1) WHAT IS CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 60 active chemical compounds (or ‘cannabinoids’) in the marijuana plant. It’s usually the second-most abundant cannabinoid, behind THC.

2) 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 (Cannabis sativa L). 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.

3) 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.

4) WILL CBD GET ME HIGH?

You may wonder why THC can get you “high” while CBD cannot. The answer lies in how these two cannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors, which are mainly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. CB1, along with CB2, are endogenous receptors in Endocannabinoid System. Simply put, THC binds with CB1 receptors like a key in a lock, while CBD does not exhibit the same trait.

THC molecules are correctly shaped to bind to CB1 receptors, and once connected, they immediately stimulate these receptors. Specifically, THC partially mimics anandamide, which is more commonly known as “the bliss molecule”. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter and endocannabinoid that is naturally produced in the brain. Anandamide is known to influence everything from appetite and memory to inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation.

5) HOW DO I TAKE CBD?

Most CBD medications are taken orally via oil drops that are placed under the tongue and held for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. Topical creams and ointments are also effective, as is smoking or vaporizing CBD-rich flower buds.

6) WHAT IS FULL/BROAD SPECTRUM CBD?

Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. Full spectrum can contain trace amounts of THC. It has to be under the federal law of 0.3% by weight, but depending on consumption, full spectrum products could put somebody’s job in jeopardy!

Broad spectrum means that the extract only contains certain isolated cannabinoids and terpenes.

7) WHAT IS CBD OIL?

CBD oil is a liquid cannabis extract that contains virtually pure CBD. It’s commonly made from seeds of the hemp plant (CBD hemp oil) and the stem of industrial hemp.

8) 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 (hence the seemingly endless array of CBD uses). Our bodies produce chemicals that mimic these phytocannabinoids, but we are not very efficient at it. What happens when you starve receptors of their respective chemicals? You become malnourished. It is thought that phytocannabinoids can replenish these otherwise biological compounds and bring you to a point of homeostasis, where your body & mind is in a state of equalized synergy.

9) IS CBD LEGAL?

The 2018 Farm Bill (officially the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), which impacts how CBD in Cannabis sativa is regulated, was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2018.

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, “hemp” is now defined as “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.” This means CBD and hemp extracts may be included in federally legal products for sale, provided the concentration of THC does not exceed the limit defined in the Farm Bill.

10) IS CBD NATURAL?

Yes, CBD is a 100% naturally-occurring chemical compound that comes directly from the cannabis plant. It is not synthetically made and should never be synthetically made. There are brands that are using synthetic compounds and selling their products in high traffic stores such as gas stations.

11) DO ALL MARIJUANA STRAINS HAVE CBD?

Not all marijuana strains have CBD in their flower buds. But yes, every cannabis plant (whether it’s marijuana or hemp) will have CBD in the stem and seeds.

12) HOW IS CBD ISOLATED FROM THE CANNABIS PLANT?

CO2 extraction is arguably the best method to extract pure CBD isolate, in which state it exists as a clear/white crystal. This method is preferred over other methods because it leaves practically zero traces of chemical contaminants in the end product.

Alcohol and hydrocarbon extraction is another method, wherein a liquid such as ethanol, butane, hexane, pentane (etc) is run through raw plant material to extract the CBD and then evaporated to leave only the active cannabinoids and terpenes. This can be a relatively dangerous method because it’s prone to leaving excess traces of the butane or hexane chemicals in the extract if not processed correctly.

Also, infusing vegetable oil (i.e. olive oil) is another effective way of extracting CBD. All you do is grind up the raw plant material, decarboxylate (heat) it and around 325-F for 30 minutes, and let it sit in close-to-boiling oil for about 2 hours. The result will usually be a full spectrum extract that is ever potent.

13) ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS OF USING CBD? IS IT SAFE?

Vaping CBD oils that were produced using a thinning agent, such as propylene glycol. When burned/vaped, propylene glycol produces formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. CBD oils produced by CO2 extraction are much safer and more pure than oils that were produced with liquid alcohol/thinning agents.

Those that are using blood pressure medications should also use caution, as it has been studied that CBD can interact with these drugs and drop your blood pressure too low, obviously causing complications. We advise if you are on any pharmaceuticals to consult with your physician before introducing CBD to your regimen.

Other than that, most research has concluded that CBD is perfectly safe with no known side effects, though some users have reported drowsiness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and dry mouth. Also, some patients with Parkinson’s Disease have reported an increase in tremors.

14) CAN I COOK WITH CBD?

Absolutely! CBD infused oils are a fantastic ingredient to cook with.

15) ARE THERE MEDICAL STUDIES ON CBD?

Thousands of scientific/medical peer-reviewed 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.

16) WHAT ABOUT CBD TOPICALS… DO THEY WORK?

CBD topicals have proven effective for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, as well as for localized muscle soreness and joint pain resulting from arthritis-induced inflammation.

17) WILL CBD SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?

A high-quality CBD product with minimal THC is incredibly 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). Low quality drug testing may also cause a false positive. It is best to be honest with your employer and show them third party lab analysis tests to prove there is little to no THC.

18) HOW DO I KNOW WHAT DOSE OF CBD TO TAKE?

This one is tricky because it of course depends on what you’re using the medication for, and also on how b the product is. For effective treatment of the majority of conditions, most people use between 10-50 mg of CBD per day total. (For reference, 1 mL of a potent oil might contain 50 mg of CBD. Make sure you read the label on your product to ensure proper dosing.

19) HOW DO I KNOW IT’S SAFE TO PURCHASE CBD ONLINE?

To ensure the legality of buying CBD products online, you need to make sure the company you’re buying from is reputable and that the product was made from industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC content. While transporting marijuana across state lines (from legal to non-legal states) is against the law, transporting hemp and hemp-based products is safe. Remember, millions of people all over the US (and the globe) are using CBD products every day!