CBD Basics - CBD 101

I see products called "tinctures," what are they?

Understanding the basics of CBD can be challenging amidst the hundreds of different companies, products and methods for taking CBD. For those who want to begin their CBD journey, we have laid out some of the basics here.

What is CBD and How Does it Work?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found naturally in plants like hemp.  CBD works with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).  The CBD triggers receptors in your ECS, called CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors send signals to the organs and systems to bring them back into equilibrium. Your ECS helps with stress levels (anxiety), inflammation, energy, appetite, sleep and other elements critical to your well-being. Learn more in our Education Center.

Will CBD Get Me High?

No. There are two main players in the cannabis plant:  CBD and THC.  CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant, so you wont have any effects like euphoria. You won’t feel sedated or altered in any away. Our CBD products at The Green Dragon CBD have lab results verifying < 0.3% THC.

Is CBD Legal? Can I Travel With CBD?

The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp (and therefore CBD derived from hemp) federally legal.  Some states have laws still have restrictions. The Farm Bill also made it legal to travel between states with legitimate CBD products so you can fly with it, as long as you aren’t carrying a liquid over TSA allowances. Read more on traveling with CBD and THC here.

CBD Basics - The Health Benefits of CBD

Current FDA approval for CBD medication is limited to certain types of epilepsy.  The growing anecdotal evidence is compelling for a wide variety of other uses, including anxiety, depression, energy, pain management, sleep challenges, cancer symptoms and more. You can access articles about specific health challenges and how CBD can help on our education center, or in our Educational Blog Posts.

What Is a CBD Oil Versus a Terpene?

This can be quite confusing at first but let's try to establish some basics. CBD Oil in it's basic form is derived from "CBD Isolate" or pure CBD. There are "Full-Spectrum" or "Broad-Spectrum" Oils which basically take all of the plants compounds and combine it with a base oil. Those compounds include the CBD but also all of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and oils found in the plant.  The typical difference between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum is that in the broad-spectrum products, any remaining THC (that less than 0.3% amount) has been fully removed to 0.0%.

So what is a Terpene then? A terpene is a specific chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that provides specific aromas and effects on the body.  In nature, the plant uses them to fend off insect, predators, disease or environmental threats.  The presence of all the terpenes and cannabinoids that are designed to work together are what make full and broad spectrum products generally more effective due to the "entourage effect".  Terpenes are the essential oils of the plant commonly used in treatments like aromatherapy.  

"Terpenes" as a product name refers to a CBD Oil or other CBD product that includes a specific blend of Terpenes to create a desired flavor and effect. There are dozens of terpenes but a few very specific combinations that are marketing under different flavor names. You can learn more in our educational article specifically about Terpenes.

I See Products Called "Tinctures", What Are They?

CBD tinctures are similar to CBD Oils but use alcohol as the base to combine with the CBD instead of a base oil. Both products are ideally meant to be taken as drops of liquid under the tongue, or sublingually. This method allows for maximum CBD absorption and use in the body.

There are many other topics to cover in the continuing education around CBD, including selecting the proper method to take CBD and finding the right dosage. We will explore these in future articles sponsored by The Green Dragon CBD.