Could CBD Be Right for Me?

From CBD and THC to full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, there are a lot of words and abbreviations that you might not be familiar with in the world of cannabis. Not to worry—we’ve answered all of your FAQs about what CBD is (and isn’t!), so you can make a more informed decision about adding it to your routine.

What is CBD?

• Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical compound in marijuana that creates a “high,” CBD isn’t psychoactive at all and doesn’t affect your state of mind like THC does.
  
  

What’s the difference between marijuana-derived CBD and hemp-derived CBD?

• Marijuana-derived CBD is legally considered a drug, while hemp-derived CBD is not. Although CBD isn’t psychoactive in and of itself, the United States government labels anything derived from marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug (drugs that have no medical use and are likely to be abused). Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, all hemp and hemp-derived products (including CBD) don’t fall under this restriction (though businesses still aren’t allowed to market it in certain ways). The specific legalities of hemp and marijuana depend on the state you live in, so it’s important to read up on your state’s legislation first.
  
  

What is CBD used for?

• CBD is only FDA-approved to treat two specific varieties of epilepsy (through a prescription medication known as Epidiolex). Still, ongoing research and anecdotal evidence show that CBD may help with long-term health conditions like insomnia, anxiety, addiction, and chronic pain (like arthritis). Some people also claim that CBD helps with their overall wellness.
  
  

What is broad spectrum CBD, full spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate?

• Broad spectrum CBD includes all the cannabinoids in hemp except for THC. Hemp plants have a lot of different cannabinoids. Broad spectrum CBD products include these different compounds except for the psychoactive THC.
• Full spectrum CBD includes all the cannabinoids in hemp, including THC. Full spectrum CBD products include the same wide variety of cannabinoids that broad spectrum products have; however, full spectrum products don’t bother filtering out the THC. It’s important to note, though, that hemp doesn’t have very much THC to begin with (less than 0.3% overall), and won’t get you high like marijuana.
• CBD Isolate includes only cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids. CBD Isolate products are sometimes preferred by people who don’t want to risk consuming any THC in their CBD products. However, some CBD manufacturers claim that CBD Isolate lacks some of the benefits that broad and full spectrum CBD have (by including many cannabinoids).
  
  

How much CBD should I take?

• Talk to your doctor before taking or using any CBD products. Although CBD isn’t legally considered a supplement, you should still treat it like one. Call your doctor and see if CBD could potentially be a good fit for you and your lifestyle, and make sure that it won’t have any negative interactions with your current medications. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, ask them for specific dosage recommendations.
  
  

What are the different forms of CBD?

• Oil or powder: The CBD oil or powder is applied beneath the tongue, where it gets absorbed directly into your body (without going through your GI system).
• Vapor: The CBD is inhaled (often through a vape), where it’s absorbed through the lungs.
• Edibles: The CBD is eaten, swallowed, and absorbed through your GI system.
• Topicals: The CBD goes directly on the skin and doesn’t go into your bloodstream.
  
  

What should I consider when buying CBD?

• Pick the CBD form that most appeals to you. If you’re looking for fast-acting effects, breathing in the CBD through a vape pen might be your best option. The next quickest option is typically CBD oil that you apply directly beneath your tongue. Edibles often take at least 30 minutes to offer any effects, while CBD-derived lotions may take a few hours to yield any results.
• Decide how much THC you want. Hemp-derived CBD products are very low in THC and likely won’t give you a high. If you’d like to avoid THC altogether, though, a broad spectrum or CBD Isolate product might be your best bet.
• Research where a company sources their hemp from. Several places in America, like Colorado and Kentucky, have reputable hemp industries, while internationally-sourced hemp might not be as reliable. Before buying any products, search the seller’s website (or ask them in person) to learn about where their hemp comes from.
• Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). All reputable CBD sellers should have a COA that proves their CBD products were tested for CBD, THC, as well as other contaminants. If the seller doesn’t have a COA available, buy your CBD from somewhere else.
• Check for specific dosage information. Only buy CBD products from sellers that list the exact amount of CBD (listed in mgs) in both the bottle and in the individual doses. If you can’t find specific dosage info on the bottle/packaging, see if the seller has a COA available that shows how much CBD or THC is in the product.