CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of many compounds in a cannabis plant. Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), another cannabinoid, CBD does not make you high. Many people use it as a natural and safer alternative to pharmaceuticals.

THC is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a psychoactive compound in a cannabis plant, which gives you the feeling of being high.

Hemp and Marijuana come from the same plant. They look the same, smell the same and taste the same. The difference is that hemp contains a higher percentage of CBD and no more than 0.3 percent of THC. Any cannabis plant with a higher level of THC is considered marijuana.

Hemp oil is extracted from leaves, stalks and flowers of the hemp plant and is rich in CBD. Hempseed oil is made from cannabis seeds and contains no CBD. The confusion is caused by the fact that some manufacturers refer to “hemp seed oil” as “hemp oil.” To avoid any marketing traps, check the product label. Look for references to “CBD,” “cannabidiol,” or “full-spectrum hemp extract.” If none are listed, it is most likely hempseed oil.

No. CBD is one of the main compounds in a hemp extract, but its percentage varies. It can be as low as 20% or as high as 80%. Therefore, if CBD concentration is not specifically listed, a 1000mg hemp extract might only contain 300mg of CBD.

Full Spectrum contains most of the naturally occurring compounds in a cannabis plant, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids, including up to 0.3% THC (the legally allowed amount). Broad Spectrum contains most of the naturally occurring compounds but no THC. The Isolate contains only CBD.

The amount of CBD you need and how frequently you take it depends on a number of factors, such as your weight, the individual effect that it has on your body, and the specific purpose that you are taking it for. If you are new to CBD, it is best to start with a low dose, observe the effect it has on your body, and increase as necessary.

CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system – a complex network of cell receptors and neurotransmitters in our bodies responsible for regulating mood, sleep, metabolism, immune response, nerve function and much more. Normally, our body produces its own cannabinoids, which help keep our internal functions run smoothly. However, sometimes, our body gets out of balance. CBD helps restore the balance by stimulating the endocannabinoid system, which results in the production of more cannabinoids and slows down the breakdown of the existing ones.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the way most plants smell and taste. They are abundant in hemp, cannabis, herbs and fruit. Terpenes also have a wide range of therapeutic properties spanning from antifungal and antibacterial to antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, antidiabetic, and many others.

CBD is only one of the over 100 compounds in a hemp plant. Other compounds include other cannabinoids and terpenes, each with its unique properties and benefits. Working in synergy with each other, these compounds enhance each other’s properties. This is known as the “entourage effect.”

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is prepared by a third-party lab and tells you exactly what’s inside the product. It confirms the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids and shows whether there are any chemicals, solvents or pesticides in it. Think of a cannabis plant as a sponge – it absorbs everything from nutrients to heavy metals. That’s why many cheaper products contain contaminants from the soil. To ensure that you are consuming high quality CBD, only buy from companies that are transparent about their product.

What determines the value (and price) of a CBD product is its potency and quality. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you are getting your money’s worth:

• The product is made from hemp oil, not hempseed oil.
• The label clearly indicates the amount of CBD, not just hemp oil.
• A COA from a third-party lab is available, & it confirms the info on the label.
• The COA shows that the product contains no traces of chemicals, pesticides or heavy metals.

How soon you feel the effect depends primarily on the method of consumption, although your individual metabolic and digestive systems also play a role.

Inhalation
Smoking CBD flower or vaping CBD oil is one of the fastest ways to experience the effects of CBD. Cannabinoids go directly to your lungs where they rapidly enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout your body. The effect sets in almost immediately and lasts up to several hours.

Sublingual
Sublingual administration is the second fastest method to deliver CBD to your body.  Simply squeeze the desired amount of CBD oil under your tongue and hold for up to a minute before swallowing. This will allow the mucous membranes in your mouth to absorb the CBD, partially bypassing the digestive system and liver, for much quicker entry into the bloodstream. You should feel the initial effect within 30 mins and then get a second onset of effects a couple of hours later when the CBD that wasn't absorbed
sublingually makes it through your digestive system.

Ingestion
CBD edibles have the longest onset time, because they have to be digested and metabolized by the liver. They may take up to two hours to kick in the system, but the effect lasts longer and attenuates more slowly. That is why edibles are a great choice for anyone suffering from insomnia - if you dose and time them right, they may be able to revolutionize your sleep.

Topical
Topicals include a broad range of products: salves, creams, massage oils, bath crystals, intimate oils, and more. When you apply topical CBD products directly to your skin, the CBD gets absorbed through the pores and slowly interacts with localized cannabinoid receptors. This method of administration is used for localized relief and chronic pain in specific areas. You should start feeling the effect with 30 mins to an hour.

While CBD is generally considered safe, it may interfere with certain medications. If you take any prescription or over-the counter medication, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying CBD or any other cannabinoids.

If your CBD doesn’t work, it’s most likely due to one of these factors:

Poor product quality
Not all CBD products are created equal. If the one you’re using right now isn’t
working, it might have nothing to do with your brain chemistry. The problem
might be with the product itself, especially if you bought it at a gas station or
convenience store. Make sure that you purchase from a reputable retailer that performs third-party testing to ensure potency and purity. If you can’t find a Certificate of Analysis (COA), contact the vendor. If the vendor won’t provide one, look elsewhere for the products you need.

Insufficient dose
Many people who report to not have experienced any effect have either taken a very small amount or tried a product that is not sufficiently concentrated. If you are new to CBD, read the instructions on the label, start with a low dose, and increase the amount every day until you reach the desired effect.

Inappropriate delivery system
How you take CBD affects its bioavailability.  If you eat CBD edibles, your body will have to digest them before the CBD can be absorbed. Some of the plant’s beneficial compounds may be lost in this process. Taking CBD tinctures, on the other hand, allows the compounds to be absorbed
directly into your bloodstream. Creams, salves, and balms won’t provide system-wide effect. They’re best reserved for muscle or joint aches, localized chronic pain and skin conditions. If the product you’ve been using hasn’t been providing efficient results, try a different delivery method.

Lack of consistency
In addition to providing an immediate effect, such as relaxation and anxiety relief, CBD and other cannabinoids work overtime to reduce inflammation and alleviate certain chronic pains. To achieve those effects, consistency is key. Think of CBD as a vitamin or a supplement and stick with it.

Personal body chemistry
Finally, there are a few biological factors that influence how you respond to CBD. Up to 20% of people have a genetic mutation that affects their endocannabinoid system genes. Most people with this genetic mutation experience lower levels of anxiety and endocannabinoid system imbalance and may not benefit as much from using CBD.