID RECEPTORS

The endocannabinoid system has two very specific receptors: CB1 and CB2. Researchers have discovered these receptors when studying the intoxicating effects of cannabis, which are caused by the direct binding of THC to CB1 receptors in the brain. So you would think that CBD acts similarly, right?

False. Unlike THC, CBD does not have a strong affinity, with either of the two cannabinoid receptors. So how does it bring its unique effects? Well, we're not quite sure yet. Studies have shown that CBD interacts with a wide range of receptors, such as the 5HT1A, TRPV1, GAMMA receptor, and many others. In fact, research has identified 65 molecular pathways that can be activated by CBD.

5. CBD IS MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN CONSUMED ISOLATED

Many people believe that CBD isolates are more effective than full spectrum or "whole-plant" CBD. However, a growing body of research is beginning to show that this is not the case. Once again, it is due to the entourage effect that we have already mentioned.

The entourage effect is a term coined by Raphael Mechoulam, an authoritative Israeli cannabis researcher. Nowadays, Mechoulam and many other respected researchers in the field suggest that the unique properties of cannabis are caused by the entourage effect.

And it makes sense. After all, the health benefits of an orange, for example, don't just come from vitamin C. On the other hand, they come from all of the compounds found in the fruit. Research on the entourage effect suggests that it is the same for cannabis.

6. THE MORE CBD, THE BETTER IT IS

Dosing CBD correctly is of utmost importance. And like any other drug or supplement, there is no universal approach for the determination of CBD. This is due to the fact that, as with other cannabinoids, the effects of CBD are different for each different person.

Some may feel the need for large doses of CBD to get the desired effect they are looking for. Others may only need a few drops of oil. Each person's endocannabinoid system is different and the right dose of CBD can vary depending on the desired effect, the strength of the CBD product consumed, the method of administration, and much more.

Any reputable CBD brand should provide reliable information on the dosage of their products and following these guides is a good idea at first. If, however, you don't get the desired effects, don't be afraid to experiment with higher or lower doses. Just remember, as you increase your dose of CBD, it's best to do it gradually over time.

7. CBD ISOLATES ARE THE “PUREST” FORM OF CBD

Whether a CBD product is made with an isolate or a full-spectrum extract does not necessarily tell you everything about its purity. It just tells you if the product contains other compounds from the cannabis plant or not.

CBD products should include a measure of the amounts of active CBD contained. This amount is usually presented either with a value in milligrams (mg) or as a percentage. Unfortunately, many people consider isolate products to be "purer" than full spectrum products. As we have already indicated, there is a solid body of research suggesting the opposite.

8. CBD IS THE ONLY THERAPEUTIC COMPOUND OF HEMP / CANNABIS

It is one of the most stubborn legends about cannabis. As we have already mentioned, cannabis and hemp contain more than 400 different active compounds. And while CBD is absolutely one of the most studied, preliminary research on other cannabinoids and terpenes (including even THC) shows that many of them have their own unique and potentially beneficial benefits. Unfortunately, it would take a lot more research to really understand the full complexity of the cannabis plant. But what we do know for sure is that the cannabis plant cannot be summed up as a single cannabinoid.