Perhaps the second most notable cannabinoid after Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD) rose to widespread fame as infused products reached store shelves across the U.S. It’s certainly generated a lot of buzz — even if CBD doesn’t generate a literal buzz — and a lot of confusion. What precisely does it do? Is it all hype? Let’s correct the record with this CBD user guide: what it is, what it actually does, and how it works.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. In other words, it won’t make you feel high. This compound is found in all types of cannabis plants, typically in trace amounts in high-THC varieties and higher amounts in hemp.
It’s actually one of the oldest known cannabinoids to researchers. CBD was first discovered in 1940, but it wasn’t until 1963 that its chemical structure was first described.
Is CBD legal?
At the federal level, the legal status of CBD and CBD products depends on where it comes from. CBD extracted from hemp plants, which under federal law must contain less than 0.3% THC, is effectively legal. If a CBD product contains more than 0.3% THC, though, it’s considered a Schedule I controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and is illegal on the federal level.
In states where THC is legal, you can find high CBD products that also contain more than 0.3% THC at licensed cannabis dispensaries. These CBD-containing products are legal under New Jersey law, even those the CBD is extracted from high-THC cannabis plants — but only if a licensed retailer like Queen City is selling them. They’re also not legal to sell outside the state in which they were manufactured and tested, as federal law would consider these products Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
If you see CBD sold in a smoke shop, gas station, or grocery store, those CBD products did not come from high-THC “marijuana.” They were sourced from hemp.
Want to learn more about THC? Check out our guide to THC to learn everything you need to know about this phytocannabinoid.
What are CBD’s effects?
There is scientific evidence that CBD offers some therapeutic effects that can benefit medical cannabis patients and adult-use consumers alike.
Here’s some of what CBD can do, along with the research to back it up.
- Pain: Researchers have observed that CBD modulates pain, making it an effective tool for pain management in some cases. Studies suggest CBD is at its most effective for pain management when combined with THC, which also excels at alleviating pain.
- Inflammation: Studies also suggest that CBD can help manage inflammation by influencing how many cytokines — cells that cause inflammation — your body produces. Inflammation is linked to a wide range of conditions, so CBD could hold therapeutic potential in this area, especially when combined with THC.
- Seizures: CBD has seen perhaps its biggest success when used as an anticonvulsant. Its potential for helping to manage seizures is so significant that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a pharmaceutical called Epidiolex™, which uses CBD as a primary ingredient, for the treatment of rare seizure disorders Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
- Stress and anxiety: You may have heard a buddy talk about how CBD helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and there’s certainly some evidence supporting that. These effects may also help to improve mood and offer uplifting feelings throughout the day.
- Antioxidation: CBD may also excel as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. Oxidative stress is thought to be a leading cause of numerous health conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular issues.
Studies into phytocannabinoids like CBD and the way they work is ongoing. Researchers are uncovering more specifics about the therapeutic potential of CBD and other compounds all the time. Before adding cannabis to your health and wellness regimen, always consult with your doctor about whether it’s a good idea.
Did you know medical cannabis cardholders receive 10% off at Queen City every time they shop? Bring your medical card next time you stop by Queen City and get your discount!
How does CBD work?
The reason CBD prompts such a wide range of effects is thanks to its interaction with the endogenous cannabinoid system (also called the endocannabinoid system or ECS), a network of receptors that spans the entire human body and brain. The ECS influences a wide range of important functions, including:
- Pain perception
- Appetite
- Mood
- Memory and learning
- Metabolism
- Anxiety and stress
That’s just to name a few.
Want to drill deeper into the complex relationship between the ECS and cannabinoids? Check out our guide to how the endocannabinoid system works for a deep dive.
What is the entourage effect, and what does CBD have to do with it?
Interestingly, CBD isn’t the only phytocannabinoid that can influence the ECS; most of them do. And when there are multiple cannabinoids and terpenes (the compounds in cannabis that contribute flavors and aromas) present together, the effects of each can change drastically.
