1. What is CBD and where does it come from?
2. How can CBD help me?
3. What type of products should I use?
4. How much CBD should I take?
5. Is it legal?
6. Where can I purchase CBD?

What is CBD and where does it come from?

Let’s go over some basic facts about CBD (cannabidiol):

• CBD is short for ‘cannabidiol’, which is a cannabinoid or chemical that is specifically found in the cannabis plant.

• CBD is the most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.

• It is found in the flowers, stalk or seeds of the cannabis plant. It can also be created synthetically in labs.

• CBD does not induce any ‘high’ effects, unlike its psychoactive counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

• CBD can be found in both marijuana or hemp.

• Other types of cannabinoids found in the plant include THC, CBD, CBN, CBC and many more.

• The human body actually makes cannabinoids in small amounts, but these are called endocannabinoids.

• Cannabinoids, whether from cannabis or from our body, work on our nervous system and specific brain receptors (called CB1 and CB2) of the endocannabinoid system.

• The endocannabinoid system is involved in controlling various brain functions, including pain sensation, inflammation, mood, memory, appetite, anxiety and stress. CBD affects these brain receptors in various ways to products numerous effects.

• Due to the increasing popularity of CBD, there has been an increase in research to find out more about its benefits and ill effects.

Now that we know what it is, let’s go over where it comes from.

CBD is found within the cannabis plant. Cannabis can be categorized into two major types:

• Hemp
  • Hemp has been used for years to create clothes, textiles, food, beauty products, supplements and more.
• Marijuana
  • Used primarily for recreational and medicinal purposes.

• Both versions contain varying levels of CBD depending on the type of marijuana/hemp.

• Though both marijuana and hemp contain CBD, the CBD found in most commercial products will be derived from industrial hemp. CBD made from industrial hemp can be purchased without medical prescription and you don’t have to live in a state where cannabis is legal.

• The specific type of hemp that we want to focus on is industrial hemp. Now, industrial hemp is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound THC. Industrial hemp is grown in certain states under specific programs that allow for legal growth and sale of cannabis containing CBD.

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid most commonly known for its psychological effects. It is the chemical that creates the ‘ head high’ most commonly seen in marijuana users. As industrial hemp has such a low level of THC, it does not produce this high psychological effect.

• For this reason, any CBD products bought commercially, especially online, are unlikely to give you any of that ‘head high’ effect.

• Now some of you may be asking: even without the psychoactive effects will THC be found in my system if I were to take a drug test? Obviously nobody wants to fail a drug test for work or for a job application because they’ve been using CBD products. Good luck explaining to your employer, “Hey, I’m not smoking marijuana to get high. I’m just using CBD”.

• As mentioned above, many CBD products will be derived from industrial hemp, which has less than 0.3% THC. It’s highly unlikely that such a low percentage of THC will show up on a drug test unless massive quantities of the CBD product is taken, but it is theoretically possible. For those that don’t want to take that chance and who don’t want to worry about failing a drug test, there are many products with CBD that do not contain any THC at all. Most manufacturers clearly identify whether their products have any THC.

How can CBD help me?

People just getting into CBD are interested in its possible ability to deal with certain ailments. There are a slew of potential benefits for people using CBD as part of their daily regimen. Find out how CBD is one of the fastest-growing products in America.

What type of CBD product should I use?

Creams/Balms

If you need to apply your CBD to a specific area on your skin or body for some anti-inflammatory effects, then creams and topicals are the way to go. Just rub some on and around the affected area to feel the wonderful effects.

• Gummies

Nowadays, you can find CBD infused into almost any food or drink. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to ingest CBD is by eating a gummy. All the great benefits of CBD are packaged in a yummy little treat.

• CBD Vape Oil

If vaping is your thing, you can find several e-juice brands with their own CBD vape juice line. Vaping CBD is one of the quickest and most effective ways to get CBD into your system since you are inhaling it directly into your lungs. Have a particular vape juice flavor that you like? There are also CBD additives that can be added directly to your favorite e-juice.

• Suppositories

Yet another method for quick absorption into your body is through the use of CBD suppositories. It’s perfect for those that want a more immediate effect.

• Pet Treats/Sprays

Do you have a pet that you think might benefit from CBD? There are pet treats and and sprays made specifically for your favorite companion.

How much CBD should I take?

This is one of the most common questions that people ask when first getting into CBD – and it’s also one of the hardest to answer.

Unfortunately, there is no one single answer and there is no one size fits all. Every person is special and unique and individual reactions vary widely.

Here are 3 recommendations to help you on your journey.

1. Finding your sweet spot

The first step to finding your sweet spot is to find out how many milligrams (mg) of CBD you are getting with each serving of your favorite product. Start with the recommended dosage on the supplier’s label. For example, the label may indicate that 1 ml of oil gives you a dosage of 10 mg of CBD. Start with this recommended dosage, but adjust it according to how you feel.

If the recommended serving is too much, then reduce your dosage, and vice versa. For example, if 1 ml of oil gives you a dosage of 10 mg of CBD and you’re not feeling anything, then try taking 2 ml. Or alternatively, try another product with a higher concentration of CBD. Conversely, if the recommended amount is too much for you then dial it back and try half the dosage.

Generally, 10-15 mg is a good starting point, but it’s always better to start low and then work your way up until you get to a comfortable level. It may take a number of tries before you find your ideal dosage. It may even take different combinations of products, but don’t give up. The rewards will be worth it.

2. Patience

We’ve all heard it before. Patience is a virtue. Like any supplement plan, you want to give your body time to adjust. You can’t try the products for a couple days, feel no effects, then say things like, “Oh, it just doesn’t work on me,” or, “I’m just doomed to live like this forever,” or the classic, “I just have bad genetics”. Don’t get discouraged. It may take up to a month in order for your body to adapt and for you to notice results. We recommend you try CBD continuously for at least a month. Try different dosages and different combinations of different products. Some people do well with a combination of oils and gummies. Others may like vape and capsules. It will take some trial and error, so use what you are comfortable with and be patient.

