Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a powerful plant extract and one of many molecules found in the cannabis plant.  It is the second major cannabinoid found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. 

WHAT IS CBD USED FOR?

Many people use CBD to support the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids are an integral part of the human body’s ability to regulate and balance a wide variety of physiological systems. Some use CBD for specific purposes like maintaining well-functioning joints or supporting a good night’s rest.

DOES CBD COME FROM MARIJUANA OR HEMP? AND WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?

Marijuana and hemp are two different varieties of cannabis that come from the same species of plant. In general, CBD is found abundantly in both. However, it’s important to note that CBD is typically found in the seeds and stem of marijuana – not in the flowering buds (which is the part that you smoke). The hemp plant is an entirely different strain of cannabis that contains high quantities of CBD throughout (stem, buds, etc), and practically zero traces of THC. If a hemp plant contains more than 0.3% THC, it is then technically a “marijuana” plant. Most all CBD-based products come from the industrial hemp plant. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND THC?

THC affects the brain by binding to naturally-occurring CB-1 receptors in the central nervous system. CBD is a differently-shaped molecule that binds to CB-2 receptors in cell and body tissues outside the central nervous system. 

WILL CBD GET ME HIGH?

No, CBD will not get you high. It’s non-intoxicating. In fact, CBD is antagonistic of THC; some research expresses its potential to prevent THC molecules from binding to the brain’s receptors, hence the reason why it’s often used to subdue the ‘paranoia’ effects of some THC effects.

IS CBD ADDICTIVE?

While nearly anything in the world can be addictive, CBD is not known to be an addictive drug. In fact, CBD has shown strong potential to be a useful tool to help people break addictions to harmful substances. 

HOW DO I TAKE CBD?

Most CBD products are taken orally via oil drops that are placed under the tongue and held for 60 seconds before swallowing. Topical creams and ointments are also effective, as is smoking or vaporizing CBD. 

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

CBD functions by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. These receptors have been found in virtually every cell and tissue type in the human body. 

IS CBD NATURAL?

Yes, CBD is a 100% naturally-occurring chemical compound that comes directly from the cannabis plant. It is not synthetically made. 

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Terpenes are a class of volatile hydrocarbon compounds produced in the flower clusters of the cannabis plant.  Terpenes have been used by humans for millennia as essential oils for aromatherapy. Terpenes are recognized by the Food and Drug Association as safe for human consumption and are used in a wide variety of food and cosmetic products.

WHAT IS THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT?

The entourage effect is the synergistic relationship of the naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. The cannabinoids, its terpenes, and flavonoids found in cannabis have shown to work better when they are taken together as opposed to in isolation from each other. 

ARE THERE STUDIES ON CBD?

Thousands of scientific studies have been carried out specifically on CBD. Project CBD is a non-profit organization strictly dedicated to documenting the research progress on this incredible drug.

DO CBD TOPICALS WORK?

CBD topicals have proven effective for a number of circumstances. Many individuals swear by them.  They are also a great alternative for localized recovery and for people who are not sure if they want to take CBD orally.   

WILL CBD SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?

A high-quality broad spectrum CBD product with minimal THC is unlikely to show up on a drug test. However, low quality CBD products may contain more traces of THC than they claim, in which case it is possible for a screening to pick up on the drug. (Research has shown that people who consume 6 mg of THC per day have a 25% chance of failing a drug test. This translates to about 2,000 mg per day of CBD oil with a THC content of 0.3% or less). 

DO DRUG TESTS LOOK FOR CBD?

Drug tests do not screen for CBD.  Drug tests look for THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana.  

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SERVING OF CBD TO TAKE?

The ideal serving size of CBD for each person depends on a wide range of variables. It also depends on the product. Servings of 5 to 50 milligrams per day are commonly reported for health maintenance and minor issues.

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

The endocannabinoid system is the collection of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes involved in the production and break down and regulating the production of endocannabinoids. It was originally discovered in the mid 1960’s and rediscovered in 1992.  Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids found within our body. The two most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG. The two most studies cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located mostly in the brain and CB2 receptors are located mostly throughout the immune system.

WHAT IS ANANDAMIDE? 

A derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in some foods (such as chocolate) and that binds to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (such as THC) derived from cannabis.  (www.merriam-webster.com)

WHAT IS 2-AG?

2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) is an endocannabinoid that is an endogenous agonist of the CB1 receptor and the primary endogenous ligand for the CB2 receptor. It is an ester formed from the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid and glycerol. It is present at relatively high levels in the central nervous system, with cannabinoid neuromodulator effects.

WHERE ARE THE CB1 RECEPTORS LOCATED?

CB1 receptors are located primarily in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal chord). 

WHERE ARE THE CB2 RECEPTORS LOCATED?

CB2 receptors are located primarily in the immune system.  

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

The endocannabinoid system acts like a homeostasis regulator in the body. Its purpose is to maintain balance. 

HOW DOES A CANNABINOID WORK?

Cannabinoids generally work by binding to our body’s cannabinoid receptors (CB1 or CB2). Cannabinoids like CBD can work in other ways by targeting non-cannabinoid receptors in the body. 

ARE ENDOCANNABINOIDS NEUROTRANSMITTERS?

Endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally in the body of mammals) are not neurotransmitters. Endocannabinoids are neuromodulators – they are released on demand to alter the activity of neurotransmitters. A good example is glutamate. Glutamate is a primary, stimulatory neurotransmitter. When glutamate is present in excessive amounts, pain and cell death can occur. The release of endocannabinoids functions as a stopping mechanism for the release of glutamate. CBD can act in the same way as our own endocannabinoids. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING CBD OIL?

