Question 1

So what is hemp?

Accepted Answer

Hemp is simply a term western cultures gave to the plant known as cannabis sativa L (named by famed Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus).  It is a subspecies of the cannabis sativa plant, grown for its fibers and seeds.  Hemp plants contain little to no THC.  It has thousands of textile uses, including paper, rope, clothing, insulation, animal bedding, and more.  It's oils can easily be converted into biodiesel, providing a clean and renewable source of energy.  The seeds and their oil provide a host of nutritional benefits such as healthy omega fats and bio-available protein.

Question 2

Is it different than Marijuana?

Accepted Answer

Like the term hemp, marijuana is another word included in the western lexicon that refers to cannabis.  This term however, is most associated with the THC rich varieties.  Unlike hemp's good name, marijuana was a term created by politicians and the monopolistic capitalists who funded them, in an effort to demonize the cannabis plant and non-American humans alike.  At The Cannidote, we make it an effort to educate others about the history behind this word, and ask that you join us in refusing to use it, along with other hateful and racially charged slang words from that same time period.

Question 3

CBD, what is it?"

Accepted Answer

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 120 currently known cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant.  It is the most abundant cannabinoid found within wild cultivars.  In strains that have undergone human breeding programs (grow ops), CBD is the second most abundant, behind the psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).  CBD flower smoked by customers is indeed "weed" that has minimal (legal) amounts of THC present.

Question 4

Could you further explain cannabinoids please?

Accepted Answer

Cannabinoids are a family of compounds that act on the body's cannabinoid receptors.  These compounds fall into two categories.  Endocannabinoids are endogenous to the (mamallian) body, meaning it produces them from within, via the endocannabinoid system.  Phytocannabinoids are those found in plants, like black pepper, kava, cacao, echinecea, flaxseed, and cannabis, just to name a few.  Other common cannabinoids include CBN, CBG, and CBC.  Due to the presence of the endocannabinoid system, our bodies are able to tap into the therapeutic effects of these plant based variations.  Just as we consume plant blood (cloryphyll) and convert it into our own blood (hemoglobin), so too do we utilize plant based cannabinoids.  As Hippocrates is famously quoted: "let food be thy medicine, and medicine by thy food."

Question 5

What are terpenes?

Accepted Answer

Terpenes are volatile essential oils found inside plants that are responsible for aroma, flavor, and therapeutic properties.  Myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinene, and humulene are some of the most popular terpenes found in cannabis.  Research has shown that terpenes work together alongside cannabis to complement one another.  Watch out for synthetic variations that may be damaging to your health!  To learn more about terpenes, check out our Facebook page, read our blog, or visit:        
 
https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/terpenes-entourage-effect/

Question 6

Are hemp oil and CBD oil the same thing?

Accepted Answer

A tricky differentiation.  A full or broadspectrum cannabis extract is more than just CBD isolate (another commonly sold supplement).  It is thus, often labeled as "hemp oil".  These products contain cannabinoids extracted from various parts of the plant: leaves, stems, stalks, flower, and even roots; as well as the terpenes, cloryphyll, pigments, and more.  One of these products is not to be confused with the hemp seed oil found alongside flaxseed oil in health food stores.  These products are made only from the seed of cannabis plants, containing minimal amounts of CBD and THC.  Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil is rich in other cannabinoids, including CBR, CBT, CBG, CBE, CBN, and CBC.  Supplementing your diet with 2-3 tablespoons of hemp seeds and/or oil per day can enhance the entourage effect even further!  Sprinkle some on yogurt, or soups.  Use it in your granola or trail mix.  They even make great smoothie additions.  Check out our blog to find tantilizing recipes.

Question 7

Will I get high off of CBD?

Accepted Answer

Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive substance, meaning it will not make the user "high".  This is due to the different shape (a molecules biological function is related to it's shape) between the two compounds.  CBD can be used to keep your mind clear, while reducing pain and inflammation, enhancing your nervous system, improving sleep quality, regulating homeostasis, and more.  In fact, CBD has been shown to counteract the side effects of excessive THC consumption such as short term memory loss, anxiety, and "the munchies".

Question 8

Can you overdose on CBD?

Accepted Answer

No.  CBD has been shown to be safe even in high doses (1,200mg daily!).  Like THC, it is a near physically impossble feat to cause a fatal overdose using CBD.  One would suffocate themselves to death first if they attempted to do so by smoking.  If one does consume excess amounts of cannabidiol, they may experience symptoms of lethargy and drowziness.

Question 9

Will CBD interact with pharmaceutical medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Due to oxidation, all food and beverage consumed contains some level of harmful compounds.  The liver is responsible for filtering out toxins and metabolizing drugs.  It accomplishes this via the activity of enzymes.  One such family of enzymes that can be influenced by CBD are those relating to the cytochrome P450 pathway.  These enzymes are responsible for metabolozing CBD, as well as numerous pharmaceutical drugs.  CBD has an ability to inhibit (slow down) the activity of the P450 pathway, thus altering how the body will metabolize other compounds.  CBD-drug reactions are more likely when using high doses of CBD, and are more common with isolates.  Utilizing a full spectrum product can decrease your chances of an interaction.

Question 10

Is CBD addictive?

Accepted Answer

The activity of enjoying your CBD product (smoking, vaping, eating, etc.) has the potential to become habitually addictive.  So does going through the fast food line for a burger and fries.  While the fast food burger and fries, thanks to the synthetic salt, sugar, fat, and empty calories, proves to be physically addictive; CBD does not.  In fact, CBD is proven to assist in breaking the cycles of addiction.  Results have been shown using opiods, as well as tobacco, even cannabis abuse.

Question 11

Will I fail a drug test if I use a CBD product?

Accepted Answer

While no company can guarantee a clean sample unless their product label says "zero THC", when used appropriately, even those supplements containing 0.3% THC or less should not result in a failed drug test.  It is important to find the most effective supplement for each unique individual, and at a potency most fitting to their needs.  Doing so ought to reduce the risk that a customer abuse their purchase. 
 
Some states are implementing laws that prohibit employers from including CBD and THC in their drug screens.  This makes sense given certain states recreational laws, and tourists ability to travel to them.  Most drug tests do not even look for any cannabinoids other than THC and THCa.

Question 12

Where can I find more information regarding CBD and cannabis?

Accepted Answer

Be sure to check out our blog page for in depth explanations into terms like "the entourage effect", endocannabinoid system, CB1 & CB2 receptors, terpenes, and much, much more.
 
For more common FAQ's surrounding CBD use, check out the CBD School webpage below:
 
https://www.cbdschool.com/cbd-faq/
 
Leafly's website contains a great deal of information regarding cannabis.  From indica/sativa ratios to terpene content, flavor and aroma, and imparted effect, the authors there have you covered.  They have a great link dedicated to cannabis education.
 
https://www.leafly.com/

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