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Fast Facts: Answers to CBD FAQs
Despite CBD’s rapid rise to supplement stardom over the past few years, there is still a lot of confusion around this cannabis compound and the myriad of products in which it is found. Many consumers are confused, overwhelmed, and/or skeptical when it comes to CBD.
So, we are here to provide some much needed clarity! We won’t get too “in the weeds” in this rapid fire Q & A. We want this to be straightforward and to the point as to avoid making things even more confusing (the science behind CBD/cannabis can get real heady real quick). If you want to dive deeper into any of these topics, check out the links provided with each answer.
Ready? Let’s get into it!
Q: Will CBD get me high?
A: No.
CBD is non-intoxicating. THC is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. While THC plugs into the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain to elicit intoxicating effects, CBD is not able to activate those receptors. Further, CBD actually blocks those receptors and stops THC from being able to plug into them.
Fun fact: if you consume THC and are feeling the effects too strongly, taking some CBD will actually help counteract those intoxicating effects and sober you up!
Learn more about the endocannabinoid system.
Q: Will CBD cause me to fail a drug test?
A: Full spectrum CBD products can cause you to fail a drug test. Broad spectrum or isolate-based products, on the other hand, will not carry the same risk.
In order to be sold legally in the U.S., CBD products must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC. While that is not nearly enough THC to get you high, it can be enough to cause a positive test for THC if taken consistently.
If you get drug tested, opt for a broad spectrum or isolate-based product. These types of CBD extracts contain zero THC, eliminating the risk that full spectrum may pose.
Q: Is CBD addictive?
A: No, CBD is non-addictive and non-habit-forming.Ā
In 2017, the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) concluded that cannabidiol (CBD) does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm.
Learn more about how our endocannabinoid system allows for results without the risk (or hangover).
Q: Should I take CBD on a full or empty stomach?
A: It is usually better to take CBD with food, preferrably something high in healthy fats.
CBD binds to fat molecules and can be more easily transported through your system when it has those fat molecules to latch onto. When you take CBD on an empty stomach, the acids in your stomach can make it a harsh environment for CBD to survive. While it might take a little longer to feel the effects when you take CBD after eating, more CBD will be able to remain active in your system and the effects will actually last longer!
Q: Is CBD regulated?
A: Yes and no.
The FDA – the regulatory body that governs food, medicine, dietary supplements and more – has failed to take a definitive stance on CBD. Is it a drug or a dietary supplement? That is something that the CBD industry has been dying for the FDA to decide, but unfortunately there is still a lack of clarity when it comes to ingestible CBD products. Topical CBD products, on the other hand, have been approved by the FDA.
In the absence of clear regulatory guidance from the FDA, the hemp industry has taken it upon itself to set standards such as third party lab testing, cGMP manufacturing standards, and third party certifications like USDA Organic.
If a brand is not able to produce the basic credentials to verify the potency, purity, and source of their products that is a major red flag and you should probably stay away.
Learn more about the regulatory nuances of topical CBD products
Quality & transparency by TONIC
Q: Should I buy CBD on Amazon?
A: No.
The products you see on Amazon are mostly hemp seed oil.Ā While hemp seed oil is high in omega fatty acids and touts its own range of benefits, it does not contain cannabinoids. Some CBD products might slip through the cracks, but they are usually sketchy. As a rule, Amazon does not allow ingestible CBD products to be sold on its platform. So, if you see one on there definitely do your research before buying.
Q: How do I know if the CBD I am buying is legit?
A: Verify their third party lab results, read reviews, and check the ingredients.
Lab reports should be easily accessible either through a QR code on the package or clear listing on the website. Social proof is also important. Aside from reviews, are there any articles or press about the company or its products? Check the ingredients; make sure it doesn’t just say hemp seed oil; stay away from artificial flavors and dyes; beware of too much sugar in those gummies!
Extra verification points if the brand clearly states the source of its products – both farm and manufacturer – so you can know exactly how the product is made!
Check out our lab reports, our certified organic farm, boutique processing facility, and the quality standards we hold ourselves to.
Q: How much should I take?
A: In short, it depends. That being said, “start low and go slow” is always a good rule to go by.
In general, higher doses (30-100mg/day) tend to be more effective for chronic inflammation, pain management, or sleep. Lower, moderate doses (20-40mg/day) have shown to be effective for alleviating anxiety, balancing mood and energy levels, and improving mental clarity.
Obviously, those are very wide ranges. Factors like your endocannabinoid system tone,Ā your metabolism, and your baseline physiological wellness all affect how cannabinoids behave in your system. So, at least for now, you might need to do a little bit of experimenting to find the perfect dosage for you and your needs.
Learn more about troubleshooting your dose.
Q: What’s the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD?
A: Nothing!
Hemp-cannabis plants bred to produce high CBD and low THC will simply produceĀ moreĀ CBD than high-THC (marijuana) cultivars. The molecule itself is exactly the same. If you’re buying marijuana-derived CBD in a legal dispensary then the benefit that you will likely get from that product is that the THC content can be greater than 0.3%, allowing for a truer “full spectrum” product that can fully leverage the entourage effect.
Learn more about the entourage effect and the cannabis experience.
Q: Can I take CBD if I am on other medication(s)?
A: If you are currently taking prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm that CBD is safe to introduce to your regimen.
Whether or not CBD can be well-tolerated with prescription medication depends on (a) what kind of medication and (b) the dosages of both the medication and the CBD. That being said, we do know that CBD affects an enzyme called cytochrome P450 which is responsible for metabolizing certain types of medications.
Grapefruit juice actually affects cytochrome P450 in a similar way to CBD. So, an easy way to check if the medication you are on may be affected by CBD is to check if there are any recommendations to avoid taking it with grapefruit juice!
Q: Is CBD safe to take while pregnant?
A: If you are pregnant and considering taking CBD, consult with your doctor or midwife first.
Taking CBD during pregnancy is a personal decision. Performing double blind studies on pregnant women is actually prohibited due to the code of ethics that govern clinical research. So, there is no comprehensive nor definitive research that we can lean on when it comes to CBD and pregnancy. While some may take CBD throughout their pregnancy without issue, there may be contraindications (medications, pre-existing conditions, etc) for others.
What a doctor of cannabinoid medicine has to say about using CBD while breastfeeding.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: CBD is often well-tolerated by most, but possible side effects include headache, drowsiness, or upset stomach.
Taking CBD with food may reduce the likelihood of such side effects. Lowering your dosage may also help to eliminate any mild, unwanted effects.
