Whether it’s at your local grocery store, convenience store, or even in restaurants, CBD is everywhere nowadays. And that also means there’s a lot of information, and misinformation, about these products everywhere as well. Here are seven myths about CBD that are not true.

Myth No. 1 - CBD Can Get You High

Not true. CBD does not contain any psychoactive elements that produce the euphoria and high from marijuana. Those effects are caused by THC , a different cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. And while CBD products can sometimes contain trace amounts of THC, the amount is usually 0.3% or less and will not be enough to cause a high.

Myth No. 2 - CBD is Addictive

CBD is 100 percent not addictive. A report on CBD from the World Health Organization (WHO) determined that, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” If it cannot cause dependence issues, then it is not addictive.

Myth No. 3 - CBD is Dangerous

That same report from the World Health Organization that deemed CBD non-addictive also declared it to be safe for humans and not associated with any public health effects. There are also medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration that contain CBD as well. All credible sources are now unified in saying CBD is safe for human consumption.

Myth No. 4 – CBD is 100% Legal Now

The 2018 Farm Bill did legalize CBD products if it is derived from hemp plants and contains less than 0.3% THC. CBD can be sourced from both marijuana and hemp plants, but the Farm Bill only allows for the latter. Of course, if you live in a state where marijuana is legal, then those restrictions will be less important. There may also be additional regulations about CBD products depending on where you live as well.

Myth No. 5 – All CBD Products are the Same

With so many CBD products on the shelves, you may think there’s no difference between any of them. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. As previously mentioned, CBD can come from either hemp or marijuana plants. There are also three categories of products: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate. Full Spectrum CBD products will contain some THC, up to 0.3%. Broad Spectrum will have no THC but will contain other cannabinoids. And Isolate products will have no THC or any other cannabinoids, it will be 100% pure CBD.

There are also different methods for extracting CBD from hemp plants that will vary by product. Some brands use a steam extraction method that simply involves heating water, whereas others will use solvents and other chemicals during the process. When purchasing CBD products, you should learn about the extraction method used to know what possible chemicals or other ingredients could be going into your body.

Myth No. 6 – CBD Hasn’t Been Scientifically Proven to Treat Anything

This is not true. There are many studies that show it’s ability to help treat seizure disorders, and the FDA has even approved a CBD-based medication called Epidiolex for this very purpose. The scientific evidence was enough to convince them of its potential.

It is true though that we don’t know everything about CBD yet. It’s connection to cannabis has led to many researchers avoiding it, so there’s still a lot we’re learning about it. But many promising studies are being conducted and opening potential new uses for CBD.

Myth No. 7 – CBD Brands are Sketchy

While yes there may be some sketchy or unreliable companies in the CBD industry, many have taken on additional responsibilities to prove the quality of their goods. For instance, most reputable brands have their products tested by independent, third-party organizations to confirm the purity and cleanliness of their product. Many will also publish their testing results online so customers can inform themselves about what they’re consuming.

Photo credit: Herbonaut.com