The cannabinoid known as cannabidiol – called CBD for short – has shown promise as a treatment option for a number of common ailments. However, since CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant, a cloud of uncertainty and confusion has hovered over the budding CBD industry. After all, isn’t the cultivation of cannabis still against the law in the United States?
Yes and no. The U.S. federal government recently lifted the ban on the agricultural production of hemp, which is cannabis containing an ultra-low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid responsible for inducing psychoactive effects. While hemp lacks THC, it contains CBD. The cultivation of cannabis plants with high concentrations of THC – referred to as marijuana – is still restricted at the federal level.
To clarify further, here are several answers to common questions about CBD:
It is legal?
Yes. It’s now legal to grow and sell hemp-based products across state lines so long as they contain no amount of THC. This means that pure CBD oil and products containing pure CBD are allowed to be sold to consumers in all 50 states.
What are the effects of consuming CBD?
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a person to feel intoxicated. Rather, consuming CBD is linked to alleviating anxiety, boosting energy levels and reducing inflammation. It’s for these reasons that CBD for athletes is becoming a popular trend in sports medicine. However, you don’t need to be in track and field to enjoy the benefits of many health benefits of CBD.
Will you fail a drug test?
No. Drug tests used to screen for cannabis are designed to detect traces of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects popularly associated with cannabis use. They don’t detect CBD. Therefore, using CBD oil or products infused with CBD will not result in failing a required drug test for people on parole, employment and other times these tests are administered.
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD does not induce a psychoactive reaction in users. Regardless of the amount of CBD a person consumes, they will not experience the “high” associated with THC.
Can you overdose on CBD?
No. There has never been a demonstrated case of someone overdosing on CBD, let alone to the point of dying. Extremely high doses have been consumed by individuals with no measurable harm caused.
Is quality guaranteed?
Unfortunately, not at this time. While there are tight regulations on the level of THC allowed in CBD products, there is little oversight on whether or not the concentrations listed on the label are correct. It’s up to the consumer to find CBD suppliers who stay true to their word and don’t market snake oil.
Does CBD cure disease?
No. It should be made clear that CBD is not a cure for anything. Like most medicines, CBD helps treat the symptoms of various illnesses and ailments.
Thanks to the recent legalization of hemp production, the access to CBD products is expected to increase in the years to come. This is anticipated to help millions of people currently suffering from a wide range of health issues. Are you one of them? If so, consider CBD options today.
