CBD might be one of the most talked-about wellbeing ingredients of the last decade, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. Whether it's misinformation online, lingering stigma around cannabis or confusing legislation, it's no wonder myths about CBD continue to grow.
At Goodrays, we believe in clarity and transparency and that includes giving you the facts about CBD.
"CBD is illegal"
This is one of the most persistent myths – it simply is not true. In the UK, CBD is completely legal to buy, sell and consume as long as it meets certain criteria. The key legal requirement is that any CBD product must contain no more than 1mg of THC per container, regardless of volume. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in cannabis that causes a “high” and it's classed as a controlled substance in the UK. But CBD itself is not intoxicating and when formulated correctly (as it is in all Goodrays products), it complies with all UK safety and legal standards.
That said, laws around the world vary and what's legal in the UK may not be legal elsewhere. So if you're planning to travel with CBD, always check the local legislation in your destination country – even within Europe.
Learn more in our guide: Is CBD legal? CBD legislation around the world.
"CBD will get you high"
CBD is not psychoactive and will not get you "high".
This myth likely stems from CBD's association with the cannabis plant. While it's true that CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis, not all cannabinoids have the same effects. THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. CBD does not have this property and it can actually counteract some of THC's psychoactive effects.
At Goodrays, we use only CBD isolate from Colorado-grown hemp, rigorously tested to ensure non-detectable THC levels. That means you can enjoy the potential wellness benefits of CBD without any impairment.
"CBD is good and THC is bad"
THC has often been misunderstood, particularly in the way it's been portrayed in popular culture.
CBD is non-intoxicating and well-tolerated, which makes it ideal for everyday use. But THC also has proven medical applications. In the UK, cannabis-based medicines containing both THC and CBD can be prescribed through the NHS to treat severe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
In private clinics, medical cannabis prescriptions are also available for chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD and a range of other conditions. These prescriptions are carefully monitored and tailored to the patient's needs.
So, it's not a case of one cannabinoid being "good" and another "bad". It's about context, dosage and intention.
"CBD is addictive"
This isn't true; CBD is showing promise as a tool to help reduce addictive behaviours, particularly in relation to smoking and opioid use. A growing number of studies suggest that CBD may help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms and even support relapse prevention. For example, in one clinical study, participants who were given high daily doses of CBD experienced no signs of withdrawal or dependency when they stopped. The World Health Organization has also stated that “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”
"CBD doesn't really do anything"
We hear this one a lot – often from people who have tried a low-quality CBD product or taken an ineffective dose. Like any supplement, results depend on a few key factors:
Dosage: Too little and you may not feel any effects. Learn more about how to dose CBD.
Product type: Oils, drinks and gummies have different absorption rates.
Consistency: Like any wellbeing routine, CBD works best when used regularly.
Quality: Third-party testing, source of hemp and extraction methods all matter.
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, which helps regulate mood, stress, sleep, pain and inflammation and research continues to uncover more ways this plant compound may support everyday wellbeing. The Goodrays community report on feeling calmer, more focused, better rested and generally more balanced when using CBD as part of their daily routine. The science backs this up, too, especially in areas like anxiety and sleep support.
Trust the science, not the myths
CBD is one of the most promising natural wellbeing supplements we have right now but misinformation can cloud the conversation. By sticking to fact-based, transparent education, we can help everyone make informed, confident choices about CBD use.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.