Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant with enormous therapeutic potential. Researchers are currently studying the effects of CBD on a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia and more.

Extensive preclinical research and some clinical studies have shown that CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective qualities.

Fasinu PS, Phillips S, ElSohly MA, Walker LA. Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy 2016;36(7):781-96. 

Campos AC, Fogaça MV, Scarante FF, Joca SRL, Sales AJ, Gomes FV, Sonego AB, Rodrigues NS, Galve-Roperh I, Guimarães FS. Plastic and Neuroprotective Mechanisms Involved in the Therapeutic Effects of Cannabidiol in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2017 May 23;8:269. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) has many health benefits, without producing the psychoactive, “euphoric” effects of THC. “Relaxing but not intoxicating” is how some of my patients have described the effect. That said, I did have one patient that felt that a low dose of CBD did make her feel high.

This is why we recommend starting with very low dosages. Check out our Dosing FAQ. (ADD :LINK)

This is a risk regardless of the fact HEMP contains less than 0.3% THC.

The big risk is low-quality testing packages. There have been reports of THC tests – showing positive for THC when testing chocolate.  (ADD LINK HERE)

So the type of test used does matter and the higher quality of test – better accuracy of results.

We are seeking individuals that are THC free to submit their blood after recording their dosing on a daily basis and submit to multiple tests.

Most drug tests screen for the psychoactive compound THC, not cannabidiol (CBD). However, full-spectrum hemp extracts may contain trace amounts of THC, so could cause a positive result when screening urine and blood specimens, especially when taken at high doses. 

We recommend a prudent and cautious approach to take CBD rich hemp extracts in the context of urine drug screens.

– CBD exhibits no effects on humans indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.

– To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.

– Chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.

Source: World Health Organization, WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, Thirty-ninth Meeting Geneva, 6-10 November 2017.
Safety and side effects of cannabidiol (NCBI/NIH). Curr Drug Saf. 2011 Sep 1;6(4):237-49.  Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent.  Bergamaschi MM(1), Queiroz RH, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA

Products infused with a crystalline CBD isolate, derived and extensively refined from industrial hemp, are available. But single-molecule CBD is thought to be less effective therapeutically than whole plant CBD-rich oil extract. The rich recipe of compounds in medicinal plants exerts healing effects through complementary action.

This supports the idea of the “entourage effect”, where mixtures of cannabinoids, their co-occurring terpenes, and perhaps other molecules such as flavonoids and stilbenoids, have a greater positive effect than just CBD or THC alone.

Sources: Spelman K. “Silver Bullet” Drugs vs. Traditional Herbal Remedies: Perspectives on Malaria. HG J Am Bot Coun 84:44-55.  
Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011 Aug;163(7):1344-64.  
Shimon Ben-Shabat S, Fride E, Sheskin T,Tamiri T, Rhee MH, Vogel Z. Bisogno T,De Petrocellis LD, Di Marzo V, Mechoulam R. An entourage effect: inactive endogenous fatty acid glycerol esters enhance 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol cannabinoid activity. Euro J Pharmacol. 1998;353:23–31.

Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that can affect the human body. They work by imitating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, that affect the nerve, brain, and immune cell activity. 

Currently, there are two known primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, and in some peripheral tissues. They affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, and stress response. CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells, and at a lower density in the central nervous system. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain. Although these two cannabinoid receptors have been studied relatively extensively, there are more cannabinoid receptors being examined.

Source: Szaflarski JP, Bebin EM, Cannabis, cannabidiol, and epilepsy–from receptors to clinical response. Epilepsy Behav. 2014;41:277-82

CBD is commonly supplied as oil with cannabidiol as the only active ingredient. CBD oil that is considered legal in all 50 states is produced from hemp plants. However, CBD oil can be produced from THC and non-THC containing cannabis.

Hemp oil is produced by pressing hemp seeds and collecting the oil contained within the seed. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not equivalent products; hemp seed oil does not contain any appreciable amount of cannabidiol. In addition, a high-quality CBD oil, from a reputable manufacturer, will be more expensive than hemp seed oil.⁴