FAQ

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the flower of the cannabis plant. Compounds like CBD are called “phytocannabinoids,” and there are 113 different phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC, the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects, is also a phytocannabinoid, but it is separate and distinct from CBD. CBD will not get you high. It is entirely non-psychoactive, and using CBD products will not make you feel sedated or altered in any way.

CBD can come from either the hemp or marijuana species of the cannabis sativa plant, though the hemp species has a much higher percentage of CBD and is therefore more often used for CBD production. To make CBD products, the cannabidiol compound is extracted from the resinous flower of the cannabis plant. From there, the compound can be mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil, or sold as a vaporized liquid, an oil-based capsule, or more. Despite the differences in CBD products, they all rely on the fundamental therapeutic properties of the CBD compound.

The cannabis plant has been used for centuries as a source of healing medicines and treatments. The first documented use of cannabis-derived medicine dates back to 2737 BC, when the Chinese emperor used cannabis-infused tea to treat his failing memory, malaria, rheumatism, and gout. Since then, cannabis has served as a therapeutic treatment for a variety of ailments in many cultures around the world. However, cannabis was largely ignored during the rise of modern medicine due to the lack of scientific studies on the plant and its properties. But all that changed in 1940.

Robert S. Cahn, a British chemist, discovered the partial structure of a Cannibal during an experiment in 1940, and two years later, an American chemist, Roger Adams, successfully isolated the first cannabinoid, Cannabidiol (CBD). Adams would also be the researcher who discovered and documented the mind-altering compound THC some years later.

While it has been difficult at times for CBD to escape the shadow of its more infamous cousin, THC, today more and more people are turning to CBD for relief, and its therapeutic properties are changing lives for the better. As more research is done into exactly how CBD impacts the body, we can expect the popularity of CBD products to grow into the future.

Extraction is the process of removing the Cannabidiol (CBD) compound from the cannabis plant in order to turn it into a usable form for ingestion of topical application. There are several different methods for extraction, but the raw extract will always be thick, oily, and almost black in color.

CBD can be extracted via ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction, or oil extraction. Ethanol extraction involves soaking the cannabis plant in high-grade alcohol to extract the compound. This is the most common extraction method today. CO2 extraction uses super-cooled and condensed carbon dioxide to isolate cannabinoids at extremely low temperatures and extract the compound without leaving any residue behind. Oil extraction involves cooking the cannabis plant in a carrier oil, such as olive oil, in order to extract the desired cannabinoids. Oil extraction is rarely used in commercial operations and is more popular with small-scale home production.

Once the CBD compound has been extracted from the plant and is in its purest compound, it can be combined with other ingredients to create the wide range of CBD products on the market today.

Yes! Because CBD has none of the mind-altering impact of marijuana, all 50 states have laws legalizing CBD in some degree. The federal government’s position on CBD is complicated, depending in large part whether the CBD is derived from hemp or from marijuana. In general, federal law still groups CBD together with marijuana, though they rarely if ever enforce this position. In 2015 the FDA relaxed restrictions to allow scientists and researchers to conduct more trials on CBD in order to fully understand its benefits and risks.

In summary: CBD is legal, though the degree of regulation varies from state to state. The federal government’s position on cannabis-derived products and research is continually evolving.

As you shop for CBD products, you may encounter the following terminology: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.

CBD isolate contains only CBD from the cannabis plant. There are no other cannabinoid compounds, such as THC or CBC, present in any amounts. Some people want to make sure and avoid any amount of THC, since they don’t want to risk any psycho-active effects, and for people like this, they should seek out products containing CBD isolate.

However, it is interesting to note that recent scientific research indicates the positive impact of CBD can be even greater when the compound is allowed to interact with other naturally occurring compounds from the cannabis plant, even in very small amounts.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains other compounds and cannabinoids found in the plant, such as CBC, CBN, and terpenes like myrcene and limonene. Typically, while broad-spectrum CBD products will contain these other compounds, they will not contain any THC. If there is any THC in broad-spectrum CBD products, it is usually just in trace amounts.

Full-spectrum CBD products are similar to broad-spectrum CBD products, in that they contain other cannabis compounds in addition to CBD, but full-spectrum products tend to have higher levels of THC present. Though the THC is higher in this category than in the previous categories, it still remains a very low percentage, typically under 0.3%, which is an amount regulated by federal law under the Farm Bill of 2018. Even with this higher percentage of THC, it is not enough for people to experience any of the ‘high’ effects normally associated with cannabis.

