A: Many people use the terms hemp oil and CBD oil interchangeably, but in reality, they are not the same. Although they all come from the same plant (the Cannabis sativa), they are quite different. CBD oils are comprised from the leaves, flowers and stalks of the hemp plant, and is created by extracting and isolating the CBD compound. While hemp oil has many benefits, taking it does not provide the numerous benefits of CBD. 

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is extracted solely from the seeds of the hemp plant and pressed to create the oil. Hemp seed oil is often found in skin care products due to its moisturizing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil contains a variety of vitamins and fatty acids that could help protect the skin from premature aging. 

A: When finding the ideal CBD product, you can choose full-spectrum or CBD isolate depending on your specific needs and wants. Full-spectrum means that all of the cannabinoids that occur naturally in the plant are included, as well as naturally-occurring terpenes, vitamins and more (including trace amounts of THC of 0.3% or less). Full-spectrum CBD products typically have increased effectiveness because all compounds are working together in unison (called the entourage effect) to produce the desired effects. 

CBD Isolate is a great alternative to full-spectrum CBD for those who prefer THC-free options. With CBD isolate, the CBD molecule is isolated from everything in the plant, so the product contains only cannabidiol. CBD isolates often come in powder or waxes and can be used in food or drink, or through dabbing.  

A: There are no guidelines for CBD dosing since all body compositions are different, but finding the right dose is an extremely important aspect of beginning a CBD routine. CBD dosages depend largely on the reason you are taking CBD, your weight and the product/s you are taking. While CBD is safe, if you take too much there is a chance you might experience side effects including drowsiness and decreased appetite. A general recommendation is to start with a very low dose and increase slowly until you receive the desired effects. At CBD Kratom, we generally recommend customers take 1mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight (built up over time). Many CBD beginners prefer starting with CBD oils, because it's easier to experiment with the dosage. Once you know the correct strength, you can experiment with other products.

A: CBD is generally considered safe and most customers do not experience adverse reactions. However, like other supplements, the majority of CBD is not regulated by the FDA. While several studies on CBD are underway, the data is still limited. This is why it's extremely important to ensure the safety and potency of the products, by purchasing through a trusted vendor that tests their products and can verify the ingredients. Reported side effects from CBD can include drowsiness, fatigue, loss of appetite and diarrhea. As well, CBD has the potential to interact with different medications, so it's always recommended to consult with your medical professional prior to starting your CBD routine. 

A: With the most common drug screen tests, employers are most likely not looking for CBD, but rather THC, which can be present in minute amounts in full-spectrum CBD products. A positive marijuana test occurs at 50 nanograms of THC metabolites per milliliter, according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration guidelines. Therefore, ingesting 2,000 mg of CBD oil daily would result in a maximum consumption of 6 mg of THC, which would cause a positive marijuana urine test approximately 23 percent of the time. It’s important to keep in mind the amount of CBD consumed. Although unlikely, it is possible for those who take CBD to fail drug tests if they are taking unusually high doses. If there is any concern, we recommend our THC-free products.