CBD FAQ

First up in our CBD FAQ - CBD (Cannabidiol – pronounced ka-nə-bə-ˈdī-ˌȯl) is all over the news today, and for good reason. CBD, a chemical compound found in plants from the Cannabis family, is being shown to help with a staggering array of ailments to the human body ranging from the common to the more serious. In his book Hope & Healing, The Case for Cannabis, Dr. Joseph Rosado describes the actions of CBD (and delta-9 THC) on the CBD receptors in the vertebrate body. CBD (a phytocannabinoid) mimics the body’s own endocannabinoids and primarily acts on CB2 receptors that are found on immune cells, which circulate throughout the body and brain via the bloodstream. CB2 receptors are also found in the spleen, as well as in some bone and liver cells. The short version is that this helps our bodies restore and maintain balance. The CB2 receptor isn't typically found on neurons, except for in the brainstem and hippocampus. However, non-neuronal brain cells called microglia appear to express CB2 receptors in response to inflammation and injury. For details on the science of how CBD works, obtain a copy of the book mentioned above or visit Project CBD’s page at https://www.projectcbd.org/science/how-cbd-works

The answer is actually yes and no. The Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica plants we commonly know as marijuana certainly contain CBD. But legal, commercially cultivated CBD is extracted from cannabis plants that have been specifically bred for their high CBD and low delta-9 THC levels (less than 0.3%). These are known as “phytocannabinoid rich” (PCR) hemp. Confusion abounds about “industrial hemp” because plants bred specifically for their high CBD, low delta-9 THC content are classified as “industrial hemp” by the 2014 farm bill. However, what has always been known as “industrial hemp” is the tall, fibrous version of cannabis grown for seeds, cloth, paper, and other textiles. These plants typically contain minimal cannabinoids. Think about it like this – rose oil comes from damask roses. Long stem roses are typically a hybrid tea rose. Tea roses are a garden plant, and you likely wouldn’t give them to someone for Valentine’s Day. Same basic plant, but with different commercial uses. A company interested in selling marijuana (where state laws allow) grows cannabis known as marijuana. The US government classifies these plants as cannabis having >0.3% delta-9 THC. Companies interested in the federally legal cultivation of CBD, grow PCR "industrial" hemp, or cannabis plants with <0.3% delta-9 THC. Companies that specialize in hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, and hemp fibers typically grow true industrial hemp which has a very low concentration of all cannabinoids.

Yes and No. First, some basic definitions: Phytocannabinoid – A cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. There are more than 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, with delta-9 THC and CBD being the most prevalent and the most researched. Terpene – Other organic compounds in the plant that give the plant its scent and other effects. Terpenes are also found in essential oils as they come directly from the plant. For example, lavender contains the terpene, linalool. Terpenes also have beneficial effects such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and stress-relieving properties, as is the case for linalool. CBD Isolate (Good) Products – contain only the CBD from the hemp plant. They contain no other phytocannabinoids or terpenes (including delta-9 THC). Only the compound of CBD is isolated from the cannabis plant during the extraction processes. Broad Spectrum (Better)– contains many of the phytocannabinoid and terpenes found in the cannabis plant, except delta-9 THC (which has been filtered out). Full Spectrum (Best)– contains most all of the phytocannabinoids, including the small amount of delta-9 THC originally present in the plant, as well as other beneficial plant components including terpenes. So, yes, CBD products extracted from hemp can contain delta-9 THC in an amount that is within the legal limit of less than 0.3%, unless it is filtered out. All Blue Lotus Botanicals brand THC Free products are broad spectrum and have had the delta-9 THC filtered out. However, they do contain other therapeutically beneficial components originally present in the plant, such as the terpenes. Blue Lotus Botanicals full spectrum products may contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC. For more comprehensive reading on this topic, visit Project CBD's article - CBD and Its Entourage

Drug tests are designed to detect the presence of THC, not CBD. CBD isolate products will not cause you to fail a drug test. Topicals (whether isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum) will not cause you to fail a drug test. Any THC that is present does not enter the blood stream with this method of application. Transdermal products do enter the blood stream. If a product contains any THC, the THC may enter your blood system as a result. Broad spectrum products, if formulated correctly, do not contain delta-9 THC and should not affect a drug test. Full spectrum products can contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC. While it is very unlikely that these products would affect a drug test, it is possible. If your job is on the line, we recommend using a THC free product.

The standard FDA disclaimer that should be present on every CBD website, says: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailment.” After decades of illegality have made research impossible in the US, we rely on pre-clinical research (petri-dish and animal testing), anecdotal accounts (of which there are thousands), and our own personal experience to say unequivocally that – YES! CBD works. Dosages vary from person to person (just as with most medications and supplements). For a comprehensive list of the many conditions CBD may help and the current state of research, we recommend visiting Project CBD.

As with all successful commercial ventures, CBD has been subject to counterfeiting and mislabeling. This is, in part, why we have researched and formulated our products so thoroughly (including obtaining comprehensive third party lab testing). Including Blue Lotus Botanicals, there are a lot of great brands out there, just make sure you are getting them from a reliable source that can provide comprehensive lab results and education.

As with all similar products, results and dosage vary from person to person. Many people feel the effects of CBD immediately, while others need to try an increased dose over a period of days or weeks to feel desired effects. The most common methods for using CBD are: Topical – on the skin. With this method, the CBD product acts on the tissues, but it does not enter the bloodstream. These are great for local, more superficial relief. Blue Lotus Botanicals Salves are topicals. Results can typically be felt almost immediately and last for several hours. Transdermal – through the skin into the bloodstream to reach more distant parts of the body. Results are typically felt almost immediately. Oral/Sublingual – under the tongue. All of our Blue Lotus Botanicals CBD oils are designed to be absorbed through the mucus membranes in the mouth followed by absorption through the digestive system. Hold the oil under your tongue for 30 seconds – 2 minutes before swallowing for best absorption. Results are typically felt within 10-20 minutes and last 4-6 hours. Oral/Edible - Capsules & edibles are designed for absorption through the digestive system. Results are typically felt within an hour and last 4-6 hours. Vape – inhaling the vapor from melted wax or oil or from vaporizing hemp flower. Many people find this method to result in the fastest and most significant effects from CBD. Like an inhalable medication, it enters the bloodstream quickly from the lungs. Unlike smoking or vaping nicotine, quality CBD products for vaping do not contain additives and other less desirable chemicals or flavors. Smoking - Burning of hemp flower and smoking it with any number of methods or devices. Many people also find this method to result in fast and significant effects from CBD - especially relaxation. The down side of smoking is the possibility of inhaling unwanted byproducts from the smoke caused by burning the herb.