What’s the deal with CBD?
Posted: August 18th, 2021
CBD has been gaining a lot of popularity and visibility of late. At first we noticed it sprouting up on the shelves of local natural food stores but now it seems to be omnipresent; from Walgreens to Target we can’t even turn on a podcast without hearing an advertisement for this “natural wonder.”
But what exactly is CBD? And what’s the difference between the cannabidiol creams, tinctures and gummies at the grocery store and the high-CBD cannabis infused products like our Milk Chocolate with Chai? Why can you order hemp oil on Amazon but need to visit EAZE or your local dispensary to shop to procure a Calm & Focus pre-roll?
If you’re confused, don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is non-psychoactive and one of the 113 known cannabinoids found in plants within the cannabis family. While technically CBD is the same chemical compound regardless of its source, which plant it comes from does matter. Plants within the cannabis family contain varying levels of THC that can range from .3% to over 25%, while anything under .3% THC is considered hemp. These percentages matter when it comes to where and how you get your CBD, but more on that in a bit.
What does CBD do?
While scientists are still trying to study and document CBD’s full range of benefits, many people take it for the calming effect it may provide. Many people take it to lower anxiety, help fall asleep, ease chronic pain, and provide neuroprotective properties. Athletes take CBD because they believe it can reduce inflammation and it can be utilized in a number of different methods from topicals, to tinctures, edibles and inhalation. CBD can be isolated and taken on its own, but most people won’t get the full benefits that way. We believe nature pairs cannabinoids together for a reason and that’s why we focus on whole flower products.
How can CBD do all that?
Our central nervous system is a well known part of our physiology, however, it wasn’t until the 1990s that scientists began to understand our endocannabinoid system; a fascinating series of receptors found throughout our body that are responsible for regulating our mood, sleep, appetite, memory and even our reproductive system. How do cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with this system? It’s a new field of study and scientists are still working to figure out the exact role each cannabinoid plays within our endocannabinoid system, and how they interact together. Just like some vitamins or minerals are better when they’re taken in specific combinations, most studies suggest that CBD is more effective when it’s combined with other cannabinoids to provide a “full spectrum” effect.
So, are hemp and cannabis the same plant?
Technically yes…and no. Just like roses, there are hundreds of different types of hemp and cannabis plants that have been bred over the years for different terpene and cannabinoid profiles. While hemp and cannabis are within the same family of plants, the Federal Government views and regulates them very differently. Hemp plants contain very little psychoactive THC and won’t get you “high.” However, they can contain high levels of CBD. In 2018 the Farm Bill defined hemp as plants with less than .3% THC and legalized its growth and production on a national level, paving the way for hemp based CBD products to hit the shelves in major stores across the country. Technically cannabis plants that contain more than .3% THC are illegal on a Federal level, however, 18 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized its use and sale. Since cannabis’ legality is regulated on a state by state basis, CBD products derived from cannabis plants can only be found at cannabis dispensaries, regardless of the amount of THC they contain. This is why you need to visit your local dispensary or summon up an EAZE delivery to find our products and why your friends in Los Angeles and San Diego can order our Sativa infused Spiced Dark Chocolates but, sadly, your friends outside of California miss out on the Garden Party.
Can I take CBD and THC together?
Absolutely! When it comes to CBD and THC, sometimes the sum is better than the parts. CBD has been shown to reduce the “high” associated with THC and we find that the combination, or ratio, of CBD to THC greatly enhances our experience with cannabis. Our cannabis products are crafted with a purpose and both our strains and CBD levels allow you to customize your cannabis experience. For example, our Milk Chocolates with Chai contain just 1 mg of THC and 10mg of relaxing CBD, which makes them a perfect treat when you want a little boost to fall asleep or de-stress, but still want to retain mental clarity. Looking for a quicker way to relax? We also offer the same high-CBD cannabis strain in our Calm and Focus pre-rolls when you’re looking to relax and remain productive. In fact, inhaling CBD is one of the fastest and most effective ways to incorporate CBD into your body.
