What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major cannabinoids, or chemical compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its sister compound, THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and doesn’t produce a euphoric “high.” Though the CBD compound is found in all varieties of the Cannabis plant, it is most often sourced from the Hemp variety which is bred to remove all traces of THC.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the family of chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. Of the ~120 known cannabinoids, the two most abundant and most well-known are THC (found in the marijuana variety) and CBD or Cannabidiol (found in Hemp).
How does CBD work?
The CBD compound is a plant-based cannabinoid that mimics the role of the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids. These cannabinoids attach to receptors in your body that work to regulate different internal functions like mood, sleep, metabolism, temperature control, and much, much more. Studies have proved that CBD can restore the balance of these physiological processes when genetics or environmental factors disrupt them.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD Oil is just one of several methods of consuming the Cannabidiol (CBD) found in the Cannabis sativa or Hemp plant. The CBD chemical is extracted and then infused in a carrier oil like sunflower, coconut, or even hempseed oil. Users apply the oil under the tongue and let it sit for several seconds, which captures more CBD and maximizes its benefits.
Each Hempiness bottle indicates its CBD potency, like 10% for 1000mg of CBD, 20% for 2000mg, etc. Customers experiencing mild to moderate symptoms may do well with 5% or 10% CBD drops, whereas those with severe or chronic symptoms may prefer the 20% tincture for better relief.
What are the effects of CBD?
Though the science is young on CBD (Cannabidiol) for medicinal purposes, numerous studies prove it can reduce pain and inflammation, prevent seizures, diminish tumors, calm anxiety and psychotic behavior, relax muscle spasms, support detoxification, protect nerve cells, and provide a wide range of other therapeutic effects. Unlike pharmaceuticals that claim similar benefits, CBD is non-addictive and non-intoxicating.
As with any medicine, effects differ based on concentration, additives, method of consumption, and the person’s age, weight, existing conditions, etc. Few studies have shown negative side effects of CBD use when paired with prescription drugs, so be sure to do your research and consult with a doctor about possible interactions before starting a new CBD regimen.
What’s the difference between Hemp and Marijuana?
Hemp and Marijuana are two varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant and they are bred differently to offer unique therapeutic properties. Hemp is bred with the THC removed so it is non-intoxicating, and Marijuana is grown with the THC intact.
What’s the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds and is virtually void of Cannabidiol (CBD). Nutritionally-minded folks use hemp oil in their cooking as hemp seeds are considered a “superfood” due to its rich nutritional profile. CBD oil is considered more as a plant-derived supplement used to treat a host of ailments including chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
Some people use hemp oil and CBD oil interchangeably because CBD is extracted from the hemp plant. Some even confuse CBD oil with marijana-infused oils. This is especially confusing because there is so much misinformation about hemp and CBD in general and few, if any, public health initiatives to set the record straight.
Here at Hempiness we believe it’s important to educate oneself about the science behind hemp and CBD to help further the world’s understanding of their unique and varied benefits. An easy way to remember their differences is this: Hemp oil is for eating. CBD oil is for treating.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the sensory compounds found in plants and essential oils. They’re responsible for the taste, smell and color of the foods we eat, like the sour taste in lemons or the earthy notes of a wine. Of the thousands of terpenes found worldwide, about 140 have been discovered in the Hemp plant.
On their own, terpenes provide numerous cleansing and healing benefits. But when left intact or combined with the Cannabidiol (CBD) compound, they work synergistically to provide greater therapeutic benefits. This relationship is known as the “entourage effect.”
Can you get “high” from CBD?
No, you cannot get “high” off of CBD products. They can provide relaxing and sometimes sedating effects, but not the same mind-altering “high” that you think of with marijuana consumption. That said, miniscule traces of THC can be found in Full-Spectrum CBD products. They aren’t enough to get you “high” – even in very high doses – but customers who need to pass drug tests should seek out Broad Spectrum CBD where 100% of the THC has been removed.
Is CBD legal?
CBD products exist in a grey area of the law in many countries. If the cultivation of Hemp is legal in your country, it’s possible that CBD use is also legal – but perhaps with restrictions (such as being 18+). Many governments have not yet figured out how to regulate CBD production or use and need more large-scale research studies to sanction legislation.
Unfortunately, some disreputable sellers are taking advantage of this “wild west” period, making it difficult for quality brands to advocate CBD’s safety and healing properties. We encourage all Hempiness CBD customers to do your due diligence and know your exact laws prior to purchasing one of our products.
Can hemp or CBD products make you fail a drug test?
Hemp products made through hemp seed extraction or refinement (hemp oils, hemp creams, hemp protein powder, etc.) contain no THC (the main cannabinoid found in marijuana that gets you “high”) and therefore will have no impact on a drug test.
CBD products require a little more explanation. In short, CBD will probably not affect a drug test, but if you are subject to drug testing, you should look for Broad Spectrum CBD rather than Full Spectrum CBD. Full Spectrum CBD is considered ‘whole plant’ CBD and contains the beneficial Cannabidiol (CBD) compound, full terpene profile, plus a small amount of THC. Broad Spectrum, on the other hand, removes all traces of THC so that only the CBD compound and terpenes remain.
It’s important to distinguish that although Full Spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, they are considered active but not psychoactive. CBD actually inhibits the psychoactive properties of THC, so users of Full Spectrum CBD will not get “high.” However, THC could still show up in drug test results with Full Spectrum, so if you are concerned about drug testing you should seek 0% THC Broad Spectrum CBD products.
What is the best way to take CBD?
CBD oil drops taken orally under-the-tongue (e.g. sublingually) is one of the most common methods for consuming CBD because it is fast-acting. CBD is also available in a wide range of other products like gummies, capsules, body creams and salves, and even some makeup products. Some applications may work better for different people, depending on the condition being treated. Bottom line: the most effective way to take CBD is the one that gives you the best results.
