Last week I had the privilege of attending an online lecture from Ethan Russo, one of the big names in scientific cannabis research. This is the guy who published about the “entourage effect” in his groundbreaking article, Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects, in 2011. (This is one of the articles that inspired me to create EWC’s famous Understanding Medical Cannabis charts).


Then a few days later, while I was out and about, I saw a poster advertising an event: “American CBD Expo,” February 9-11, 2019, in our very own San Jose.
 
Hmm…
 
While CBD is an important cannabinoid with many health benefits, I wondered what kinds of hype will we see this time around (see Blog 12)? Perhaps it would be helpful for those interested in attending this “CBD Supershow” for me to repeat some of the CBD misconceptions that Russo mentioned in his lecture. 
 
Here, for your personal enlightenment, are his six CBD misconceptions:
 
1. CBD is non-psychoactive
 
CBD is known for its anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-craving, alerting, and mood-elevating effects. Since when are these effects not considered psychoactive? The distinction should be: CBD is not “intoxicating,” i.e., you will not get stoned.

2. CBD is sedating
 
Actually CBD is alerting. The idea that CBD is sedating probably comes from people’s experiences with CBD strains containing a lot of myrcene and other sedating terpenoids in them.

3. A little CBD is enough
 
CBD is much less potent than THC. Some studies have used hundreds of milligrams of CBD per dose to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, and seizures. Think of costs here!

4. CBD is the same from hemp, medical cannabis, or concentrates

We all know that CBD works better when combined with other cannabinoids, especially THC. Hemp and most concentrates have little to no THC and other cannabinoids or terpenoids. And do not forget many manufactured CBD products are mislabeled and misleading.

5. CBD works by activating cannabinoid receptors

CBD actually decreases CB1 and CB2 activity levels. For example, CBD causes a mild to moderate decrease in the effects of THC at the CB1 receptor. On the other hand, CBD can indirectly stimulate cannabinoid signaling by inhibiting the breakdown and transport of the endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA).

6. CBD is legal in all 50 states

Sorry, the Feds still consider CBD illegal and part of the ridiculous Schedule 1 classification of cannabis. While you do not have to worry about state authorities coming after you in some states, the Feds remain the Boogey Man.
 
So now hopefully those of you intent on entering the Big Top for the “CBD Supershow,” will know to spot the snake oil claims that undoubtedly will be thrown your way.
 
“I’m no country bumpkin,” you can say to yourself, and, if you dare, out loud to all the slick hucksters you are bound to meet.
 
Good luck and peace,
Dr. B.