FAQ's About CBD Oils

 
What is CBD?   
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of over 100 known phytocannabinoids that naturally occur in cannabis plants. It’s also one of the most prolific cannabinoids found in hemp plants. CBD Oils have very low THC – less than 0.3% – which is why CBD oils doesn’t make people feel high. In fact, CBD can actually counteract the euphoric/high feeling caused by THC. CBD continues to gain popularity as studies reveal its potential benefits for human health.  Many people are using CBD oils as an alternative health products choosing not to take prescription medications.

What does ECS stand for?   
ECS is the endocannabinoid system - the human body is self-regulating, so like a tightrope walker, it’s constantly shifting to stay balanced and healthy, a process called homeostasis. One way our bodies maintain homeostasis is via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It keeps our bodies functioning optimally by adapting to change.   
The ECS, sometimes referred to as the “Master Control System,” is made up of receptors on cell membranes that regulate a variety of processes including eating, sleeping, relaxation and cognition. The ECS also assists in the body’s overall recovery and repair. Our bodies naturally produce compounds called endocannabinoids (endo=inside) that bind to those receptors, like a key fitting into a lock. CBD hemp oil is a plant-based cannabinoid – or phytocannabinoid (phyto=plant) – that acts upon cell receptors in a similar way to help activate the ECS. 

What is a Phtyocannabinoid?   
“Phyto” means plant – phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids naturally occurring in plants like hemp. Many plants make cannabinoids, but hemp plants contain particularly large amounts of many cannabinoids, with CBD (cannabidiol) being the most prolific. 

What is an endocannabinoid?   
“Endo” means within – endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced naturally by cells in the human body.  What are terpenes?   Terpenes are compounds found in the essential oils produced by many plants (what makes a lemon smell like a lemon), including cannabis. Terpenes bond with cannabinoids to turbo charge them creating synergistic effects, otherwise known as the Entourage Effect. Different combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids have different effects.   

What does Full Spectrum mean?   Full spectrum means the product contains all the original compounds found in the plant.  There is a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, antioxidants, nutrients and other plant compounds present in the hemp plant, including THC (under the legal limit). It can provide a greater effect than CBD alone.  All the cannabinoids work together, as nature intended, in what is known as the entourage effect. A recent study from Israel has documented the superior therapeutic properties of whole-plant (full spectrum) cannabis extract over single-molecule (isolate) cannabidiol (CBD)*.  If you need to be THC free for drug testing purposes, full spectrum may not be the best option for you. 

What is the Entourage Effect? The entourage effect is when all of the compounds of a full spectrum CBD hemp oil are combined, their benefit is greater than what you’d receive from each individual component. This is also what we call synergy: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There are over 100 ‘identified’ compounds in the cannabis plant. While most of these compounds have their own therapeutic benefits, they work together to provide better results. 

What is Isolate/Distillate? Isolate or distillate products are produced by removing all components of the plant except one.  Normally you find either CBD isolates, or in legal states THC isolate.  People who need to be THC free for drug testing purposes should choose isolate products. 

What does CBD do in the body? When we consume CBD, the cannabinoids and terpenes act upon receptors within our bodies’ endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means CBD helps to support our ECS as it controls our responses to pleasure, memory, appetite, sleep, coordination and both sensory and time perception. CBD also attaches to receptors in the brain that are related to Serotonin production, to receptors that are anti-psychoactive, and to various other receptors that support our health. 

 Will I get "high" from CBD Hemp Oil?  You won’t get high from taking CBD hemp oil. It is made from industrial hemp, so it doesn’t contain nearly enough THC for you to experience the “high” associated with marijuana. While there are trace amounts of THC in CBD hemp oil, your body couldn’t physically consume the amount of it needed to ever get high. We’re talking truckloads. And we’re pretty sure you don’t want to drink that much of ANY oil. 

How long does it take for CBD to take effect?   The uptake of CBD depends on several factors such as your current health, your digestion, and the amount (mg) of CBD hemp oil you take. The best source of info on what to expect in relation to time and effect may come from talking to your healthcare professional, or simply by seeing how your body responds.  Uptake also depends on the delivery method used.  Nasal spray takes affect within a couple of minutes.  Inhaled products like smoking the flower, vapes or inhalers are next fastest.  Sublingual oils and hard candies that remain in the mouth to dissolve are also quick methods taking less than an hour.  Edibles and capsules take the longest because they must be digested and metabolized before reaching their destination. 

Will CBD oil show up on a drug test? Hemp does contain a very LOW amount of THC (less than the legal limit of 0.3%), but it certainly can show up on a drug test.  This probably depends on the amount of CBD you’re taking and how long you’ve been taking it. Of course, it also depends on on the sensitivity of the test. This is also true with culinary hemp oil and hemp protein products that could also contain trace amounts of THC.  People who need to be THC free for drug testing purposes should choose isolate products.