FAQ

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second major cannabinoid found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. Unlike the other major cannabinoid THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. The effects of CBD include: alerting at low doses, sedating at high doses, reduces pain, relaxes muscle spasms, potent anti-inflammatory, stops nausea/vomiting, reduces anxiety/depression, counters psychotic thoughts, anti-oxidant, anti-convulsant, neuro-protectant, and anti-tumor effects.

What is the definition of CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol - the second most common cannabinoid found in cannabis. THC is the other most common cannabinoid.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is the term used to describe a sublingual tincture of CBD. A CBD oil or tincture is made by mixing a CBD extract from a cannabis plant into a base like alcohol or hemp seed oil. The CBD oil is meant to be held under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. A sublingual absorption provides a faster effect than absorption via the stomach (i.e. taking a CBD capsule or edible product).


How much CBD should I take? What dose do I require?

People take CBD for different reasons, and each person who takes CBD has their own unique needs. This means that there is no one standard serving size that works for everyone. In addition to the reason someone might choose to take CBD, there are also factors such as age, weight, and gender that need to be taken into account.

When starting on a regular CBD regimen, most people find that it takes a bit of experimentation to find the perfect serving size that meets their needs. However, with a bit of testing and tweaking, it doesn't take long before they find out exactly how much CBD works best.

Once someone finds their own sweet spot, the serving size they regularly take usually remains constant.

When it comes to the amount of CBD someone should take, there is a general consensus in the CBD community that it is best to start small and go slow. If the milligram content you start with doesn't deliver the results you expected, you can increase the serving size until you find that sweet spot.

Another factor to consider: Some experts say that as our physiology changes, our endocannabinoid receptors also change. The serving size of CBD that is best for an individual will fluctuate based on these changes.

When you start experimenting with CBD, you may consider calculating your starting serving size based on your weight. People who have a higher body mass generally need more CBD to feel the desired effects.

Remember, there is no "official" serving size for CBD, but determining how much to take based on how much you weigh can be a good place to start. Calculate 1-5mg for every 5kg of body weight to get a better idea. Someone who weighs 70kg, for example, might start with 15-25mg.

Once you've started with a serving size based on your weight, wait a moment. See how your body reacts, then increase or decrease the serving size you take based on your personal needs.

How long does CBD stay in the system?

CBD does not stay in your body for long. Studies indicate that your system will generally clear CBD in about 5 to 6 days. In extremely large doses you could increase that time a bit, but only a few days (probably ten days maximum).

Generates Dependence / Addiction?

A very simple and straightforward answer to this question is no, CBD is not addictive. Even though CBD is quite similar to THC in its properties and molecular structure, CBD does not cause any addiction. Several studies suggest that the reason THC is addictive is that it binds strongly to certain receptors, causing a feeling of high and exhibiting addictive properties. However, CBD doesn't stick tightly to those receptors, making it non-addictive. In fact, CBD is also known to counteract THC and reduce its psychoactive effects, such as the feeling of high and addiction.

CBD has shown great potential to be a useful tool to help people eliminate addictions to harmful substances.

According to the World Health Organization "In humans, CBD does not show effects indicative of potential dependence ... To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of CBD."

What is the best way to take CBD?

There are many different ways to use CBD. The four main ways are sublingual tinctures/sprays, topical lotions/balms, oral edibles/capsules, and inhalation by vaporization or smoking. At CBD School we think sublingual tinctures and sprays are one of the best ways to use CBD because you can get the dosing very precise, you can easily check for the quality of the product by requesting a lab report from the manufacturer, and by the reasonably fast onset of effects.

What is the best CBD oil?

Whether the CBD oil comes from hemp or marijuana, the best CBD oil is a full plant extract which contains terpenes and flavonoids naturally occurring in cannabis. The best CBD oil is one which has been lab tested to ensure its potency and safety as a clean oil fit for consumption. 

Can I mix CBD with Alcohol?

CBD and alcohol can interact if you take them four to eight hours apart. This means that if you have a drink with dinner and then consume some CBD before bed, the CBD may have a stronger effect than it would without alcohol.

Since alcohol and CBD relax you and lower your inhibitions, these effects can be especially strong and long-lasting when you mix both substances.

