The first of the CBD basics you need to know is the full name and nature of the compound. CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive, naturally-occurring component of the hemp plant. The cannabis hemp plant possesses over 100 unique compounds called cannabinoids, with cannabidiol being one of the most abundantly available components.

CBD is well known for its wellness benefits that can seriously improve your quality of life on several levels with regular and consistent use. CBD’s ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) makes this possible. ECS is a molecular system that helps to maintain homeostasis through its modulation of other bodily and nervous systems.

While the cannabis plant possesses hundreds of cannabinoids, THC and CBD are undoubtedly its most famous compounds. As we head towards a worldwide era of legalization, we are witnessing a meteoric rise in the market for both cannabis and hemp-derived products.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the hundreds of naturally-occurring cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp plants. THC’s most prominent property is an intoxicating and psychoactive ‘high’ that users experience upon consumption.

CBD, which stands for ‘cannabidiol,’ is the most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp and the second-most-abundant cannabinoid found in traditional marijuana. CBD basics state that, unlike THC, CBD does not possess an intoxicating and psychoactive high. Instead, CBD promotes a non-intoxicating calmness that further encourages increased wellness on several levels through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Before deciding which CBD-infused wellness products to try, it is best to clarify what you are trying to achieve by using them. Having a clear intention behind your decision-making process will make finding the perfect CBD product easier.

Do you need CBD to address symptoms of physical discomfort? Or do you need it to quiet the mind in times of stress? Are you looking to level up your skincare routine or get to bed easier? Are these products specifically for you or for your pet? The wonderful thing our CBD 101 guide tells you about CBD products is that you can incorporate CBD as a supplement to just about anything and everything! 

Now that you know the CBD basics and have established an intention behind using CBD, the next step is to research which product is right for you. Similar to how universal CBD can be in terms of functionality, the same applies to the types of ways you can consume it.

For beginners, understanding the differences between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolates are an important first step to understanding how its products can help elevate your wellness. Luckily for you, we have broken it down as best as possible.

When it comes to CBD dosing basics, this is inherently a personalized journey. What may work for us may be a completely different experience for you. The same applies to dosing hemp-derived CBD products. Dosing can vary based on gender, age, lifestyle, and other personalized factors. It also varies widely depending on how you consume CBD. Are you taking it as an oil under the tongue? Are you eating it? Are you rubbing it on your skin? 

Bioavailability is a crucial factor regarding the various forms of CBD. No matter your lifestyle and how you decide to use our CBD 101 guide and take your CBD, one thing is clear. You should start with a low dosage and figure out your tolerance level. Once you are used to how CBD affects your body and mind, you can consider slowly increasing or decreasing that dosage as you see fit.