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It never feels good when others shame you for something you believe in and know you’re doing for all the right reasons. Especially when the shaming is coming from people you consider friends.
If you can better understand why someone is trying to shame you, and you’re confident you’re doing the right thing, it shouldn’t be a big deal. You might even be able to change their minds.
The most common reasons friends and people in general shame others are:
- They are being defensive because they are jealous
- They have good intentions but aren’t going about it the right way
- They have no education on the subject they are shaming you over
If your friends are shaming you over your CBD use, it’s almost certainly because they are not aware of the benefits and uses of CBD.
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding the use of CBD in the U.S. Even though it’s legal in all 50 states and there is a growing body of evidence to support all the health and wellness benefits.
Next time one of your friends begins shaming you for using CBD, I suggest you point them towards the following four points supporting CBD use. They dispel some of the misconceptions about CBD, while pointing out some of the positive reasons why people should be at least educating themselves on this cannabinoid, if not using it.
Who knows, maybe you’ll end up converting one of those ‘‘shamers’’ into someone open-minded enough to try CBD for themselves…
1. You Can’t Get “High” Using CBD
One of the biggest misconceptions about CBD is that it gets you “high.” I can see why someone would assume this, because CBD is an extract of the cannabis plant. Most people have had some form of interaction with cannabis or know someone who has and seen the effects of getting high.
But CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, it’s not possible to get high from using it. The compound that does get users high is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also available for medicinal use. Although extracted from the same plant, these are two very different compounds with very different effects.
2. CBD Helps People Manage Chronic Pain
Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report estimating that more than 50 million Americans live with chronic pain. It goes on to say that around 20 million of them live with “high-impact chronic pain.” Which means painful conditions seriously impact their daily lives.
It’s been well-documented that there are a lot of potential side effects of taking prescription pain killers, especially for a prolonged period. CBD is very effective at reducing pain. It’s also a natural alternative without the side effects a lot of traditional medicines have.
3. CBD Is Not Addictive
Another stigma and misconception about CBD is that it’s addictive. While around 10% of cannabis users become dependent on the drug, the compound of CBD does not have the same addictive properties.
This is particularly important for patients using CBD to help them manage chronic pain. One of the main downsides of using opiates to manage pain is that they are highly addictive. Which leads to other health issues, both physically and mentally.
4. CBD Is Here to Stay and It’s Gaining Momentum
Your friends might be shaming you for using CBD because you’re the only person they know using it. But that’s going to change in the future, and sooner rather than later.
CBD products and supplements are now legal in all 50 states. There are some stipulations to this, and in some cases, certain products or usage isn’t legal. But the consensus is that all these restrictions will no longer apply in the future.
2018 saw the passing of another huge milestone: the first FDA approved prescription drug containing CBD. Epidiolex is a drug prescribed to treat Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome, two rare types of epilepsy that mainly affect children.
Epidiolex has opened the doors for more investment and research into how CBD can help with other health issues and specific conditions. Expect to see more prescription pharmaceuticals containing CBD in the future.
Looking to the Future of CBD
As the body of scientific and anecdotal evidence grows for the positive benefits of CBD, the usage and popularity of this drug are only going to increase.
If you cannot educate your friends with some of the ways CBD is improving your life and many other people’s lives, don’t stress too much. It’s only a matter of time before they feel ashamed themselves for not opening their eyes and understanding the beneficial powers of CBD.
With CBD use growing, scientific research and studies increase too. Check back regularly for new developments on CBD use and benefits.
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