Free Radical Biology & Medicine research showed that rodents that ingested CBD 30 minutes before ingesting alcohol were less likely to experience alcohol-induced oxidative damage to the liver than those that did not have CBD. While these are only animal studies, experts believe they are quite revealing. "Alcohol slows down autophagy [breakdown of damaged cells] in the liver, causing fat to build up in the liver and thus causing fatty liver, inflammation and hepatitis," Rafatjah explains. CBD does the opposite, stimulating damaged cells to degenerate, which can counteract the effects of alcohol.

Jordan Tishler, president of the medical cannabis practice InhaleMD and the Association of Cannabis Specialists, says on the other hand that there is not enough research to prove any interaction between alcohol and CBD. And he is more concerned about people who mix alcohol with THC; this, he says, increases THC levels in the blood eightfold.

If you are going to take CBD and alcohol together, keep the doses low and try on your own first so you know how your body reacts to them.

Why is CBD expensive?

The process to make CBD is very labor intensive. It begins with the sowing, harvesting, extraction, distillation and bottling of the product.

The amount of work involved is quite high. As the industry progresses through increased supply, production efficiencies will also increase. As the product becomes more common, prices will drop.

The CBD oil used in ProMED products is extracted using supercritical CO2 technology, which is the most expensive technique and the only way to obtain a clean product without solvents. Some brands use ethanol extraction techniques, where there is no way to completely remove traces of solvents in the final product.

An added benefit of the Co2 extraction process is the ability to control the temperature of the process and therefore focus on specific cannabinoids, there is also a minimal risk of contaminants in the finished product.

Another way of looking at it is this: how much do you value your health? Will taking CBD keep me from having to go to the doctor? Will it help you get rid of other medications to offset the cost? Are there any other supplements I'm taking that I can eliminate to get the benefits of CBD?

Do drug tests look for CBD?

No. Drug tests look for THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. Drug tests do not test for specifically CBD. But some CBD cannabis oils and CBD hemp oils will contain either a small amount (in the case of CBD hemp oil) or significant amount of THC (in the case of CBD cannabis oil). These amounts of THC, even if they are tiny, can cause a failure of a drug test when a person is using CBD oil. Even if the amount of THC is very small as in the case of CBD hemp oil (which does not allow for a presence of THC higher than 0.3%), a drug test failure can occur if the person using the CBD hemp oil in large quantities. Caution must be taken with drug tests and CBD oil. 

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are essential oils found in plants. There are around 200 terpenes in cannabis. They are what give cannabis its distinct aroma and flavor. Terpenes have beneficial effects and work synergistically with cannabinoids like CBD and THC – this relationship is called the entourage effect.

Can I give my pet CBD (my dog, cat, etc.)?

Yes. Pets can benefit from CBD for many of the same conditions as humans: pain, seizures, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD is safe to use for pets but their dosage will likely be much smaller than yours. Dogs have a higher concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their brain. This means they are very sensitive to THC. But a small amount of THC, like the amount in a full spectrum CBD hemp oil, is beneficial for animals. We recommend you speak with a veterinarian (holistic veterinarian) before you start giving your pet CBD.

How long do you keep CBD tincture under your tongue?

Try to keep the CBD tincture under your tongue for 30 – 60 seconds. The longer you can hold, usually the better it will absorb.

Can you get high off of CBD?

CBD is considered to be a non-psychoactive cannabinoid so it will not get you high in the way that marijuana (THC) gets you high. But CBD is known to be relaxing so you may feel a sort of subtle “high” and relaxation. For some CBD will be too sedating; others will find that the sedating effects of CBD are great for insomnia.

What does a CBD high feel like?

CBD is not psychoactive in the way that THC is psychoactive and it will not get you high. However CBD can have an effect on your mental state. Many users of CBD report feeling a very subtle feeling of relaxation, alertness, or mental clarity from taking CBD.

Can you get high from hemp seed oil?

No. Hemp seed oil is a food product, not a drug. Hemp seed oil comes from hemp seeds – a good source of nutrition and protein.

What is the difference between CBD Hemp Oil and CBD Cannabis Oil?

