Topicals

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is the dominant cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. As a cannabinoid, CBD is able to bind to cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body, enabling a process in which the body may achieve homeostasis as part of the endocannabinoid system that’s present in all mammals.

CBD was discovered in 1940, making it one of the first cannabinoids to be studied by researchers. CBD does exist in the marijuana plant as well, but it’s derived from hemp both for reasons relating to legality, and because it’s easy to isolate, as it can make up anywhere from 10 to 20% of the plant material.

We always try to avoid telling people exactly what to expect after taking CBD, since each person’s experience can be unique based on the nature of their body, not to mention the product type and dosage amount they consume. Overall, many people find that CBD promotes a sense of balance, offering some level of relief from physical tension while promoting a more mellow state of mind. 

CBD has been studied since its discovery in 1940. Today, it’s easy to access a wealth of clinical studies on the effects that can be provided by cannabidiol. We encourage you to explore these studies as you may be surprised by the number of properties CBD may be able to offer. Overall, CBD has been found in studies to be a nontoxic and gentle plant derivative.

Cannabidiol is a completely legal cannabinoid both on a federal and state level. In 2018, the United States passed the Farm Bill which legalized all hemp products containing a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC. This means that hemp is federally legal, and all 50 states adhere to this law. There are no restrictions on product type, possession amount, purchase amount or concentration.

CBD is non-intoxicating as it has no psychoactive properties. Therefore, you will not get high from taking CBD.  Some people report mild drowsiness after taking a high dosage amount, but this is not the same as being intoxicated. Note that CBD will not result in a failed drug test, as no drug tests check for cannabidiol.

CBD comes in a large selection of product types that each offer a different type of experience to the user. These products include:

• Pre-filled vape cartridges
• Disposable vape pens
• Flower
• Concentrates (dabs)
• Topicals
• Tinctures
• CBD pet products
• Gummies
• Capsules

All of these products are available at The Calm Leaf, and we encourage you to explore the different products that we offer to see which ones are the best for you!

You’ll notice that at The Calm Leaf, CBD products may be labeled as “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum” or “CBD isolate.”

• Full spectrum CBD products contain the full variety of chemical compounds present in the plant, including every cannabinoid, terpene and nutrient. They contain a trace amount of THC that is within the legal limits, and not psychoactive.
• Broad spectrum CBD is a THC-free alternative to full spectrum, with every compound present minus THC.
• CBD isolate is an extract of pure CBD (cannabidiol) with no other compounds present.

Pets can tolerate CBD, and studies have been done on the effects of CBD when administered to cats and dogs, showing promising results. However, you should only give a pet a CBD product formulated for their species, as this will have the appropriate milligram strength and ingredients for their bodies. We carry CBD products that are developed just for pets at the Calm Leaf. Please note that you should consult your veterinarian before giving CBD to a pet.

If you are taking any medication, please consult your doctor prior to beginning a CBD routine. Cannabidiol may suppress CYP3A4 levels in the body, which may interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize certain medications.

CBD is not associated with any major or long-term side effects, as it is nontoxic to the human body. Sensitive individuals and those who take higher than average doses may experience mild, short-lived effects such as:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Reduced blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Note that if you have an allergy to an ingredient in a CBD product, such as a flavoring ingredient in a gummy, you may experience side effects that are due to an allergic reaction. So, please read the ingredients before purchasing a CBD product.

You can take more than one CBD product in a day. Many people do, in fact, take multiple CBD products in one day, such as taking a gummy in the morning and a tincture at night. Dosage amount, milligram strength and timing of each dose all play a role in how the products will interact with one another, but generally speaking, doubling up on CBD is completely fine.

How much CBD you should consume each day depends on your tolerance, your daily needs and your personal preferences. Most people find that anywhere from 10 to 40 milligrams daily gives them the results they desire, but the human body can tolerate higher dosage amounts as well. As a beginner, you should start with a dosage amount on the lower end, such as 5 to 10 milligrams, to see how CBD makes you feel.

CBD flower describes the raw buds of the hemp plant. These buds naturally yield very high concentrations of cannabidiol, hence the name. The terms “CBD flower” and “hemp flower” mean the same thing.

A lot of people notice that they feel more at ease after the very first time they take CBD. But, most people find that after about 2 weeks of daily use, the full effects of the compound really start to kick in. This is because CBD works cumulatively, building up in the body through consistent use.

At this point, lots of studies have shown that CBD can help a person feel more at ease when it comes to stress. This is one of the most common reasons for taking the cannabinoid, after all. Each person’s experience can be unique, but overall the potential for stress relief is promising.