FAQ

Short answer: No. CBD is non-intoxicating. 

In Depth: No. Again, CBD will not make you feel high. People love to say that CBD is “non-psychoactive”, what they likely mean is that CBD is “non- intoxicating”. 

We are being particular here but sometimes it is important to make sure we truly understand the terms being used - especially when it pertains to substances we put in our body. A substance is considered psychoactive when it acts primarily on the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes to mood, perception, consciousness and behavior. Caffeine is an example of a drug that is “psychoactive” in that it is commonly used to modify ones mental state. To make you feel more awake and alert. Caffeine, like CBD, is also non-intoxicating. 

A drug or medication that is “psychoactive” isn’t necessarily addictive, although many are. CBD is generally considered to be non-habit forming and non-addictive. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…To date, there is no evidence of public health relate problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Short answer: All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects by interacting with CD1 and CB2 receptors found in the human body. 

In Depth: Our bodies produce their own cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids). In infancy our bodies source endocannabinoids  from our mothers milk. As we age our endocannabinoid system becomes less efficient and less able to synthesize the amount of endocannabinoids our bodies need. This may be part of the reason that as we age we are more prone to issues like insomnia, anxiety,  chronic pain, etc. Reintroducing an adequate supply of naturally occurring cannabinoids like CBD can help restore balance to our bodies and improve many aspects of our health.

There are two main cannabinoid receptors in the body, CB1which is primarily located in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors which deal primarily with the immune system and affect inflammation and pain. 

According to the most recent research CBD does not appear to act directly on the CB1 and CB2 receptors but appears to affect the way other cannabinoids interact with the receptors. 

CBD may interact with the endocannabinoid system through other indirect mechanisms. CBD has also been show to modulate numerous non-endocannabinoid systems. 

Short answer: Evidence exists that CBD may help with anxiety, PTSD, falling asleep and staying asleep, chronic pain especially inflammatory and neuropathic pain, certain types of epilepsy, and many more. 

In Depth: CBD is often touted for a wide range of health benefits. Probably the strongest scientific evidence exists for its effectiveness in treating some forms of childhood epileptic syndromes which typically don’t respond to other anti seizure medications. In many studies CBD was able to reduce the number or seizures and in some cases stop them altogether.

CBD is also commonly used to address anxiety, depression, and to help with insomnia.

CBD may also help with chronic pain. CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of pain to treat. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model that CBD could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis without the side-effects typical of other arthritis treatments.

Much more research needs to be done to better understand the many potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids. 

Short answer: THC (tetrahydrocanabinal), and CBD (cannabidiol) are both naturally occurring cannabinoids. THC is psychoactive and it is intoxicating. It is the component of marijuana that gives users the “high”. 

In Depth: In contrast to THC, CBD has no effect on heart rate or blood pressure under normal conditions, but in animal models of stress it reduces hear rate and blood pressure. [48]

This will take some experimenting.  While CBD is well tolerated in the human body, even in high doses, it is best to “start low and go slow”. 

It is also important to keep in mind the desired end result. Someone taking CBD for trouble sleeping will probably need significantly less than someone taking CBD for chronic pain. 

The type of CBD used, whether full spectrum, broad spectrum, distillate or isolate will effect the dosage as well. Typically using an isolate will require the highest amount of CBD with Full Spectrum at the other end, typically requiring the least. (See information about the “entourage effect” below to learn more). 

Following two different perspectives to consider. Think of them as gentle suggestions. A starting point. You will need to adjust based on what product(s) you are using and your desired outcomes. So as always, start low, go slow, and experiment! Have a question or a comment? Get in touch, we’d love to talk! 

By condition

• Depression: 10-20mg of a mixture of CBD and CBDa taken twice daily.
• Anxiety: 10-20mg of CBD taken daily with more as needed for acute episodes. 
• Chronic Pain: 2.5 to 20 mg of CBD taken once or twice daily.
• Epilepsy: 200 to 300 mg of CBD taken orally every day.
• Sleep Disorders: 40 to 160 mg of CBD taken orally before bed.
• Glaucoma: 20 to 40 mg of sublingual CBD.

By bodyweight and severity (per day) to start.

How long will it take to work?

It depends on the delivery method you choose. 

• Putting the oil under your tongue, smoking, and vaping can all produce almost immediate effects. 
• Taken as a capsule or applying to the skin will take about an hour. 
• Eating an ingestible such as a gummy or a cookie can take as long as 1 to 2 hours.