3. Consistency

Much like everything else in life, consistency will give you results. You wouldn’t work out just once a week and expect to be ripped at the end of the month would you? Stay consistent. Develop a routine. Do it every day. The more consistent you are, the better chance you’ll have of seeing positive results.

While not definitive, clear-cut answers, the 3 tips above will help you find your ideal dosage. Remember, things take time and effort. With a little patience and diligence, you’ll start to see changes that will lead to results and ultimately, a better life.

Is CBD legal for me to buy and use?

The laws on CBD can be quite convoluted and complex. So pardon us if it becomes a little confusing, but we’ll try to break it down simply. About 30 states have passed the use of cannabis for medical conditions, with no restriction on THC. Of those 30 states, 8 states don’t require any type of medical approval for the use of cannabis products. On top of that, about 16 states have allowed the use of CBD not exceeding a specific percentage of THC.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says it’s not legal to purchase or use CBD. According to the DEA and the Controlled Substance Act and the Marijuana Extract Rule enforced in 2017, any extracts or components derived from cannabis are classified as illegal Schedule I drug substances. It doesn’t matter whether cannabis has THC or causes any high effects or not. And the DEA doesn’t consider hemp and marijuana to be separate. To the DEA, there is no distinction between hemp/marijuana and cannabis. They’re classified together and to them, it is all illegal.

So if it's illegal according to the DEA, how are you able to buy CBD from stores and the internet?

Most CBD manufacturers operate under the Agriculture Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill of 2014. Many companies operating under the Farm Bill of 2014 claim that CBD obtained from industrial hemp farmers can be manufactured and sold throughout the US, except for states that specifically ban CBD. These farmers are found in states that allow the legal growing of hemp for research pilot programs. Remember, industrial hemp is hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC so there is no psychoactive component. So, many companies source their CBD from these industrial hemp growers that operate under the Farm Bill 2014. This is the only method by which manufacturers can legally obtain hemp in the United States.

Oddly enough, manufacturers can source their hemp from overseas without any restrictions and many companies do get their hemp in this manner.

Now, this Farm Bill allowed for CBD to be legally obtained from hemp, but transporting it across state lines still remained illegal. This is where our next act comes into action.

The Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2016 has a provision that states that none of the funds allocated for the Act can be used to prohibit the use, sales, and transport of industrial hemp operating under the Farm Bill 2014. This small provision prohibits the DEA or any other federal agency from interfering with legally farmed hemp, regardless of whether it is legal or not in their state. Consequently, this has opened up the floodgates for the production and sale of CBD across the country.

The Farm Bill 2014 in conjunction with the Omnibus Appropriations Act 2016 now allows companies to use industrial hemp for CBD, as well as distribute it nationwide with legalized protection. Since then, the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2016 has been updated, but the same provisions still apply.

So, here we have two conflicting laws and regulations in regard to CBD and industrial hemp. According to the DEA, hemp and anything derived from it including CBD is classified illegal while the Farm Bill states that CBD from industrial hemp is not.

Ultimately, what does this mean? Is CBD legal or not? Currently, the courts see that since the Farm Bill came into effect before the DEA Marijuana Extract Rule, the Farm Bill takes precedence.

Still, rules such as the Marijuana Extract Rule don’t make things any clearer and many people are more confused than ever. There are no clear federal laws regarding CBD and its sale or use. On top of that, some local authorities may view CBD and hemp-related products as illegal due to this confusion. This has led some local authorities to target and raid retail shops. These local authorities still operate under their own jurisdiction. The laws regarding CBD are in a definite grey area so you should do your own due diligence regarding whether it’s safe to buy and use CBD in your area.

In more recent news, the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, led by U.S Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R –KY), proposed a bill that, if passed, would remove industrial hemp from being classified as a Schedule I drug. This new Farm Bill has been passed by the Senate and is now awaiting a vote in the House. There are definite strides in the right direction and we are excitedly anticipating seeing the federal legalization of hemp and its related products.

Where can I purchase CBD?

CBD has gained a lot of attention in recent years and with success stories like that of Charlotte Figi gaining national coverage, there doesn’t seem to be any signs of slowing down. With this newfound popularity, and with laws protecting the sales of hemp-based CBD across the nation, CBD can be widely purchased from various outlets. Here is a shortlist below:

• Online – Buying online is a quick and convenient way to purchase CBD from the comfort of your home computer or cell phone and get it delivered right to your doorstep. Online you’ll find the widest selection of products as well as all the information you could ever possibly need regarding a specific brand or product.

• Specialty Shops – you can find CBD in various nutrition and health/wellness stores. If you like using vape CBD juice, you can find these in some vape/smoke shops. An advantage of a brick and mortar store is that you can talk to a staff member in person to get information and advice.

• Dispensaries – If you live in an area where medical cannabis is legal, then dispensaries are a great place to find hemp-based CBD products with no THC, as well as CBD products containing THC.

No matter where you buy from, it’s important you do a little research regarding the products and companies you are buying from.

Well, there it is. We hope we answered a lot of your initial questions regarding CBD and clarified any misconceptions. We’re as excited as ever to bring CBD to the general public and we are passionate about the positive changes it can make in people’s lives. So we hope you’re excited about taking your first steps towards a healthier and cleaner life. At Buddii, we’ll continue to bring you the absolute best products and content regarding CBD to help you along your journey.

Click here to get started.

**The FDA has not approved any of these statements. None of the products on buddii.com are proven to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or condition