What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound known as a cannabinoid, or phytocannabinoid, found in the cannabis plant. Both Marijuana (more than 0.3% THC) and Hemp (less than 0.3% THC) contain CBD, though hemp contains much higher levels.
How does CBD work?
Like all phytocannabinoids, CBD works by directly and indirectly stimulating your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Discovered in 1992, we now know that all animals (excepts insects) have an ECS.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
There are three elements that work together to make up your ECS. There are the endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that both create and breakdown endocannabinoids. There is still much to be understood about the ECS. What we do know is that it regulates most physiological processes in your body, promoting homeostasis or balance.
Your body is in a constant battle for equilibrium, continually fighting between offense and defense, resulting in a number of issues such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress (which lead to even more health complications!). Stimulating the ECS helps your cells find stability in the chaos. There are several ways to stimulate the ECS; diet, exercise, rest (and more) can boost endocannabinoids while phytocannabinoids can supplement the ECS.
What does isolate and Full Spectrum mean?
- Just the CBD compound, no other phytocannabinoids
- Broad Spectrum – All phytocannabinoids EXCEPT for ∆9-THC
- Full Spectrum – All phytocannabinoids INCLUDING no more than 0.3% ∆9-THC
We are finding better results when we include all phytocannabinoids, known as the “entourage” effect. However, for those who aren’t sure or ready for a product that contains any THC, we encourage them to isolate products instead.
What is a phytocannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with our Endocannabinoid System. There are endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG), which our bodies produce naturally. And there are phytocannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, and many more) that are produced in the hemp plant. The word cannabinoid is derived from cannabis. The Endocannabinoid System was discovered when researching cannabis’s mechanism of action in the brain. The result was the discovery of this intricate system that we continue to learn more about and explore.
Is CBD legal?
YES! In 2018, history was made with the passing of the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is a federal bill that is renewed and passes about every five years. It’s the government’s way of being able to review and amend any laws regarding agriculture. In 2018, the government changed the definition of cannabis, legally separating marijuana (more than 0.3% THC) from industrial hemp (less than 0.3% THC) and removing hemp from the schedule of drugs.
So yes, CBD is legal federally in all 50 states, though some states retain that all cannabis (marijuana and hemp) product production is illegal. Idaho, Louisiana, South Dakota, and New Hampshire do not allow hemp production.
Will I get “high”?
No. CBD (and all phytocannabinoids except THC) has no psychoactive effects. Full Spectrum products contain extremely low amounts of THC, no more than 0.3% THC. This amount of THC is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects.
How much CBD should I take?
Due to the unique nature of the ECS it can be challenging to find the right amount to take. The severity of affliction and sensitivity to phytocannabinoids can vary widely. What we offer are no more than suggestive guidelines to follow.
- Start with 25mg taken twice daily; allow two weeks for full incorporation.
- Adjust (more or less) by increments of 25mg every 3-4 weeks
- Keep records; take note of how much CBD you take, when you take, and how you feel an hour after you take it. This is the greatest tool when finding how much CBD is right for you.
Will I test positive?
Isolate products contain no THC, so these are guaranteed to not show up on any drug test. However, full-spectrum products contain no more than 0.3% THC, and although it’s rare, may show up on a drug test. There are a few factors that come into play; metabolism, how your body stores cannabinoids, how much medicine you use, and how often you use all have a role.
Is all CBD the same?
But all CBD products are not created equal. Here are some factors that make a quality CBD product.
- What part of the plant is used – most of the plant’s cannabinoids are stored in the trichrome (buds) of the plant, with the stem containing less. The seeds contain no cannabinoids, so beware of products claiming to contain CBD from hemp seed oil.
- The extraction process – There are different ways to extract cannabinoids from the plant. Less expensive extraction methods used toxic distillates, some of which may end up in the final product. Our products are made by using CO2 extraction, proven to be the cleanest, and better for the environment, but less cost-effective.
- 3rd Party Testing – These are lab results from a 3rd party called Certificate of Analysis (COA). They test for the amount of cannabinoids in each product, terpene levels, amounts of heavy metals in the product, and more. Any CBD provider with a superior product is glad to show you their results. Our COA’s are displayed on every product page.