CBD And Hemp Frequently Asked Questions
So, you’re eager to introduce CBD into your life. Welcome!
Since hemp-based CBD products are now considered Federally legal in all US states (more on the technicalities later), more and more people like you want to jump on the bandwagon and feel the effects for themselves.
But not so fast!
Solid research on CBD’s potential benefits is still underway, making it hard to determine if it can truly give you the relief you need. For now, all you can do is ask the right questions.
That’s why in this article, we at Zatural have compiled CBD frequently asked questions from both our customers and the World Wide Web so that you can weigh the pros and cons yourself and — with the help of a certified healthcare provider — decide on the best path forward.
So, without further ado, here are 10 of the most frequently asked questions about CBD!
1. What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 identified phytocannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa and comprises around 40% of the plant's total extract volume. The natural, non-psychoactive component that’s found in most CBD-based products and is considered legal in most US states.
2. Will CBD Make Me High?
Technically, no.
Most CBD products are hemp-based and have 0% to less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content — the phytocannabinoid responsible for giving users a high and is more commonly found at high doses in marijuana-based CBD versus hemp-based CBD.
However, it is worth noting that some individuals are especially sensitive to THC. Even with the low trace amounts of THC content in most hemp-based products, users can still feel some of its effects.
If you’re one of those people, then we highly suggest starting with top-quality Broad Spectrum CBD or CBD isolates to address your most pressing health concerns minus the buzz. Learn more about CBD and the psychoactive effects tied to getting high.
3. What Is The Difference Between “Hemp” and “Marijuana”?
Both hemp and marijuana belong to the plant species Cannabis sativa. Both look physically similar, save for a few subtle differences. Both also contain CBD.
Before the 2018 Farm Bill was passed into law, hemp was lumped in with marijuana as a controlled substance with no accepted medical use by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
However, Industrial hemp and marijuana’s defining difference lies in their THC content, with hemp having only 0.3% or less THC.
Because of this, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the controlled substances list, prompting its production, sale, and use as legal in most US states as long as its derivatives contain less than 0.3% THC.
On the other hand, marijuana and all its derivatives, thanks to its higher levels of THC content, are still considered illegal in the US except for 21 states, including Colorado, Washington, D.C., and California.
This means that hemp-derived CBD products in the market don’t have enough THC to create the head and body “high” that has been traditionally associated with marijuana and marijuana-derived CBD products.
4. Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s The Difference?
Now, you might be wondering, “Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?” Certainly not.
In simple terms, CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of both marijuana and hemp plants. While hemp seed oil is just that: extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds — which is the part with little to no CBD or other cannabinoids.
Both CBD oil and hemp seed oil can be present across all types of consumer products, including cosmetics, skincare, soap, and even food and beverages. However, their uses and benefits can significantly vary.
CBD oil is touted to have an array of health benefits, albeit unproven at present. These potential benefits include possible relief from mental and physical discomfort, management of skin issues, and promotion of calm and relaxation.
Hemp seed oil is known for its rich, earthy flavor and nutritional elements. This includes its high vitamin E, omega fatty acid, carotene, zinc, and iron content (among many others). Hemp seed oil is typically taken as a vegan friendly method of obtaining omega’s in their diet.
5. Are CBD Products Legal In My State?
The short answer is: It depends on which state you’re in.
Under Federal law, hemp-derived CBD products are legal in all US states as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. However, things get tricky when we go from one state to another.
To delve deeper into the CBD technicalities in all 50 US states, we highly suggest you check out our “Is CBD legal in my state?” article.
6. Are CBD-Based Products Regulated By The FDA?
Not yet.
Since the research on CBD and its alleged benefits is only just getting traction, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has chosen to err on the side of caution and shelf CBD regulation for now.
FDA principal deputy commissioner Janet Woodcock has said in a press release that they currently don’t have the right regulatory frameworks in place. They haven't made plans to fully review the safety, efficacy, and contraindications of CBD-based products.
