CBD 101: All The Basics You Need to Know

Chances are you have heard of CBD before, but do you know what it is?

CBD is growing in popularity because of its many health benefits. In fact, approximately one in seven adults use CBD products.

You can find it in various forms ranging from vapes and oils to potato chips and hair pomade. Although there is an abundance of information on the internet regarding CBD, it does not need to be overwhelming.

Keep reading our CBD guide to learn everything you need to know about CBD products, how they work, and how they can help you.

What is CBD?

CBD is an acronym for the word cannabidiol.

CBD is one of the most prominent compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant, also known as hemp or marijuana. It is a non-toxic oil compound produced by resin glands and secreted externally to the surface of the plant.

Experts estimate that there are over 700 strains of cannabis and CBD is one of over 100 different cannabinoid compounds found in many of these strains — some in higher concentrations than others.

Although people find many reasons to try CBD products, many of the current studies relate to its effects on anxiety, cognition, movement disorders, and pain. Though there is insufficient high-quality evidence that CBD is effective for these conditions, it is currently FDA-approved (in the branded form Epidiolex) for the treatment of seizures associated with severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), and Dravet syndrome (DS).

Where Does CBD Come From?

The cannabis sativa plant has two popular species: marijuana and hemp. CBD is often considered a hemp derivative because the hemp plant contains much higher levels of CBD and significantly lower levels of THC than marijuana.

In 2018, the American government passed a bill called the farm bill. This allowed the legal growth and production of hemp and CBD products.

CBD oil is the most common way to consume CBD, and there are steps to deriving the CBD from the hemp plant. One way that CBD oil separates from the raw plant material is through a method called CO2 extraction.

In CO2 extraction, CO2 gas transforms into a liquid that passes through the plant. This process produces extremely concentrated and pure CBD oil.

Another method is through ethanol. Extraction using ethanol has evolved into one of the safest and most efficient methods for extracting from hemp fiber. The FDA has classified this method as “generally regarded as safe.” Ethanol preserves the most vital and precious compounds from the hemp plant.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

Its notorious related compound tetrahydrocannabinol is abbreviated as THC.

While there is an increasingly large number of interesting chemical compounds in cannabis, THC and CBD are the most researched and debated ones.

The hemp plant and the marijuana plant technically belong to the same species of cannabis (cannabaceae), however, they are not legally treated as such. The difference lies in the amount of THC found in the plant, due to its psychoactive properties.

Legally speaking, a cannabis plant may only be categorized as hemp if it contains less than 0.3% THC, making it legal for consumption. In contrast, marijuana is a cannabinoid plant that contains more than 0.3% THC, making it illegal.

CBD Composition

CBD products come in various concentrations:

• CBD Isolate: The purest form where the CBD compound is completely (99%) isolated into a crystalline powder.
• Full Spectrum CBD: The most natural concentration that includes other compounds found in the cannabinoid family such as flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and THC (0.3% or less) along with CBD. Together they may provide what some people call the “entourage effect.”
• Broad Spectrum CBD: Similar to full-spectrum formulas, broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the above compounds minus any traceable amount of THC (less than 0.05%). It’s debatable whether this can provide the same entourage effect, though it may be a better solution to those looking for a more THC-free CBD product.

How Does CBD Work in Our Bodies?

In the 1990s, researchers found a system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system affects many aspects of our bodily functions like mood, memory, sleep, and appetite — just to name a few.

The ECS has three components that work regardless of any cannabinoid use. These components are receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid system consists of at least two different identified types of receptors that are associated with bodily functions.

The two receptors are:

• The CB1 receptor, which is mainly found in the central nervous system and is known to be associated with pain, movement, coordination, and appetite;
• And the CB2 receptor, which is mainly found in the peripheral nervous system that is correlated to inflammation and pain.

Experts aren't exactly sure how CBD interacts with the ECS yet. But we do know that THC and CBD work through different mechanisms of action.

