FAQ’s: CBD-Rich Hemp Extracts

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one plant-based cannabinoid out of dozens that occur naturally from flowering cannabis. Cannabinoids are any compounds that bind to our bodies’ cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). These receptors send signaling to our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates basic health factors like sleep, appetite, and our immune system. CBD also binds to other receptors and affects numerous other biological mechanisms.

Is hemp-derived CBD legal?

Yes. The 2014 Agricultural Act defines industrial hemp as cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9-THC by dry weight. The law allows states to establish and oversee hemp growing programs. Congress has further endorsed commerce in hemp products by prohibiting the use of federal funds to interfere with interstate transport of hemp. Hemp extract products have been federally legal for retail sales since January 2016.

Is CBD safe?

Yes. No one has ever died from ingesting too much CBD or any other cannabinoid. These compounds have an excellent safety profile. Also, CBD and other naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp do not cause psychoactive effects. These molecules are all non-toxic and have been deemed safe for human consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that CBD has:

• • No risk of abuse
• • No risk associated with long-term use
• • No risk of acute overdose
• • No LD50 (no lethal dose)

Does CBD have negative interactions with pharmaceuticals?

There are no contraindications. However, taking CBD can change how the body metabolizes other pharmaceutical medications. CBD can inhibit Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. CYP enzymes are known to metabolize more than half of pharmaceutical medications. If CBD is taken in conjunction with these drugs, the metabolizing of the drug can be delayed and cause its levels in the blood to increase. To avoid these risks, we recommend using products high in CBD three hours before or after taking any medications.

What are the benefits of taking CBD and other cannabinoids?

There may be many. CBD is known to bind to various receptors in the body (CB1, CB2, Vanilloid, serotonin) and affects numerous other mechanisms. Cannabinoids have been shown to stimulate the endocannabinoid system, which regulates homeostasis in the body. Our bodies make cannabinoids naturally to send signaling to this system. Plant-sourced cannabinoids also stimulate this system and can help supplement endocannabinoid deficiencies. CBD benefits include:

• • Support healthy immune function*
• • Reduce exercise-induced inflammation*
• • Regulate stress and anxiety*
• • Induce a calm, focused mind*
• • Improve energy and mood*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease

 

Will I test positive on a drug test?

There is a possibility. Industrial hemp and hemp-sourced products may contain trace amounts of THC. Federal law allows for up to 0.3% delta-9-THC by dry weight. While these THC levels are too low to create the euphoric high associated with marijuana, THC can be stored in the body and trigger a positive drug test.

How much should I take?

There are several variables that impact the effects of CBD-rich hemp extracts. Those include overall health, body weight, and natural drug sensitivity. Cannabinoids can also be used as supplements to a healthy, active lifestyle.

• Start with the serving size recommendation. Manufacturers’ products will list suggested serving sizes based on CBD or total hemp extract content. Cannabinoid content will vary from one serving size to the next. Most servings provide between 5mg and 40mg of CBD.

 

• Increase serving size to find optimal personal results. Each person’s “sweet spot” will vary considerably. Optimal serving sizes range from 5mg to hundreds of mg of CBD daily. It is best to keep track of how much was taken each day and the subjective experience. More is not necessarily better, so having discipline and keeping a log is encouraged. Multiple manufacturers and some non-profits recommend increasing the serving size twice a week, although this frequency is not an industry standard.

 

• Commit to at least 30 days. It can take weeks of increasing the serving size to find the optimal amount. The body will be absorbing cannabinoids during this time. The number of receptors in the endocannabinoid system can also begin increasing once plant-based cannabinoids are introduced. Instead of expecting profound effects immediately, be prepared to use the CBD-rich products for at least a month.

 

• Expect optimal serving sizes to vary greatly from person to person. Several non-profits offer guidance on how much CBD should be taken for a variety of reasons. A few are listed on the back of this guide to assist you. Reported starting amounts range from 5mg to 50mg a day. There is currently not enough data to predict precisely how much a person should take.

 

• Keep a CBD Journal. To track how CBD-rich hemp extracts are affecting health, consumers should keep a log of their daily serving size and their experience. Areas to pay attention to would be joint pain, stress, ability to focus, mood, and restfulness. Keeping record will help people determine which products and how much of each work best. Consistently taking the products and logging the results is key

Download and print this cannabinoid intake and effectiveness journal to track how CBD-rich hemp extracts are affecting you. Keeping record and consistently taking the products are key to finding your optimal serving size.

Dosing Tracking Journal

How often should I take CBD?

Different delivery methods can have considerable variations in effects as well as the length of time cannabinoids stay in the body tissues. Low amounts of inhaled CBD will leave the body faster than larger doses that are swallowed. Specifically, CBD has an 18 to 36-hour half-life, meaning the levels in the blood will drop by 50% in this time frame. Depending on the circumstances, people can take CBDrich products three times a day to keep blood levels elevated. Hemp extracts can be taken on a daily basis, situationally, or as desired.