What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of over 100
phytocannabinoids naturally-produced by
Cannabis plants. These compounds have
been shown to support our bodies in a
variety of ways.
Marijuana vs Hemp
Marijuana and hemp are both part of the Cannabis family. The main distinction between the two are their levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
While marijuana can contain as high as 30% THC, hemp, by law, contains less than 0.3%. This is why hemp does not produce psychoactive effects, or the high, associated with marijuana.
How CBD Works
CBD interacts with Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors in our bodies’ endocannabinoid system (ECS). Studies have shown that the ECS helps regulate homeostatic processes throughout the body including immune and anti-inflammatory responses, sleep patterns, appetite, and anxiety levels.
Where CBD Comes From
CBD is naturally-produced by Cannabis plants. Resin glands on the plant, called trichomes, contain CBD and over 100 other phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes are mainly found on the flowers of the plant and are what is sought after for extraction.
Extracting CBD
The goal of extracting hemp is to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the actual plant. The main forms of extraction are carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol, and lipid. We use subcritical (low temperature and pressure) CO2 extraction because it preserves the natural qualities of hemp better than any other method. It produces a full spectrum extract that doesn’t need to be refined and never comes in contact with toxic chemicals. This results in a purer, better tasting hemp extract that delivers more holistic effects.
Types of Hemp Extracts
Full-spectrum hemp extracts contain the widest array of cannabinoids and terpenes while still containing less than 0.3% THC. They offer the most holistic effects because all of the natural cannabinoids and terpenes remain in the extract.
Broad-spectrum extracts provide an array of cannabinoids and terpenes but contain no THC. During the process of removing THC, broad spectrum extracts are prone to losing other cannabinoids and terpenes as well. This consequently reduces the holistic effects offered by full spectrum extracts.
CBD isolate is just CBD. Isolate products do not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes and thus do not provide the same holistic effects as full– and broad-spectrum extracts.
Choosing A CBD Product
The first step to using CBD is choosing which product type best fits your needs and preferences. We offer three different options; a topical, an oil, and capsules each providing their own unique benefits.
Topicals
CBD Topicals are perfect for on-the-spot discomforts. They make it easy to apply CBD directly to the affected area while simultaneously nourishing your skin.
Oils
CBD oils are one of the most common forms of CBD. They are used sublingually or stirred into food/drinks to provide fast-acting effects throughout the entire body.
Capsules
CBD Capsules are the easiest and most accurate way to take CBD. Perfect for those that are sensitive to taste, capsules are flavorless and absorbed through the digestive system. They provide holistic effects throughout the entire body but aren’t as fast-acting as oils.
How Much CBD To Take
Finding the right dose of CBD for you may take some trial and error. For beginners that have never used CBD before, try starting with 25mg servings. This equates to 1 of our capsules or half a dropper of our oil. Stay consistent with this dose for 1-2 weeks and monitor the effects. If after this time you’re not getting the desired effects, increase the dose to 50mg and, again, stay consistent. With a topical product, apply it to the affected area like a regular lotion and wait an hour or so to see how you feel. If you’re not experiencing enough relief, apply more.
Remember to always feel free to contact us with any questions on dosing or selecting the product that’s best for you.
Common CBD Questions
CBD is well-tolerated by most people and considered safe. There is a possibility that it could cause adverse reactions for some and/or interact with certain medications. Always review lab tests and make sure you’re buying from a trusted source. Consult your healthcare professional before use if you have any concerns.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound meaning it will not get you “high”. CBD products can contain up to 0.3% THC which is a psychoactive compound. When taken appropriately, however, there will be no high.
CBD will not show up on a drug test. But because there’s up to 0.3% THC in CBD products, there may be a potential for THC to show up on a drug test. It’s similar to how poppy seeds may cause you to fail a test for opiods. If you’re concerned about drug testing, consult your healthcare professional before using any CBD products.