Once the CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, it can be added to all sorts of products.

Oils and Tinctures – Liquids or oils that are infused with CBD are one of the most popular ways to take the supplement. You can place either of these under your tongue with a dropper and the compounds will quickly be absorbed by the tiny capillaries in your mouth. This is a great choice for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules.

Creams and Lotions – Topical products like creams and lotions can be infused with CBD extract or oils and used to treat muscle and joint pain. Some skin conditions also respond well to CBD properties, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Capsules and Pills – These CBD products are used for the systematic treatment of chronic medical conditions, such as digestive issues and seizure disorders, to name a few. In fact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first ever CBD-derived, high-potency drug, named Epidiolex, that is approved to treat epilepsy.

Edibles – Are you looking for a CBD delivery method that is affordable, easy, discrete, and tasty? If so, consider CBD gummies. Not only do they taste good, but they take the guesswork out of dosage so you know exactly how much CBD you’re consuming with every gummy.

Vaping – Inhaling vaporized CBD oil is the quickest way to get the beneficial compounds into your bloodstream. However, it’s still uncertain whether taking the compound in this way damages your delicate lung tissue, so if you decide to vape your CBD, proceed with caution.

CBD is an appealing option for people looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without mind-altering effects like those from marijuana, or any potentially serious side-effects, like those from certain prescription medications. Scientific studies have confirmed that CBD can help with the following types of ailments:

Pain – Numerous studies have shown that CBD can help reduce chronic pain in the body. This is because the CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system and reduces whole-body inflammation. People who suffer from nerve pain, arthritis pain, and other chronic pain have found relief from CBD products, but more scientific studies are needed to document exactly how and why this occurs. However, researchers have concluded that not only does CBD seem to help ease chronic pain, but people don’t build a tolerance to the effects of CBD over time, so there is no need to increase dosage.

Anxiety and Depression – Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can have a devastating impact on lives. These illnesses are normally treated with prescription drugs, which can cause side effects like drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and headache. In addition, some of the medications used to treat anxiety and depression can lead to addiction. Because of the risks of conventional pharmaceutical treatment, many people are turning to CBD as a natural treatment option. CBD acts on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior, and several studies have proven that CBD can reduce anxiety and depression in both human and animal subjects.

Cancer-Related Symptoms – CBD can help reduce symptoms related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting, and pain. Though there are also pharmaceutical drugs to help with these symptoms, sometimes they do not work in certain people, or they carry potential side effects that are too severe for a patient. Some test-tube and animal studies have even shown that CBD may have anti-cancer properties, but more studies are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.

Acne – Acne is a common skin condition thought to be caused by a mix of genetics, bacteria, underlying inflammation, and overproduction of sebum, the oily substance secreted by the skin. CBD has been shown to be a successful treatment for acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to control sebum production in skin.

Neurological Disorders – Because of its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system and other brain signalling systems, CBD is proving to be a beneficial treatment option for a variety of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, parkinson’s, and alzheimer’s. In fact, one of the most studied uses of CBD involves its role in treating epilepsy.

Heart Health – Recent research has shown that CBD is beneficial for overall heart and circulatory health, and that it has the ability to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is associated with a number of negative health conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome. The studies suggest that it is the stress- and anxiety-reducing properties of CBD that help keep blood pressure low, but more scientific research is needed in this area.

Substance Abuse Treatment – Because of CBD’s positive impacts on brain signalling systems, it also shows promise for substance abuse treatment. In animals, CBD has been proven to reduce morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior, but no human studies have been completed at this time. However, CBD has been shown to modify the circuits in the brain that are related to substance abuse and addiction.

Sleep – Some scientific research and anecdotal evidence suggests the CBD is helpful for getting a good night’s rest. If insomnia is caused by chronic pain or anxiety, CBD can be a powerful treatment option that reduces those influences on your brain and body and allows you to get to sleep and stay asleep. CBD also affects the sleep cycle itself, allowing people to experience a deeper and more restful sleep.

Research also suggests the CBD can be used in the effective management and treatment of diabetes, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Crohn’s disease, migraines, and some lung conditions.

CBD is not only beneficial to humans, but for our pet friends as well! CBD oil can help dogs and cats with their own anxiety, pain, joint problems, phobias, seizures, and skin problems.

