Home
Blog
Only the truth: busting myths about CBD

Only the truth: busting myths about CBD

12/10/2022

The Truth About CBD: Debunking the Main Myths

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary yet least understood components of cannabis. In recent years, it has become a staple of mainstream wellness culture, appearing in capsules, oils, gummies, and more. However, as is often the case, scientific information struggles to keep pace with the rumors and myths surrounding the substance. Research findings are sometimes presented in a simplified manner or replaced by marketing claims, leading to false expectations and fears [1,2].

As a result, a set of persistent myths has formed around CBD: ranging from notions of "hidden psychoactivity" to the belief that it is either a panacea or an absolute waste of money. To form a balanced view of cannabidiol, it is worth examining the most common claims and comparing them with what science actually knows.

Myth 1: CBD Has a Psychoactive Effect

This is a fiction. People tend to assume by inertia that all components of hemp produce a high. Even the image of a cannabis leaf is perceived as a promise of euphoria. However, CBD is not a psychoactive substance and is fundamentally different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with which it is most often confused.

Cannabidiol does not cause intoxication, does not alter consciousness, and does not affect the perception of reality [3]. Its mechanism of action is not linked to the direct activation of cannabinoid receptors responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC.

At the same time, many people describe subjective positive changes: improved emotional state, reduced tension, and stabilized sleep. These are sometimes misinterpreted as "psychoactivity." In reality, such effects are related to CBD's indirect influence on the endocannabinoid system. Thus, we are talking about supporting stability of consciousness rather than altering it.

Myth 2: CBD Turns Into THC in the Body

This is a fiction also rooted in social prejudice against hemp and the misinterpretation of certain laboratory experiments. In the actual biological conditions of the human body, such processes do not occur. Modern scientific data does not confirm any mechanism by which cannabidiol could transform into psychoactive THC after ingestion [4].

Clinical studies involving humans demonstrate that even when consuming very high doses of CBD—within the range of 1000–1500 mg per day—no effects characteristic of THC are observed [5]. There is no recorded euphoria, short-term memory impairment, or changes in behavior. This further confirms that cannabidiol is not a "hidden" form of a psychoactive substance.

Myth 3: There Are Never Any Side Effects from CBD

Partially true. CBD indeed has a high safety profile. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a substance that is not addictive and has no potential for abuse [6]. For most people, cannabidiol is well-tolerated even with long-term use, which has driven its popularity as a daily support supplement.

However, it is important to avoid extremes. CBD is not a completely neutral substance and can cause adverse reactions, especially at high doses or due to individual sensitivity. The most commonly mentioned side effects include:

Dry mouth

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Mild digestive upsets

Nausea [7]

Furthermore, CBD can affect the activity of liver enzymes, which is significant when taken simultaneously with certain medications. This is why a responsible approach involves gradual dosing and consultation with a doctor in cases of regular or high-dose use.

Myth 4: CBD’s Effectiveness is Not Supported by Research

This is false. Cannabidiol is one of the most researched compounds derived from cannabis. Its effectiveness has been convincingly proven in the treatment of specific forms of treatment-resistant childhood epilepsy, specifically Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes [2]. Based on pure CBD, the pharmacological drug Epidiolex was created and approved for clinical practice [8].

Additionally, combinations of CBD and THC are used to reduce pain and muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis [9]. Parallel research continues regarding CBD's potential role in context of anxiety disorders, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and sleep disorders. While not all areas have definitive clinical recommendations yet, the number of such studies grows every year.

Myth 5: CBD is for Treatment, While THC is for Recreation

This is a simplified view. CBD is indeed often used as a daily support tool for:

Reducing stress

Stabilizing mood

Improving sleep

Its safety and lack of impact on consciousness have made cannabidiol accessible to a wide range of consumers in many countries.

However, this does not mean that THC lacks medical value. On the contrary, the psychoactive cannabinoid is also used in medicine [10]. For example, synthetic THC (Dronabinol) is used to treat anorexia and to control nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. The difference between CBD and THC lies not in "usefulness," but in their action profile, safety, and legal restrictions.

An Effective Tool for Support

CBD is not a magic wand, but it isn't a dubious substance either. Most myths arise from the confusion between CBD and THC or from inflated expectations shaped by advertising. A rational approach to cannabidiol involves understanding its limitations, relying on scientific data, and recognizing that its action is gentle and cumulative. In this context, CBD can be viewed as a tool for long-term support of physical and psycho-emotional balance, rather than a panacea or a threat.

Sources: