CBD Oil: Miracle or Myth? The Real Effects of CBD

CBD Controversy

There’s been a lot of talk about CBD recently; which is great! Well, kind of.

We’re thrilled that millions of people have discovered the benefits of CBD, but there is some confusion around the true effects of CBD products. The problem is that the CBD conversation is happening at polarities: some say CBD is a miracle remedy or while others say it’s just snake oil. These conflicting opinions are accentuated by the relative lack of definitive scientific evidence around the benefits of CBD products.

To be clear, “lack of evidence” does not mean CBD is a hoax, in fact, we know there are real benefits of CBD. But there simply hasn’t been enough time, money, or effort, diverted towards this groundbreaking supplement to fully understand its potential, yet.

CBD Research Limitations

At a high level, pun intended, the FDA (and by extension, the U.S. government) has largely ignored the potential of cannabinoids for medical uses for nearly 100 years. Cannabis was criminalized in 1937 despite opposition from the American Medical Association, you know, the largest association of medical professionals in the country. (The American Medical Association is also the group who first acknowledged alcoholism as a legitimate illness, not just a bad habit.)

But finally, in December 2018, “hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% of THC” became legal in the United States. The very recent legalization of CBD is crucial context around a drug criticized for “insufficient research” – uh, it’s been legal for less than a year, no sh*t the FDA hasn’t published copious findings.

CBD Quality & Regulations

It’s true: CBD products lack the same level of regulatory oversight as other drugs that have existed in pharmacology for years and some companies have exploited this.

Curaleaf, a CBD company based in Wellesley, MA, received an FDA warning for illegally selling CBD using unsubstantiated claims, like these products treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and opioid withdrawal. Claims like this are false and unethical, not to mention illegal.

Trust Your CBD Brand

Because regulation and FDA testing has failed to keep pace with the CBD industry, the responsibility for safe and effective products falls on the brands and consumers. In an industry where new companies seem to be popping up everyday, CBD users need to ask the right questions before blindly choosing a brand because of a celebrity sponsor or flashy advertising campaign.

At Caledonia Cannabis, our Vermont CBD oil is 100% natural and free from additives. It’s grown in nutrient rich soil of the Green Mountains. We believe in this incredible, versatile natural substance and we have seen its ability to treat joint pain, swelling and moderate anxiety first-hand. We’re excited for the potential for CBD to supplant the need for over-prescribed, addictive drugs for pain relief and depression but first, more research needs to be done.

If you'd like to learn more about our full-spectrum Vermont CBD, please contact us! We'd love to hear from you.