Veronica Hines

Hemp and CBD oils are becoming mainstream over the years as more people turn to them for nutrition, skin care, pain relief, and anxiety relief. Hemp-derivatives have become legal under the federal law after the 2018 Farm Bill passed. But sellers tend to go overboard with their marketing effort to sell these products. In contrast, many skeptics believe that since the oils come from a strain of Cannabis sativa, they may harm their health as smoking weed does. If you want to buy cannabinoid oil, it’s important to clarify the following common misconceptions so that you can make an informed decision:

Misconception 1: Hemp Is Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana are strains of Cannabis sativa, so you wouldn’t be wrong to club them together. But there is a key difference between them in terms of how much tetrahydrocannabinol (an intoxicant) they contain. The hemp plant contains no more than 0.3 percent THC while marijuana contains way more than that.

Misconception 2: CBD Oil And Hemp Oil Are Same

While both oils are hemp-derived they are completely different from each other. CBD oil contains twelve percent cannabidiol and less than 0.3 percent THC. It is extracted from the leaves, stems, and buds of the plants and called hemp-extract oil. Hemp oil, also called hemp seed oil or pure hemp oil comes from the plant’s seed that contains no cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol. The oil may contain some trace amounts due to contamination during the extraction process. 

Some manufacturers label hemp seed as CBD to sell for more or CBD as hemp to avoid FDA notice. So if you want to buy pure hemp oil, check the label for the amount of cannabidiol to know what you are really buying.

Misconception 3: Hemp-derived Oils Intoxicate

These oils cannot intoxicate you because they contain very little THC, the intoxicant that gets people who smoke weed high. If you’re already high, the THC level might add up if you have them in huge quantities. Otherwise, it’s safe for consumption.

Misconception 4: Cannabinoid Oil Is Non-Psychoactive

CBD oil is psychoactive but not an intoxicant. Psychoactive substances are substances that alter the mind in some way. Intoxicants are substances that intoxicate you. CBD oil makes you alert and aware. It may reverse the intoxication caused by THC.

Misconception 5: They Have No Benefit

Hemp products have many known and debatable benefits. Hemp seed oil is rich in many essential fatty acids like linoleic, omega-3 and omega-6. If you plan on going vegan, then you can buy pure hemp oil to replace fish in your diet. It also nourishes the skin, prevents skin diseases and reverses aging. Cannabidiol oil is also a good food supplement and skincare product. Studies show that it may relieve pain and anty, restore hormonal balance and regenerate brain cells. Though the FDA is reluctant to approve it for medical use, it has approved a CBD medicine called Epidiolex to treat seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome with a prescription.

Misconception 6: They Have No Side Effects

While people rarely report side effects, many do report nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, change in appetite and weight loss. You should start with small doses in the first few weeks so that your body gets used to it before you increase the dosage. If you are under medication, then you should consult a doctor because CBD has the same side effects that blood thinners and medicines with grapefruit warnings do.

Misconception 7: CBD Oil Is Completely Legal

CBD oil derived from industrial hemp is legal at the federal level and in most states. It’s only illegal in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota as of present. CBD oil derived from marijuana is illegal at the federal level but legal in some states for medical use only and some for recreational use as well. Find out what your state law says before you buy cannabinoid oil to avoid lawsuits.