CBD FAQ

Cannabidoil (CBD) has become hugely popular over the last few years as an all-natural solution for everything from anxiety to acne to sore muscles.  There’s a lot of hype around CBD and while, it’s not a miracle cure for everything, it IS very effective for lots of ailments.  If you’re new to CBD, then this is the place to answer some of the most common questions before you begin your CBD journey.

1) What is CBD?

Cannabidoil is one of the (over 65) active chemical compounds that occurs naturally in the marijuana plant.  The other dominant compound is THC which is what gives you a “high”.

2) Does CBD come from Marijuana or Hemp? What’s the Difference?

Contrary to popular belief, Marijuana and hemp different.  They both come from the same species of plant (specifically the Cannabis Sativa) but they are different varieties.  While both CBD and THC are found in both, CBD is much more prevalent in hemp, while THC is much more prevalent in Marijuana.  Therefore, while CBD can be extracted from the marijuana plant (usually the stem and seeds) it’s much more efficient to extract it from the Hemp plant.

3) What’s the difference between THC and CBD?

THC is what makes you “high”.  It does this by binding to the CB-1 receptors in your brain.  CBD is an entirely different molecule which binds to the CB-2 receptors which are in cell and body tissues outside your brain.  That is why THC affects your mind, while CBD calms your body.

4) Will CBD get me High?

No.  CBD will not get you high. Because the molecules never enter the brain it has no mind-alterning or psychoactive effects unlike the THC in marijuana.  CBD actually counter-acts the “high” created by THC molecules (which is why it’s often used to subdue the more extreme psychoactive effects of stronger THC strains).

5) How do I take CBD?

CBD can be used in a variety of ways.  There are oil drops (the most common) which can be taken orally, or used in baking, teas, etc.  There are creams which can be applied topically (mainly for inflammation, muscle or joint aches) and there are gummies an chews (which are popular).  Lastly, like marijuana, CBD can be smoked or vaped.

6) What are some Marijuana strains with High CBD Levels?

Charlotte’s Web and ACDC are probably the two most popular CBD-dominant cannabis, followed by Harlequin. Others include CBD Mango Haze, Blueberry Essence, Hawaiian Dream, Sour Tsunami, and Darkstar.

7) What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is simply the extract from the hemp plant (usually the seeds).  It’s important that the process to extract and purify the CBD is robust otherwise contaminants can dilute the potency (therefore making it much weaker and more expensive than it should be per dose).

8) How Exactly Does CBD Work?

CBD binds to the body’s CB-2 (or endocannabinoid) receptors which are found in nearly every cell and tissue type.  This is why CBD has been shown to be effective for so many ailments like joint pain, acne, muscle soreness, etc.

9) Is CBD Legal?

Generally, yes if you’re just consuming.  If you’re trying to grow it, then legalities apply.  Anywhere in which medical marijuana is legal, CBD is legal.  Federal law prohibits U.S. farmers from cultivating hemp as a commercial crop, but the sale of imported, low-THC, industrial hemp products is permitted in the United States. Technically, this means that as long as the CBD product is produced with less than 0.3% THC from hemp plant, then it is permissible to buy, sell, and ship across state lines.

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.

11) Do All Marijuana Strains Have CBD?

Every marijuana strain will have CBD in the stem and the seeds but levels can vary (and be quite low in some).

12) How is CBD Extracted?

The most common (and preferred) method is CO2 extraction.  While this can be more costly, it’s by far the best way to isolate pure CBD in the form of a clear crystal.  This method leaves practically zero residual contaminants in the end product.  The next most popular (and less preferred method) is Alcohol extraction in which liquid ethanol (or butane) is run through hemp stalks and then evaporated to leave the CBD compound.  This can often leave excess ethanol or butane in the final CBD extract.  Lastly, an all-natural (but less efficient) way of extracting CBD is to grind up raw hemp and set it in boiling vegetable oil for a few hours.

13) What are the Side Effects?  Is CBD Safe?

The only danger from CBD actually comes from any chemical contaminants that may have been added to it during the extraction phase.  This risk is most elevated with vaping products in which the thinning agent (propylene glycol) is left in the final product.  This is why CO2 extraction is by far the preferred method for extracting CBD oil.

14) Can I Cook with CBD?

Yes!  This is one of the most common and best ways to start using CBD (for both humans and pets).

15) What Does the Research Say?

There have been literally thousands of studies on the safety and effects of CBD.  Our Research page links to some of the more prominent ones. Also, Project CBD is a non-profit organization strictly dedicated to documenting the research progress on this incredible drug.

16) Do CBD Creams Work?

Yes – topical CBD creams have proven to be very effective and popular treatment for everything from join pain, arthritis, muscle aches, eczema and acne.

17) Will CBD show up on a Drug Test?

If it’s high-quality CBD with minimal THC left, then it will not show up on a drug test.  Lower quality products, however, can have higher traces of THC remaining that could potentially show up on a drug test.

18) What Serving Size should I Take?

This, of course, depends on the size and gender of the person as well as how strong the CBD oil is.  In general, most people will take between 10 and 50mg of CBD per day.

19) Where Should I Buy CBD?

Read the fine print!  Look for companies that have high sourcing standards for their hemp (or grow it themselves) and use CO2 extraction.  Some companies (like those on our preferred vendor list) actually provide lab reports for each batch of CBD product produced.