CBD has gotten popular fast, and misinformation has kept pace with it. Some of the myths scare people off who might benefit; others set them up for disappointment. Here are four of the most common ones, and what’s actually true.
Myth 1: CBD gets you high. It doesn’t. CBD is non-psychoactive and won’t produce a high or alter your mental state. The compound responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating effects is THC, not CBD. You can take CBD and go about your day completely clear-headed.
Myth 2: CBD is illegal. Not in most places, though it depends where you are. In the United States, CBD is legal as long as it comes from hemp, the low-THC variety of cannabis. Other countries have their own rules, so check your local laws to be sure. But the blanket claim that CBD is illegal is simply wrong.
Myth 3: CBD is addictive. This one comes from lumping CBD in with the cannabis plant generally. Numerous studies have shown CBD is non-addictive and doesn’t lead to dependence. If anything, the opposite may be true: CBD has shown potential to help people overcome addiction to other substances, including opioids.
Myth 4: CBD cures everything. This is the myth that overpromises. Some enthusiasts claim CBD can cure anything from anxiety and depression to cancer and Alzheimer’s, and those sweeping claims aren’t backed by science. CBD may genuinely ease certain symptoms, but it’s not a miracle cure. Approach it with realistic expectations, and use it alongside evidence-based treatments rather than in place of them.
One last thing, and it’s important: talk to a healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications. A little caution goes a long way.