The Most Frequently Asked Questions on CBD
Let’s be blunt, you’re amazing!
CBD is the Beyoncé of the botanical world – everyone's fangirling over it, and it's the talk of the town! It's like the cool kid everyone wants to hang out with, but you're sitting there like, "What's the secret sauce that's making everyone go gaga for CBD?" Let's unravel this mystery, shall we? 🌿😎
Over the span of a few years, CBD went from a controversial new ingredient on the market to a wellness must-have that almost every member of our team swears by for a variety of reasons. By now, you’ve probably seen the super-ingredient in anything and everything from food to skincare to wellness products. But what really is CBD, what are the benefits, and why, oh why, is every person raving about the once-controversial ingredient?
You asked, and we answered:
Demystifying the Most Frequently Asked Questions About This Confusing Wellness Ingredient.
It ONLY comes from marijuana, right?
Wrong! Cannabidiol is in a class of chemical compounds called cannabinoids and is found in many plants like hops, black pepper, and echinacea not just marijuana that can also be made naturally in the body, says Dr Bomi Joseph, Ph.D., plant compound researcher.
“This molecule is not unique to the cannabis plant, but it may not be economically feasible to get out of other plants because the levels are too low.”
Can you get ‘high’ from CBD?
Nope! The specific cannabinoid substance found in marijuana that makes you high is called THC – the psychoactive part of the drug. The industrial hemp production is grown to have significantly lower THC levels and higher CBD yields.
In the UK, THC is highly regulated to ensure there is no more than 1mg of THC per bottle of product and therefore it will not induce psychoactive effects.
What is the difference between CBD and marijuana?
When talking about cannabis products, “marijuana” typically refers to THC-containing cannabis at higher levels beyond what is federally legal. Medical dispensaries will offer a variety of medical-grade products with higher levels of THC. Some products include tinctures, gummies, chocolates, topicals, and even the actual flower, or “weed,” itself.
A CBD product must have a smaller, federally legal limit of less than 0.3% THC to be sold nationwide. Remember, CBD and THC are both molecules that come from the same type of plant and are both present in each plant, but the percentages differ based on how it was bred.
Is CBD safe or addictive?
As long as you buy from a reputed supplier who can produce certification of the CBD products’ safety and ingredients it should be safe.
A World Health Organisation report on CBD confirmed that “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”
Not all CBD products are the same quality so it’s important to look out for trusted brands who can provide analytical results for their products. Any company who makes a CBD product should be able to supply a consumer with a certificate confirming its safety, the amount of THC it contains and any residual solvents leftover from the manufacturing process.
Celebrities who endorse CBD products
Can you overdose on CBD?
It’s always best to stick to the manufacturer’s instructions on the product purchased but if you notice any adverse effects such as dry mouth, low blood pressure and drowsiness, discontinue use and consult your GP.
What is the difference between CBD and hemp oil?
While oil can be extracted from hemp seeds, this oil commonly referred to as “hemp seed oil” is not the same as CBD.
It generally contains no CBD at all. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp flower using a different process from extracting hemp seed oil and, in Equilibria’s case, using only the flowers of the hemp plant for the purest CBD possible. The therapeutic compounds that provide benefit are within the flower, which is why it’s important that your product is a CBD oil, not a hemp seed oil.
Can CBD impact a drug test?
Everyone’s body chemistry is different, so drug testing is kind of a grey area; we don’t know for sure how your body will metabolise our products. However, it is possible to test positive on a drug test with daily and consistent use of full spectrum CBD.
Think of it like consuming alcohol. If a beer is 5% ABV/Alcohol By Volume (like how our products contain 0.3% THC or less), the amount you consume determines your BAC/Blood Alcohol Level (or in this case, THC level in the bloodstream). So the more you ingest at a time, the more likely it will be detected on a test.
If you’re worried, I’d recommend grabbing an over-the-counter THC test at your local pharmacy to find out for sure. When possible, we also recommend asking for a blood test rather than a urine test if you have the opportunity, as blood tests tend to be more accurate than urine tests. All of our products are federally legal, so you can also supply your employer with our lab results if they have further questions.
How and where is CBD grown and harvested?
Most CBD products that are available in the UK come from industrial hemp grown within the European Union, adhering to strict guidelines.
There are three ways CBD oil can be extracted from the hemp plant. Firstly, and most commonly, ethanol is used to extract the CBD from hemp. Alternatively, carbon dioxide is used to heat up the hemp and the resulting oil is then extracted – this is called ‘supercritical Co2 extraction’.
What dosage do I need and how long does it take to feel the benefit?
The effects of CBD oil will vary from person to person. With an oral spray or dropper, the effects are usually noticed within 30 minutes to an hour and can last up to six hours, depending on the dose administered.
It’s important to start with a lower dose and build up to a comfortable level that is right for you.
