CBD Buyer's Guide

Hemp-derived CBD products continue to grow in popularity. If you are considering adding an oral or topical product to your daily or as-needed wellness routine, you are sure to have a few questions. Our CBD Buyer's Guide has everything you need to know about CBD oil benefits, use, storage, legalization, and more.

Will I Get High With CBD?

Hemp-derived CBD will not get you high as it contains .3% or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound that gets you high. However, many marijuana products are labeled as “CBD” because marijuana also contains the CBD cannabinoid. So, read the label or ask about the THC percentage. Hemp-derived products and websites clearly state that their products will not get you high.

Are CBD And Marijuana The Same Thing?

As an emerging industry this remains one of the top questions. There are 3 primary definitions you need to understand because they refer to 3 different strains of the cannabis sativa plant:

Marijuana—this is a strain of the cannabis sativa plant that contains the psychotropic compound THC and the CBD cannabinoid compound. THC is what gets you high and CBD is what provides the scientifically researched benefits of marijuana. Most products labeled “CBD” in pot shops contain low-dose THC, so be sure to ask if it is a .3% THC or less, or if the product will get you high.

CBD—referred to as “CBD”, “hemp-derived CBD” or “cannabis”, this is a strain of the cannabis sativa plant that is high in CBD cannabinoids and extremely low (.3% or less) in THC. So low that it does not get you high.

The Farm Bill of 2018 makes CBD legal to sell and ship to all 50 states. However, CBD may show up on a drug test, is not allowed by many schools and employers, and it is not wise to travel across state or country lines with CBD products—even if they are legal where you are traveling. We discuss this more in the “Can I Travel With CBD” question.

Hemp—hemp has been legal for years. It is a strain of the cannabis sativa plant that does not get you high. This plant strain has always been legal to grow and is often used for rope, crafting twine, paper, clothing, non-dairy milk, and hemp seed oil.

Hemp seed oil is an Omega-rich cooking oil that many confuse for CBD. While from the same species of plant, it does not contain the active compound (CBD cannabinoids) found in marijuana that is noted for its medicinal purposes.

Unfortunately, many hemp seed oil brands false-advertise their products, claiming to deliver the same benefits of marijuana or CBD. If it is hemp seed oil, it does not contain CBD cannabinoids, which we discuss in detail in the next question.

Also, be mindful that Amazon and eBay (per DEA laws) do not allow either CBD or marijuana to be sold on their sites. So, if you see a product on either site claiming to have medicinal benefits—it is likely false advertising of hemp seed oil.

What Exactly Do Cannabinoids Do?

In order to understand CBD oil benefits, you must understand how cannabinoids work in our bodies.

THC and CBD are 2 of over 100 cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in a variety of plants. Our bodies also create cannabinoids that work as cellular messengers that activate our endocannabinoid system. This is the vital system responsible for promoting the process of homeostasis.

Homeostasis is the process of keeping your body internally balanced through the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The unique cannabinoid found in CBD promotes the homeostasis process and is the only cannabinoid that connects the central and peripheral nervous system.

Homeostasis is responsible for regulating:

• Appetite
• Coordination
• Hormones
• Memory
• Mood
• Pain Control
• Internal pH
• Quality of sleep
• Temperature
• And more!

Is CBD Legal In My State?

Legal to buy and sell yes, but it may not be legal for you to take.

As of the 2018 Farm Bill, it is legal to grow, and therefore sell, CBD that is processed into oral and topical products that contain .3% THC or less.

Where things can get a bit tricky is that your employer or school may have policies that prohibit the use of any products that contain CBD. For example, many university students and all federal employees are prohibited from use. This restriction goes beyond CBD and includes the use of recreational marijuana, even if it’s legal in your state. In many cases, this also includes the use of prescribed marijuana, even if it’s legal in your state.

In addition, many professional sports prohibit the use of both marijuana and CBD, but due to several active and retired athletes advocating for the use of either or both products—for chronic pain and to address the growing opioid epidemic—athletic restrictions are slowly being dropped. Most notably, the NFL’s 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This leads us to our next question.

Will CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

The industry standard is that CBD must contain .3% THC or less. However, even at this low dose, it can show up on a drug test.

What Are CBD Oil Benefits?

CBD companies are not allowed to provide medical advice. If you are considering CBD for pain, anxiety, depression, improved focus, sleep, or any other health benefit—speak with a physician for guidance.

Regardless of the strain or whether THC is present or not, the benefits of CBD are the same as marijuana. In terms of linking the central and peripheral nervous systems, research shows that stimulating the endocannabinoid system can be used:

• As part of treatment for PTSD
• To treat anxiety and depression
• To decrease nausea and increase appetite
• To shrink cancer tumors
• To minimize the frequency of tumors
• To reduce pain and inflammation
• To improve quality of sleep
• To improve brain health
• To improve clarity and focus
• And more!
• Holmes Organics is NOT making any medical claims about ANY of our CBD products. Please contact a physician if you have any questions concerning cures, treatments, or anything concerning prescription medicine.

