False information has led to many myths about CBD and hemp. It’s time to set the record straight so everyone can have a better understanding of this beneficial cannabinoid.
We’re here to separate fact from fiction by clearing up some of the confusion surrounding CBD. So let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about CBD and hemp.
Myth #1: Hemp and Marijuana are Interchangeable
It’s true that hemp and marijuana come from the same species – Cannabis – but the similarities stop there. They have different uses, growing methods, and the actual chemical makeup is different. In the legal world, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains .3 percent or less THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), while marijuana is a cannabis plant containing more than .3 percent THC. THC is an intoxicating compound that gives you the “high” feeling and is used in both medical and recreational spaces (which is why you see higher concentrations of THC in marijuana). Hemp, with its lower THC content, is used in a variety of everyday personal care and wellness products, like lotions, dietary supplements, and even in industries like clothing and paper.
Myth #2: CBD Gets You High
We have said it before, but it’s worth mentioning again: you can’t get high from CBD. While CBD is sourced from Cannabis, it does not contain the levels of THC needed to get you “high.” Why DOES THC get us high? It’s all about how your body breaks down and interacts with these compounds. THC binds to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, which are found all over the brain, and in lower amounts throughout the body. CB1 receptors mediate many of the psychoactive effects of specific cannabinoids. Because CBD is derived from hemp, which has those lower levels of THC, CBD doesn’t bind to the CB1 receptor needed to cause the high feeling.
Myth #3: CBD Won’t Show Up in a Drug Test
Just because CBD doesn’t get you high or intoxicated, doesn’t mean it won’t show up in a drug test. There are many drug tests (particularly at-home tests) that just aren’t sophisticated enough to differentiate the differences between cannabinoids, so there is a chance CBD will cause a false positive. If you are taking a full spectrum CBD product, which contains some (less than 0.3%) THC, you may test positive for marijuana, so if you are worried about failing a drug test, it’s likely not worth the risk. While we want to stress that you would likely have to ingest a LOT of CBD to yield a positive test result, we never want to make a false claim about drug testing, since there are so many variables at play. Your best bet is to take a broad spectrum CBD product with no traceable THC, with a 3rd-party lab test to support those claims–which Asha Apothecary includes on every product via a scannable QR label.
Myth #4: You Should Take More CBD to Get Results
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to CBD. Every human body is different – the dose is unique to the individual. What are you trying to achieve with CBD? What’s your age, and weight? These are all factors that would impact how much CBD you should take. Start small and up your dose of CBD until you find the right balance. Want help figuring out where to start? Try our interactive quiz to determine your best dose!
Myth #5: All CBD Is Created Equal
The old adage that you “get what you pay for” is familiar for a reason! Because the CBD industry has been widely unregulated until recently, there are a lot of businesses out there that are selling CBD oil making all kinds of claims, but with nothing to back it up. With CBD, it’s all about quality. Hemp is the type of plant that absorbs whatever is present in the soil it grows in, including bad stuff like toxins, contaminants, and other unwanted stuff. That’s why it’s important when you buy CBD to check that it’s grown in clean, healthy soil, ideally in the United States, and have 3rd-party testing to back up what they say. Without that testing, you really don’t know what you are putting into your body. If the company says they have a high-quality product, they should offer the lab results to show it. Cheaper product is usually achieved by cutting corners, particularly in quality and lab testing.
The Takeaway
Hemp is cool enough without all the myths – the facts are actually way more impressive. Beyond CBD, hemp has a very long, rich history in human civilization. We can trace it back in our clothes, food, and even in the construction of our homes. It’s a major staple in our lives, whether we realize it or not.
At Asha, we want to arm you with the facts, so you can make the best choice for you when purchasing CBD products. Please reach out to our team with any questions – we love to help and are passionate stewards of the CBD space.