CBD 101 | Basics, Benefits & Buying Tips

Cannabis has a secret: it’s packed with powerful compounds that change how our bodies work and feel. Okay, so maybe that’s not a huge secret – but while many conversations about the effects of cannabis focus on THC, its main psychoactive ingredient, there are dozens of other cannabinoids that can benefit you. Chief among them is cannabidiol, or CBD. But what is CBD, exactly, and why do people love it so much? Is it worth the hype? And which CBD products are right for you? Let’s take a closer look. 

What is CBD and How Does it Work?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. A cannabinoid is a compound that binds with receptors in our bodies to produce effects. 

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Both marijuana and hemp plants are rich in cannabinoids, but while marijuana leans more heavily toward THC, hemp is known for higher amounts of CBD.

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This distinguishing factor is why hemp was federally legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S. CBD is known for its many health benefits, including some that may make it a viable treatment for conditions like epilepsy.

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It gets the job done by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically its CB1 and CB2 receptors. Think of this system as a set of locks. When the locks are activated, certain rewards become available. 

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CBD is the key in this scenario, binding to specific receptors that control bodily functions like sleep, appetite, and inflammation. 

Will CBD Get Me High? CBD vs. THC

No, CBD won’t get you high. There are two main players in the cannabis plant: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive portion of the plant. That means it won’t cause a “high,” and you shouldn’t feel much different after taking it (aside from noticing an improvement in symptoms like pain and anxiety). 

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Our CBD products at The Green Dragon CBD have lab results verifying < 0.3% THC. However, it’s also possible to find hemp-derived products that do contain one or more forms of THC. 

Is CBD Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp (and therefore CBD derived from hemp) federally legal.  Some states have laws that restrict the sale and use of CBD and other cannabis products. However, it’s legal to get CBD – whether through a medical marijuana program or recreationally – in all 50 U.S. states. 

Can I travel with CBD?

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.

How old do you have to be to buy CBD?

In most U.S. states, you need to be 18 or older to purchase CBD. In some, you must be 21 or older. Laws surrounding CBD and cannabinoids can change, so be sure to check in with your state’s policies before making a purchase. 

Potential 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 management
• Depression management
• Pain management
• Sleep challenges
• Cancer symptoms

Common Side Effects of CBD

CBD rarely causes side effects, but it is possible. Some of the most common adverse effects associated with CBD use include headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. 

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Gastrointestinal symptoms may be more likely when you use an edible CBD product, like CBD gummies. It’s best to check with a doctor before you start using CBD to understand how it might affect your body. 

CBD Buyer’s Guide: Understanding Your Product Options

With a solid understanding of CBD under your belt, you’re ready to hit the market! Here’s a breakdown of the most popular CBD products that you might see as you shop. 

Smokeables and Vapeables

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When we talk about CBD smokables, we’re talking about any product that you inhale to use. This can include options such as:

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• CBD flower
• Pre-rolls (joints, blunts, etc.)
• CBD kief
• CBD moonrocks
• Concentrates
• Vape cartridges

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These products are usually readily available at just about any store, site, or dispensary you come across. Some are formulated solely with CBD, but others might include small amounts of THC, delta-8 THC, and other cannabinoids.

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When you smoke or vape CBD, the cannabinoids rapidly enter your lungs and bloodstream, delivering fast results. 

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However, depending on your dose, their effects tend to fade within just a few hours. And it can be tricky to get a measured, specific dose since it depends on how much or hard you inhale at a time.

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Edibles

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Products that you use by orally ingesting them fall under the umbrella of edible CBD. This can include things like:

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• Gummies
• CBD oil
• Broad- and full-spectrum tinctures
• Baked goods
• Capsules

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Edible CBD is a popular choice for people living with chronic pain. It takes some time to kick in, as it must be broken down by your stomach during digestion to activate, but its effects can last for up to eight to twelve hours. 

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These options are also far easier to dose – many come individually wrapped or with dosage guides that make it simple to measure how much you consume.

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Tinctures and Oils

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If you like the benefits of edibles but want something that’s easier to precisely dose or use throughout the day, a CBD tincture or oil might be for you. These products are usually potent, making them great for pain management. 

There are three types of CBD oil or tincture:

• Full Spectrum: As its name implies, full-spectrum CBD contains everything found in the cannabis plant. That includes terpenes and a range of cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC. This is great for anyone looking to reap the full benefits of cannabis or anyone open to some THC consumption.
• Broad Spectrum: These CBD oils and tinctures contain some, but not all, of the extracts naturally found in cannabis. They may have small amounts of THC, but they’re less likely to cause psychoactive effects than full-spectrum products.
• CBD Isolate: CBD isolate oils and tinctures contain nothing but CBD and a carrier oil or base. 

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As easy as they are to use, they don’t offer the same level of customization or variety as other product types. 

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Topicals

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Products that are applied on top of your body are, unsurprisingly, known as “topicals.” Popular options include:

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• CBD creams
• CBD patches
• CBD lotions

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A major benefit of this product class is the ability to target very specific areas of your body. If you have joint pain and swelling, for instance, you can tackle it right at the source without wasting cannabinoids on areas that don’t need them. 

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CBD can indeed absorb into and bind with receptors in your skin, delivering localized relief from pain, itching, redness, and more. 

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What’s the Best Amount of CBD for Beginners? Dosage Guide

A starting dose of 2.5 mg per day is usually best for beginners. It’s best to start small and work your way up to larger doses to avoid things like headaches or nausea. 

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If you tolerate 2.5 mg well, try increasing by 0.5 mg at a time until you reach an ideal dose. You should experience relief from your symptoms without creeping into side effect territory. 

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Many people find that a dose of 5-10 mg daily is more than enough to get the job done, but what’s best for you will likely depend on your body size, symptoms, and personal biology. 

How Can I Tell if My CBD is High-Quality?

If your CBD smells right, looks right, and is soft to the touch, it’s probably high-quality. But learning how to buy CBD that ticks all the right boxes can take time and practice. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help make things easier.

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Use Your Senses

High-quality CBD flower or products should have a scent to them. Depending on the product, this smell might be gassy, piney, earthy, or even a little skunky. Options like CBD topicals or vape cartridges might also be influenced by other ingredients added to their formulas. 

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Take a good look at your product, too. If it’s flower, it should be colorful (usually green, purple, or golden) and coated in shiny trichomes, which appear to deflect light. Full, hearty, and moist buds are a sign of a good purchase.

Look for a COA

Learning to read a certificate of analysis (COA) will take your cannabis knowledge to the next level. A COA is an official report created by professional, third-party labs that analyze the chemical and physical properties of a product.

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All reputable brands should include a COA for every individual product they sell. This information should be publicly available either on your product’s packaging or on the brand’s website.

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On your COA, you should be able to see the cannabinoid and terpene profile for your product. You’ll also find important safety test results that prove a product is up to industry standards.

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Many times, a lack of a COA is more telling than a poor one. If you can’t access this information, it’s probably best to keep on scrolling.

Consider Brand Reputation

Because CBD is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), essentially anyone and their grandmother can produce and sell it. And not all products are designed well or with your safety in mind.

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Save your bucks and energy by shopping with reputable brands that have proven their products are worth trusting. Customer testimonials and reviews are a great way to gauge this factor. 

Where Can I Buy CBD Online? How to Score Top Products

No matter the product you’re after, you can purchase high-quality CBD right here at The Green Dragon CBD. We know that learning how to buy CBD can be stressful. That’s why we’re always available to answer your questions and provide support. 

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You can also contact us for a free consultation so we can help you discover the best products for your needs.