CBD 101: What is CBD?
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CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found primarily in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It’s one of many powerful cannabinoids found in hemp, and is known for supporting body and mind in various ways.*
What is CBD?
We know that people have many, many questions about CBD. Our content comes
From experts in the industry to help you understand how CBD works.
There’s so much confusion between these terms. Some people refer to “hemp oil” when speaking about hemp seed oil while others use it as shorthand to refer to an oil that carries CBD (cannabidiol) extract. Let’s tackle the first one first: oil from hemp seeds is primarily composed of dietary fats, which means it can provide benefits for skin but does not include all of the same plant compounds (such as CBD). These phytocannabinoids — cannabidiol, among others— are found naturally in the leaves and flowers (also known as “aerial parts”) of hemp. After deriving the cannabinoids from plant parts during our production process, we’re left with a full-spectrum hemp extract that retains a range of the phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids - all of which are found naturally in hemp. This extract is then diluted with a carrier oil to make the final Charlotte’s Web product, whether that be our hemp extract oils or capsules.
Many people integrate CBD into their health routine to support their cellular and molecular health.* CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of over 80+ cannabinoids that can be extracted from hemp. In fact, scientists found that these plant compounds have a better effect on the body when they work together, rather than alone. This means that CBD and all those other great compounds can support the body more fully than just CBD. And how, exactly, do they provide support to the body? Among the many benefits that our users experience, some of the main ones are: a sense of calm for focus; relief from everyday stresses; help in recovery from exercise-induced inflammation; and support for healthy sleep cycles*. Charlotte’s Web is a full-spectrum cannabinoid extract with CBD and other cannabinoids and beneficial plant compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Since research shows that using the whole plant maximizes benefits delivered throughout the body and supplies additional wellness components, we make sure to give you as much of Mother Nature’s goodness as we can.
No. Charlotte’s Web comes from hemp plants, not marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are close relatives, but not the same. By definition, hemp contains no more than .3% THC - the psychoactive compound that is found in higher concentration in marijuana. By contrast, hemp naturally has higher levels of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound known for helping human bodies maintain health and overall wellness*.
The human body has a vast network of receptors, called the Endocannabinoid System. The purpose of this system is to help our body stay balanced and in good overall health, even when external factors and certain lifestyle choices diminish our wellbeing. CBD and other cannabinoids fit into the receptors of the Endocannabinoid System, helping the body complete its efforts to keep us in good health by supporting many of the body’s physical processes. Learn more about the Endocannabinoids System.
Plant-based cannabinoids refers to compounds that come directly from plants. On our packaging, it's how we denote the amount of CBD inherent in each product. CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of many beneficial compounds found in hemp. Science has shown that CBD, along with many of the other compounds found in hemp, can play an important role in wellness.
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Learn from the experts to help answer your questions
Episode 1: What is CBD?
Episode 2: How to use CBD?
What’s the difference between CO2 and IPA extraction?
Each technique has its own advantages. Supercritical CO2 extraction is extremely efficient, while IPA extraction is more like an artisanal process, that is by nature, not as efficient, but extremely effective in extracting a wealth of various beneficial compounds from hemp, such as CBD and other cannabinoids. Both processes produce high-quality products. Our Charlotte’s Web Original Formula CBD Oil is still made using IPA extraction, while our other CBD products are made through CO2 extraction or using a mix of CO2- and IPA-extracted cannabinoids.
What CBD Product Is Best For Me?
Whether you prefer oils, capsules, dummies, or a topical option, do what works for you.
Use our product finder to help select which product is best for you.
We provide serving details on our product packaging and in the product details on our site. In terms of what product to start with, some people start out with our 7mg/1mL CBD Oil concentration but later decide to bump up to our 17mg/1mL CBD Oil or our Original Formula CBD Oil to achieve their personal wellness goals. If you’re starting with 7mg/1mL CBD Oil or 17mg/1mL CBD Oil, take the recommended serving as indicated on the package for 4 to 6 weeks. If you’re still not where you want to be, we suggest moving up to the next concentration. Being consistent: For any dietary supplement to work properly, it must be taken regularly. Missing days or servings can affect ability to help support your body. For more, check out our blog: concentration but later decide to bump up to our When to Expect Results.
As a full-spectrum cannabinoid extract, in addition to cannabidiol (CBD) and more than 80 other cannabinoids in hemp, Charlotte’s Web may contain a trace amount of the cannabinoid THC, less than .3%. Much like the consumption of poppy seeds may lead to a positive drug test for opioids, the consumption of certain hemp products may lead to a positive drug test for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is inherently present in trace amounts in hemp plants. The legal limit of THC in hemp is no more than 0.3%. It’s important to understand that the underlying science behind the conversion of certain cannabinoids to other related cannabinoids when consumed is not yet fully understood. If you are subject to drug testing we strongly suggest consulting your health care provider before consuming any hemp products because individual biochemistry, the potential for the conversion of cannabinoids, and the possibility of trace, but legal, amounts of THC inherent in hemp products are all factors to consider.
The most accurate answer to that question is - it depends. Meaning, it depends on what your body needs. Each body is different, so everybody will have a different response. Since hemp extract with cannabinoids works with the body’s internal Endocannabinoid System to maintain good health, the effect is personalized based on what you have going on internally. That being said, quite a few people mention a feeling of relaxation, while others note that hemp extract helps them feel focused.* The best way to find out how CBD will work for you, is to try it for yourself!
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a mighty phytocannabinoid found in hemp and known for supporting body and mind in many ways. CBD specifically comes from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. (Not to be confused with oil that comes from hemp seeds, which contain no cannabinoids.) Why it works - The human body has a vast network of receptors, called the endocannabinoid system, which helps us maintain overall wellness and keep many of our physical processes moving in the right direction. CBD fits into the receptors, helping the body complete in its efforts to keep us in good health. Learn more about the Endocannabinoid System.
Hemp has a symphony of over 400 compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), secondary phytocannabinoids, as well as terpenoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These compounds work synergistically to heighten the positive effects of cannabidiol. That’s why we believe so strongly in creating whole-plant hemp extracts. With that in mind, we also understand that sometimes we just want a boost. Specifically, a boost of CBD. Listening to our consumers, we’ve added a CBD Isolate to our product line, so you can enhance a full-spectrum hemp supplement routine, whenever, however you need to.
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe. As with any other supplement, there is a chance that it could cause adverse reactions for some people, and/ or could interact with certain medications. As with any dietary supplement, consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have or suspect a medical condition or are taking any medications.
Find answers to more of our questions on our FAQs page.