CBD has taken the world by storm. Everyone has heard about it one way or another.
Whereas before, CBD was rarely discussed out of fear of repercussion, some parts of society have become more receptive and can acknowledge the benefits. It has become so popular that you can now find some of your favorite products infused with CBD, such as candles, cookies, and even sparkling water.
While more recent generations are definitely more open-minded and willing to learn about things that are unbeknownst to them, others are not as susceptible to new ideas, such as in our Latino families.
Latino families have a clear taboo regarding CBD or anything they deem to be related to marijuana, especially those that experienced the times of Pablo Escobar or El Chapo.
But what exactly is CBD? According to the Mayo Clinic, CBD is a “chemical found in marijuana” and does not contain THC, which is the “ psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high.” CBD is a proven treatment against certain types of epilepsy and can help with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
However, the fact that CBD comes from marijuana is enough to deter Latino families from thinking it is a harmful drug with detrimental effects on our health. The stigma surrounding marijuana and recreational use has trickled onto the usage of CBD, with families frequently ignoring how it can be beneficial for a wide array of problems.
The taboo becomes even more evident when you take a look at how CBD is controlled in Latin America.
Most Latin American countries have only approved it for medical purposes, and some countries such as Bolivia have completely banned it since it is a cannabis derivative.
At this point, you may ask yourself exactly how to break the taboo surrounding CBD in your Latino family. It can be difficult and frustrating because they seem set in their ways and disregard what you have to say. However, the first step towards breaking this stigma is truly educating our family and laying down the facts.
Oftentimes, our parents, tias, and tios are victims of misinformation on the internet, believing every chain letter they receive on Whatsapp or posts that circulate on social media. We must educate them and have the patience to teach them not to believe everything they read online and to pay close to the source of information.
In addition, it is essential to explain to our families the facts behind CBD. Use real-life examples of situations where CBD proved beneficial for someone in pain. Complete an exercise where you set up a scenario for them of all the ailments someone was going through (even after using regular medication) and watch your family slowly realize how CBD could be beneficial.
While, at first, it may be intimidating to tackle such a complex subject, it is crucial to break the cycle of judgment and empower our families to change their perspectives for the better.