Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is gaining significant traction in the health and wellness markets, with President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020 announcing the government’s plan to open up and regulate the commercial use of these products for medicinal purposes.

However, despite its rising popularity and accessibility of high-quality products from reputable brands like Rethink CBD, there is still a social stigma attached to CBD, while misconceptions and misguided perceptions due to false information continue to run rampant.

Sean Willard, Pharmacist and Certified Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, warns, “Today’s digital age means misinformation is readily available and widespread. This contributes to perpetuating myths and falsehoods about CBD, which can be damaging to many vulnerable sections of the population.” He continues, “To debunk these myths and misconceptions, we need to really understand CBD, what it is, and its benefits in preventative health.”

The key is understanding how CBD works

Cannabinoids are active chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, with the highest concentration found in the plant’s flowers. The cannabis plant has many different varieties, including marijuana and hemp plants. Willard adds, “While historically associated with recreational marijuana use, cannabis plants produce over 500 compounds, with approximately 144 of these unique to the plant to be isolated for medicinal use and other purposes.”

Understanding the endocannabinoid system and how CBD brings homeostasis to the human body is, therefore, the key to understanding how CBD works. The endocannabinoid system is well-researched and scientifically proven and is the reason a plant or plant-based compound like CBD can offer relief from medical issues like chronic pain and inflammation, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and encourage better sleep.

“The human body has cannabinoid receptors designed to allow CBD to improve our health and wellbeing, helping to achieve homeostasis,” says Willard. “Just as eating a healthy diet and consciously focusing on mental and physical health and wellbeing help bring the body into balance - or arrive at a state of homeostasis - so do cannabinoids like CBD. When homeostasis is achieved, the body works harmoniously, and we are able to function at our peak.”

The stark differences between CBD and THC

Misinformation and comparisons between CBD and THC also abound. While CBD and THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, both have the same chemical formula, the latter contains psychoactive qualities known for producing the ‘high’ commonly associated with recreational and psychotoxic cannabis or marijuana. This ‘high’ can either be euphoric or produce negative effects, depending on the user.

CBD contains no psychotropic qualities and does not cause the user to feel any ‘high’, both positive or negative. Explains Willard, “THC, like CBD, is frequently used to help relieve chronic pain, mood disorders and other medical ailments, but its effects can be unpleasant and difficult to predict. CBD, on the other hand, interacts with the human body’s various systems to provide many of the same health benefits as THC without the adverse effects.”

“This makes CBD the more desirable option. It is also legal when it contains no more than 0.001% THC and does not exceed the maximum daily dose of 20mg CBD. It is highly recommended to purchase CBD products from reputable, recognised brands like Rethink CBD by Releaf Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on creating and sharing scientifically-backed, best-in-class products and solutions.”

“With products like CBD oils, capsules, infused tea and booster shots to supplement your health and lifestyle, Rethink CBD talks to the needs of a conscious, informed and health-focused community. Armed with the right information and products, people who are proactively cultivating a healthy lifestyle can certainly benefit from CBD as an alternative to traditional medicine for preventative health,” he concludes.

ABOUT RELEAF PHARMACEUTICALS

Releaf Pharmaceuticals is a thought-leading, South African-based, pharmaceutical company in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) category. Releaf Pharmaceuticals creates and shares primarily Herbal and Health Supplements that are scientifically backed.

Their products help you to gain insight into conditions and how to manage them, with world-class alternative health solutions.