It seems like everyone these days is talking about—or taking—CBD. But you may be wondering, what exactly is CBD and what does it do? With so much info out there, it can get confusing fast. Never fear, we’re here to help you navigate the basics of CBD and understand how it can help you in everyday wellness.
Ok, so what’s CBD anyways?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of 113 cannabinoids contained in the plant. CBD is present in other plants too, like kale and broccoli. But it’s most plentiful in hemp, a particular variety of cannabis plant with the highest level of CBD.
Your body also produces cannabinoids—known as “endocannabinoids”—which work to regulate pain, sleep and other functions. Your endocannabinoids can be lowered by stressors and other factors, so adding CBD to your daily routine can help replenish your levels for optimal wellbeing.
How does CBD work?
CBD works with your body’s Endocannabinoid System—an internal biological system that plays a role in regulating immune function, pain sensation, energy, mood, memory and more. The Endocannabinoid System is composed of a network of receptors located in the brain, organs, nervous system, skin and immune system. It helps create a state of homeostasis, or balance, within the body. Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with receptors in the Endocannabinoid System to help support homeostasis. Since your body naturally produces cannabinoids, it’s perfectly set up to process CBD and take in its benefits.
Will CBD make me high?
No, CBD will not make you high. That’s because it’s derived from the hemp plant which contains very low levels—less than 0.3%—of THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance in marijuana responsible for creating the psychoactive effects that make you feel high.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is widely accepted as safe and hasn’t been shown to have negative side effects. It is not habit-forming, meaning it’s highly unlikely you would become addicted or overdose on CBD. But, like with any supplement, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your routine, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, on blood pressure or insulin medications, or taking the blood-thinner Warfarin.
What are the benefits of using CBD?
Because it supports your body’s Endocannabinoid System, CBD is known to promote overall balance and wellbeing to help you feel and be your best. CBD has a long list of potential therapeutic benefits including lowering anxiety, reducing inflammation, creating a sense of calm, supporting immune function, reducing nausea and relieving pain. Together with eating right, exercising and treating your body kindly, CBD can help create a foundation for vibrant health and wellness.
What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Though they’re both members of the same plant species, hemp and marijuana have some distinct differences. The cannabis plant is characterized as either hemp or marijuana depending on the amount of THC the plant contains. Hemp plants have less than 0.3% THC. Plants with more than 0.3% THC are considered marijuana. THC is the compound which produces psychoactive effects that make you feel high.
The relationship between humans and hemp dates far back in world history. Hemp may have been one of man’s first cultivated crops and has been used in textiles, health products, building materials and even as a food source. It’s considered by some to be the world’s most versatile and useful plant.
Why should I choose full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD?
In short, because of synergy.
Synergy / sinərjē / noun: The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD contain an array of beneficial compounds that not only work well together, they boost each other’s powers for even greater effectiveness. They call it a “synergistic relationship”.
Unlike some products which contain a single isolate alone, all our CBD products have a foundation of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD which include other therapeutic compounds like terpenes, polyphenols and flavonoids. All of these naturally occurring substances work in harmony as nature designed to make our products as effective and potent as possible.
How do I make sure I’m getting the highest-quality CBD?
Great question. With so many CBD products on the market today, it can be hard to choose. Not all CBD products are created equal. There are a few important things to look for:
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Keep it clean. Hemp is a bio-accumulator plant, meaning it can draw toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals from the air, water and soil. These toxins can concentrate in CBD oil. CBD made from clean, pesticide-free hemp responsibly grown in the US is the best and safest option.
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Check the dose. CBD products come in a wide range of dosages. A product with less than 250 mg of CBD per ounce may not have enough active compounds to be effective. All our CBD products contain a minimum of 300 mg of CBD per ounce. Some contain even more.
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Be sure it's certified. Check that the company provides a certificate of analysis, or COA, to show they’ve conducted third-party testing on their products. Ours are rigorously tested to guarantee the amount of CBD contained in each product and ensure they’re free from harmful heavy metals, pesticides and microbes.
