FAQ
all about CBD and Cannabis Plant
CBD is one of many natural compounds found in Cannabis Sativa L., one of the oldest plants in the world. It is known for its potential health benefits.
The CBD you can buy at CBDDONA is a plant-based dietary supplement that can help support a healthy, calm and balanced life.
As a supplement, CBD is available in the form of oils, pills, edibles (such as gummies), topicals and vapes. CBD is also used as a beautifying ingredient in cosmetics such as creams, serums, shampoos, body lotions and more.
Cannabidiol is the scientific name for CBD, a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant. It is currently being researched by various scientists who are trying to understand the potential it has to support people suffering from various illnesses. These include asthma, arrhythmia, anemia and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Cannabidiol is not intoxicating, meaning it will never get you high. This is in complete contrast to its more famous cousin THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is known for its psychoactive/intoxicating effects.
Full-spectrum CBD oil is a supplement containing CBD and other natural ingredients found in the cannabis plant. The other ingredients include various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all with unique potential health benefits.
Users of full-spectrum CBD oil can take advantage of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is what scientists call the ability for various compounds found in cannabis to work together in harmony and, as a result, increase their potential benefits for the human body and mind.
Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
The main difference between CBD and THC is that THC can have an intoxicating effect, commonly referred to as being “high”. CBD will never
get you “high”, and you will never feel intoxicated after using CBD, no matter how much you take.
CBD is found in the Cannabis Sativa L. – a scientific name for cannabis. Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, yet hemp will contain more CBD and less THC than marijuana. It will also contain over 80 different cannabinoids, making it the perfect source of CBD for various products, including CBD oils, pills, gummy bears, creams and more.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a type of cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant.
Both Marijuana and Hemp are a type of cannabis plant.
Hemp is a species of cannabis that is rich in CBD but low in THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains high levels of THC, making it illegal in Europe (unless prescribed by medical professionals).
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is cold-pressed from hemp seeds.
It can be consumed by itself, used in meals or added to drinks, such as smoothies or vegetable juices.
While hemp oil is full of healthy ingredients, including Vitamin A and E, or Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, it does not contain CBD.
CBD oil is a supplement containing CBD extracted from the leaves, flowers, and stems (not seeds) of the hemp plant. It also includes a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil, necessary for the appropriate absorption of CBD.
Crystal CBD (also referred to as CBD isolate) is CBD in its purest form. It does not include any other ingredients from the cannabis plant.
Full-spectrum CBD will include multiple ingredients derived from the cannabis plant (including CBD, other cannabinoids and terpenes). Early research suggests these other ingredients found in cannabis may also have potential health benefits. Full-spectrum CBD will also include THC, however, in very small doses, which will never be enough to have any sort of intoxicating effects nor exceed the legally allowed limits.
Broad-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, will include all of the beneficial ingredients found in cannabis (including CBD, other cannabinoids and terpenes) but will contain no traceable amounts of THC.
CBD works by interacting with the human Endocannabinoid System.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays a vital role in various processes in the body. It consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes.
While the human body produces endocannabinoids, the cannabis plant produces cannabinoids.
Both endocannabinoids produced by our bodies and cannabinoids found in cannabis (including CBD) can interact with the cannabinoid receptors of the Endocannabinoid system.
Through such interactions, cannabinoids (such as CBD) can send important messages to our cannabinoid receptors, and as a result, indirectly influence processes such as sleep, appetite or even the levels of anxiety and inflammation you experience.
We have different types of receptors present throughout our entire bodies, CB1 and CB2 receptors being the most famous ones. CBD is capable of interacting with CB1 receptors, which you can find in the brain, the central nervous system and various organs, playing an essential role in processes related to pain, anxiety, inflammation and more.
The answer to this question depends greatly on the form of intake you choose. Vapes and CBD oils are considered the fastest-acting application methods, taking between 15 and 30 minutes from application to noticing an effect. Capsules and edibles take much longer (between 2 and 3 hours) as they need to go through the digestive system before they can reach our bloodstream.
It is essential to mention that different people may react differently to the same amount of CBD. While some might feel the effects instantly, others may need to use CBD for a more extended period (minimum 30 days) or need to increase their dose to notice any changes.
