FAQ's
1 CBD FAQ's
1.1 What is a cannabinoid?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, and they interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes. Here is a summary of the most abundant and well-known cannabinoids:

THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol

  • Psychoactive: produces the "high" associated with cannabis use.
  • Medical Uses: Pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea reduction, and muscle spasticity treatment.
  • There are different isomers of THC that can be extracted, including Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, THCP, THCV, HHC, and more.

CBD, or Cannabidiol

  • Non-psychoactive: counteracts some of THC's effects.
  • Medical Uses: Anxiety reduction, epilepsy treatment, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and neuroprotective properties.

CBG, or Cannabigerol

  • Non-psychoactive
  • Medical Uses: Potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects; may aid in treating glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease.

CBC, or Cannabichromene

  • Non-psychoactive
  • Medical Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, and antidepressant potential.

CBN, or Cannabinol

  • Non-psychoactive.
  • Medical Uses: Potential sedative effects, pain relief, and appetite stimulation.

These cannabinoids, among others, contribute to the diverse effects and therapeutic potentials of cannabis, with ongoing research continually uncovering new applications and benefits.

1.2 What is the difference between marijuana and hemp?

Marijuana and hemp are both varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant, but they differ in their chemical composition, uses, and legal status. Here are the key differences:

  1. Chemical Composition
    1. THC Content**:
      1. Marijuana: Typically contains high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use. THC content in marijuana usually ranges from 5% to 30% or higher.
      2. Hemp: Contains very low levels of THC, legally defined as less than 0.3% THC by dry weight in the United States. This low THC content means hemp does not produce psychoactive effects.
    2. CBD Content:
      1. Marijuana: Can contain varying levels of CBD (cannabidiol), but usually less than hemp.
      2. Hemp: Typically has higher concentrations of CBD, which is non-psychoactive and associated with various health benefits.
  2. Uses
    1. Marijuana is used Recreationally and Medicinally.
      1. Due to its psychoactive effects, marijuana is often used recreationally.
      2. Used in medical cannabis treatments for conditions such as chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, among others.
    2. Hemp is used for industrial purposes, in health products (like what we sell), and nutritional products.
      1. Hemp is used in the production of a wide range of products, including textiles, paper, biofuel, building materials, and biodegradable plastics.
      2. High-CBD hemp is used to make CBD oil, tinctures, edibles, and other health and wellness products.
      3. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are used as nutritional supplements, rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients.
      4. Cultivation
        1. Marijuana: Grown selectively for its flowers, which contain the highest concentrations of THC and other cannabinoids. Cultivation often requires controlled environments to maximize cannabinoid content and yield.
        2. Hemp: Grown for its stalks and seeds, which are used in industrial applications. Hemp is typically grown outdoors and can thrive in various climates and soil types. It tends to grow taller and more densely than marijuana.
  3. Legal Status
    1. Marijuana: The legal status of marijuana varies widely around the world. In some places, it is completely illegal; in others, it is legal for medical use, recreational use, or both. In the United States, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, though many states have legalized it to varying degrees.
    2. Hemp: Hemp is legal in many parts of the world, especially when it contains less than 0.3% THC. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products at the federal level, though states may have their own regulations.

Summary

Marijuana is high in THC, used recreationally and medically, and has varying legal statuses.

Hemp is low in THC, used industrially and for health products, and is generally legal with strict THC limits.

In our store, we sell hemp-derived cannabinoids and other health-related products.

 

1.3 What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis, and it has gained significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a "high."

Key Points About CBD:

  1. Non-Psychoactive: CBD does not cause the euphoric or intoxicating effects associated with THC.
  2. Therapeutic Benefits: Research suggests that CBD may have various health benefits, including:
    1. Pain Relief: CBD is thought to help manage chronic pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
    2. Anxiety and Depression: Some studies indicate that CBD can help reduce anxiety and depression by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain.
    3. Neuroprotective Properties: CBD may offer benefits for neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
    4. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant: CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to overall health and wellness.
    5. Sleep Aid: Some users report improved sleep quality when using CBD, particularly in managing insomnia and other sleep disorders. CBN, another cannabinoid, is also know to be an effective sleep aid.
  3. Legal Status: The legality of CBD varies by country and, within the United States, by state. Generally, CBD derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legal federally, though some states have additional regulations.
  4. Forms and Usage: CBD is available in various forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, topicals, and more. The method of consumption can affect how quickly and efficiently CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream.
1.4 How is CBD absorbed?

Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, can be absorbed into the body through various methods, each influencing the rate and efficiency of absorption. Here are the primary methods of cannabinoid absorption and how they work:

  1. Oral Ingestion (Edibles, Capsules)
    1. Process: Cannabinoids are consumed orally and pass through the digestive system.
    2. Absorption: They are absorbed through the walls of the stomach and intestines, then metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream.
    3. Onset: Effects are usually felt within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  2. Sublingual Administration (Elixirs, Tinctures, Sprays)
    1. Process: Cannabinoids are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membranes.
    2. Absorption: They enter the bloodstream directly through the capillaries under the tongue.
    3. Onset: Effects are typically felt within 15-45 minutes.
  3. Topical Application (Salves, Balms, Cream, Lotions, Patches)
    1. Process: Cannabinoids are applied to the skin.
    2. Absorption: They interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the skin but generally do not enter the bloodstream.
    3. Onset: Effects can be felt within minutes to an hour, depending on the product and application area.
  4. Inhalation (Smoking, Vaping)
    1. Process: When cannabinoids are inhaled through smoking or vaping, they are absorbed through the lungs.
    2. Absorptio: The cannabinoids quickly pass from the alveoli (the air sacs in your lungs) in the lungs into the bloodstream.
    3. Onset: Effects are typically felt within 5-10 minutes.

 

Factors Influencing Absorption:

  1. Formulation: "Nano" emulsions and other advanced formulations can increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids.
  2. Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates can affect how quickly and efficiently cannabinoids are absorbed and processed.
  3. Food Intake: Taking cannabinoids with fatty foods can enhance their absorption, especially for orally ingested products.

Understanding these methods can help individuals choose the most appropriate and effective way to consume cannabinoids based on their needs and desired outcomes.

1.5 Is the use of CBD common?

Ancient civilizations have used various strains of cannabis throughout centuries for their wealth of wellness properties. But due to dramatic shifts in legislation and other influences such as determining what is CBD versus THC, cannabinoids became widely unaccepted as an alternative application.

However, as the health and science communities continue to further recognize and accept the properties of different cannabinoids, the prohibitions that once restricted and limited the use of CBD have evolved into protections and freedoms of what is CBD for anyone looking for safe and effective alternatives.

1.6 Is CBD legal?

The legal status of CBD in the United States is primarily defined by the 2018 Farm Bill, but it involves several layers of regulation and oversight. Here's a detailed explanation:

2018 Farm Bill

Hemp Legalization: The 2018 Farm Bill (Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018) legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products. Hemp is defined as cannabis and its derivatives that contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Distinction from Marijuana: By setting the THC limit at 0.3%, the Farm Bill differentiates hemp from marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law if it contains more than 0.3% THC.

Regulation and Oversight

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture): The USDA oversees hemp cultivation, including licensing and regulatory compliance. States and tribes can submit plans for hemp production that must be approved by the USDA, or they can operate under the federal guidelines.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The FDA retains the authority to regulate CBD in food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The FDA has approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for treating specific types of epilepsy.

However, all our products include the FDA disclaimer that these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a medical doctor before taking these or other supplements.

State Regulations

Varied Approaches: States have their own laws regarding the sale and use of CBD. While the federal law provides a baseline, some states have additional restrictions or requirements. For example, some states allow CBD in foods and supplements, while others do not.
Compliance: Businesses and consumers must comply with both federal and state laws, which can sometimes be complex and vary significantly from one state to another.

The State of Georgia recently passed a law (Senate Bill 494) regulating the hemp business. We already do most of the requirements of the new law, but we are working hard to ensure we are 100% compliant.

In summary, CBD is legal in the U.S. under federal law if derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC.

We ensure everything we sell is legal both federally and in the State of Georgia.