What Is CBD?

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is one of many plant cannabinoids (also called phytocannabinoids) that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a regulatory network that helps maintain internal balance.

Most CBD products sold in the U.S. are made from hemp, a legally defined type of cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight under federal law.

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Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the “high” associated with marijuana.

 

Quick clarity:

• CBD = a cannabinoid (active compound)

• Hemp seed oil = nutritious seed oil (usually little to no cannabinoids)

• Hemp extract / CBD extract = cannabinoid-rich extract from hemp flowers/leaves

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Why Is CBD So Popular?

CBD is commonly used for wellness support by people looking for a plant-based, non-intoxicating option that fits easily into daily routines.

Interest in CBD is largely tied to its relationship with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in:

• Mood and stress response

• Sleep regulation

• Appetite signaling

• Immune activity

• Discomfort perception

CBD products are marketed for general wellness, not disease treatment. Any brand promising cures or medical outcomes should be avoided.

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A Brief History of CBD

• 1940 – CBD was first isolated in modern cannabinoid research

• Early 1990s – Scientists discovered the endocannabinoid system and naturally produced endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG

• 2018 – U.S. federal law formally defined hemp and legalized hemp-derived products under specific conditions

Modern CBD use is built on decades of cannabinoid science combined with recent regulatory clarity.

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CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference?

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, but they affect the body very differently.

THC

• Intoxicating (produces a “high”)

• Strongly activates CB1 receptors in the brain

• Alters perception, mood, and cognition

CBD

• Non-intoxicating

• Interacts with the ECS more indirectly

• Often chosen for clear-headed wellness support

Bottom line: CBD does not get you high.

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How Does CBD Work?

Your body naturally produces endocannabinoids that help regulate balance (also called homeostasis).

CBD does not directly activate cannabinoid receptors the way THC does. Instead, it may:

• Support ECS signaling

• Influence receptor activity

• Affect pathways involved in stress response and recovery

Think of the ECS as a fine-tuning system. When life pushes the body out of balance, the ECS helps guide it back toward equilibrium — and CBD may support that process.

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Types of CBD: Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate

CBD products generally fall into three categories:

Full Spectrum CBD

• Contains CBD plus other cannabinoids and plant compounds

• May contain trace THC (within legal limits)

Broad Spectrum CBD (THC-Free)

• Contains multiple cannabinoids with THC removed

• Often chosen by people avoiding THC entirely

CBD Isolate

• Pure CBD only

• No additional cannabinoids or terpenes

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👉Explore Broad Spectrum/THC-Free CBD Products

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👉Explore Full Spectrum CBD Products​

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How Is CBD Made?

CBD starts as hemp biomass, usually flowers and aerial plant parts. Cannabinoids are extracted and refined depending on the final product.

Common extraction methods

CO₂ extraction
Uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids. Popular for premium products because it avoids harsh solvents.

Ethanol extraction
A food-grade solvent method when performed correctly, requiring careful purification and testing.

Other methods
Less common for cannabinoid-rich extracts.

Why refinement matters

• Broad spectrum products require THC removal

• Isolate products undergo additional purification to crystallize CBD

Regardless of method, third-party lab testing is what confirms what’s actually in the product.

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Forms of CBD: Which One Should You Choose?

CBD comes in several delivery formats:

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CBD Oil / Tinctures

• Very popular for flexible dosing

• Often used sublingually (under the tongue)

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Gummies / Edibles / Capsules

• Convenient and pre-measured

• A good fit for consistent daily routines

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Topicals (balms, lotions, creams)

• Applied to targeted areas

• Commonly chosen for localized support after activity

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Vapes (inhalation)

• Fast onset, shorter duration

• Only consider products with strong safety standards and transparent testing

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Onset & Duration: How Long Does CBD Last?

Timing depends on delivery method, dose, and individual metabolism.

• Tinctures: faster onset, several hours duration

• Edibles/capsules: slower onset, longer-lasting

• Topicals: localized effects, variable timing

 

Consistency matters more than one-time use for most people.

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CBD Dosing Basics

CBD dosing is personal. A common approach:

1. Start low (about 5–15 mg)

2. Stay consistent for several days

3. Increase gradually until you find your optimal amount

 

How to take a tincture

1. Measure your serving

2. Hold under the tongue for 30–60 seconds

3. Swallow

 

Keeping a simple notes log (dose, timing, effects) can help fine-tune your routine.​​

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Safety, Side Effects & Medication Interactions

CBD is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects may include:

• Drowsiness

• Digestive discomfort

• Appetite changes

• Dry mouth

CBD can interact with certain medications, especially those with a grapefruit warning. If you take prescription medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

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Is CBD Legal?

In the U.S., hemp is federally defined as cannabis containing ≤0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.

However:

• State laws may vary

• Product categories (foods, supplements, cosmetics) have different regulations

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How to Choose a High-Quality CBD Product

Use this checklist when evaluating CBD products:

1. Verified potency – Clear mg per bottle and per serving

2. Spectrum transparency – Full, broad, or isolate clearly labeled

3. Third-party lab testing (COAs) verifying:

   • Cannabinoid levels

   • THC results

   • Contaminants

4. Clean ingredient list

5. Transparent hemp sourcing & manufacturing

6. Brand credibility backed by testing, not hype

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👉Broad Spectrum/THC-Free CBD Products

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👉Full Spectrum CBD Products​

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👉Learn: Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum What's the Difference?

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👉Learn: The Entourage Effect​​

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will CBD make me feel high?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating. Full spectrum products contain up to .3% THC, but generally speaking, at normal doses, it is not enough to produce a "high". Broad spectrum and isolate products aim to avoid THC entirely.

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Is CBD the same as marijuana?
No. Hemp-derived CBD products are made from hemp, not marijuana, and are defined by THC limits.

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Can CBD show up on a drug test?
It can, depending on product type, THC content, testing sensitivity, and individual factors. No CBD product can guarantee a test outcome.

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How much CBD should I take?
Many people start around 5–15 mg and adjust gradually.

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How do I know if a CBD product is legitimate?
Look for recent third-party lab results, clear dosing, clean ingredients, and transparent sourcing.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.