Is CBD a Scam?

After exploding onto the market a few years ago, CBD products have amassed a huge global audience of consumers who truly believe in its reported health benefits. People of all ages are using CBD to relieve or even hope to cure a host of health issues, while the general narrative around CBD products is extremely positive.

By the same token, there are a number of people who, for reasons we are unable to grasp fully, have written off CBD products as being nothing more than a scam. We believe this is a minority view that should be of little surprise, considering the similarities with other products that have also been unfairly labelled over history.

Debunking Doubters

For example, did you know that Coffee was once considered scammy when it was first introduced to the European market? Ground coffee beans were lauded for their energising properties but were dismissed as nothing more than a placebo peddled by unscrupulous 17th-century importers who convinced people to drink something akin to boiled dirt. 

In more recent times, a similar narrative developed around probiotics. Consuming good bacteria for health reasons was greeted with initial scepticism (or even laughed out of the room) as many doubted claims that consuming bacteria could improve gut health.

Even vitamin C was widely disdained when it was first marketed. Inexplicably labelled as modern-day snake oil, it was viewed as an unnecessary supplement with no firm evidence of its now obvious benefits. Rather shockingly, a minority of people still see it as a ‘scammy product’ despite health practitioners frequently dispensing vitamin C for health reasons.

Established Theme

There are hundreds of such examples throughout history. Innovations and breakthroughs that were immediately disregarded as scammy or unnecessary before eventually becoming accepted and embraced as a wonderful product with lots of benefits. 

Constantly and without fail, a new consumer product will appear on the market that faces immediate widespread derision before eventually becoming hugely successful. 

CBD Facts

You might describe CBD products as being in that same vein. While CBD is certainly not viewed as snake oil by even the most arduous of detractors, there is a minority of people who express doubts about the claims that CBD is an effective remedy for a wide range of ailments despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

To that end, we have compiled the five most common CBD myths and falsities dispensed by naysayers to present a more accurate view by discussing CBD facts.

Before doing so, for anyone who may be slightly unfamiliar, let’s take a quick look at what CBD actually is and what the alleged benefits consist of.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a compound found within the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (which is the psychoactive component of cannabis), CBD does not produce a high. Not even slightly. Instead, CBD is a natural product that is used for its potential therapeutic benefits. 

Millions of people use CBD to help with issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders. There is also widespread anecdotal evidence showing that CBD can reduce the symptoms – or even completely eliminate – far more serious ailments such as seizure disorder and even multiple sclerosis.

Mounting Evidence

There is no scientific evidence to back up these assertions yet, but the anecdotal evidence is incredibly strong. A quick search on YouTube will reveal news channel interviews with, among others, grateful parents who insist CBD cured various disorders for their children or retired soldiers who no longer need a cane to walk.

CBD is available in various forms, including oils, capsules, topical creams, and heat-not-burn CBD smoking alternatives, and is completely legal in most countries. Deciding what type of CBD is most effective for you personally involves a little trial and error, although the wide range of delivery methods allows you to find the most convenient and suitable option for your needs.

However, as CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, it isn’t unconditionally legal in all countries. CBD is fully legal in the UK and can be purchased easily online, in health stores, or even in supermarkets.

CBD Myths vs. CBD Facts

Now, let’s examine the five most common CBD myths and counter each one with reliable CBD facts supported by studies, widespread anecdotal evidence, or just plain common sense. 

CBD Myth #1: CBD Is Just a Placebo

Some sceptics claim that CBD’s effects are nothing more than a placebo. They argue that any relief people experience is purely psychological rather than due to any actual medicinal properties of CBD.

However, CBD has been conclusively proven to have biological effects. Research has shown that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, regulating various physiological processes. Studies have further demonstrated CBD’s potential in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and providing anxiety relief. 

While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of CBD, the existing scientific evidence fully supports CBD’s genuine therapeutic effects.

CBD Myth #2: CBD Gets You High

A common misconception is that CBD produces a high similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. This belief leads some to dismiss CBD as unsuitable for daily use. However, this is one of the main CBD myths that is completely false and frequently misunderstood.

The fact is that CBD Is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the high associated with THC. Users can take CBD without experiencing any mind-altering effects, making it suitable for daily use and a safe option for people seeking the benefits of cannabis without the intoxication.

CBD Myth #3: CBD Is Illegal

Many people still believe that CBD is illegal due to its association with cannabis. This misconception prevents some from exploring its benefits out of fear of legal repercussions.

However, CBD Is legal in many countries and states, provided it contains less than 0.3% THC. In the UK, CBD products can be purchased online, in health stores, and even in supermarkets. Fear not, as you can access CBD’s potential benefits without worrying about breaking the law.

CBD Myth #4: The CBD Industry Is Dodgy

There are indeed some dubious CBD products available created by vendors who may have been previously (or even currently) associated with illegal cannabis. As a result, standards can be low in some areas of the industry. Lab tests have shown that a small minority of CBD-labelled products sold online contain little to no CBD. 

Just because some CBD products are low-quality doesn’t mean all CBD is ineffective. It’s similar to buying a bottle of olive oil that turns out to be mostly vegetable oil with only a small amount of actual olive oil. The problem lies with the product, not the oil itself. 

The same principle applies to CBD: it is essential to distinguish between quality and subpar products. To negate this problem, just choose reputable CBD sources to ensure you’re getting effective, reliable, quality CBD.

CBD Myth #5: All CBD Products Are the Same

There’s a huge misconception that all CBD products are identical in quality and effectiveness, leading to confusion and disappointment when a product doesn’t meet expectations.

The truth is that the quality of CBD products can vary widely. Factors such as the source of the hemp, extraction methods, and additional ingredients can all impact the effectiveness of the final product. Again, choosing products from reputable sources is important to ensure you get high-quality CBD.

Bottom Line

In our humble opinion, it is merely a question of time before CBD is accepted by everyone as a solid remedy for many ailments and illnesses. 

While a small number stubbornly refute the mounting evidence, the majority of people view CBD for what it really is: a wonderfully natural remedy that really works.

Ultimately, people vote with their wallets. With the CBD industry now worth eight billion in annual sales, millions of perfectly sensible, reasoned, intelligent people believe CBD is helping them in various ways – and that speaks for itself.

In time, official sources will take the same view, and the doubters will no longer exist. Of that, we have no doubt!

CBD Heat-Not-Burn Sticks, with NEAFS

You might have heard about our popular smoking alternative, NEAFS. Using heat-not-burn technology, NEAFS products offer a modern way to enjoy smoking without the harmful effects of burning tobacco – and they have taken the UK by storm. 

NEAFS sticks contain a high-quality cellulose blend and are available in nicotine- and nicotine-free varieties, delivering a hugely satisfying experience for everyone: smoking without actually smoking, you might say.

We also offer a range of high-quality CBD sticks that have proven almost as popular. Our CBD sticks combine the benefits of CBD with the convenience and satisfaction of our advanced heat-not-burn smoking alternative. 

So, whether you want to reduce stress, manage pain, or simply enjoy a relaxing moment, our CBD sticks are a proven winner. Check out our full range of NEAFS smoking alternatives, including our innovative CBD sticks, and see the benefits for yourself!