FAQ
Some answers to common questions
Feel free to call or email us anytime if you have other questions!
- CBD is short for cannabidiol (pronounced like can-uh-BIH-dee-all) and comes from the cannabis plant.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is found on both marijuana plants and hemp plants.
- Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants. But, hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species.
- Cannabinoids are compounds within the cannabis plant.
- CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids that have been found on cannabis plants to date.
- CBD does not get you high.
CBD primarily interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a grouping of millions of cannabinoid receptors found throughout your body. They are primarily clustered in the brain and central nervous system, immune tissues and periferal organs. While CBD is a phytocannabinoid, or plant-based cannabinoid, your body also naturally produces cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids.
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 carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut 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 absorbtion via the stomach (i.e. taking a CBD capsule or edible product).
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.
Project CBD has an excellent article on CBD-drug interactions.
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.)?
Pets, specifically mammals, have the same endocannabinoid system as humans. Nature’s Gem CBD does not contain THC so there is no high effect if you choose to use our pet CBD products. We recommend you speak with a 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.
CBD is considered to be a non-psychoactive cannabinoid so it will not get you high. In fact, regulations require CBD product to contain less than .03% THC. However, every body is different and depending on the strength of CBD taking internally, even without THC, for some is can be relaxing so you may feel a sort of subtle “high” and relaxation. Please note, Nature’s Gem CBD ingestible products do not contain THC.
People are finding that CBD is useful for many conditions by restoring balance to the body’s endocannbinoid system.
CBD edibles are are oral route of administration of CBD. Common CBD edibles products are gummies and capsules, although it is now being infused into seltzers and other products.
CBD gummies are a form of a CBD edible: a food product (in this case gummies) infused with CBD.
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
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
- The endocannabinoid system is a grouping of millions of cannabinoid receptors found throughout your body, but are primarily clustered in the brain and central nervous system, immune tissues and periferal organs. Your body also naturally produces cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. Almost every organ of your body, including your skin and digestive tract, contains cannabinoid receptors.
- The endocannabinoid system has four primary purposes including neuroprotection, stress relief, immune response, and regulating the body’s general state of balance, impacting faculties such as appetite, sleep, mood, and pain.
- Unlike THC, CBD does not interact directly with the two classical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). This is why CBD does not cause any psychoactive effect. Instead, CBD inhibits the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, leading to an increase in your body’s naturally-produced cannabinoids.
What do I need to be aware of when buying CBD products?
CBD right now is not regulated, so the burden is on you to make sure you do your research. Some things to consider when purchasing CBD:
- Make sure you buy from a reputable source. A reputable source will have:
- A website
- Be knowledgeable about the product
- Have third-party lab results readily available on their website.
- Be wary of false claims of a cure. CBD will not cure anything, and it should be considered one piece to incorporate into whole body health and wellness.
- Read the Ingredients. Always read the ingredients list when comparing different CBD products. Some products may have additional ingredients like melatonin, and some CBD edibles contain artificial coloring and flavors. Note: We do not add melatonin to any ingestible products; our gummies contain natural flavoring and color and are vegan.
- Some brands use overseas sources with lower purity standards or are synthetic (manufactured, not plant-based).
- Make sure the manufacturer uses consistently sourced CBD. With the explosion of CBD growers, some manufacturers will substitute CBD sourced from different growers, which can affect consistency. Nature’s Gem manufactures our products consistently from USDA-certified organic farms in Colorado.