CBD edibles are products that contain cannabidiol from the hemp plant. Despite its huge popularity, CBD is surrounded by myths about its usage and effects. Want to start consuming CBD edibles but have mixed feelings? This article will bunk all the myths and facts for you.
Not all CBD products are made equal. The dosage and potency can affect your CBD experience. This article also includes details about CBD products and how you can use them to get the maximum benefit out of them.
Table of Contents
What is CBD
CBD is an oil that is derived from the hemp plant. Hemp belongs to the family of Cannabis and is often confused with the plant marijuana. Both plants differ in their chemical components and are quite different from each other.
The cannabis plant family contains a variety of active ingredients which have different effects on our endocannabinoid system. The hemp and the marijuana plants contain high concentrations of cannabidiol and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is made from the extraction of cannabidiol from the hemp plant. It is very different from THC which induces a psychoactive high.
CBD comes in many forms and can be considered a supplement or medicine. There are CBD gummies, snacks, drinks, capsules, and oil that you can take according to your medical needs. These are used to treat a variety of health issues. You should consult a medical professional before incorporating CBD into your diet.
How Can You Use CBD?
CBD has a variety of options to choose from. From coffee blends to skincare the variety really is limitless. Moreover, it can be baked into any dessert and the oil can be used for cooking. We recommend the ones at Beliebis!
A few ways you can use CBD are given below
- You can put the oil under the tongue using a dropper.
- You can make cocktails or smoothies using oil to mask unpleasant smells.
- Vaping is a fast way to induce CBD into your bloodstream.
- You can use CBD-infused coffee that reduces the anxiety that is caused by caffeine or you can substitute your regular milk with CBD-infused ones to control the dosage.
- You can bake the oil into any dessert.
- CBD is available as topical rubs or balms in a blended form. You can use this on joints and muscles to relieve pain.
Myths about CBD Edibles
1. CBD Doesn’t Taste Good
The taste of CBD depends entirely on the type of product you are using. If you are using pure oil then it’ll taste a little bitter with a grassy smell. However, CBD oils come in flavored oils as well.
There are gummies, candies, drinks and capsules that can eliminate the bad taste of CBD.
2. It is the same as Hemp Oil
CBD oil is not the same as hemp oil. CBD is extracted from the stem and leaves of the hemp plant. Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds which may contain omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins but has no traces of CBD.
3. It is not a Certified Medication
CBD is certified by the WHO to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy. It can also be effective for treating Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Psychosis, and sclerosis.
CBD has also been researched to improve depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It can be effective for pain relief, sleep disorders, smoking, and drug addiction.
The FDA has approved a medicine containing cannabidiol that can be used to treat seizures. So although it is not a certified medicine in some countries, it can be used for medicinal purposes.
4. CBD Has the Same Effect on Everyone
CBD doesn’t affect everyone equally. Its effectiveness can largely depend on the user’s health and genetics. The endocannabinoid system of each human being reacts differently to CBD.
The symptoms that you are treating also affect the effectiveness of CBD. If you don’t need the CBD in the first place then you may not notice any significant change in your state.
CBD effects on the endocannabinoid system vary from person to person. It is an adaptogen. This means it adapts to everyone’s specific needs. The endocannabinoid system can be assisted by chemicals other than CBD.
The dosage of CBD is not the same for everything. Some products do not contain the amount of CBD claimed on the label. You should research well so you figure out the right brand for yourself.
5. CBD is Harmful to Your Health
In 2017 WHO said that CBD is not detrimental to human health when naturally derived. It also stated that CBD does not promote any addictive effects in the human body and is not a risk to human health.
CBD is different from THC which is still banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. CBD has been removed from the list of banned substances and athletes can now take them as long as it’s not laced with THC.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England has approved a CBD medicine which is now reimbursed by the NHS for treating LGD or Dravet Syndrome.
The cannabidiol binds with the receptors of our natural endocannabinoid system and produces similar effects. It is also a treatment for seizures and can be used to treat the after-effects of chemotherapy.
6. It Has No Effect on Your Mood
CBD triggers serotonin in our brain which is the feel-good chemical. So although CBD is not as potent as THC it still has mood-lifting capacity. There’s evidence in animal and human testing that signals that CBD can reduce anxiety and can make us feel happy and stress-free.
CBD also triggers the natural endocannabinoid called Anandamide. This is also a feel-good chemical that is triggered after exercising. So, it can be said that CBD does have effects on your mood.
7. CBD Isolate is the Same as CBD Full Extract
CBD exists in nature with many other components. When it is extracted it remains mixed with these other cannabinoids that have many health benefits. The extraction of CBD with all other cannabinoids is called full spectrum extract. This is more effective than CBD isolate.
CBD isolate is extracted from the full spectrum and deprived of all the other cannabinoids. The CBD isolate is not as potent as the full spectrum extract and does not have as many health benefits.
8. CBD Doesn’t React with Other Medications
CBD can alter the effects of certain medications. Although the reactions are very minimal, they can change the performance of the medication and in turn affect the overall management of health issues.
The significant health reactions that CBD can have are,
- Reduction of blood pressure
- It may increase the sedative capacity of sleep-inducing medicines
- High doses of CBD may increase the levels of toxicity in the liver when coupled with other high-dose medications.
CBD should be taken after consulting with your healthcare provider if you are on any other medications.
9. CBD Can Only Be Found in Hemp
Hemp trees are not the only available source of CBD. CBD can be found in marijuana as well. Synthetic CBD can also be made in labs.
The amount of CBD found in marijuana plants is greater than in hemp plants. This makes CBD extraction from marijuana more profitable. However, in most places, CBD products which use marijuana extractions are illegal.
10. All CBDs are Legal
CBD extracted from marijuana is illegal in some countries such as the USA. It is because CBD extracted from marijuana usually contains a high amount of THC which is around 5 to 10 percent.
THC can be removed from CBD after extraction which is safe and legal in some countries.
Facts about CBD Edibles
11. CBD is Not a Panacea
The many benefits of CBD can make you believe that it is a panacea. But that’s not true. CBD is not a cure for every medical complication.
The evidence found for the effectiveness of CBD is only primary and was found from research that was run for a small period of time. To call it a panacea would be a stretch.
The long-term effects of CBD are also not concluded. Besides, it only offers temporary relief from a deep-seated problem.
12. CBD Can be Used as a Medicine
CBD can be used to treat symptoms of some medical conditions. But it can not replace medicines. Because although CBD remedies the symptoms, it cannot address the underlying issues of sickness.
CBD has been classified as a medicine in some countries. Although in the UK, it is still classified as a food supplement.
13. It Does Have Side-Effects
CBD does have some side effects. Cannabidiol can have negative effects on babies and fetuses. It can damage the neuronal growth of babies. It is better if the mother does not ingest CBD during pregnancy. It is also not recommended for children under the age of 18.
Conclusion
CBD edibles can help you ease anxiety and have a better mood. It has unlimited potential for health benefits. You can incorporate it into your diet any way you like. Don’t let the myths surrounding CBD edibles stop you from trying them. However, it’s always recommended to consult with your local doctor before you decide to consume it.