What Is CBD? A Comprehensive Guide

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, has become a popular natural alternative for managing a variety of health issues. From anxiety and stress^[1] to chronic pain and inflammation,^[2] CBD is widely believed to offer therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.^[3] In this guide, we will delve into the science behind CBD, the different types of CBD products available, and whether or not CBD can cause a positive drug test result.

What is CBD and How Does it Work?

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is commonly used for its potential therapeutic properties, including reducing inflammation^[4] and easing anxiety.^[5] CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors found throughout the body that plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis.^[6] When CBD is consumed, it activates these receptors and helps regulate various functions in the body, such as sleep,^[7] mood,^[8] and pain perception.

Hemp vs. Cannabis: Understanding the Differences

CBD can be extracted from both hemp and cannabis plants,^[9] but the legality of the final product depends on the source of the CBD. Hemp-derived CBD is legal nationwide as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight,^[10] as stipulated in the Farm Bill of 2018.^[11] On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD is only legal in states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. It’s worth noting that the CBD content in hemp and cannabis plants is not significantly different, and both can be used to produce high-quality CBD products.

The Different Forms of CBD Products

There are various methods of consuming CBD, each with its own set of pros and cons. Some of the most popular forms of CBD products include:

• Tinctures: These are oil-based products that are meant to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). It’s important to allow the tincture enough time to absorb (around 30-45 seconds) for optimal effectiveness. Tinctures can also be added to food or drinks.
• Vape oil: CBD vape oil is used with electronic vape devices and is heated to a temperature that causes the oil to vaporize. The vapor is then inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. CBD vape juices are often available in a variety of flavors for an enhanced experience.
• Edibles: CBD edibles, such as gummies, snacks, and sweets, offer a convenient way to consume CBD. The CBD is slowly released into the body through the digestive process. Capsules are also available for a more traditional method of consumption.
• Topicals: Creams, lotions, balms, and sprays enriched with CBD can provide a localized effect and may potentially help with minor muscle aches and joint discomfort.

Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum, and Isolate

When it comes to CBD, there are three main types to choose from: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolate. Understanding the differences between these types can help you decide which one is best for you.

Here is a breakdown of each type of CBD:

• Broad spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but has had the THC removed. This is a good option for those who want the potential benefits of the entourage effect, but who do not want the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Full spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in hemp, including trace amounts of THC. This means that it has the potential to produce psychoactive effects, although the amount of THC is typically below the legal limit of 0.3% and is not enough to get a person high. Some people believe that full spectrum CBD is more effective due to the entourage effect, but more research is needed to confirm this.
• CBD isolate is pure CBD with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed. This makes it a good option for those who want a pure CBD product, or who may be sensitive to the trace amounts of THC found in full spectrum CBD. However, it is important to note that CBD isolate may not have the same potential benefits as full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD due to the lack of other compounds present.

Take the time to consider your goals for using CBD and do your own research to determine which type is best for you. Each person is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Will CBD Cause a Positive Drug Test Result?

It’s unlikely that consuming CBD will result in a positive drug test. However, it’s possible that trace amounts of THC in a low-quality CBD product could cause a positive result. This is especially true if the product has been consumed in large quantities. It’s essential to choose a reputable CBD brand that provides third-party lab testing to ensure the purity and quality of their products.^[12]

The Legality of CBD

As mentioned, CBD derived from industrial hemp is legally available nationwide, while CBD sourced from cannabis is only legal in cannabis-friendly states. However, it’s important to note that the legal landscape surrounding CBD is constantly changing and evolving. It’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities to ensure you are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.^[13]

Potential Benefits of CBD

CBD is widely believed to have a wide range of potential therapeutic and wellness benefits.^[14] These may include reducing anxiety^[15] and stress, managing pain and inflammation, improving sleep,^[16] and more. However, it’s important to note that the research on CBD is still in its early stages, and much more research is needed to fully understand its effects and benefits.^[17]

Potential Drawbacks of CBD

While CBD is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. These may include:

• Interactions with medications: CBD can potentially interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and painkillers. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before adding CBD to your routine, especially if you are taking any medications.^[18]
• Limited research: While CBD is believed to have many potential therapeutic benefits, the research on CBD is still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential risks.^[19]
• Lack of regulation: As CBD is not yet fully regulated by the FDA, it’s important to choose reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices and provide third-party lab testing. This can help ensure the purity and quality of the product.^[20]
• Psychoactive effects: While CBD does not produce psychoactive effects on its own, it can potentially interact with THC to enhance its psychoactive effects. This is especially true if you are consuming a product that contains both CBD and THC.
• Legal issues: While hemp-derived CBD is legal nationwide, cannabis-derived CBD is only legal in states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use. It’s important to check with your local authorities to ensure you are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.^[21]

References

In conclusion, CBD is a promising natural alternative for managing a variety of health issues, but it’s important to approach it with caution and do your research before adding it to your routine. It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional and choose reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing to ensure the purity and quality of their products.