Do I Need A Prescription Or Medical Marijuana Card To Purchase CBD?

Nope! CBD is legal in all 50 states, even if medical and/or recreational marijuana are not legal.

While a prescription is not required to buy or take CBD, your physician can help you determine how often to take it and at how many milligrams.

Why Is Most CBD Sold Online?

You may be able to find oral and topical CBD products in your local health food stores or sold in the office of your healthcare practitioner, but the majority of products are found online. There are a variety of reasons for this, with the top being ease and convenience.

Selling online cuts out the middle-man and shipping from within the US is fast and easy. It also expands sales nationwide instead of limiting sales to the CBD brand’s local area.

Also, while CBD is legal to sell and ship in all 50 states, each state and county has varying levels of CBD laws and overall acceptance—so it’s all-around easier to sell online.

Should I Switch From Medical Marijuana To CBD?

This is a conversation to have with your physician. The primary benefit of making the switch to CBD is that you no longer have to schedule your daily dose around your life. With marijuana, you get high and have to schedule your treatment around driving, going to work or school, and any plans that being high would disrupt or create a safety concern. With CBD you don’t get high so you have greater flexibility as to when you can take it.

Some of our customers switch entirely to CBD from medical or recreational marijuana while others use a combination of marijuana and CBD. Ultimately, this is a decision you should make under the guidance of your physician.

How To Use CBD?

CBD can be used daily, once per day, multiple times per day, or only on occasion to calm and soothe your mind and body. To enjoy the full CBD oil benefits, consult your physician to determine when to take it and how many milligrams to take.

Our recommended use for Holmes Organics CBD oil tincture is as follows:

1. Each bottle contains 30 full mLs. We currently offer our CBD in 450 mg per bottle (15 mg per dropper) or 900 mg per bottle (30 mg per dropper). Each dropper applicator has four equal lines to accurately measure your unique serving size. The lines on the dropper applicator read as follows .25m, .50mL, .75mL, and 1.0mL.
2. Place the 1 dropper full (1mL) of CBD cannabidiol oil under your tongue using the dropper applicator 1 or more times daily.
3. Hold the oil under your tongue for 30 to 60 seconds, then coat the inside of your mouth. The longer you hold under your tongue, the more of the CBD absorbs into your body sublingually.

We also carry CBD Gummies in 10mg per gummy and CBD Soft gels in 25mg per soft gel.

How Much CBD Should I Take Per Day?

Our suggested use is highlighted above, but you should work with your physician to determine how many times to take CBD per day, and how many milligrams each time you take it.

Also, personalize when and how much you take to your individual needs. While some Holmes Organics customers take CBD daily, one or more times per day, many take it as-needed to achieve specific goals. For example, only in times of stress to soothe their mind and body. Or they increase their dose when they are mentally or physically stressed.

For those who only take one dose per day, experiment with different times of day to see how you feel. This might be first thing in the morning to start your day off right, in the afternoon for mid-day balance, or in the evening to relax and unwind.

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?

Everyone responds differently to CBD, and side effects are rare. There are currently no studies on overdosing on CBD oil. The most common (but extremely rare) side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Low-blood pressure
• Reduced appetite

Who Shouldn’t Take CBD?

You should consult with your physician to decide if CBD oil benefits are the right fit for your personalized treatment plan. The most common reason that people don’t take CBD is due to the following:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding moms are advised not to take CBD.
• Cannabinoids may increase or worsen muscle tremors in those who have Parkinson’s disease.
• CBD may not be advised in combination with certain prescription medications, particularly for anyone on blood thinners or who is on a pain management contract that prohibits the use of either marijuana or CBD.

Is CBD Natural?

Grown from the cannabis sativa plant, yes, CBD is natural. However, the answer to this question depends on the product you purchase. Holmes Organics CBD products are pure, USDA-Certified organic, and infused in organic olive oil as a carrier oil. However, many brands combine their CBD with synthetic ingredients and filler additives. This is typically to water down their product and keep profit margins high. Even if there are no additives, non-organic products may contain pesticides and other chemicals.

We discuss this in greater detail in the next question.

How To Select Your CBD Brand?

The CBD industry is young and competitive. Most brands sell their products online-only so you may find yourself overwhelmed while you shop.

The industry is also unregulated so you must be mindful of the top 4 consumer credibility issues.

