Hemp-derived products have received a great deal of attention for their ability to impact so many different areas of a person’s health.
From helping to improve sleep to reducing the effects of chronic pain, there seems to be no end to the different ways that hemp oil can improve health and overall fitness. While many of the claims about what hemp oil can and cannot do are true, several are not.
Being one of the most talked-about natural supplements on the market, it is not surprising that many myths surround hemp oils and other hemp-derived products. It is not always easy for those who have never used hemp oils before to determine precisely what is a fact and what is merely clever marketing.
Let’s, therefore, look at some of the most common myths and facts about hemp oil.
#1 Hemp Extract Is Not Intoxicating or Addictive – Fact
People are often put off of trying hemp oils because they associate them with the intoxicating effects of THC. This also causes people to wrongly believe that they can become addicted to hemp oil and other hemp products.
While THC is found in hemp plants, hemp oil supplements contain a limited percentage of the compound; for instance, it’s 0.2% in the UK. During the extraction and manufacturing of hemp oils, psychoactive compounds from the plant are removed. This means that hemp oil is not able to cause any intoxicating effects.
A report conducted by the World Health Organization found that hemp extract “exhibits no efforts indicative of any abuse or depend potential.” Hemp oil supplements can therefore be used without the worry of dependency.
#2 Hemp Plants Can Cure Everything- Myth
There are many claims about what hemp oils can and cannot do, and many people mistakingly believe them to be a cure-all product. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and while hemp oil can boost a person’s immune system, reduce pain levels, and limit the effects of stress, hemp oil is not a miracle product. Hemp oil is a supplement and is best used alongside a healthy diet for optimal effects.
#3 All Hemp Oils Are the Same – Myth
A common myth is that all hemp oils are the same and that it does not matter which product a person chooses. This is not true, and a few different types of hemp extract can influence the extent to which the effects of the oil are felt.
Hemp oils are sold as either being isolate oils or full-spectrum oils. These different terms refer to the range of plant compounds that can be found in the final product. Isolate oils contain fewer plant compounds, while full-spectrum oils retain most cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in hemp.
Hemp oils also come in various strengths and flavors, giving customers the choice and ability to find effective and enjoyable oils to use.
#4 Hemp Oil Can Cause Side Effects – Fact
Hemp oil is a popular health product because it has very few potential side effects. This is often interpreted as hemp oil having absolutely no side effects, which is not true.
In most cases, the adverse effects of hemp oil are mild and tend to only last for a short period. The most commonly experienced side effects include nausea, feelings of sedation, and dizziness.
Most people who use hemp oil do not experience side effects. These adverse effects most commonly occur when the supplement is taken in too large a dose, often against the product advice. However, it’s still important to be aware of the potential side effects.
#5 Hemp Oil and Hemp Seed Oil Are the Same – Myth
Hemp seed oil tends to be sold alongside hemp extract oil, and it is a common misconception that they are the same thing. While both products are derived from hemp plants, they come from different parts of the plants and, as a result, affect the body in different ways.
Hemp seed oil, as its name implies, comes from the seeds of the plant. On the other hand, hemp extract oil is found in the plant’s leaves, flowers, and stems. Both types of oil are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids. The main difference is that hemp seed oil does not contain any cannabinoids.
#6 Everyone Reacts to Hemp Oil in the Same Way – Myth
Hemp products are often spoken about in a way that implies they affect everyone in the same way. This is not genuine; everyone reacts to hemp oils differently. A person’s hemp tolerance, diet, age, weight, and many other factors all play a part in determining how someone reacts.
