Have you had people making a suspicious face once you tell them you take CBD oil? Were you concerned the first time you tried it because you thought it would get you high? We know that your answers to these questions were affirmative and we know why.
This is an unfair stigma, especially since CBD isn’t psychoactive. And despite the science-backed health benefits of CBD, many people are still hesitant to try it.
As a part of the CBD landscape, what can we do to remove the stigma about taking CBD oil? How can we help people understand CBD oil more?
Explain what CBD is and how it differs from THC.
Explaining the difference between CBD and THC is very important, especially since some people think they’re the same.
Both hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis family called Cannabaceae, and both plants produce cannabinoids. However, hemp produces more CBD than THC, while most marijuana strains produce more THC than CBD. In Canada, the legal definition of industrial hemp is any cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis plants containing more than 0.3% THC may be considered marijuana.
THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid. It strongly binds to the cannabinoid receptor type 1, the main receptor responsible for the cannabis high.
CBD, on the other hand, binds weakly to the cannabinoid receptor type 1, which is why it can’t get you high. This cannabinoid is non-psychoactive, non-intoxicating, non-addictive, and non-toxic. According to the World Health Organization, CBD has a good safety profile.
Does the CBD source matter? Is hemp-derived CBD better than marijuana-derived CBD?
CBD is CBD. It will always have the same molecular structure, no matter what its source is. But if you can’t tolerate THC or don’t want any of its psychoactive effects, then choose hemp-derived CBD. It gives you the same CBD health benefits without the side effects of THC.
What is endocannabinoid system
Why do we benefit from CBD? What exactly does it do in the human body?
Endocannabinoid systems (ECS) can be found all over the body. They’re found on our nerve cells, immune cells, muscle cells, endothelial cells, and even skin cells. Their main function is to maintain balance (homeostasis) within the body. Imbalances in the body often result in symptoms.
The ECS contains three parts — the cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2, the endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids.
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 helps modules our immune response, while the cannabinoid receptor type 1 plays a role in many other physiological functions such as mood, fear, anxiety, pain, appetite, sleep, memory, motor, and sensory functions, among others.
Whenever there’s a stimulus like pain or fear, the cells release endocannabinoids that trigger the ECS. The ECS, in turn, controls the release of pain or anxiety-generating chemicals like Substance P or cortisol. This leads to the reduction of symptoms.
Unfortunately, endocannabinoids are easily degraded by the enzymes and absorbed back into the cells, so their effects are pretty short-lived. Moreover, chronic diseases affect the way the ECS functions, and ECS dysfunction contributes to the worsening or progression of the disease.
This is where CBD comes in. In a way, CBD boosts the ECS. It binds to the cannabinoid receptor type 2 and helps in modulating abnormal immune responses. CBD also works on other receptors like the serotonin, vanilloid, and adenosine receptors in controlling symptoms.
Talking about CBD and its effects on the ECS may help break the stigma surrounding its use.
Why you can’t overdose on CBD
The stigma about CBD (and cannabis as a whole) is that it can cause an overdose.
Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, won’t cause an overdose simply because there aren’t enough cannabinoid receptors in the part of the brain controlling our heart and lungs. With not enough cannabinoid receptors to activate, CBD and other cannabinoids won’t significantly affect our breathing and heart rate.
For cannabis to cause a lethal reaction, one has to consume about 1,500 pounds of cannabis in 15 minutes. And we know this is physically impossible.
The myth that CBD can cause addiction
Another reason why some people hesitate to try CBD is that they think it can cause addiction.
Between the two major cannabinoids, THC is the one that increases dependence or addiction risks. It stimulates the cannabinoid receptor type 1 found on the brain’s pleasure and reward center. It also increases the release of dopamine in this brain area, boosting THC’s feel-good effects.
CBD, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. It dampens or reduces the activities in this brain region. This CBD effect has the potential to help with addiction problems, says several studies. It can help reduce addiction caused by nicotine and alcohol as well as opioids, heroin, and morphine. CBD can even help with cannabis addiction. Additionally, CBD may help with withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
How to choose a good CBD product
Some people have had bad experiences in using CBD. But one reason for this may be because they’ve used substandard CBD, which could have ruined their whole CBD experience.
To combat this, we need to educate people on how to choose a good CBD product. Make sure that it:
- Came from organically grown industrial hemp that’s free from artificial pesticides and fertilizers
- Has a certificate of analysis or laboratory test result done by a certified third-party testing facility
- Has good customer reviews and feedback
Knowing what to look for in a good CBD oil not only protects your health but also helps you avoid CBD scammers.
Where to buy CBD oil
You can buy CBD oil in Canada or the US in your local dispensary. But for more options in brands and potencies, check online where you’ll also find extra-strength CBD oil.
If you’re looking for premium-grade CBD oil, then please feel free to visit our website, ICARIA. We offer laboratory-tested, hemp-derived CBD oils of varying strengths. We source our CBD from industrial hemp organically grown in North America, so you can rest assured that they contain no traces of THC.
To know more about our products, you may browse through our CBD oil reviews or send us a message. We’d love to assist you in choosing the best CBD oil for your needs.