Due to DSHEA guidelines, we cannot specifically state conditions CBD may affect. We encourage you to do your own research, consult with doctors, and use PubMed.gov as a resource as newly published research is coming out in real time. Anecdotal evidence and case reports are pushing the research needle forward, but more research is needed to provide structure/function claims associated with taking CBD oil.  We encourage you to talk to your doctor first before starting any new nutritional and dietary supplement regimen.

IS IT LEGAL TO SELL HEMP-DERIVED PRODUCTS?

Products that are manufactured from agricultural hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC in dry weight, are exempt from the Federal Controlled Substances Act, therefore are currently not unlawful for distribution.

WHAT ARE BENEFITS FROM USING HEMP?

Hemp contains excellent nutritional value, providing essential nutritional components called Essential Fatty acids that the human body does not produce naturally, and must be consumed by the diet. Further, emerging scientific research supports the consumption of CBD from hemp oil for general well-being and keeps you healthy, but doesn’t get you” high.” Not only is hemp renewable and fast-growing, nearly every part of the plant is useable – for food, fiber, building materials and fuel, with an estimated 25,000 uses. Hemp sequesters CO2 and doesn’t need herbicides to thrive. It also leaves the soil in better condition than before it was planted.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP SEED OIL AND HEMP OIL?

Hempseed oil is manufactured from hemp seeds, and contains low concentrations of cannabinoids to none. It is used for a variety of things such as: beauty products, lubricants, paints, and as a food.  Hemp oil is an extraction from the agricultural hemp aerial plant parts. This oil may contain higher concentrations phytocannabinoids such as CBD.

DO YOU TEST FOR POTENCY, PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, HEAVY METALS, AND RESIDUAL SOLVENTS?

Yes, we have very high standards regarding the quality, purity and potency of the CBD we produce.  Every batch of every product is third party tested. Their state-of-the-art laboratory uses High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to measure CBD levels, to the milligram, in every batch. They then validate our potency by independently analyzes the CBD, ensuring that all products are free of pesticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, residual solvents, heavy metals, and any microbiological contamination.

CAN I GIVE MY PET CBD (MY DOG, CAT, ETC.)?

Pets can benefit from CBD for many of the same conditions as humans. CBD is safe to use for pets but their dosage will likely be much smaller than yours will. Dogs have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brain. We recommend you speak with a veterinarian (holistic veterinarian) before you start giving your pet CBD. 

HOW LONG DO YOU KEEP CBD TINCTURE UNDER YOUR TONGUE?

Try to keep the CBD tincture under your tongue for 30 – 60 seconds. The longer you can hold, usually the better it will absorb. 

WHAT IS HEMP SEED OIL?

Hemp seed oil is a highly nutritious oil made from pressed hemp seeds. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil do not contain significant amounts of CBD. Hemp seed oil is often confused with CBD hemp oil but they are not the same thing. CBD hemp oil is a liquid concentrate of CBD. CBD hemp oil however, can be suspended in hemp seed oil as a carrier of the CBD. Other common carriers of CBD hemp oil include coconut oil or MCT oil. 

CAN YOU GET HIGH FROM HEMP SEED OIL?

No. Hemp seed oil is a food product, not a drug. Hemp seed oil comes from hemp seeds – a good source of nutrition and protein. 

IS CBD OIL AND HEMP OIL THE SAME THING?

No. CBD oil is a liquid concentrate of CBD. Hemp oil is a food product made from pressed hemp seeds. Hemp oil is a highly nutritious food product, which contains no CBD.

ARE DRUG INTERACTION POSSIBLE WITH CBD?

Yes. A group of enzymes called the CYP450 metabolizes CBD. These enzymes are responsible for metabolizing many commonly used drugs. CBD can inhibit the activity of the CYP450 enzymes. While CBD-drug interactions are more likely with high doses of CBD and CBD isolates, precaution must be taken when using CBD alongside life preserving medications for serious conditions. 

WHAT ARE CBD EDIBLES?

CBD edibles are edible products infused with CBD. Common CBD edibles products are chocolates, gummy bears, or CBD gum. CBD edibles are an oral route of administration of CBD. 

WHAT ARE CBD GUMMIES?

CBD gummies are a form of a CBD edible: an edible product (in this case gummies) infused with CBD. 

WHAT IS CBD ISOLATE?

CBD isolate or otherwise called “pure CBD” is the CBD molecule separated from the rest of the compounds it normally occurs with. CBD isolate usually appears as a crystalline white powder. CBD isolate can either be synthesized in a lab or made from a CBD containing plant like marijuana or hemp.

HOW DO YOU TAKE A CBD TINCTURE?

CBD tinctures are taken by placing the dose under the tongue where it can be absorbed sublingually – through the mucous membrane in the mouth. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE CBD TO TAKE EFFECT?

The length of time it takes for CBD to take effect will depend on the route of administration and the person taking the CBD. The fastest effect will be felt from smoking or vaporization (onset of effects in minutes). Topical administration of CBD will be felt quickly as well. The next fastest effect will be felt from a sublingual dosage (onset of effects in 15 – 60 minutes). The slowest effect (but the longest lasting) will be felt from oral ingestion (onset felt in 90 minutes). 

DO YOU NEED A PRESCRIPTION FOR CBD?

No. CBD is not an FDA approved pharmaceutical nor a dietary supplement. You may purchase CBD without a prescription.

CAN ANYONE BUY CBD OIL?

Yes. Anyone living in a state or country where it is legal to use CBD can buy CBD oil. CBD oil may be purchased over the counter without a prescription. 

IS THERE CBD IN HEMP?

Yes. Hemp plants contain CBD in varying concentrations depending on the variety of the hemp. The highest concentration of CBD in hemp plants will be found in the resinous flower of a flowering hemp plant.