Hemp extract refers to what contains all of the phytocannabinoids and terpenes that’s infused into CBD products. It’s the result of using CO2, ethanol, or lipids to separate the trichomes from the flowers of hemp plants. Hemp oil on the other hand is used by some to refer to hemp seed oil. This does not contain phytocannabinoids and terpenes and is made by pressing the seeds of the plant. Others use the term interchangeably with CBD Oil products like our Pure Hemp Tincture. Because of the confusion, always be sure to review the lab tests of CBD products to ensure authenticity.
For beginners, we recommend starting with our 25mg per serving products. If more robust effects are desired after several weeks of use, we recommend going up to our 50mg per serving products. Our tincture products offer the best way for users to customize their dosage. Remember to stay consistent when taking any CBD product to experience the full effects.
Broad-spectrum
Extracts or products that contain a wide-array of cannabinoids and terpenes but have essentially no THC. Best way to experience the entourage effect without THC.
Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors
Located throughout the central nervous system, these receptors are associated with pain, appetite, memory, and motor functions.
Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors
Located throughout the immune system, these receptors are associated with the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and immune cells.
Cannabinoids
Any chemical compound that interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Cannabis
A flowering plant in the Cannabacae family. Includes hemp and marijuana.
CBD Capsules
CBD oil filled capsules. The easiest and most accurate way to take CBD and also perfect for taste-sensitive users.
CBD Tinctures/oils
Hemp extract infused into a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil. Taken orally or put into food and drinks.
CBD Topicals
CBD products that are applied directly to the skin. Usually in the form of lotions, creams, balms, or salves.
CO2 extraction
CO2 is put under specific temperatures and pressures (super- or subcritical) and used as the solvent for extraction. CO2 is non-toxic and results in a full spectrum extract free of heavy metals, microbes, and unwanted plant matter.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS)
A system inside the body that helps regulate homeostatic functions such as appetite, anti-inflammatory and immune responses, mood, and sleep patterns.
Endocannabinoids
Cannabinoids that are naturally-produced in humans and other animals.
Entourage Effect
The theory that Cannabis compounds, like cannabinoids and terpenes, create synergistic effects when present with each other.
Ethanol extraction
Ethanol is put under cryogenic temperatures and used as the solvent for extraction. It results in a full spectrum extract but can also contain heavy metals, unwanted plant matter, and residual amounts of ethanol if not processed properly.
Full-spectrum
Extracts or products that contain a full-array of cannabinoids and terpenes including up to 0.3% THC. Best way to experience the entourage effect.
Hemp
A non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis that produces less than 0.3% THC.
Hemp extract
The result of extracting hemp flowers with CO2, ethanol, or lipids. Contains phytocannabinoids and terpenes and is the main ingredient in CBD products.
Hemp seed oil
Oil made from pressing the seeds of Cannabis plants. It does not contain phytocannabinoids, like CBD, and is used as a carrier oil for hemp extract
Homeostasis
A biological state in which the body is in balance.
Isolate
Almost 100% pure CBD. No other cannabinoids or terpenes. No entourage effect.
Lipid Extraction
Lipids, such as coconut oil and hemp seed oil, are heated to extract the hemp. It results in a full spectrum extract but due to the use of heat, lipid extracts are prone to losing cannabinoids and terpenes. Heat also dissolves unwanted plant matter into the extract which leads to poor taste.
Marijuana
A psychoactive variety of Cannabis that produces more than 0.3% THC
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids that are naturally-produced in Cannabis plants
Psychoactive effects
Refers to effects that change nervous system functions and alter a person’s mental state.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Man-made cannabinoids that mimic the functions of naturally-occurring ones.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds produced by Cannabis and other plants. Plays an important role in the entourage effect.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The most abundant cannabinoid found in marijuana. Responsible for producing psychoactive effects.
Trichomes
Small resin glands on Cannabis plants that contain cannabinoids and terpenes.