^[1] Bergamaschi, Mateus M., Regina Helena Costa Queiroz, Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas, Danielle Chaves Gomes De Oliveira, Bruno Spinosa De Martinis, Flávio Kapczinski, João Quevedo et al. “Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naive social phobia patients.” Neuropsychopharmacology 36, no. 6 (2011): 1219-1226; Zuardi, Antônio Waldo, J. A. de Souza Crippa, Jaime Eduardo Cecílio Hallak, Alline Cristina de Campos, and Francisco Silveira Guimarães. “The anxiolytic effects of Cannabidiol (CBD).” In Handbook of cannabis and related pathologies, pp. e131-e139. Academic Press, 2017.

^[2] Donvito, Giulia, Sara R. Nass, Jenny L. Wilkerson, Zachary A. Curry, Lesley D. Schurman, Steven G. Kinsey, and Aron H. Lichtman. “The endogenous cannabinoid system: a budding source of targets for treating inflammatory and neuropathic pain.” Neuropsychopharmacology 43, no. 1 (2018): 52-79; VanDolah, Harrison J., Brent A. Bauer, and Karen F. Mauck. “Clinicians’ guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils.” In Mayo Clinic Proceedings, vol. 94, no. 9, pp. 1840-1851. Elsevier, 2019: Hammell, D. C., L. P. Zhang, F. Ma, S. M. Abshire, S. L. McIlwrath, A. L. Stinchcomb, and K. N. Westlund. “Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.” European Journal of Pain 20, no. 6 (2016): 936-948.

^[3] MacCallum, Caroline A., and Ethan B. Russo. “Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing.” European Journal of Internal Medicine 49 (2018): 12-19.

^[4] Lowin, Torsten, Ren Tingting, Julia Zurmahr, Tim Classen, Matthias Schneider, and Georg Pongratz. “Cannabidiol (CBD): A killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.” Cell death & disease 11, no. 8 (2020): 1-11.

^[5] Zuardi, Antônio Waldo, J. A. de Souza Crippa, Jaime Eduardo Cecílio Hallak, Alline Cristina de Campos, and Francisco Silveira Guimarães. “The anxiolytic effects of Cannabidiol (CBD).” In Handbook of cannabis and related pathologies, pp. e131-e139. Academic Press, 2017; Bergamaschi, Mateus M., Regina Helena Costa Queiroz, Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas, Danielle Chaves Gomes De Oliveira, Bruno Spinosa De Martinis, Flávio Kapczinski, João Quevedo et al. “Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naive social phobia patients.” Neuropsychopharmacology 36, no. 6 (2011): 1219-1226.

^[6] Grinspoon, Peter. “The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious.” Harvard Health Publishing. August 11, 2021.

^[7] Kuhathasan, Nirushi, Alexander Dufort, James MacKillop, Raymond Gottschalk, Luciano Minuzzi, and Benicio N. Frey. “The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials.” Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology 27, no. 4 (2019): 383.

^[8] National Institutes of Health NIH Medline Plus Magazine. “The ABCs of CBD: Separating fact from fiction.” Accessed January 1, 2023.

^[9] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What you need to know.” Accessed January 1, 2023.

^[10] Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Pub. L. No. 115-334, 132 Stat. 4490 (2018).

^[11] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products including Cannabidiol (CBD).” Accessed January 1, 2023; Hudak, John. “The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer.” Brookings, December 14, 2018; American Farm Bureau Federation. “2018 Farm Bill Provides a Path Forward for Industrial Hemp.” February 28, 2019.

^[12] Christiansen, Sherry. “Does CBD show up on a drug test?” Verywell Health. October 25, 2022; Fookes, Carmen. “Does CBD show up on a drug test?” Drugs.com. October 20, 2022.

^[13] National Conference of State Legislatures. “State Medical Cannabis Laws.” November 9, 2022.

^[14] MacKeen, Dawn. “What Are the Benefits of CBD?” New York Times, October 16, 2019. 

^[15] Hurd, Yasmin L., Sharron Spriggs, Julia Alishayev, Gary Winkel, Kristina Gurgov, Chris Kudrich, Anna M. Oprescu, and Edwin Salsitz. “Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.” American Journal of Psychiatry 176, no. 11 (2019): 911-922.

^[16] Kuhathasan, Nirushi, Alexander Dufort, James MacKillop, Raymond Gottschalk, Luciano Minuzzi, and Benicio N. Frey. “The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials.” Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology 27, no. 4 (2019): 383.

^[17] MedlinePlus. “Cannabidiol (CBD).” Accessed January 1, 2023.

^[18] MedlinePlus. “Cannabidiol (CBD).” Accessed January 1, 2023.

^[19] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.” March 5, 2020.

^[20] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “What you need to know (and what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.” March 5, 2020.

^[21] National Conference of State Legislatures. “State Medical Cannabis Laws.” November 9, 2022.