CBD hemp oil is made from hemp while CBD Cannabis Oil is made from marijuana plants. CBD Hemp Oil will contain little to no THC. CBD Cannabis Oil can contain significantly more THC than CBD Hemp Oil. CBD Cannabis Oil can contain an equal amount of THC to CBD.

Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same thing?

No. CBD oil is a medicinal product. CBD oil is a liquid concentrate of CBD. Another term for CBD oil is CBD tincture. Hemp oil is a food product made from pressed hemp seeds. Hemp oil is a highly nutritious food product which contains no CBD.

What are the effects of CBD?

CBD has shown to have the following effects: non psychoactive (does not cause a high), alerting in low to moderate doses, sedating in high doses, reduces pain, reduces muscle spasms, anti-inflammatory, stops nausea/vomiting, reduces anxiety/depression, counters psychotic thoughts, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, neuroprotectant, and anti-tumor. Source: Cannabis Revealed

Can CBD cause anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex condition. For some users, CBD may cause them to experience anxiety or increase their existing anxiety.

For many users, CBD will act as a powerful anti-anxiety drug. CBD has been well studied as an anxiolytic and anti-psychotic drug. Anti-anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek out and use CBD.

Can you overdose on CBD?

CBD has been shown to be safe to use in high doses. CBD will not cause a fatal overdose. However it is possible to take too much CBD. A consequence of taking too much CBD is the increased chance of negative side effects like lethargy or drowsiness.

Are drug interaction possible with CBD?

Yes. CBD is metabolized by a group of enzymes called the CYP450. These enzymes are responsible for metabolizing many commonly used drugs. CBD can inhibit the activity of the CYP450 enzymes. While CBD-drug interactions are more likely with high doses of CBD and CBD isolates, precaution must be taken when using CBD alongside life preserving medications for serious conditions (i.e. epilepsy medications).

Click here to learn more about CBD-drug interactions.

What is CBD used for?

People are finding that CBD is useful for many conditions which have not responded well to conventual treatments. New ailments which CBD can help treat are being discovered every day. However the most common uses of CBD are treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.

What are CBD edibles?

CBD edibles are food products infused with CBD. Common CBD edibles products are chocolates, gummy bears, or CBD gum. CBD edibles are an oral route of administration of CBD.

What is hemp extract?

Hemp extract refers to the raw extract which is taken from a hemp plant for later processing into CBD oil or CBD products. The most common methods of extraction are CO2 and ethanol extraction.

What are CBD gummies?

CBD gummies are a form of a CBD edible: a food product (in this case gummies) infused with CBD.

What is CBD isolate?

CBD isolate or otherwise called “pure CBD” is the CBD molecule separated from the the rest of the compounds it normally occurs with. CBD isolate usually appears as a crystalline white powder. CBD isolate can either be synthesized in a lab (synthetic CBD) or made from a CBD containing plant like marijuana or hemp.

What is CBD powder?

“CBD powder” likely refers to CBD isolate. Please question above “What is CBD isolate?”

What is CBD vape oil?

A CBD vape oil or CBD e juice is a liquid made for vaping which is infused with CBD.

What is a CBD tincture?

A CBD tincture is another term for a CBD oil. In the cannabis industry the word “tincture” and “oil” are used interchangeably. A CBD tincture or CBD oil is a liquid concentrate which contains CBD. Source: Cannabis Revealed

How do you take a CBD tincture?

CBD tinctures are taken by placing the dose under the tongue where it can be absorbed sublingually – through the mucous membrane in the mouth.

How long does it take for CBD to take effect?

The length of time it takes for CBD to take effect will depend on the route of administration. The fastest effect will be felt from smoking or vaporization (onset of effects in minutes). Topical administration of CBD will be felt quickly as well. The next fastest effect will be felt from a sublingual dosage (onset of effects in 15 – 60 minutes). The slowest effect (but the longest lasting) will be felt from oral ingestion (onset felt in 90 minutes). Source: Cannabis Revealed

Do you need a prescription for CBD?

No. CBD is not an FDA approved pharmaceutical or dietary supplement. You may purchase CBD without a prescription.

Can anyone buy CBD oil?

Yes. Anyone living in a state or country where it is legal to use CBD can buy CBD oil. CBD oil may be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Is CBD legal?

