CBD: Everything You Need To Know

CBD products have exploded onto the wellness market in recent years, allowing thousands of people to receive the benefits of this botanical compound. Almost overnight, CBD became a go-to resource that helps people ease tension, reduce aches and discomfort, gain better rest and relaxation, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Due to CBD’s growing popularity, you may have questions about CBD basics, such as what is CBD, how does CBD works, and where to find high-quality CBD products to help you on your wellness journey. Find the answers to all your CBD questions in this CBD 101 guide.

CBD 101: What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of 80 to 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis hemp plant. Also known as hemp or marijuana, cannabis contains, of which the two most well-known are CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

THC is the psychoactive compound that makes you feel high when using marijuana. CBD comes from the hemp plant and contains a much lower concentration of THC. This means that CBD does not produce a high feeling in those who use it.

Once extracted from the hemp plant, manufacturers process the compound to put it into CBD products for wellness use. Some of the most common are full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils and tinctures, CBD isolate, CBD edibles, and topical products such as lotions or salves that contain CBD.

What is CBD Derived From?

CBD is derived from the industrial hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Cannabis sativa is one of several cannabis species. Industrial hemp is cultivated for its fiber and seeds and used in wellness remedies for its high CBD concentration, compared with other related cannabis plants.

Is CBD Legal?

In 2018, former President Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill into law, which legalized CBD in the United States. Before the Farm Bill was passed, the government classified hemp as an illegal substance because it was included in the definition of marijuana.

The bill removed industrial hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC from this classification, making it legal to extract, study and sell cannabidiols like CBD.

CBD is legal in all 50 states in the U.S., however, each state enacts its own regulations that detail what products can be sold in its jurisdiction. So, it is important to check your state’s CBD laws regarding CBD products for specific information.

How Does CBD Work?

Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

CBD benefits are delivered through interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a communication system between the human brain and the central and peripheral nervous systems.

It is made up of naturally occurring cannabinoid molecules, that is, cannabinoids already present in the human body called endocannabinoids, as well as enzymes that create and destroy endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids communicate with the rest of the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2. These interactions affect the body’s central nervous system and help regulate many bodily functions such as sleep, memory, mood, and appetite.

CBD is a cannabinoid found in nature, and when used internally or topically, CBD is shown to interact positively with the ECS. Although the exact mechanisms are still under study, there are two main theories on how CBD works.

One theory is that CBD prevents your body’s endocannabinoids from breaking down, allowing them to work more efficiently and for a longer duration. This results in better regulation of functions such as sleep and appetite. The second theory asserts that CBD binds to an unknown receptor to deliver benefits such as lessening discomfort and easing stress.

CBD vs Marijuana

Understanding the difference between CBD and marijuana can become confusing owing to the interchangeable labels given to the plants and their derived substances. Cannabis sativa refers to a family of plants that are similar and contain many of the same compounds.

Marijuana and hemp are both cannabis plants, but marijuana contains higher than 0.3% THC by dry weight. When a cannabis plant contains less than this amount of THC, it is called hemp. CBD is derived from hemp plants only, making it a different substance than what is colloquially called marijuana.

CBD does not promote the same psychoactive properties as THC. Even full spectrum CBD products that may contain trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol will not leave you feeling high.

Common CBD Delivery Methods

CBD delivery methods include oral ingestion, sublingual administration, inhalation, and topical application.

Tincture and oils are the most common types of CBD products. They are taken by placing the recommended dosage – which varies based on body weight and other factors – under your tongue for several seconds until it is absorbed. This is known as sublingual administration.

With this method, CBD is absorbed through your mouth’s mucus membranes and moves into your bloodstream, delivering the effects more quickly than other methods.

Oral ingestion

Oral ingestion is most common for CBD gummies and drinks. This method works by allowing the CBD to break down and be absorbed by your digestive system, distributing the beneficial effects more slowly.

Inhalation

Inhalation is used to reap the benefits of CBD vaping products. Inhalation works by taking in CBD compounds through your respiratory tract, where they are quickly absorbed into your body via the dense network of blood vessels in your lungs.

