New customers often don’t believe CBD oil has all the positive effects many fans claim it has. Some people have even claimed CBD is no better than a placebo. In other words, just because people believe CBD will work, it may have an effect. These CBD critics believe CBD’s “benefits” are psychological rather than physiological.

Since CBD has become increasingly prevalent in the health food market, more researchers have begun looking into CBD’s placebo potential. According to preliminary trials, CBD doesn’t seem to be the same as a sugar pill.

Does CBD Work Better Than A Placebo?

Of the many tests examining CBD versus placebos, a test out of Syracuse University took the most direct approach. In this trial, researchers applied heat to a group of young adults and gave them either CBD or a placebo. To control these findings, researchers lied to a few patients and told them they were taking a placebo or CBD when they were getting the other substance. Scientists then assessed multiple layers of pain processing in each study participant.

Interestingly, researchers concluded that CBD had valid pharmacological effects on pain. While this doesn’t mean the power of suggestion didn’t influence the pain response, scientists also noted that CBD has unique anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Syracuse professors couldn’t say CBD oil is 100 percent placebo.

Many other trials seem to back up Syracuse University’s findings. For instance, placebo-controlled trials out of Kyoto University and the University of Sao Paulo found that CBD substantially impacted social anxiety. Multiple preliminary tests show CBD influences the production of chemicals like anandamide and serotonin.

Data from recent animal trials also suggest CBD isn’t a placebo. Since you can’t tell a dog they’re taking CBD, there’s less risk of a placebo effect. Interestingly, data from Cornell University found that CBD supplementation helped reduce knee swelling in dogs with osteoporosis.

Why Does CBD Seem To Work Better Than Placebos?

Although CBD’s influence can impact our perception, the above trials suggest CBD correlates with pain reduction and stress relief. Most hemp researchers believe CBD’s physiological effects are due to its role in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Although CBD doesn’t land directly on cannabinoid receptors, it appears to influence the production of multiple compounds in the ECS.

As noted above, two crucial chemicals that CBD influences include anandamide and serotonin. These “happy compounds” seem to play a significant role in multiple bodily processes, which may explain CBD’s multifaceted effects.

Again, this doesn’t mean that CBD is 100 percent free from the placebo effect. Arguably, the suggestions we hear from others and the published studies we read influence whatever supplement we try. However, most of the current data suggest that CBD has a direct impact on the body via the ECS.

Is Your CBD Glorified Sugar? — Check Those Third-Party Tests!

Although CBD has a powerful impact on many patients, you must ensure your hemp product has traces of CBD. There are many “CBD companies” that are pumping out hemp products with minimal CBD concentrations. Sometimes, these CBD oils could even have small amounts of toxins or heavy metals.

The only way to verify your CBD is legit is to request a third-party lab result. You could also read through unbiased CBD reviews on sites like Real Tested CBD. Since our team screens various CBD brands at KCA Labs, you can guarantee our test results are accurate.

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