However, they have opened communication channels with Congress to decide on the best paths forward. This means that it is still up to the states and localities to manage the production, distribution, and use of CBD as they see fit.
For now, consumers must remain vigilant in vetting CBD products and sellers and hold them accountable for the following:
- Reputable sourcing practices
- Standardized production methods
- Third-party safety and efficacy testing
- CBD potency and quality
If you are interested in buying CBD, I suggest reading this blog "What to know before buying CBD." In this blog, you will know exactly what to look for and what to watch out for when buying hemp and CBD.
7. What Are The Potential Benefits of Using CBD?
As mentioned above, conclusive scientific proof of CBD’s potential health benefits remains elusive. But thanks to the legalization of hemp-derived CBD products, the motivation to study their medical uses is skyrocketing and shows no sign of stopping soon.
This means that some closure on CBD’s safety and efficacy can be expected in the near future. For now, anecdotal evidence shows CBD’s promise in possibly assisting with the following concerns:
- Mental and physical discomfort
- Skin issues
- Post-workout muscle recovery
- Mental focus
- Pet overall health and wellness
In our “What are the benefits of CBD?” article, we go in-depth into these potential benefits. It breaks down the studies relating to each one to help users make better-informed decisions. It works in tandem with their healthcare providers when using hemp extract-based products as part of our daily lives.
8. What Are The Side Effects of CBD?
According to a few small studies, scientific reviews, expert opinions, and case reports, overconsumption of THC and CBD can lead to side effects like irritability, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, drowsiness, and nausea in both humans and animals.
In rare cases, CBD is also linked to liver damage. Again, more studies are needed to either confirm or rule out these reports.
Users, in the meantime, can safeguard themselves by always consulting their physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers. Important to discuss possible drug interactions, allergies, benefits, and the like before proceeding with a treatment plan. Learn more about "The side effects of CBD."
9. What Are Potential Drug Interactions Associated With CBD?
Our body’s endocannabinoid system renders CBD-based products highly bioavailable. This means that it is easily absorbed by the body and can, in turn, react with different medications.
With the scarce lack of evidence and research into CBD at present, there has still not been a final say on whether or not CBD is a good thing or a bad substance.
In the meantime, Harvard experts advise people to consult with certified healthcare professionals to discuss how to safely (if at all possible) pair CBD with other medications to decrease the risk of unwanted symptoms or toxicity.
10. What Is The Recommended Dose And Usage of CBD?
The right CBD dosage and usage will depend on what delivery system is used and the condition you’re trying to manage, respectively.
For CBD oils, tinctures, pills, and edibles, it is always wise to start with 10mg per dose and work your way up depending on your needs.
Ideally, oils and tinctures are either added to food or drinks or taken directly under the tongue. Edibles and pills, on the other hand, should only be taken one at a time or halved, depending on the dose you’re comfortable with.
Topicals — whether in the form of CBD oils, balms, and lotions — are used to treat skin concerns and soothe physical discomfort in a more targeted way.
However, determining how much to use can get a little confusing since their potency depends on two things: the CBD content per product and the amount of the products being applied at any given time.
With all these things in mind, always strictly follow the directions on the label and, for topicals, make sure to apply the product on a small area first to test for potential allergens and irritants.
For more dosing instructions, visit our dosage calculator in our blog titled "How much CBD should I take?"
Sum It Up!
While CBD's purported benefits and ideal dosages are yet to be conclusively confirmed through solid, long-term research, exploring CBD oil FAQ can provide valuable insights. Anecdotal evidence does show promise of treating a host of health issues, with few reports of intolerance.
Still, as responsible consumers, you still need to confer with your doctor. Use your best judgment in determining the quality and credibility of both the CBD product and its manufacturer to lessen the chances of risks.
At Zatural, we help make finding top-quality, third-party tested, and doctor-formulated CBD products easy for our customers. With our award-winning range of CBD oils, softgels, gummies, and pet products. Rest assured that you’re only getting the best and safest the market has to offer.
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*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.