We know that delivery via an oral spray can be much more effective as it delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system where absorption can be lost or may vary from person to person.
Where should a beginner start with CBD?
Before you embark on this journey, why not take a moment to reflect about what you want out of it.. meaning, "I wanna sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed" or "I need to tame that work stress and unleash my productivity beast!"
Getting clear on your CBD goals is like the secret sauce to finding the perfect products and dosing schedule. So, let's break it down. If you're in dire need of peaceful Zs, those slow-release soft gels or yummy gummies might be your sleepy saviors. Pop 'em closer to bedtime, and they'll have your back all night long.
Now, if you're all about being a focused, stress-free superstar at work, our fast-acting Daily Drops got your back. They're like little doses of calm throughout the day, and if things go sideways, you can even sneak in some extra doses like a superhero saving your sanity! Oh, and a little tip from our CBD-savvy members: kickstart your CBD adventure with around 20 mg to 30 mg per day, it's the ticket to positive benefits and a one-way trip to CBD bliss! 🌿😇
If you’ve been trying CBD for about a week and aren’t seeing the results you want, that’s OK! We typically recommend trying your CBD products for around seven days, then meeting with your Dosage Specialist to talk about your experience so far and make any changes. We like to see positive benefits in the first one to three weeks and often see the best results after three months of consistent use.
The full effects of CBD may only remain in your system for four to 12 hours, so it’s important to be thoughtful and consistent with your CBD intake. The goal is to maximise the strength and effectiveness of the body’s endocannabinoid system. Consider your health goals to determine the best time of day to take your CBD you may find it’s best to dose at night before bed and again in the morning during breakfast.
Do you feel a difference right away?
CBD does take time to build up in your system, so whether or not you start out with the right routine, this is not wasted time!
Some people may feel the effects of their first few doses more strongly than others. This is typical, especially of those who have never tried a CBD product before. Once the body adjusts and “understands” CBD better, your experience will evolve!
Is it possible to use too much CBD?
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) published a safety report stating that you cannot overdose on CBD, more CBD is not always better! CBD has a biphasic effect, which means that too little or too much could be ineffective. To find your “sweet spot” dose, we always recommend going low and slow with your doses and journaling to record your reaction to your doses.
Typically, start with an average of 20 mg to 30 mg of CBD per day to gently ease into a routine. Overall, more established routines take between 20 mg and 50 mg on average. However, if you notice any of the following signs, you may want to consider decreasing your dose:
- A sustained increase in drowsiness or sedation during the daytime hours that doesn’t taper off after the first five to seven days of starting your routine.
- An increase in intensity and/or frequency of headaches that does not lessen after the first five to seven days of starting your routine, even after increasing your daily water intake.
- GI upset that does not lessen after the first five to seven days of starting your routine, even after pairing your CBD dose with food and increasing your daily water intake.
- Noticing that CBD seems to elicit the opposite effect of what you were hoping to accomplish (e.g. instead of helping you wind down for sleep, you notice that CBD energies you)
Can CBD cause long-term health effects?
The truth is, there are not enough long-term studies on CBD and side effects to fully address this. CBD influences the endocannabinoid system, a biological system that works to help our bodies achieve balance. As the body rebalances itself and adjusts to CBD, some people experience side effects at the beginning of their routines, which usually fade with time.
Common side effects include drowsiness, nausea, headaches, dry eyes, or dry throat.
If you’re noticing some of these effects as you start your CBD routine, you’re not alone! the effects typically go away on their own after a few weeks. Cannabis in general can be dehydrating, so it’s important to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Can CBD make you sleepy during the day?
Drowsiness during the daytime, or anytime when you are normally alert, is an indication that the CBD dosage you’re taking might be more than needed. If you ever find yourself more relaxed in the daytime than intended, consider decreasing your dosage by half and reaching out to your doctor for additional support!
Can pregnant women use CBD?
We work with a number of women who are interested in trying CBD while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. At this time, there is simply not enough research in this area on pregnant and breastfeeding people for us to have a strong stance in one way or the other. At this point, lets say NO!
Can kids and teens take it?
CBD is generally considered safe for widespread use. However, its effects on developing minds and bodies are still unknown. There are very few studies on how it affects teens and kids, and some doctors have advised they should not use it unless otherwise recommended.
What’s the best way to purchase CBD?
You can buy it online, but sites like Amazon restrict the sales of many CBD products.
Avoid anything sold at a convenience store or big chain if the source of the CBD is unclear.
Most high-quality CBD comes from the UK, Europe, United States or Canada. A lot of sketchy, synthetic CBD is flooding the market from China ✋🏼 so you have been warned.
Shopping online, at reputable sources, is usually the best option because good suppliers will provide testing documents that show their product is top-notch.
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THE MOST COMMON CBD QUESTIONS