1. Purity—many brands use fillers to water down their products and improve their profit margins so reading the label is imperative. Your oil tincture should contain 2 ingredients: organic CBD and organic olive oil. Why organic? To ensure it doesn’t contain pesticides.
2. Transparency—as an unregulated industry you need a brand that performs 3 party testing and provides their Quality Assurance reports so that you understand how your CBD is processed and lab tested. Also, a brand that shares details such as where their CBD comes from. Holmes Organics products are extracted from US-grown hemp flowers using CO2 extraction. You can find our QA reports for each batch here.
3. False Advertising—we covered this in the “Are CBD And Marijuana The Same Thing” question, but many hemp oil brands market their products as “CBD oil”. Hemp seed oil is a cooking oil that has always been legal for consumption. It does , contain the cannabinoids that activate the endocannabinoid system. The CBD you are looking for is not legal for sale on Amazon or eBay.
4. Consistency—You are not alone if a CBD brand once worked well for you but doesn’t anymore. This is probably because the company has switched farms or crops or is watering down their products with additives. Again, read the label to ensure consistency.

I Tried CBD And It’s Not Working For Me?

After hearing friends and family share their CBD oil benefits, you may be disappointed that you aren’t experiencing similar results. Here are the top 3 reasons CBD may not be working for you:

1. Quality—read the label to ensure the product you are using is pure. We also suggest an organic strain to ensure the highest-grade of cannabis possible.
2. Product Choice—from how many milligrams per serving to choosing an oral product or a Topical CBD Cream. Many people have a few different products that they rotate between. Maybe a topical cream when their back is flaring and an oil tincture for daily use.
3. Personalizing Your Use—there is no one-size-fits-all equation to anything in life, including your CBD usage. For best results, don’t go it alone and work with a physician to find the right dose for you.

How To Store CBD Oil?

Most of our customers store their CBD in a bathroom or kitchen cabinet. Follow these tips to ensure full CBD oil benefits:

• Minimize exposure to open air by keeping your CBD tightly sealed in its original container.
• Store at room temperature, between 60 and 70 degrees. If it’s hot or humid, you can store it in the fridge.
• Although your product comes in a dark container, store it out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing it near extreme temperature sources such as the window, stove, or HVAC.

Can You Travel With CBD?

Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all 50 states and the TSA guidelines allow products with .3% or less of CBD, but there are a few things to keep in mind when you travel:

• State Law Trumps Federal Law—keep your CBD in its original container and print out the company’s certificate of analysis (CoA). If you crossing state lines go ahead and travel with your CBD products. If you are traveling to, through, or laying over in another state consider purchasing it when you arrive as some states have laws that prohibit use. For example, Idaho has its own laws that trump the federal CBD law.
• Traveling Internationally—it’s best to keep your CBD at home when traveling internationally, even if CBD is legal in your destination country. Customs and international laws are complex so it’s better safe than sorry.
• Explore Your Other Options—if you are traveling within the 50 states, consider ordering your CBD before you travel and having it shipped to your hotel or your friend or family’s house. Or purchase it when you arrive. Do the same when traveling internationally in countries it’s legal to buy from.
• Don’t Forget Topical Products—this advice isn’t just for oral products but also for the increasing number of skincare and beauty products that contain CBD.

Can You Cook With CBD?

Yes! Your oil tincture is already in olive oil, which you can use to cook with. Sauté foods in your oil, or shake, blend or whisk it into your favorite recipes. You can even drizzle it on soups or salads. We have several delicious recipes to consider!

Just make sure that everyone eating what you are serving knows there is CBD in their food or beverages. CBD is metabolized differently in food, so the effectiveness decreases a bit. This means that you may need to increase your milligrams or servings.

Can You Add CBD To Your Skincare And Beauty Products?

Yes! There is a growing list of skincare products that have CBD mixed in, but there’s no need to give up your favorite products. Simply mix a drop or two into your product each day, or add a full dropper or more to the container and mix it in.

You can also apply CBD oil directly to your hair or skin, but it will go farther and absorb faster if you mix it in.

Here are some DIY CBD skincare and beauty products you can make at home.

Can I Give CBD To My Pets?

You may have noticed that some CBD brands sell pet treats for dogs and cats. Many vets and alternative pet practitioners suggest giving pets and animals oral or topical CBD, so discuss if it should be added to your pet’s daily or as-needed routine.

In addition to pet treats, oil tinctures may be suggested. One of CBD oil benefits that make it easier to use than pet treats, is that oil is easy to adjust to personalize your pet’s treatment. Most pet owners drizzle or mix the oil tincture on their pet’s food.

Why Choose Holmes Organics CBD?

If you would like to experience CBD oil benefits for yourself, you may feel overwhelmed by how many brands you have to choose from. Here is why you should consider Holmes Organics:

• Our products are USDA Certified Organic.
• Our products are PURE and infused in organic olive oil.
• We are 100% transparent with our processing and lab testing.
• Our lab testing is provided by an unbiased 3rd party.
• We offer a convenient range of oral and topical products.

Have Additional CBD Questions?

If you didn’t find the answer to your CBD questions, you can email us directly at info@holmesorganics.com.

We invite you to browse our CBD products now. Check back soon as we post informational blogs every couple of weeks.