The last few years have seen the proliferation of CBD oil and CBD vaping among many people as an alternative to conventional medications prescribed by doctors from Big Pharma companies. However, most people see CBD oil as the same as cannabis, the plant from which it is derived, and may have only ever been subjected to mainstream media scare stories or inaccurate social media information.
There are many falsities surrounding CBD oil but here are three of the most prevalent:
- CBD makes you high
- There are no side effects
- It’s a cure-all drug
CBD oil can’t get you high in the same way as smoking marijuana does because it doesn’t contain THC but there are some associated side effects that you need to be aware of. Despite the enormous benefits of CBD oil for some issues, it isn’t the wonder drug that some sellers claim it to be.
Head Not In the Clouds
While CBD oil is indeed derived from the cannabis plant it isn’t the same as reaching for the preroll packaging and lighting up a joint. The chemical in marijuana that gets you high is called THC and isn’t found in CBD oil in any significant amount.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive substance of weed that actually gets you high and isn’t found in CBD, although THC oil is available and has been found to be useful for some medical conditions such as chronic pain, but is illegal in some places.
CBD itself cannot get you high but that doesn’t mean it isn’t psychoactive itself. The oil has been found to cause mood changes therefore it can be classed as a psychoactive substance, but the negative effects of the oil are few and far between, usually stemming from an overdose or drug interaction.
Consult a Doctor First
While CBD oil doesn’t affect you in the same way as THC, there are some noted side effects from using the substance. Tiredness and nausea are the most common side effects of ingesting CBD however all of these were noted in people who were taking other medications for other illnesses.
Essentially, CBD oil can enhance and elevate the effects of other drugs in the same way grapefruit juice does. Treatments such as statins, epilepsy drugs (carbamazepine) and CHD medication can be greatly affected by grapefruit, so CBD oil should also be avoided in these cases.
While the positive effects of CBD oil are numerous, more and more research is being conducted. If you want to try CBD and are taking other medication it might be best to consult a doctor before doing so as most sellers will not advise you of the negative possibilities.
Isn’t a Wonder Drug
The biggest myth and one that has been perpetrated by sellers of the product is that CBD is a cure-all wonder drug that helps with everything. This is not the case at all and just like any treatment for any illness, you should do your research or even check with a doctor before starting a CBD course.
That being said, many studies have been conducted and found that CBD oil has great benefits in the areas of epilepsy, some mental disorders, and sexual health.
The past few years have seen some studies using CBD oil for the treatment of seizures where it has had a great impact, however, the best use for children was CBD with THC. Psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety have shown CDB to be effective through affecting how the brain manages natural serotonin levels and cannabinoid receptors in the sexual organs benefit from increased blood flow to the necessary tissues.