CBD – or cannabidiol – is found in the seeds, stalks, and flowers of the cannabis plant. Cannabis is a type of plant with two distinct varieties, the marijuana plants and hemp plants. There are 400 naturally occurring compounds found within the cannabis plant . Sixty of these compounds are unique to cannabis plants and are classified as cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these unique compounds and happens to be the second-most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. CBD is a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant, and will not get the user “high”. CBD, instead, interacts with and helps regulate the human body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates balance in the body and affects a variety of functions like sleep, immune responses, mood and can influence the effects of pain and inflammation. When ingested, CBD works as a “ligand”, a molecule that binds or docks on to a specific protein. The ligand then has the ability to modulate that receptor’s behavior.

There are two primary protein receptors that cannabinoids effect. They are called the CB1 receptors and the CB2 receptors. The CBD1 receptors are widely distributed, but are particularly found in areas of the brain while the CB2 receptors can be found in the immune system. What we are learning is that the endocannabinoid system acts as one of our bodies main signaling systems, and it helps balance your nervous, hormones and immune systems. When your endocannabinoid system is in balance, you’re likely to function and feel your best.

Endo stands for endogenous, 0r originating within the body and Cannabinoid refers to the group of compounds that activate this system. The endocannabinoid system can be described as a network of neuromodulators (the endocannabinoids) and receptors. These receptors are present throughout the body, including our skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to regulate homeostasis or the ability to maintain a stable internal condition. An easy way to understand how the endocannabinoid system works is to think of it as a lock and key relationship. Imagine the substrate as the “home” or the natural environment in which an organism lives and grows. For our bodies to be healthy, enzymes must efficiently locate and unite with their specific substrate or literally they need to “find their Home”. And, like every safe home, the door to each receptor is locked. The lock will only allow specific molecules to open it and enter. When an enzyme does enters their substrate, they begin to bond and transform into a complete union with a specific Biochemical reaction. When CBD is introduced into the body, it bonds to the receptors thus allowing the receptors and the substrate to bond more efficiently which improves the functionality and capabilities of the receptors and wellness begins to happen.

Technically, HEMP (Cannabis Sativa) and MARIJUANA (Cannabis Indica) are two varieties of the cannabis plant. There are some key differences between the two, but simply put , Hemp refers to strains that are grown specifically to produce fiber, oils, lotions, and seeds. Hemp contains very low levels of the psychoactive compound THC and high levels of cannabidiol or CBD. Alternatively, marijuana refers to strains grown specifically for their psychoactive effects or to get you high. The reason for the low THC content in hemp vs marijuana is that most THC is formed in the resin glands on the buds and flowers of female cannabis plants. Industrial hemp does not produce these resinous glands or buds, and therefore contain very low THC levels. Compared to Marijuana, Hemp is an amazingly versatile plant that has many practical applications. Hemp cultivation requires no chemicals, pesticides or herbicides. Hemp can easily be grown in rotation with other crops such as corn and is completely sustainable. Nutritionally, the seed and seed-oil are high in protein, essential fats, amino acids, and vitamins. Industrial hemp is also grown differently than marijuana. Hemp is typically grown up, not out, since the focus is producing length of stalk (like bamboo). Marijunana and hemp are also grown in completely different climates. To grow high quality Marijuana, it must be grown in a warm and humid environment. Hemp, on the other hand, is extremely hardy and can be grown anywhere corn is grown which includes the Southwest, Southeast, and Northeastern United States.

CBD and THC are the two most popular cannabinoids in cannabis. CBD is found in high concentrations in the hemp plant and THC is found in high concentrations within the marijuana plant. The key differences between CBD and THC is a euphoric effect, or “high,” you feel when THC is consumed and that CBD targets specific areas of the endocannabinoid system that THC does not.

