Cannabidiol, or CBD, is among a family of molecules unique to cannabis called “cannabinoids”. CBD and other cannabinoids interact with a collection of receptors in the body called the “endocannabinoid system (ECS)”. The ECS is responsible for managing many important bodily functions, including mood, appetite, digestion, inflammation, pain, and even our immune system. Our bodies also create cannabinoids (i.e., Anandamide and 2-AG) to regulate the ECS, however environmental factors such as stress and pollution may contribute to imbalance in the ECS, which may in turn result in reduced overall wellness. CBD and other cannabinoids from hemp may help to restore harmony in the ECS. Furthermore, there is a large body of scientific evidence showing that CBD and other cannabinoids found in hemp have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-arthritic, and pain reducing properties (see study). However, more clinical studies are needed and to date the FDA has only approved a single CBD-containing drug for the treatment of two rare forms of childhood epilepsy.

* Please see the FDA disclaimer at the bottom of this page

CBD is federally legal only if it does NOT come from marijuana. That means CBD from hemp is legal according to the federal government. However, many states have their own laws regarding hemp and hemp-derived CBD products. Always check with your local and state laws before ordering any CBD product.

Safe CBD products contain the advertised amount of CBD and THC while having no pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbials, or any other harmful contaminants. This can only be verified by third-party independent testing laboratories. We provide lab test reports for all of our products directly on each product page.

The short answer is that you have to try it to find out. Keep in mind that different CBD products may vary in what other natural compounds they contain, which may produce different effects. Therefore, it’s worth trying at least a few different products. You may also experiment with serving size and method of ingestion to find the desired effect. The most important thing to remember when trying different CBD products is to make sure that they are safe (see question above). Always consult your physician if you have any concerns or questions about your health.

The CBD molecule itself is the same no matter where it comes from. However, marijuana-derived CBD products typically contain high levels of THC that produce an intoxicating “high.” Hemp-derived CBD products, on the other had, contain very low levels of THC or are THC-free.

CBD products found in marijuana stores usually contain high levels of THC, which may produce an intoxicating “high.” It is also difficult to obtain the lab test reports for marijuana products, which makes it difficult to verify their safety. In fact, safety standards for state-run marijuana programs are notoriously inadequate. Finally, all marijuana products, regardless of how much CBD or THC they contain, are still federally illegal. For these reasons, we highly recommend buying hemp-derived CBD products online, so long as the safety of the products can be verified with genuine lab test reports.

Note that although there have been unfortunate reports of some online retailers selling CBD products that are either adulterated, do not contain the advertised amount of CBD, or are even high in THC, these problems can be easily avoided by obtaining and verifying the lab report for the product’s batch. See the next question below for more information on how to do so.

The product page for each CBD product will contain links to per-batch lab reports. To find the lab report for a particular bottle, find the batch number on the bottle, and then click on the corresponding link found on the product page. Next, call the lab indicated in the lab report and ask to verify a lab report (typically called a “certificate of analysis”, or “COA”). They will guide you through the process. This usually includes giving them certain information on the lab report you obtained, and they will be able to tell you whether the lab report is real and shows the correct test results.

Full-Spectrum CBD oil has been minimally processed and contains most of the compounds found in the original oil extracted from the hemp flower, including a very small amount of THC and a host of other beneficial botanical compounds, such as terpenoids (i.e., terpenes) and flavonoids (flava-what?).

Broad-Spectrum products are made by taking all of the THC out of a full-spectrum oil. These products are ideal for those who cannot tolerate any amount of THC, for example due to THC sensitivities, but still wish to retain as many of the compounds found in full-spectrum products as possible.

CBD Isolate contains nearly pure CBD (99.9%+) and no THC or any other botanical compounds from the original hemp flower. Like broad-spectrum, CBD isolate products are a great way to take more CBD without also taking more THC. However, we believe in whole-plant benefits and suggest only using CBD isolate in conjunction with a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum product, so that you get a diverse array of hemp botanical compounds.

“Hemp extract” simply refers to an oil extracted from hemp. The term is ambiguous but usually refers to an oil extracted from the flower, which is typically high in cannabinoids such as CBD. The only way to know exactly what is in a “hemp extract” or “CBD” product is to check the product’s lab test reports.

Full-spectrum CBD products do contain a small amount of THC that at the recommended serving will not cause an intoxicating “high” effect. However, a full-spectrum product can become intoxicating when taking a larger amount. If higher doses of CBD are desired, we recommend supplementing a full-spectrum product with either a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate product, which will increase the CBD serving without also increasing the amount of THC ingested.

Topical products, however, will not cause you to become intoxicated, even if the included CBD is full-spectrum. The THC in these products does not penetrate the skin and so does not enter the bloodstream.

If you are required to take a THC drug test that checks for THC, we recommend staying away from any inhaled or ingestible full-spectrum hemp CBD products, as these may contain enough THC to cause a positive result. Though broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products are touted as having only trace amounts of THC, these can still build up over time, especially if taken daily, which could also lead to a failed test. Unfortunately, until companies and our government stop the senseless practice of testing employees for THC, using any inhaled or ingestible hemp CBD product carries some risk of failing a THC drug test.

Topical products, on the other hand, will not cause you to fail a THC drug test, even if the included CBD is full-spectrum. The THC in these products does not penetrate the skin and so does not enter the bloodstream.

* Please note that Cascadia Hemp Co. is not responsible for any failed drug tests as a result of using any of the products purchased from our store.

Yes. Drug interactions with CBD are similar to those caused by eating grapefruit. Do not ingest any CBD product if you’ve been told to avoid eating grapefruit. Consult a physician before taking any CBD product if you have concerns regarding drug interactions.

Ingesting CBD such as with capsules or gummies is the most convenient, discrete, and predictable way to take CBD. Effects take longer to occur but also last longer. If ingest CBD, make sure to wait at least an hour before deciding to take more.

Tinctures can be ingested orally, in which case they act similar to capsules and gummies, or may be placed under the tongue and kept there for a minute or longer to absorb directly into the bloodstream. This sublingual absorption is the quickest way to feel the effects of CBD aside from inhalation. Effects also wear off more quickly.

Inhaling CBD, whether via a vaporizor pen or by smoking hemp flower, is the fastest way to feel the effects of CBD. However, effects also wear off the quickest. Though smoking hemp flower is not the same as smoking tobacco cigarettes, inhaling any smoke is not considered healthy, and so we recommend either vaporizing or ingesting CBD whenever possible.

Topical products that contain CBD are meant for skin applications only and are typically used to address skin dryness or irritation.

There is no standard serving size for any CBD product. As with any new supplement, it’s best to start with a very low serving size and low number of servings that can be gradually increased over time until the desired effect is achieved. If any adverse effects are experienced, simply discontinue use. Consult with a physician before taking any new supplement, including CBD.

No. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains no CBD or THC, whereas CBD oil is extracted from the flower and leaf material. They are two very different oils that are made of different compounds and are used for different purposes.

The only difference with pet CBD products is that they have a lower potency or a lower recommended dose. The same CBD products that are good for people are also good for pets, but because of their smaller size pets should be given a lower total dose of CBD. Full-spectrum products are ok for pets, but since pets usually have a low tolerance for THC, be careful when giving doses higher than the recommended dose.

CHABA stands for Cannabis Health and Beauty Aids and refers to a law in Washington State (RCW 69.50.575) that allows for cannabis-infused topical products like creams, lotions, oils, and balms to be sold in regular stores rather than just in marijuana stores. However, products created under this law can only be shipped to WA addresses.