Ask A Doctor CBD Health

Introducing CBD: Myth Vs. Fact

Cannabinoids Explained
Written by Dr. Leah Zachar

With all the talk of CBD these days, it’s best to know what’s the truth and what is just a myth…

Myth: Hemp and marijuana are come from the same plant, and therefore are the same.

Fact: Though both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis sativa plant, they are not the same. There is a chemical difference between hemp and marijuana. Hemp has a delta-9- THC content of less that 0.3%. As a result, hemp has no psychoactive properties. CBD is made from this part of the sativa plant. Marijuana has greater than 0.3% delta-9- THC. That is why marijuana can get you “high”.

Myth: CBD is illegal to use in the United States.

Fact: Because CBD has no psychoactive effects, it is legal to purchase, sell, and possess in all 50 states (update: new changes in regulations may hint that the US will prevent CBD sales in non-recreational states, so please check your local state law)

Myth: Smoking CBD can get you “high.”

Fact: The amount of THC in plant extracted CBD is less than 0.3%. Therefore, no matter what delivery system you use – smoking, vaping, oil, spray, edible, cream, or suppository, CBD will not get you “high”.

Myth: It is illegal to grow cannabis is all 50 states – even if the purpose of the cannabis is to produce CBD, and not marijuana.

Fact: Though it is illegal on a federal level to use and possess cannabis, some states have passed laws legalizing it. In these states, the local state law – which allows cannabis use and possession, supersedes the federal law which does not allow it.

Myth: Even though hemp CBD has only trace amounts of THC in it, if you take the hemp CBD orally, the THC absorbed into your bloodstream will get you “high”.

Fact: Once the CBD hits the stomach, the gastric juices destroy the trace amounts of THC.
Therefore, no THC at all is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Myth: Eating or using CBD will make me fail a drug test.

Fact: Hemp CBD contains THC levels that are below detectable amounts in standard
employment or athletic screening.

Myth: CBD is not safe in children, the elderly or pets.

Fact: CBD is completely safe in children, the elderly, and in pets.

[Image Credit: Pixabay]

About the author

Dr. Leah Zachar

Dr. Leah Zachar, M.D. is a physician who worked for nearly thirty years in Internal Medicine.
She currently is a scientific adviser to CBD Testers. Dr. Zachar believes that there is much that medical cannabis, and cannabidiol in particular can offer to traditional medicine.

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