Topical

Topical applications, such as lotions and creams, allow CBD molecules to penetrate your skin which contains a limited number of ECS receptors. This delivers benefits directly to neurotransmitters in your body. Each method helps your body benefit from CBD. However, the doses vary based on the product you use, how much CBD it contains, your body weight, and how your body reacts to CBD.

Types of CBD Products

There are hundreds of CBD products on the market, this CBD 101 guide will help you through it. So CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD, and full spectrum CBD are the most widely used. To decide what type of CBD might be right for you, it is helpful to look at the differences between each of these CBD types.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD on the market. It is created by extracting the compound from the hemp plant and processing it to remove all other substances, like minute traces of THC or additional plant compounds, from the final product.

CBD isolate is best for those who want to avoid THC completely. It is flavorless and odorless, making it good for people to mix it into other substances, such as baked goods, smoothies, or cosmetics.

Although CBD isolate is pure, it acts more subtly than other types of CBD, making it good for people who want to take higher doses for direct benefits.

Broad Spectrum CBD vs. Full Spectrum CBD

Many people opt for broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD products because of the Entourage Effect. The Entourage Effect refers to the way that all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds work together to augment the effects of CBD on the body.

Research suggests that the most effective CBD products utilize the entourage effect to provide noticeable wellness benefits by keeping all of these naturally-co-occurring elements together in the product.

Full spectrum CBD contains terpenes (aromatic plant compounds), CBD, additional phytochemicals, and up to 0.3% THC. Broad spectrum CBD is CBD that contains the same elements while removing all traces of THC. Broad spectrum CBD is good for people who want to avoid THC and want the full benefits of the Entourage Effect.

Full spectrum THC works for people who don’t mind trace amounts of THC and want a powerful effect. Full spectrum is the most potent type of CBD because it provides the full array of chemical compounds available in hemp plants.

What are the Benefits of CBD?

CBD boasts a myriad of wellness benefits. Many users report that consistent CBD usage produces the following improvements in their health:

Less anxiousness, body tension, and nervousness
Increase in motivation and contentment
Relief of bodily discomfort and aches
Improve the quality of relaxation at night
Ability to manage food cravings and appetite issues

Although CBD has not been approved to treat or cure any medical conditions, it does promote wellness in a cumulative, holistic way.

CBD Safety Considerations

According to the World Health Organization, CBD boasts a good safety profile, is considered safe for most adults, and shows very few serious side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of CBD use include:

Fatigue
Dry mouth
Nausea
Irritability

Like any compound, CBD can negatively interact with illicit drugs and some prescription medications, so avoid using CBD with other substances before checking with your doctor.

Where to Find High-Quality CBD Products?

When using CBD products, it is important to buy from a reputable source. Look for a CBD supplier with a wide variety of CBD products that are clearly labeled and responsibly sourced.

Naia CBD Boutique offers a collection of trusted CBD brands and products to choose from. Their helpful search option allows you to browse CBD products by brand, CBD type, and wellness benefit so you can easily find what you are looking for. We at NaiaCBD carry popular CBD brands, such as Bailey’s, Charlotte’s Web, Leef Organics, Medterra, NuLeaf, and Social CBD.

FAQs About CBD

What is CBD Isolate Good For?

CBD isolate is good for people with THC sensitivities as it does not contain even trace amounts of THC. CBD isolate is also good for people looking to relieve discomfort and reduce anxiousness.

Is CBD Safe to Take?

Yes. For most people, CBD poses no health concerns. The FDA suggests that risks may be present when using large quantities of CBD or when CBD is used with illegal drugs, prescription medication, or serious health conditions. If you have concerns, speak with your doctor before using a CBD product.

Will I Get High on CBD?

No. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for feeling high, and although CBD comes from the same plant, they are different compounds. By law, CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC. Full spectrum CBD may contain trace amounts of THC, so if you are sensitive to THC, opt for broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.

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