What Is CBD? (also known as cannabidiol)

What Is CBD?

Discover new CBD products to add to your wellness routine, today.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. CBD is extracted from hemp plants, which are grown to produce higher levels of this cannabinoid. CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids because of its wide range of benefits and ability to help other cannabinoids interact effectively with the endocannabinoid system. Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD both have many potential benefits; however, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid while Delta-9 THC is known for its psychotropic properties. This cannabinoid may provide powerful pain relief in addition to reducing inflammation, decreasing stress, and aiding in sleep.

How Does CBD Work? 

The human body naturally produces cannabinoids which are referred to as endocannabinoids. These compounds work in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to maintain homeostasis (balance) by binding with receptors. Cannabinoids, like CBD, can imitate endocannabinoids by interacting with the receptors and helping send signals to the body to improve health and overall balance in the system. While CBD does not bind directly to receptors, it works with your ECS to help your body produce more endocannabinoids, like 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and Anandamide, also known as “the bliss molecule.” Research from 2015-2016 by a team of scientists at Stony Brook University indicates CBD may prevent the breakdown and promote the re-building of Anandamide in your system. CBD may also have the capability of stimulating serotonin, opioid, and dopamine receptors.

What Are the Effects of CBD? 

CBD is well-known for its pain relieving properties. This cannabinoid may reduce inflammation, decrease stress, and aid in sleep. Many consumers believe using CBD regularly in their wellness routines may help with managing their stress levels as well as their chronic aches and pains. According to research from 2020, CBD also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While many consumers find CBD products essential in their daily routines, these products are not one-size-fits-all. Before introducing CBD into your routine, discussing your options with a healthcare professional and seeking more information may be helpful.

How Does CBD Interact with Other Cannabinoids and Terpenes?

CBD can be combined with other cannabinoids, like cannabigerol (CBG), and terpenes to create an entourage effect, where compounds from the cannabis plant may work synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic benefits. We offer a wide range of CBD products, and many of these products combine CBD with other cannabinoids and/or terpenes. CBD is typically available in products as full spectrum, broad spectrum, or THC free:

  • Full spectrum means that the hemp plant’s full profile of compounds including flavonoids, essential oils, terpenes, fatty acids, and other cannabinoids have not been filtered out during the extraction process. CO2 extraction is a process for pulling essential cannabinoids, terpene oils, and waxes from the cannabis plant to produce a full spectrum product. Full spectrum CBD contains 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC (the federal legal limit). 
  • Broad spectrum, like full spectrum, contains a full profile of cannabinoids and terpenes without any trace amounts of Delta-9 THC.
  • THC-free CBD is created during the extraction process when all other compounds and cannabinoids are removed, leaving only cannabidiol. THC-free CBD typically comes from hemp plants. If you are looking for a THC-free option and are unsure of your selection, please be sure to ask your sales associate or chat with us online.

Many consumers enjoy discovering new ways to achieve their desired effects by finding the full spectrum CBD product to fit their wellness routines or even, creating an entourage effect with their favorite combined terpene and CBD product.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

The amount of CBD you choose to take will vary depending on your specific needs and/or desired effects. Finding the right CBD product is largely based on an individual’s needs and preferences as research suggests people respond differently to various dosages and consumption methods. Products with CBD are widely available in many different methods of delivery from tinctures to topicals. Many CBD products also combine multiple cannabinoids and terpenes to produce an entourage effect, and the combination of benefits in these products also factor into finding the dosage that works best for you and your needs. We suggest starting with the recommended serving size and gradually increasing or decreasing as needed to feel your desired effects. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble and interact with phytochemicals, like terpenes, so the food you eat may impact your personal experience. Starting with a low dose for one week may be helpful in determining your specific response and tolerance to a CBD product. If you do not achieve the desired effects, slowly increase your dose. Adjust weekly until you feel the desired effects.

Is CBD Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill confirms all derivatives, isomers, and cannabinoids in hemp are legal. However, all final products must contain 0.3% or less of Delta-9 THC. Although there are no current age restrictions from the federal government on hemp-derived products, our company policy states you must be 18 years or older to purchase CBD products, and 21 years or older to purchase inhalants or smokables.

Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

Ingesting 2000mg of CBD oil daily would result in a maximum consumption of 6 mg of Delta-9 THC which would cause a positive marijuana urine test approximately 23% of the time. Although unlikely, it is possible for those who take CBD to fail drug tests if they are taking unusually high doses. 

What Are the Different Ways To Take CBD?

CBD is available in several forms including oils, tinctures, cartridges, flower, edibles, beverages, topicals, oils, tinctures, cartridges, and flower. We also offer CBD products that combine the benefits of other terpenes and cannabinoids. Before introducing CBD into your routine, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.

Tinctures/Oils

Tinctures or oils are a popular method for taking CBD due to their convenience and ability to produce effects quickly. Apply the recommended dosage under your tongue with the dropper and hold the oil in place for a minimum of 60 seconds to allow for maximum absorption through the capillaries. After holding for the allotted time, swallow the CBD oil. You will likely begin to feel the effects of a tincture or oil within 10-15 minutes. Typically, consumers report the effects last for about four to six hours.

Smokables 

Smoking and/or vaping is one of the easiest ways to consume CBD, and provides more bioavailability which means you can absorb more of the CBD than you would with other forms like edibles and topicals. CBD vapes come in the form of cartridges filled with CBD oil. The CBD is consumed through inhalation and absorbed through the lungs and into the bloodstream. Inhalation provides instant relief from stress and anxiety and effects can last anywhere from two to four hours.

Edibles 

Edibles, like gummies and caramels, are an easy and discreet way to try CBD. This form introduces CBD through the digestive system into the bloodstream. You will likely begin to feel the effects of edibles within an hour and a half or two hours. The effects of edibles typically last longer than other CBD methods of delivery, about six to eight hours.

Beverages

Water-soluble CBD can be dissolved into beverages such as coffee, tea, smoothies, beer, wine, and many other drinks. Through a process called nanoemulsion, water-soluble CBD creates fast acting effects by dissolving rapidly into the bloodstream. Beverages provide instant effects that may last up to about two hour.

Topicals 

Topicals work best for any pain that is in a centralized location. The CBD absorbs directly into the skin and activates nearby cannabinoid receptors to alleviate pain. This method is best for inflammation and muscle pain. Relief typically peaks after an hour, but for fast-acting effects, use the topical after taking a shower or applying heat to open your pores.

How Can I Find the Right Product?

Finding the right CBD product will depend largely on your needs, wants, and preferences. Many customers find personal consultations helpful in determining which cannabinoid and method of delivery works best for them. Visit us in-store for a personal consultation with our doyens.
Shop your favorite CBD products today. 

 

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