Many people tolerate CBD very well when it is taken orally or used topically. According to the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

However, there are some potential side effects that may occur when using products that contain CBD, though they tend to be very mild. The most common reported side effects include drowsiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth, nausea, and poor interaction with other medications and supplements. Let’s look at each side effect in more detail.

Drowsiness – Some people may experience increased drowsiness or a feeling of sedation when they are using CBD products, but these feelings are also sometimes the desired benefit of using the substance. Drowsiness may be more severe if you are also using other sedating medications.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort – Some people may experience diarrhea when using CBD, or may develop liver problems, depending on their health history.

Dry Mouth – Some people experience a feeling of “cotton mouth” when using CBD products, though this feeling is more closely associated with use of THC from the cannabis plant as opposed to CBD.

Nausea – Depending on how sensitive a person is to CBD, he or she may experience nausea when using the products. Because CBD comes in such a wide variety of products, which means a wide variety of dosages, the amount that’s absorbed into the body can vary dramatically. General sensitivity and the amount of CBD absorbed may result in nausea for some individuals.

Interaction with Other Medication – Since CBD is a substance that will impact your bodily systems, it is important to discuss use of these products with your physician, especially if you are currently taking other prescription medications. While CBD is generally considered a safe substance, your doctor can help you anticipate any potential side effects and monitor your body’s reaction.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently regulate CBD products, so it is up to individual consumers to find high-grade products and reliable manufacturers for themselves.

A certificate of analysis, or COA, is one of the most important things to look for when shopping for CBD products. The COA should come from a third-part source (not the product manufacturer) to confirm the product contains the quantities of CBD the manufacturer claims. The certificate of analysis should be completed by an accredited scientific lab that follows International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines.

The COA typically contains a couple of different sections. One section will focus on the potency of the product, which means how much CBD, THC, and other minor cannabinoids the product contains. Another section of the COA will focus on any possible contaminants in the product, such as pesticides or microbes. A third section will highlight any possible contamination from heavy metals or chemicals.

And how do you find this COA information if it’s not on the container of the product? Each manufacturer should have a website where potential customers can inspect their COA information before making a purchase. Remember, since the CBD industry isn’t regulated by the FDA yet, it is up to each consumer to do their own research before purchasing a product.

One final note: don’t be fooled by products that have no mention of cannabidiol or hemp extract (as CBD is sometimes called, due to the ever-changing regulations). If a product lists only hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, or Cannabis sativa seed oil, this is not the same as CBD.

Clinical trials have shown that in most cases, CBD is safe to consume by the majority of people. However, the following groups of people might need to exercise additional caution.

People who are currently taking prescription medications- If you are currently taking prescription medication, you will want to check with your doctor about whether CBD may interfere with its efficacy. In some cases, use of CBD can make medications ineffective, or alternately, boost their effectiveness to unsafe levels.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding- The FDA advises that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use CBD products. This is not because there is evidence that it is harmful to the baby, but instead, there is no body of evidence to prove it is not harmful to the baby. Until more research is done on the effects of CBD passed from mother to child via pregnancy or breastfeeding, the FDA advises against the use of CBD products during this time.

Children- Since CBD isn’t regulated by the FDA, it is difficult for people to know exactly what they’re buying without conducting their own research. CBD oil hasn’t been significantly researched for use in children, and while there is anecdotal evidence from parents that CBD has helped their children with various health and emotional conditions, there is very little hard, scientific evidence. When it comes to using CBD products in children, parents should adopt a “buyer beware” mentality and always talk to the child’s pediatrician first before beginning any CBD supplements.

High-quality CBD is non-toxic, and there has never been a documented case of a CBD overdose. Additionally, addiction to CBD is highly unlikely. Therefore, many people who take CBD experiment with the dosage level until they find an amount that provides the therapeutic benefits they are looking for.

When starting to take CBD, it is best to start with a very small daily dosage and increase over time as you see how your body handles it. This could mean starting around 10-20 mg per day, and increasing by 5mg over time until you feel a difference in your particular condition. Use creams and topical treatments sparingly at first, since these are harder to control in terms of dosage.

The “right amount” of CBD will be determined by:

• Your weight
• The condition you’re treating
• Your individual body chemistry
• The concentration of CBD in the product you choose to use

A 2011 review on the safety and side effects of CBD found that even with continual use, high doses of CBD (around 1,500 mg) are well-tolerated by the human body. Find the report HERE. Therefore, people should feel free to adjust their daily dosage until they find the amount that works best for them.