Currently, the legal status of CBD is not clear. CBD is legal to use in states which allow medical and recreational cannabis use. CBD is legal in states with allow for the use of hemp products. CBD and cannabis laws vary from state to state and it is up to you to know the exact laws for where you live. Click here for more information on CBD law.

Is CBD legal in all 50 states?

Yes. it is in all 50 States.

Is CBD oil addictive?

While nearly anything in the world can be addictive, no CBD is not known to be an addictive drug. In fact, CBD has shown strong potential to be a useful tool to help people break addictions to harmful substances.

How long is the shelf life of CBD?

CBD itself does not have an expiration date. However, CBD oil products can degrade and must be used within a certain period of time. They should be stored in airtight containers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. See product expiration dates for more information.

Is your product organic? Is it vegan?

ProMED’s products are 100% organic and vegan.

Will CBD help me if I am a healthy person?

Due to its ability to help support the body's effort to maintain homeostasis, CBD is often used by those without specific ailments or diseases.

Do you test your products for potency, pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, and mold?

Yes. All ProMED products go through a rigorous series of tests conducted by third-party laboratories to ensure purity and precise concentrations of cannabinoids. This includes testing to make sure our products do not contain THC or any potential contaminants.

Where does CBD come from?

CBD is produced inside cannabis plants. CBD is produced by both marijuana and hemp plants. CBD is mostly produced in the resinous trichomes of cannabis flowers. Smaller concentrations of CBD can be found on the stalk and leaves of cannabis plants.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system is the collection of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes involved in the production and break down of endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids found within our body. The two most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG. The two most studies cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located mostly in the brain and CB2 receptors are located mostly throughout the immune system.

What are the CB1 receptors located?

CB1 receptors are located primarily in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal chord).

Where are the CB2 receptors located?

CB2 receptors are located primarily in the immune system.

What is the purpose of the endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system acts a homeostasis regulator in the body. Its purpose is to maintain balance.

Can lotion with hemp seed make you fail a drug test?

No. Lotion made from hemp seeds contains no significant amount of THC and thus will not make you fail a drug test.

Can hemp protein make you fail a drug test?

No. Hemp protein will not make you fail a drug test as it contains no THC.

What is hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is a highly nutritious oil made from pressed hemp seeds. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil do not contain significant amounts of CBD. Hemp seed oil is often confused with CBD hemp oil but they are not the same thing. CBD hemp oil is a CBD tincture – a liquid concentrate of CBD. CBD hemp oil however can be suspended in hemp seed oil as a carrier of the CBD. Other common carriers of CBD hemp oil include coconut oil or MCT oil.

Is there CBD in hemp?

Yes. Hemp plants contain CBD in varying concentrations depending on the variety of the hemp. The highest concentration of CBD in hemp plants will be found in the resinous flower of a flowering hemp plant.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is a the synergistic relationship of the naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. The cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in cannabis have shown to work better when they are taken together as opposed to in isolation from each other.

How does a cannabinoid work?

Cannabinoids generally work by binding to our body’s cannabinoid receptors (CB1 or CB2). Cannabinoids like CBD can work in other ways by targeting non cannabinoid receptors in the body.

Is CBD water soluble?

No. But CBD and other cannabinoids can be formulated to act as if they are water soluble. Source: http://blog.sonomechanics.com/blog/water-soluble-cbd

What is "raw" CBD oil?

Raw CBD oil refers to the first extraction of the CBD oil which can be bought for usage by CBD users. The raw CBD extract will not be decarboxylated or filtered and will thus contain not only CBD but also CBD in its acid form: CBDa. Decarboxylation is the application of heat which converts most of the CBDa into CBD.

Are endocannabinoids neurotransmitters?

Endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced naturally in the body of mammals) are not neurotransmitters. Endocannabinoids are neuromodulators – they are released on demand to alter the activity of neurotransmitters. A good example is glutamate. Glutamate is a primary, stimulatory neurotransmitter. When glutamate is present in excessive amounts, pain and cell death can occur. The release of endocannabinoids functions as a stopping mechanism for the release of glutamate. THC and CBD can act in the same way as our own endocannabinoids. Source: Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System