No, CBD will not get you high. CBD Is 100% non-intoxicating. The hemp plant, has a THC content that is no more than 0.3 percent, that’s nearly 10 times less than the least potent strain of marijuana. even large doses of CBD are well tolerated, safe and will not get you high.

The four most popular ways to take CBD is:

1. Sublingually: CBD oil is applied and held under the tongue so that the mucus membranes in the mouth can absorb the CBD The sublingual method offers fast delivery, because the CBD bypasses the digestive system and is metabolization by the liver.

2. Vaping: A method for inhaling CBD oil, allowing the CBD to be absorbed through the lung’s surface area and then diffused into the bloodstream.

3. Chewed or swallowed: Taking CBD in the form of a pill, edible or mixed with food or drink. The CBD is then digested by the liver and is delivered into your bloodstream where the compounds can begin promoting balance.

4. Topical: CBD can be absorbed into the skin so that it can be delivered directly to the affected cells near the surface without entering the bloodstream.

CBD oil is a liquid cannabis extract. Hemp plants are harvested, grounded up and then put through an extraction process. To extract all the desired materials, a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) process is used. This process utilizes non-toxic fluid CO2 as a solvent which is forced through the grounded Hemp plant material. This pulls out the CBD, essential oils, lipids, and all the beneficial compounds. The solvent is then removed from the final product, yielding full or broad spectrum oil that is naturally high in CBD.

Rigorous 3rd party testing should be the cornerstone of any CBD production process. Hemp-Ness is a strong advocate of a universal industry standards for the testing methodologies of hemp based products. We highly recommend testing that includes microbiology, biology, identity, content and purity. Testing should always be carried out and certified by a specialized 3rd party laboratory.

Technically, CBD products that are produced from the seeds and stalk of the industrial hemp plant (with less than 0.3% THC), are legal to buy, sell, and ship across state lines. With that said, the legality of CBD products is still very much a grey area throughout much of the United States. Individual states have interpreted the current regulations differently and have adjusted their enforcement accordingly. We highly recommend that you are familiar with the laws in each state that you use and/or carry CBD in.

Yes, CBD is a 100% naturally-occurring chemical compound that comes directly from the cannabis plant.

Cannabidiol (CBD) isolate, is the purest form of CBD. The CBD molecule is isolated and extracted from the hemp plant. What is left is a single molecule that has been “isolated” from all the other cannabinoids and plant materials. CBD isolate is 100 % pure CBD in a crystal form that is guaranteed to contain no THC. CBD isolate t is a popular alternative to the oil because it is easy to work with (less messy) and has no aftertaste.

“In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD” – WHO, November 2017

CBD oil is safe to take in a broad range of doses. Even strong doses, far greater than what is required or recommended, did not appear to cause problems. CBD can carry some minor risks. While often well-tolerated, CBD side effects includes, dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. With that said, we highly recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any new supplement or diet.

Cooking with CBD is a great way to get your daily dose in without the aftertaste associated with a straight oral application. One main consideration when cooking with CBd is that When you consume CBD with your food, it gets digested and absorbed through your GI tract. This means it will be a slower onset with less bioavailability which in turn means a more mild experience then vaping, or consuming raw oil.

A high-quality CBD product is highly unlikely to show up on a drug test. With that said, if you’re career requires regular drug testing, we highly recommend sticking with Broad Spectrum CBD Oil or a CBD Isolate. Both of these have had all the THC chemically removed during the extraction process.

We can’t tell you exactly how much CBD you should be taking, because that number depends on a myriad of factors like body weight, delivery system, pain/discomfort level, the results you’re trying to achieve and even when your last meal was. Since these factors are so personal, we can only recommend that you start small and work you way up until you have found a serving that works best for you. We included a breakdown of how much CBD is the suggested average based on different weights.

25 lbs: 4 mg

25-50 lbs: 5 mg

51-100 lbs: 6-7 mg

101-150 lbs: 8-10 mg

151-230 lbs: 12-15 mg

230< lbs: 15 mg+