For example, when CBD is present alongside THC in significant amounts, it can help reduce the intoxicating effects caused by THC. That’s why you might prefer to choose a product that has a balanced THC: CBD ratio if you don’t want to feel too high; the higher levels of CBD tend to make the cerebral effects of THC less intense.
This phenomenon is called “the entourage effect.” Researchers are still working out exactly how it works, but it’s clear cannabinoids and terpenes have this strange relationship with the ECS.
Does CBD have any side effects?
Side effects from cannabis products tend to be minor, but there are some to look out for. CBD in particular may cause dry mouth, feelings of nausea, and reduced appetite for some folks. To avoid these unwanted side effects, start with a low dose and only gradually increase the amount you consume until you achieve the desired effects.
The biggest concern when it comes to CBD products is interaction with other medications. If you’re already taking prescription medication, consult with your doctor before adding cannabis products of any kind to your routine. Adverse drug interactions could negate the benefits of your prescription medications or lead to dangerous side effects.
How much CBD should I take?
CBD tends to be well tolerated by most people without causing significant side effects, and because it’s not intoxicating you can take a lot without interrupting your day. As a result, the range of typical CBD doses is massive, from 20mg CBD to 1,500mg CBD per day.
Most folks won’t need 1,500mg of CBD to feel the effects. That’s a lot of CBD — in many cases, more than an entire tincture bottle’s worth! Plus, your tolerance to CBD will increase the more frequently you take it. That’s why you should always try to use the minimum effective dose. Just take enough so that you get the relief you’re after. Start with just 5mg to 10mg of CBD per day and see how it affects you, increasing your dose gradually as needed.
If CBD is just a small part of a full-spectrum cannabis product that contains THC and other cannabinoids, be mindful of the other compounds and how they may affect you. For example, if you have a product with a 1:1 THC: CBD ratio and you consume 20mg of CBD, you’re also consuming 20mg of THC. That could be too much for some folks. So always be aware of every compound your cannabis product contains before deciding how much to take.
What types of CBD products are available in New Jersey?
Dispensaries like Queen City carry a wide range of CBD products. Here’s a look at some of the high-CBD products we carry at our Plainfield, NJ shop.
- Wana Optimal Fast Asleep soft chews include 10 soft chews, each with 2 mg THC and 10 mg CBD. With a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio, you won’t feel super high but expect to be put at ease and feel deeply relaxed.
- 1906 Chill Tin 5:1 tablets deliver a CBD-forward experience. Each tablet contains 5 mg THC and 25 mg CBD, and there are 20 tablets in a tin. You can expect to feel a bit of that THC-driven high, but it’s unlikely to be super intense thanks to the high levels of CBD. This product is great for alleviating your aches and pains and getting you up and moving with ease.
- Wana Strawberry Lemonade 1:1 soft chews are a bit more potent, offering the intoxicating kick of THC with the balancing effects of CBD. Each soft chew in this 10-pack contains 10 mg of THC and CBD, delivering an energizing and creative vibe that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
- Avexia topicals like the Avexia Balm and Avexia Lotion from Verano are great when you need localized relief. Whether you’re managing pain from arthritis or recovering from a sports injury, these products deliver fast-acting benefits without feeling any cerebral or heady effects whatsoever. Plus, they’ll leave your skin smooth and refreshed.
Navigating the world of CBD with a New Jersey dispensary
Cannabis can feel like alphabet soup sometimes. Thankfully for central New Jerseyans, you don’t have to go far to get good guidance and quality advice.
At Queen City in Plainfield, we carry a range of high-CBD cannabis products that cater to all tastes. We’re easy to get to, located on Route 28, and a quick drive from towns like Westfield, Summit, Edison, and Scotch Plains. So stop in seven days a week – we’re open late for you! — or check out our online menu today to see what’s in store. Bring questions with you, and we’ll get them answered.
