Q1: Is CBD legal?
A: All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) has a website with state-by-state policies regarding cannabis legality: https://thecannabisindustry.org/ncia-news-resources/state-by-state-policies/
Q2: Do CBD products need THC to be effective?
A: A 2011 review of studies found that CBD and THC work synergistically to reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety. The same study also found that CBD may help reduce unwanted side effects of THC. Currently, the majority of states only allow CBD derived from hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC. A 2017 clinical trial tested the effects of THC free CBD for Dravet’s Syndrome, a debilitating epileptic condition. While more research is needed, CBD alone may be effective for certain conditions, while THC and CBD combined might work for others.
Q3: Are there health differences in how cannabis is ingested?
A: There are a few basic ways to consume cannabis: smoking, vaping, edibles, and tinctures.
Smoking and vaping both enter the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream via inhalation. Between the two, vaping is a healthier choice due to the essential oils of the plant being released. The act of smoking combusts the cannabis plant, producing carcinogenic byproducts that pose respiratory hazard, while studies show vaporization produces minimal toxins. The effects of vaping can be felt immediately, about 2-5 minutes after inhalation while being discreet.
Edibles are categorized as a variety of foods and drinks infused with cannabis. There is a delay in onset time, usually between 30-90 minutes. This is directly related to the digestive process since it is absorbed via the GI tract. In this process, THC travels through the liver first, and gets converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, an even more powerful psychoactive compound than the original THC. Depending on the dosage, the effects of edibles can last around 4-10 hours. There are also additional calories and sugars in edibles that one should be aware of.
Lastly, tinctures are a liquid cannabis concentrate create with alcohol to dissolve the fat-soluble cannabinoids extraction. Administered sublingually, the effects can be felt within 15 minutes as they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Tinctures contain zero toxic chemicals and are probably the easiest to ensure accurate dosing, as the dropper can be adequately measured. For more information on the aforementioned pros and cons, see: https://www.greencultured.co/marijuana-tincture-vs-vape-vs-edible/
Q4: Where can I purchase CBD products?
A: https://cbdmap.com/ contains a locator tool to search for CBD products near you. However, because CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, it is important to do your research and make sure you are purchasing from reliable sources. For all true CBD containing products there must be a label that states: “This product contains Cannabis.” Additionally, if you are buying from a dispensary, which has been licensed to sell and distribute Cannabis products, there will also be lab testing information on the side pertaining to your state. For example, all California dispensary products have “CA Compliant Test Information” on their products.
Pro tips for buying CBD online:
Source: Nina Julia, https://www.cfah.org/buy-cbd-oil-near-me/
- Stay away from cheap CBD oils
- CBD is not a cheap supplement, and with most other products in life, “you get what you pay for.” Be aware of companies that are selling these products at significantly lower prices; they are probably cutting corners or using contain contaminants.
- Look for the “low THC” stamp
- CBD oil made from hemp with less than 0.3% is federally legal according to the United States government. When shopping online, make sure to double-check the product you’re ordering contains less than 0.3% THC, unless you are in one of the 11 states which has legalized recreational use of cannabis: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Colorado, Michigan, Illinois, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Alaska.
- Check for 3rd Party Tests
- Never take a company’s word when they claim they sell high quality CBD oil—always check the lab tests to make sure the company is credible. This goes back to the point I made earlier about information on the products that illustrates they have met certain requirements.
CFAH.org was created by Nina Julia, B.Sc.Ed. Her team is comprised of a more than 100 writers, including Board-certified doctors, nurses, dietitians, and licensed therapists. She has tried over 40 CBD oils, and recommends if you are just starting out to try Royal CBD oils. This is her go-to brand, as their company ensures quality over anything else.
