What is cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol is 1 of more than 100 natural compounds that comes from the leaves, stalks, and flowers of industrial hemp or cannabis. It is the most widely accepted non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in Cannabis Sativa.

How does CBD Work?

To understand how CBD works we first have to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS) inside our body. The ECS is a complex system of neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids that regulate everything from sleep, mood, appetite, memory, immune system and more. The ECS’s main role is to maintain bodily homeostasis – biological harmony in response to environmental changes such as physical and mental stress. Endocannabinoids are found throughout our entire body – they are in our brain, nerves, tissue and even our skin.

Our body naturally produces cannabinoids that interact with the ECS and tell our body how to feel. One example of a cannabinoid produced naturally in our body is called anandamide. Anandamide is the cannabinoid responsible for the “runners high” feeling after a rewarding run. Other cannabinoids that can interact with the ECS are called phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabiniods are natural cannabinoids produced from the cannabis sativa plant. The cannabis plant has over 100 different cannabiniods. The two most researched cannabiniods are THC and CBD.

When you consume CBD it blocks the breakdown of our own endocannabinoids, allowing our bodies to use more of what it is already naturally producing. Essentially, CBD helps balance out the ECS when there are deficiencies as a result of physical or mental stress.

What are the different types of CBD?

When researching CBD you are certain to come across several different types and it can be confusing. The difference in terms refers to the refinement process. Here is what you need to know:

CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is a crystalline solid powder of pure CBD. Absolutely no other compounds are present in CBD isolate – it’s 100% CBD. CBD isolate is superior to other forms of CBD when looking for highly accurate dosing and zero THC concerns.

Full Spectrum CBD: Full Spectrum CBD contains every cannabinoid compound in the hemp or cannabis plant. No additional refinement has taken place after processing the plant. This means that Full Spectrum CBD has a wide range of terpenes and cannabinoids present to include THC if sourced from cannabis plants. Some research has shown that CBD is more effective when consumed with select terpenes and cannbanoids because the body achieves the “Entourage Effect”.

Broad Spectrum CBD: Broad Spectrum CBD is very similar to Full Spectrum CBD except that it has gone through additional refinement steps to remove select cannabinoids (usually THC). Broad Spectrum still has a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes but has been refined to a more calculated formula.

Will using CBD oil show up on a drug test?

It depends. Drug tests are typically testing for THC and other illicit compounds and banned substances – not CBD. However, some products use Full Spectrum CBD or CBD Distillate which can sometimes contain trace amounts of THC (and show up on a drug test). If you are in a situation where you are drug tested then stick to a CBD isolate and make sure there is no CBN in the formula. CBN can cause a false positive for THC. All VRB products are safe for drug tests except our Rest formula – it contains CBN.

What is the best way to consume CBD?

There are four main ways to consume CBD. Sublingual (drops under the tongue), inhale through the lungs, transdermal (through the skin), and digestables like gummies, capsules, etc. Bioavailability, which measures the proportion of an ingredient that enters circulation, is the best method to compare consumption options. Research shows that inhaling through the lungs has the highest bioavalability at close to 56%. Sublingual has a bioavailability of around 35%, and transdermal and digestables are as low as 6%.

While vaping has the highest bioavailability we believe the potential negative effects to the lungs makes vaping less than ideal. Therefore, we believe the cleanest, safest and most effective method is to consume CBD sublingually.

Digestables are also great but make sure you are getting a high enough dose to still get the benefits given the lower absorption rate.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is a mechanism by which cannabinoids and terpenes act synergistically to enhance the overall effects of CBD. The entourage effect is still being studied.

Of note, VRB uses CBD isolate (pure CBD) then reintroduces hand-selected terpenes to achieve the entourage effect. This allows us to have absolute control over the ingredients in our formulation without sacrificing the entourage effect benefit.

Is CBD Legal?

Yes. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill it is legal to produce, sell and consume CBD across all 50 states.

What is the difference between Hemp, Marijuana, and Cannabis?

Hemp and Marijuana are, taxonomically speaking, the same plant. They are two different names for the same genus and species (cannabis sativa). Cannabis plants with less than .3% THC are considered hemp plants. So when you hear cannabis, marijuana, or hemp the only difference is the THC content.

Will CBD get me “High”?

No. CBD alone will not get you “high”. The only cannabinoid with psychoactive properties is THC. As long as the formula you are consuming does not have THC, you will not get high.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are organic compounds produced by the cannabis plant (called phytocannabinoids). There are over 100 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that include CBD, THC, CBN and many more. Different cannabinoids have different effects on the human endocannabinoid system.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds produced by the cannabis plant and are largely associated with flavor and smell. Terpenes also have several therapeutic benefits and can be isolated from the cannabis plant for consumption.