CBD Usage
CBD in oil and a capsule will have similar effects, but the effects of CBD oil will be felt much quicker. Putting drops under the tongue allows CBD to quickly access the bloodstream, making it possible for some people to feel the results as soon as 15-30 minutes after application.
Capsules, on the other hand, require a longer waiting time. Before CBD administered in a capsule can reach the bloodstream, it first needs to go through the digestive system – a process that might take up to 2 or 3 hours.
Capsules are an excellent option for users who do not enjoy the flavour of a standard CBD oil, as most pills are taste-free.
Yes, it is possible to take more CBD than your body needs. The good news, though, is that the chances of that happening are very low, and the side effects are relatively mild. These could be sleepiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite, lowered blood pressure, upset stomach or nausea.
It is not possible to die from overdosing CBD, and the side effects should disappear as soon as the CBD dose is decreased or a short break takes place.
You can take CBD as often as you wish, but you should remember that more does not mean better.
Instead, start with small doses and always follow the instructions provided by the producer. Only increase the intake if necessary.
The best way to take CBD oil is to put one or two drops under the tongue and wait a minimum of 30 seconds before swallowing. If possible, avoid drinking for at least one or two minutes after application. That way, you will allow your body to absorb the CBD correctly and will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your CBD.
The most common side effects of taking too much CBD are:
Sleepiness, lowered blood pressure, digestive issues, nausea, dry mouth or excessive tiredness.
The side effects should disappear as soon as you decrease the CBD dose or take a short break from CBD supplements.
Everybody is different and has different CBD needs, so it is hard to say how much and how often you should use your CBD product.
This is why we have created a cannabidiol calculator, which you can use to estimate how big your first dose should be.
If you are a novice user, we recommend starting with a low dose of CBD once or twice a day and observing how your body reacts.
Remember that consistency is key, so make sure you take it every day, ideally around the same time. If you do so, you should be able to tell if your dosage works well or if it should be increased or decreased.
Last but not least, make sure to speak to your doctor, especially if you are currently on daily medication.
The best time and accurate frequency will depend on your reasons for using CBD.
Some people enjoy using it in the evening to help them unwind, while others like to add it to their morning routine to help them focus and perform. We recommend you experiment with different times and frequencies to see what works best for you.
Yes, you can mix CBD and alcohol. You can even buy CBD-infused alcoholic beverages, such as CBD beer or gin, and even wine.
While not a lot of research has been done on the relationship between alcohol and CBD, early findings suggest CBD may actually be used as a tool to help people fight their alcohol addiction.
Still, remember that CBD and alcohol can interact with each other, increasing the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Therefore, if you decide to mix CBD and alcohol, make sure you drink less than you would usually, as it might hit you harder than expected.
Some users report feeling the effects of CBD and alcohol more when taken at the same time.
If you decide to mix CBD and alcohol, you might want to drink at a slower pace than you normally would, just to make sure you don’t feel the relaxing effects of alcohol more than you wish to.
CBD products are commonly used by professional athletes as well as people who exercise on a regular basis to improve their health and well-being.
Early research suggests that CBD products used after a workout might provide great support to the body’s recovery processes by helping it combat muscle soreness, a common symptom of over-exercising.
CBD is also used by some before a workout to decrease anxiety. This can help them stay focused on, and enjoy, the physical activities they are about to embark on.
CBD is a plant-derived ingredient, meaning that it can be safely used by vegetarian and vegan athletes as there is no animal product in there.
While all of our products are vegan friendly, some brands might include ingredients to their CBD products that are not. It is therefore important you only buy products that are clearly marked as vegan-friendly.
CBD can interact with medication. It can make them a bit weaker or increase the potential side effects. While most vitamins are safe to take at the same time as CBD oil, here at CBD DONA, we believe that your safety and health come first.
Therefore, we recommend you do not mix CBD with any medication and wait for at least 2 hours between taking your CBD and vitamins.
And remember – if you are ever in doubt, talk to your doctor. They will be able to provide you with advice based on your needs and medical history.
Yes, it is both safe and legal to drive after using CBD.
CBD does not have any intoxicating properties, and it will not impact your ability to drive or perform any manual or cognitive tasks.
However, it is not safe to drive after combining CBD and any amount of alcohol – even the amounts permitted by law. This is since CBD might enhance the intoxicating effects of alcohol, making it dangerous to be driving on the road.
Effects of CBD
CBD is generally well-tolerated, but in some rare cases, it might lead to side effects.
There are certain groups of people who should take extra care when taking any supplements, including CBD. For example, if you are on any prescribed medication, have issues with your liver, or suffer from any medical condition, talk to your doctor before including CBD into your diet.
It is also important to mention that CBD is unsuitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as we do not have enough scientific evidence showing it is safe for the fetus or newborns.
Other minor side effects that might occur are nausea, dry mouth, change in appetite, fatigue and digestive issues – all of which should pass once the CBD is out of the body.
No, CBD does not have an intoxication effect. It will not impact your ability to perform at work or complete various mechanical tasks, including driving.
Additionally, when you buy your CBD products from CBD DONA, you can be sure that none of them will contain more than 0.2% of THC, which is far too little to cause any intoxicating effects.
No, it is not possible to get high from CBD.
THC is the famous cannabinoid responsible for the feeling of getting “high”.
Organic CBD oil can cause the same side effects as regular CBD oil, but non-organic CBD oil light causes side effects caused by dangerous ingredients that end up in the end product as a result of non-organic farming practices.
CBD interacts with the human body through the endocannabinoid system.
Every human being has an endocannabinoid system that controls and interacts with various processes in the human body, including anxiety and inflammation levels, sleep, appetite and much more.
By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD supports the body in regulating these processes, helping you achieve balance and improve your general well-being.
CBD is not intoxicating, but it is psychoactive. It means that CBD will never get you high or impair your judgment, but it can interact with the human brain and might impact your mood, making it psychoactive.
No, it is not possible to get high from CBD.
THC is the famous cannabinoid responsible for the feeling of getting “high”.
Organic CBD oil can cause the same side effects as regular CBD oil, but non-organic CBD oil light causes side effects caused by dangerous ingredients that end up in the end product as a result of non-organic farming practices.
CBD interacts with the human body through the endocannabinoid system.
Every human being has an endocannabinoid system that controls and interacts with various processes in the human body, including anxiety and inflammation levels, sleep, appetite and much more.
By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD supports the body in regulating these processes, helping you achieve balance and improve your general well-being.
CBD is not intoxicating, but it is psychoactive. It means that CBD will never get you high or impair your judgment, but it can interact with the human brain and might impact your mood, making it psychoactive.
The effects of CBD can occur at different moments for different people. Some can feel the impact nearly instantly (especially when vaping) or as quickly as 15 minutes after ingesting it in a drop form. But for others, a change might only be noticed after 30 days of constant use.
It depends. CBD might disrupt certain medications, blood thinning medication is one example.
Do not take CBD at the same time as any other supplements or medication. If you are on any prescribed medication, you should speak to your doctor before incorporating CBD into your diet.
The side effects of CBD creams will depend mainly on the accompanying ingredients, as CBD is usually well tolerated by people with any skin type (including problematic skin).
If the cream has any other ingredients (such as essential oils) or is not perfume-free, it might irritate. Therefore, it is recommended to always perform a patch test 24 hours before using any new cream.
One great aspect of CBD is that it is considered safe.
To experience severe side effects, you would most likely need to consume very large quantities of prescription CBD, not supplements.
Of course, some side effects might occur even with small doses. Examples of such side effects could be dry mouth, drowsiness or nausea.
Fortunately, CBD oil side effects go away after the CBD has left the body, so in most cases, all you’ll need to do is to lower your CBD dose or take a break from using it all together.
Saying that, if you feel worried about any symptoms you might have experienced after using CBD products, make sure to discuss them with a medical specialist.
Have you tried CBD but didn’t get the results you were hoping for? If so, it might be a good idea to look into the three most common mistakes made by first-time CBD users.
Mistake 1. You’re taking the wrong dose
It is a very common mistake to buy the wrong strength of CBD supplement or take a dosage that is too small.
One way of overcoming this challenge would be to use our cannabidiol calculator, which helps estimate the best dose for you. You should then take the recommended CBD dose continuously for 30 days after which if you still don’t notice any results, you should consider increasing your dose.
Mistake 2. You’re using low-quality CBD products
The CBD market is full of dishonest and unreliable products. Studies have shown that very often, the products you buy have a much lower CBD content than what’s advertised.
For this reason, you should only buy CBD from trusted suppliers who can prove that an independent lab has tested their products. The test results should be available on the company’s website.
And what if there are no tests available? Well, then it’s time to throw that product away and look for a better producer.
Mistake 3. You don’t apply it correctly
People often apply CBD in a way that decreases its potential to work.
First of all, you need to make sure you follow the instructions provided by the producer. For example, if it says you should keep the CBD oil under your tongue for 90 seconds, then do just that. Don’t swallow or drink any water during that time – wait patiently for it to be absorbed, and wait the full 90 seconds.
Additionally, make sure you store it correctly and keep it closed, away from heat, sunlight and oxygen, as all of these can speed up the degradation process, making your CBD less potent and – as a result – less effective.
Medical Properties
CBD is a dietary supplement, and it can not heal illnesses. However, early research suggests CBD can help manage symptoms of various health issues, including (but not limited) to anxiety, depression, acne, arthritis, thyroid disorders, appetite changes, and much more.
While this evidence is not conclusive, those with liver illnesses should avoid CBD, as some research suggests CBD may impact liver enzyme production.
No, CBD can not trigger psychosis.
Furthermore, some early research suggests CBD might even counteract the potentially psychotic-inducing effects of THC consumed by medical cannabis patients.
Yoga and meditations are wonderful tools we can all use to regain balance in our lives. With many apps and in-person classes available around the world, these calming techniques are no longer something only monks do.
Nowadays, yoga and meditation are often seen as important parts of life. Many people who find it challenging to relax or to leave their day behind use yoga or meditation to help them. CBD can help with that too.
Adding CBD to an evening or a morning routine that incorporates meditation and yoga is an excellent way to both start and end a day. With its ability to help us relax, CBD might be a great way to start your meditation routine, helping you get into the right mindset.
Additionally, when used after a yoga session, CBD might help you enjoy the feeling of bliss for longer and may even support your body in recovering from exercises.
Some women might feel irritated, bloated and uncomfortable before their periods. Experiencing these symptoms suggests that these are women who suffer from PMS, also known as Premenstrual syndrome.
While every woman will experience symptoms of PMS slightly differently, many have reported using CBD as a tool to help them through this challenging time.
Due to the ability of CBD to help regain balance and improve general well-being, PMS might be a little bit easier to go through with a few CBD products, such as drops, creams and gels.
Menopause is a natural thing that will happen to all women at a certain stage in their life.
While it is inevitable, it can be made a little easier with the help of various techniques and supplements, such as CBD.
There are many things that women can find difficult to deal with while going through menopause. For example, hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, which is something CBD can not help with. However, CBD can ease some other, equally uncomfortable, symptoms of menopause such as increased levels of anxiety, poor sleep quality and pain in various parts of the body, such as joints and sore muscles.
For that very reason, a lot of women consider using CBD to help them make this inevitable process a bit easier.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (also referred to as PTSD) is an anxiety disorder triggered by a traumatic event.
It is a disorder that can significantly decrease the quality of life. It often requires the help of a trained therapist who can provide the patient with helpful tools which may help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, such as sleeping problems (including nightmares and insomnia), irritability, or high levels of anxiety (often triggered by situations that remind the patient of the traumatic event).
CBD should never be used to replace any medication or therapy that has been prescribed by a medical professional. A few preclinical studies have, however, shown that CBD helped decrease the symptoms of PTSD in some of the participants, especially those related to anxiety and insomnia.
While we are yet to find the cure for Parkinson’s disease, researchers are working hard to find out if CBD could be used to improve the lives of those battling this illness.
A few small studies suggest that there might be something there. CBD is currently being researched to find out whether it can help patients with common symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as psychotic symptoms (including hallucinations and delusions), insomnia, high anxiety level, tremors, pain, and dystonia.
Multiple preclinical studies suggest CBD might be the treatment of the future for migraines.