Some believe that CBD actually slows the body’s natural endocannabinoids from being metabolized by the body. Other experts believe that CBD may bind to a receptor not yet discovered.

With further research and evidence in this field of study, we may have a better understanding of how CBD works within the body and any other potential uses it may have.

How Do I Use CBD?

Regardless of which way you choose to take CBD, there are a few things you should look for in your CBD products.

One thing to consider is if the CBD product is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. If you're being subject to drug testing for either work or sports, it would be wise to avoid full spectrum formulas.
Other things to consider is your preferred method of administration and proper serving size.

Topicals

In general, people apply CBD topicals directly to irritated areas of the body.

Higher potency creams and gels might contain up to 8 mg per application, whereas lower potency products typically provide 3 mg per application.

Often, CBD topicals are made with other analgesic or anti-inflammatory ingredients like camphor, cayenne, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), chondroitin, and menthol.

Edibles

CBD edibles are a popular way to use CBD, and there are countless types of edibles to choose from. There are CBD-infused capsules, cookies, coffee, and chocolates, but the most common CBD edible is the CBD gummy.

CBD edibles are metabolized by the body much slower than other forms of ingestion that include inhaling. Though, CBD stays in the body longer when digested.

Sublingual Products

Sublingual CBD products are ingestible but are taken by placing the tincture oil product under the tongue to dissolve.

When you take CBD sublingually with a tincture oil, the CBD enters the bloodstream through your cheek and tongue’s tiny blood vessels. Sublingual administration allows for a number of compounds to more quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream as compared to digestive methods.

When using any sublingual supplement or medication, you should avoid eating, smoking, and drinking anything immediately before or after administration. You should also hold the solution under the tongue for a few minutes, before swallowing (in the case of CBD administration).

Serving Sizes

Serving sizes should play a role when considering how many milligrams to ingest. The unit of measurement in CBD products is most commonly expressed in milligrams (mg). CBD products may contain anywhere between 100 to 5,000 milligrams.

There are not any official recommended serving sizes for CBD, but the amount you take is likely dependent on one’s metabolism, body weight and composition, and other biological factors.
The general rule of thumb is to start on the low end and work your way up. Another is to stick with a given serving size for at least a week before adjusting.

Follow package instructions and incrementally increase to achieve the desired outcome. If you reach a point where you experience adverse effects, immediately discontinue use and talk with a doctor.

Interactions With Other Substances

When you first start using CBD, knowing how it could interact with other medications you take is imperative. You should always talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or primary care physician before using CBD while on other medications.

CBD has been found to interact with medications because it inhibits enzymes that help your body break down and metabolize certain supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Quality Through Certification

With CBD and most things in life, you should always consider the quality and purity of your product before consuming it.

A Certificate of Analysis by a third party can help you determine which products are as pure as they claim to be. At Clean Remedies, each product must meet our quality assurance standards for efficacy and pass a third-party lab test to give you and your family the assurance of a superior product.

Some CBD products in this industry are also made on farms found with large numbers of non-organic pesticides, which can find their way into the product.

Hemp is great at cleaning the soil it grows in, which means it commonly absorbs existing toxins. We don't want any chemicals to end up in your remedies, so we grow our hemp in Oregon on our USDA Certified Organic farms and our products proudly carry the official USDA Certified Organic seal.

What Kind of CBD is Right for Me?

The type of CBD that is right for you is up to you! People choose different methods of using CBD depending on how they want it to work for them.

You also do not have to use one method. You can try out certain combinations to see how your body best reacts with different CBD products, just keep track of the milligrams you are consuming.

Where Can I Find CBD?

Now that you know more about CBD, are you interested in learning where to find it?

We at Clean Remedies offer a clean, safe, and effective way to enjoy all of the health benefits found through using CBD.

Check out our line of CBD products, or contact us with any questions you may have.

*These statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*CBD should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A doctor's advice should be sought before using CBD and any supplemental dietary product.