A Beginner’s Guide to CBD

It’s natural to have a flurry of questions anytime you start something new. CBD is no exception. You can easily get overwhelmed sifting through Google searches for questions like “What is CBD” or “How to take CBD.” We understand that everyone is coming at this topic from a different place or perspective, so we thought it would be helpful to create a CBD guide for beginners.

This article will help you navigate some of the basic questions and issues most people encounter when trying to figure out what CBD to buy and what type of experience to expect. So, let’s start with the basics.

CBD is short for “cannabidiol.”[1] It’s a non-psychoactive compound produced by the hemp plant. The cannabis hemp plant has over 100 different types of these compounds, called cannabinoids, with cannabidiol being one of the most prevalent. Each cannabinoid possesses its own unique skill set and effects for the consumer. CBD is well known for its calming abilities and overall wellness benefits. It’s because of these positive effects that many people are turning to CBD for the first time.

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system,[2] an extremely important molecular system that interacts with the central and peripheral nervous systems, helping your body regulate and perform various critical functions. These essential functions include sleep, appetite, motor control, memory, mood, and many more. When you take CBD, it binds to receptors in this system and bolsters its effectiveness in many of these key functions for the mind and body.**

When talking about the differences between CBD and THC,[3] it’s perhaps best to start with a quick discussion of marijuana vs. hemp. The hemp plant [4] is a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, is a cannabis plant that can have upwards of 30% THC.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid, like CBD. But unlike CBD, THC is a psychoactive compound that can produce intoxicating effects when consumed. CBD does no such thing. Instead, CBD promotes calming wellness by way of its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD does not get you “high.”

Now that you have an understanding of what CBD is (and is not), the next question is how to start shopping for CBD.

First, think about what you need your CBD product to do. Do you need a CBD calming product, CBD for focus, a CBD sleep aid, general CBD wellness benefits, or a CBD topical? CBD can serve a wide variety of needs.

Once you’ve decided what effects you’re looking for from your CBD product, the next step is to see what products are available that serve that need. CBD comes in a variety of product forms:

When CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, there are different processes used that result in three different types of CBD oil. These are called full spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil, and CBD isolate oil.

Take a look at what’s involved in drug screenings and if there are any potential false-positives to be had by people using CBD products.

Many products come in a single strength, like our original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies, while others come in a variety strengths, like our CBD Oil Sleep Tincture, which ranges in strength from 500mg to 6000mg. Also, different methods of delivery affect how quickly the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream. This is called bioavailability. [5]

CBD oil tinctures have the highest rate of bioavailability, since they absorb into the capillaries under the tongue, while you hold the tincture oil there for 60 seconds before swallowing. Edible products, like gummies, drinks, and capsules, take a little longer to absorb into the bloodstream, since they have to travel through the digestive system (and lose some of their potency in the process). However, once they kick in, CBD edibles have a longer-lasting effect.

People tend to start with edible options, since they offer lower concentrations and ease of use, with CBD gummies being one of the top choices for CBD newbies and experienced users alike. CBD gummies, capsules, and tablets may require a higher amount to achieve the same effect as a CBD oil tincture.

CBD topicals are products that are applied on the skin, never entering the bloodstream. Instead, the CBD content travels through multiple layers of skin before reaching the area in need. Some of the most popular topical products are creams, balms, bath bombs, and more. Topicals are ideal when you have a specific area bothering you and you want targeted relief.

Our advice for beginners asking how much CBD to take is to start with a low dosage and figure out where your tolerance level is. Everyone has a different physiology, with differing height, weight, metabolism, and other factors. Start low and, if that doesn’t work, try a slightly larger serving size the next day. Work your way up until you find your sweet spot. But don’t take more while you still have the same serving in your system. You won’t be able to tell what your effective dosage is, and you might accidentally build up tolerance to the CBD.

CBD helps to improve your overall wellness, due to its interaction with your endocannabinoid system.** It also has a gentle calming effect, which can help with focus in an energy product or can be paired with rest supplements, like melatonin, to relax you.**

So, you’re pumped about this whole CBD thing now. You know what it is, you’re prepared to see a wide range of products, but you still need to know how to shop for quality. There are a lot of shady CBD companies out there selling ineffective and potentially unhealthy products. So, how do you tell the good from the bad?

Keep these tips handy when you’re shopping: