Everything You Need to Know About CBD: A Guide

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp and cannabis plant’s stalks, stems, flowers and leaves. It’s more commonly derived from hemp—cannabis bred for high CBD and low THC. “Really, genetically speaking, marijuana and hemp are the same plants, and they call it weed for a reason. It’ll grow just about anywhere,” Vince Mathias, Director of Market Development at SUM Microdose told us.

Hemp is legal to grow anywhere in the United States and is the reason you might find CBD-infused products available in a state that has not legalized cannabis.

CBD and THC have the exact same chemical makeup: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen and 2 oxygen. The only difference between the two extracts is the location of a single hydrogen atom. CBD is prominently found in the hemp plant and is known to have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties that target cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.

Plants at harvest containing <.3% THC are considered hemp and plants containing >.3% THC is cannabis. THC is the cannabinoid best known for providing a “high” feeling while CBD does not because it is non-psychoactive. As a result, CBD can actually reduce the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD works with the serotonergic system to keep your own naturally produced cannabinoids working for a longer period of time, resulting in lower stress levels and lower pain perception: The exact reason why people of all ages are raving about its results. 

• day-to-day stress and anxiety
• general aches and pains
• chronic pain, particularly if it’s associated with inflammation
• pain from auto-immune conditions such as fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis
• improved sleep
• mild depression
• nausea and lack of appetite
• blood glucose control
• acne

Taking CBD has been described to make people feel less anxious and less in pain. It’s also been associated with getting a better night's sleep because of its calming effects. “The feeling you get on vacation when you realize you don’t have to go to work in the morning. It’s a sense of wellbeing, without an artificial euphoria,” Mattias described. But before getting excited about the benefits, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into.  

People should do their research and ask questions regarding where the CBD is sourced, quality of the distillation process, where the cultivation and processing of the hemp are done, and any further information. There are many products that only contain hemp seed oil which does not actually contain CBD. This is because CBD is mostly found in the stalks, stems, leaves and flowers of the plant, and not from the seeds. Dan Sutton, CEO at Tantalus Labs, recommends that first time users should look for Broad Spectrum CBD Extract in favor of Hemp-based CBD whenever possible.

Sutton also notes that it’s also important to know that CBD extracted from industrial hemp is what is federally legal, whereas CBD extracted from the cannabis plant is only legal in states that have legalized the sale of recreational cannabis. CBD that is extracted from hemp plants contains lower amounts of THC than CBD pulled from cannabis. When it comes to extraction, oil extraction is most popular. It involves using alcohol to separate and collect the active compounds. The solvent takes the cannabinoids out of the plant and the liquid is evaporated which leaves the chemical compound in the oil form.

Because CBD affects everyone differently, it is recommended to experiment with different dosages and products to find the perfect fit. For someone who has experienced the effects of cannabis, they can start off with relatively higher doses because they’ve already experienced the effects of CBD. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor if using CBD for a specific medical reason. CBD brands that make specific claims about treating any type of disease or illness should be avoided, as there is no proof that CBD can heal any medical issue completely. According to Mattias, chronic pain usually requires a sustained high dose, at least 100mg a day while anxiety and mood issues can normally be resolved in the neighborhood of 10-50mg. “A normal dose would be between 3-15mg and about 10-100mg a day. It really depends on what symptoms the individual Is targeting.”

Products infused with the isolated compound of CBD are usually the cheapest. This basically means that the products are isolated with just the CBD compound. The preferred option is full-spectrum CBD, which includes the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to maximize effects, known as the entourage effect. However, because full-spectrum CBD also includes the cannabinoid THC, this makes it less accessible to people who are concerned with the compound showing up on a drug test. Broad-spectrum CBD is the alternative, that contains the same spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids without the THC. 

The cost can also vary due to location and popularity of the specific brand. Cheaper CBD options are usually found at bodegas and mini-marts. But Matt C. Potion CBD Founder, warns against the quality of these cheaper options. Most of the products that are found in bodegas or smoke shops contain only hemp seed oil without any mention of CBD or cannabidiol in the ingredient list at all. What most of these oils and edibles contain are extracts of the hemp seed. CBD oil can be made from either the hemp or cannabis plant, but only through the stem, leaves, stalks, or flower of the plant. These are the parts of the plant where CBD can actually be found. Additionally, many of the products that you would find in bodegas mislabel their packages with inaccurate CBD doses, no information about the brand itself, or any type of third-party lab results.

Edibles are processed through the digestive tract and the liver, so effect onset is slower and longer-lasting. CBD is degraded as it moves through the body, resulting in only a small fraction finally getting absorbed into the bloodstream. Tinctures held under the tongue hasten the onset, and topicals or salves localize the effect on the area of the body applied. Smokable hemp flower is also growing in popularity, with onset being almost immediate but lasting a shorter period of time.