Frequently Asked Questions About CBD

  1. What exactly is “CBD”?
    CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of over a hundred types of “phytocannabinoids” and the second-most abundant cannabinoid behind THC that is unique to cannabis and make up the plant’s healing properties. CBD can be extracted from most parts of the cannabis plant other than the seeds, and according to the World Health Organization, is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.
  2. Does CBD come from marijuana or hemp? What’s the difference between the two?
    The cannabis that most people know of and hemp are two different varieties of cannabis that come from the same species of plant (Cannabis sativa L). CBD is found abundantly in both. The hemp plant is a different variety of cannabis that contains higher quantities of CBD throughout and is legal in the US as long as there is below 0.3% THC content. Most CBD-based products come from the industrial, agricultural, or phytocannabinoid rich hemp plants.
  3. So how is CBD different than THC?
    Both THC and CBD interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in our bodies, but their effects are vastly different. THC affects the brain by binding to naturally-occurring CB-1 receptors in the central nervous system and creates a “high” feeling but has numerous medical benefits. CBD is a differently-shaped molecule that binds directly to CB-2 receptors in cell and body tissues outside the central nervous system. CBD doesn’t create any euphoric effect which is great for people who don’t want a “high” but still want the benefits of cannabis.
  4. So CBD won’t get me high?
    Exactly! Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not make you feel “stoned.” CBD and THC act in different ways for different receptors in the brain and body. In fact, CBD lessens the psychoactive effects of THC, making it great for people that want the health benefits of cannabis without the high.
  5. How does CBD Work then?
    CBD binds directly to CB-2 receptors in cell and body tissues outside the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are primarily involved in controlling the prominent features of the immune system and are known to fulfil an indispensable function in modulating the pain sensation. These receptors are found in virtually every cell and tissue type in the human body, making CBD an alternative tool for an endless array of uses.
  6. How do I take CBD?
    Most CBD products are taken orally via tinctures that are put under the tongue and held for 60 seconds before swallowing to absorb fully. Topical creams and ointments are also effective, as is smoking or vaporizing CBD.
  7. CBD is legal, right?
    The 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law on Dec 20, 2018, making hemp and hemp-derived products federally legal in the US. All products sold at Calm Better Days are derived from hemp and always below the 0.3% THC threshold.
  8. I Heard CBD is all natural, is that true?
    Yes, CBD is a 100% naturally-occurring chemical compound that comes directly from the cannabis plant.
  9. Do all marijuana strains have CBD?
    Every cannabis plant will have CBD in it naturally, whether it gets you high or not; some variations naturally have more than others.
  10. How exactly is CBD extracted from the cannabis plant?
    There are several methods for extracting CBD from cannabis:
    – CO2 extraction: the supercritical (or subcritical) CO2 method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to isolate, preserve, and maintain the purity of the medicinal oil
    – Ethanol: high-grade grain alcohol can be used to create high-quality cannabis oil appropriate for vape pen cartridges and other products
    – Nanotechnology: nanotechnology allows compounds like CBD to be safely broken down into smaller particles that provide higher bioavailability and therapeutic effects
    – Lipid Extraction: a lipid extraction uses fats, or “lipids”, to absorb and encapsulate compounds produced by hemp plants
  11. Is CBD safe to use? What are the side effects?
    At its November 2017 meeting, the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) concluded that, in its pure state, cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm. Some users have reported drowsiness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and dry mouth.
  12. My company drug tests. If I take CBD, will THC show up on the test results?
    Since there are only trace amounts of THC found in hemp oil, it should not show up on a drug test when consumed at suggested servings. However, varying results are possible due to less sophisticated testing methods and individual metabolism. Anyone who is concerned about taking a drug test or is being treated for a medical condition should talk with their doctor, employer, or drug screening company before consuming CBD oil.
  13. There are so many places to buy CBD products—how do I know if I’m buying a “safe” product?
    It’s important to make sure the company you’re buying from is reputable and that the product was made from industrial hemp, which has with less than 0.3% THC content. The good news is that here at Calm Better Days, we’ve already selected our brands and deemed them safe for our customers. While transporting marijuana across state lines (from legal to non-legal states) is against the law, transporting hemp and hemp-based products is safe.
  14. Is it safe for me to carry CBD with me while I travel domestically/internationally?
    As long as the CBD product you’re carrying contains less than 0.3% THC and contain CBD extracted from hemp plants, it is technically legal to carry it to any state. However, if the CBD product you’re carrying is from plants that the DEA and FDA do not consider “industrial hemp”, but rather “psychoactive” cannabis, it is illegal, even if it doesn’t contain any THC. Internationally, most countries that allow the sale of non-prescription, over-the-counter CBD products have a stipulation that they contain no more than 0.2% (particularly in European countries) or 0.3% of THC – the legal cutoff for hemp.

FDA DISCLAIMER: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.