The results of early studies suggest CBD might be able to not only decrease the pain experienced during a migraine attack but also decrease the frequency.
If you have been diagnosed with migraines, talk to your doctor about the role CBD can have in your treatment. While more research is needed to be confident it works and to understand the best dosing practices, it is essential to know that the research and surveys are happening and that hopefully, soon enough, we might all be able to use CBD to ease headaches.
Way too many women have to deal with the symptoms of endometriosis. The pain caused by this disorder can often be so intense that it can prevent them from going about their day as normal.
There is, unfortunately, no reliable and effective cure for endometriosis, so the only help that can be provided is with easing the challenging symptoms.
This is where CBD can come in and find its place. While not enough scientific evidence exists, more and more women are turning to CBD in their search to find ways to help them ease the stress, relax the muscles and decrease the pain.
CBD oils, edibles (including gummy bears and capsules) and topicals are being used by endometriosis patients regularly as a supportive tool, helping them go through that challenging time every month.
While both men and women may benefit from CBD, some research suggests that the two genders react differently to CBD when consumed orally or through vaping.
While more research needs to be done, it does seem like CBD works better at easing anxiety experienced by women than that experienced by men.
The dosage needed to feel the effects also differ depending on gender, as it is believed that men might need less CBD to feel the impact compared to female users.
The one thing that women do need to remember is abstaining from using CBD while pregnant and when breastfeeding. This is because CBD can pass through the placenta, and not enough research has been done to know whether it’s safe for a baby or not.
CBD cosmetics
CBD is known for being well-tolerated by sensitive and problematic skin.
Early research suggests that people with rosacea or psoriasis may benefit from the use of CBD cosmetics – mostly due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of CBD and other hemp-derived ingredients.
CBD products are also a popular choice for people with acne, as CBD might help calm overactive sebum glands.
Early research suggests CBD might be a great tool to ease the symptoms of psoriasis.
Due to the potential anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and hemp’s highly moisturizing properties, hemp-based products which contain CBD might be able to provide some relief to uncomfortable symptoms of psoriasis, such as dry, itchy and cracked skin.
On top of that, CBD supplements might make it easier to have control over stress levels (which can increase inflammation) and help cope with aches experienced at night.
CBD Production
Organic and non-organic CBD oil are both extracted using the same techniques, with CO2 extraction being considered the best one. So what’s the difference then? Well, organic CBD oil is only extracted from organically grown hemp plants.
Hemp is highly absorbent, and it absorbs all of the ingredients of the soil it has been planted on, whether it’s good or bad. When grown in a non-organic way, there is a significant risk of hemp containing heavy metals, pesticides and other unwanted ingredients, which could end up in CBD products, and eventually in humans.
CO2 extraction is considered the safest and most efficient way of extracting CBD and other ingredients from the cannabis plant.
This technique uses the ability of CO2 to present the qualities of both liquid and gas. By manipulating the temperature during the process, CO2 allows for the safe separation of beneficial ingredients from the plant matter without harming or decreasing the quality of the end product.
This technique requires specialised equipment as well as trained staff and should never be performed at home.
CBD Regulations
Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in many countries, including Spain, Germany, and others. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that there are no unified CBD rules and regulations.
These differences in the law matter most to the producers, as they concern production issues, such as listing the parts of the hemp plant that can be used for CBD products, as well as the levels of THC allowed in the end product.
As long as you buy your CBD from a trustworthy producer who understands the relevant laws and regulations, you can be sure the product you are using is legal.
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal in many countries (check above) but with some limitations.
If extracted and produced inappropriately, CBD products might contain THC, which is not legal in Europe.
For this reason, you should only purchase your CDB from trusted providers who make sure that the end product meets the legal requirements applicable in your country of residence.
CBD will not show up on a drug test, but there have been incidents where people who use full-spectrum CBD oil ended up with a positive drug test result.
This is because these tests look for the presence of THC, a cannabinoid known for its intoxicating effect. And while THC is not present in CBD products categorised as isolates or broad-spectrum CBD, it will be present (although in minimal amounts) in full-spectrum CBD products. Therefore, if you work in a place with regular drug testing, you might do better off using CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD products.
