CBD is a cannabinoid that is extracted from strains of the cannabis sativa plant called hemp. Hemp plants naturally contain more than 100 cannabinoids. CBD is extracted from hemp in its acid form, CBDA. While CBDA may be easier for the body to absorb, unfortunately is not the most stable form and tends to decay, so, we convert it to CBD, an oil form, which is more stable, and gives our products, like Pure Hemp Botanicals Pure Balance Tinctures a longer shelf life.

Marijuna can come from cannabis sativa like hemp, or from cannabis indica. As we just mentioned, the cannabis sativa plant produces more than 100 cannabinoids, most of which occur in trace quantities, but two of the most prevalent cannabinoids are various CBDs (like CBD and CBDA) and various THCs. The Federal Government has defined “hemp” as anything produced from cannabis plants that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight. ”Marijuana” has more THC by weight. So, if you go to a marijuana dispensary, you can find products that are 1:1 CBD:THC, or 3:9 CBD:THC, or even 3:1 CBD:THC. They are allowed to sell products with a varying ratio of CBD:THC, but hemp producers like Pure Hemp Botanicals cannot. Our products made from hemp typically have ratios of 30:1 CBD:THC to as little as 15:1 naturally. Different states may have different definitions, or ratio limits.

We were not surprised that this question is frequently asked online. We answered that in a recent blog. Please read our answer here if you missed that one.

Yes, it is a federally-legal cannabinoid when extracted from plants. Some states have their own restrictions. Check with your state. Remember, it’s the THC content of hemp extracts that can make it illegal if the D-9 THC amounts to more than 0.3% of a hemp product’s weight.

Ah ha! Here’s an excellent question. CBD is extracted from hemp which has been farmed for its amazing properties (see our blog “Hemp, Hemp, Marvelous Hemp” here,) for literally thousands of years. Hemp extract is not a novel, lab-created chemical, unlike many pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, since it has been used as a health product for 1000s of years, it was not subject to rigorous testing by the FDA or other similar bodies before people started taking it. Ironically, one thing that continues to prevent us from learning the definitive answer to this question is the federal government’s prior position that anything containing THC was a Schedule 1 drug which prevented state-run institutions that receive federal funding from conducting the tests that would be needed to show this. However, hemp companies have been gathering anecdotal evidence, at their own expense, and systematically surveying their clients, to try to gather enough information to indicate to the FDA that CBD is safe. Our industry clamors for, and funds, long term studies that hope to prove CBD is safe, and for whom, when. Another question that demands study is, if it interferes with other drugs, which are they, and what are its effects? Always tell your physician you’re taking CBD and ask if it might interfere with your prescriptions.

This is up to you. Tinctures typically rely in part on the tissues of your mouth absorbing active ingredients prior it passing through the main digestive system. But many people don’t like the taste of tincture lying in their mouths for 30 seconds, and they prefer to chew a gummy instead. You can try leaving that gummy in your mouth for longer, as a kind of slurry, and the tissues in your mouth may absorb more of its active ingredients. Softgels pass through the upper digestive system leaving actives to be absorbed in the intestines. Smoked cannabinoids go into the lungs and straight into the bloodstream with your oxygen, but smoking has been proven in other contexts to be dangerous to the lungs. Using a product on the skin can result in excellent absorption right to the problem area.

This depends greatly on your size, metabolism, and severity of the issue you are trying it for. A young, large man may need more than an older woman. We recommend starting with a dose of 25 mg for a normal, healthy adult, and testing it for at least one week. If results are not ideal, then try 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night for another week. Once you hit on your ideal dosage you can try dialing it back a bit for a maintenance dose because CBD stays in your system for days. Curiously, too much is as counterproductive as too little. In this regard CBD is different than many substances. It has a bell-shaped effectiveness curve. More is definitely not better if you overdo it. See our “Microdosing” blog about this effect.

Many people report loving CBD’s soothing effects on mind and body. CBD itself is not psychotropic, so you won’t feel drunk. Most people do not feel a “high” from most hemp products, even those with some THC. Most people report a very subtle effect. Supplements that have calming effects support sleep.

Pure Hemp Botanicals Pure Pet Harmony is our recommendation for your pets. It comes in small pet and large pet potencies. Here are some thoughts about CBD for pets.

CBD products usually contain larger or smaller amounts of THC which could make you fail a drug test. If you would still like to try it out, but you might be subject to drug testing, we would recommend an isolate-based CBD product like Pure Hemp Botanicals Pure Sleep Gummies.