5 Common Myths About CBD (Part 2)

Does CBD oil have side effects? Is CBD safe for children? Will CBD show up on a drug test?

Continued from Part 1, we’re going to clarify five more of the common misconceptions about CBD that will aid both new and veteran consumers alike.

1. CBD Oil Has No Side Effects

Due to not being psychoactive like THC, along with its many well-known therapeutic benefits, there is the misconception that CBD oil has no negative side effects. While CBD is not addictive, is non-toxic, and is well-tolerated by most humans, CBD can still have some side effects that range from mildly unpleasant to potentially dangerous.

The most common side effects for particularly high doses of CBD include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. However, of more concern is that CBD has been shown to inhibit the Cytochrome P450 enzymes’ ability to metabolize certain drugs and can reduce their absorption and elimination. This inhibiting effect is also seen when ingesting grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

The bottom line is that no two people will react the same way to CBD, the severity of side effects depends on dosage, and unfortunately there is currently no regulation for CBD dosing. Avoiding negative side effects comes down to choosing high quality products and taking the most effective dose amount for each individual.

2. All CBD is the Same

Like many other naturally-derived products, not all CBD is created equal. There are three main types of CBD, all of which differ in chemical content, intended use, and target audience. These variations are: Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate.

Full Spectrum CBD is derived from the entirety of cannabis plant, and thus contains the full range of cannabinoids (including trace amounts of THC), terpenes, and other naturally occurring compounds. Full Spectrum CBD requires minimal processing, and can provide all the benefits of the cannabis plant, but it can be unpleasant for those who are sensitive to THC.

Broad Spectrum CBD contains all of the natural compounds of hemp, minus THC. It can be a good option for those who want to enjoy CBD without any of the intoxicating effects from THC. 

CBD Isolate consists solely of purified CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. It is tasteless and odorless, but contains none of the other beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant.

Additionally, CBD products differ when it comes to the source and quality of hemp it is derived from, as well as processing methodologies. Fully organic hemp from trusted suppliers will be of much higher quality than hemp grown with pesticides and/or harsh chemicals.  CO2 extraction process is best when extracting CBD oil from hemp in order to ensure purity and safety of your CBD oil while minimizing side effects.

3. Less is More with CBD

While it is true that even small amounts of CBD can be very effective, smaller doses are not necessarily better or more desirable as some have suggested. As we’ve mentioned before, an effective dose of CBD depends on a variety of factors (weight, genetics, metabolism, type of CBD, etc.), and not everyone will respond in the same way to the same dose.

Furthermore, high and low doses produce different, often opposing effects. At low doses, CBD is generally a stimulant, while higher doses have sedative effects. More specifically, higher doses of CBD can significantly lower pulse rate making it a potent sedative and anxiety reliever. People who want to enjoy the calming effects of CBD would thus aim for higher doses.

It is apparent then, that the dosage of CBD depends largely on desired effects and individual differences.

4. CBD Isn’t Safe for Children

Given the general stigma on marijuana use among the population’s youth, it should come as no surprise that some people believe CBD to be unsafe for children. However, CBD differs greatly from marijuana and cannot be compared in the same way. CBD is non-addictive, and does not produce the “high” such as from smoking marijuana, so it will not lead to any impairment or dependency issues.

CBD has also proven to be a safe and effective treatment method for children suffering from chronic diseases. In one study, participants (mostly children) with treatment-resistant epilepsy were given 2-50 mg of CBD orally for an average of 48 weeks. CBD oil was well tolerated, with side effects being mild, and it was reported to be responsible for a 48% reduction in total seizures. 

Furthermore, the CBD drug approved by the FDA (Epidiolex) is used for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy in patients two years of age and older.

So, not only is CBD not harmful to children, it is also a highly valuable treatment option that can drastically improve the quality of their lives for those suffering from certain conditions. As always, we advise you speak to your pediatrician before introducing any treatment for your child.

5. CBD Won’t Show Up on a Drug Test

Since most drug tests check for THC, CBD alone is unlikely to yield a positive result. However, some CBD products (such as Full Spectrum CBD) contain small amounts of THC, which could possibly show up on a drug test.

Whether or not you fail a drug test also depends on how much CBD is used and how fast your body metabolizes it. It also depends on what kind of drug test is administered.

Broad Spectrum or Isolate CBD products are generally safe to use without fear of failing a drug test since they do not contain THC, but it is important to ensure that they come from a trustworthy source.

Many CBD products are mislabeled or have been subjected to cross-contamination, leading to higher amounts of THC than reported. In addition to reading a product’s specifications, it is important to check that the overall CBD/THC content has been confirmed by a third party lab report.

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Key Takeaways

• CBD oil may contain side effects, or can interfere with prescription medications.
• All CBD is not created equal. There are various types of extracts, as well as quality and processing differences.
• Less is not necessarily more. CBD dosage depends on desired effects and individual differences.
• CBD is not harmful to children and shows promise for various conditions that effect children.
• CBD may show up on a drug test depending on the THC content as well as testing methodology.