We always get many questions about our CBD product, so here is an overview of those CBD FAQs. You'll find an abundance of information in this article and we encourage you to click through the links to find more information if a topic is of particular interest. You can use the table of contents to skip to topics of particular interest as well. You may also be interested in checking out our CBD Buyer's Guide to help guide your Plain Jane shopping experience.
Table of Contents
CBD FAQ: Legalization and Weed vs CBD
Is CBD legal?
CBD legality is one of the most common questions on a CBD FAQ. CBD is legal in most states (except Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota) and in many countries.
When will weed be legal?
As of 11/20/2019, the House Judiciary Committee has approved a bill that legalizes marijuana on the federal level, removing it from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. However, the bill still needs further approval by the skeptical Senate. While cannabis is already federally legal for recreational and medicinal use in Canada, it could be some time before the US catches up.
Berkeley Jr. (2019, November 21). House committee approves landmark bill legalizing marijuana at the federal level. CNBC.
Are CBD and weed the same thing?
CBD and weed come from different varieties of the same cannabis plant. Weed (marijuana) contains low amounts of CBD and more THC. Hemp contains lots of CBD and low amounts of THC. Hybrids of weed and hemp with high CBD and low THC are also being bred.
ElSohly, M. A., Radwan, M. M., Gul, W., Chandra, S., & Galal, A. (2017). Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L. In Phytocannabinoids (pp. 1-36). Springer, Cham.
How can I prove my CBD flower is not weed if I get stopped by a cop?
Only laboratory testing can prove to police that your hemp CBD flower is not marijuana. Keeping the CBD flower in the original package may help, but it is safest to keep CBD flower at home if this is a major concern.
Sisak, M. R. (2019, November 9). The NYPD boasted about seizing marijuana on Facebook. The owner says it's legal hemp. The cops arrested him. Chicago Tribune.
Will CBD get you high?
No, cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive which means CBD will not get you high. THC is the major cannabinoid in cannabis that will cause psychoactive effects and get you high.
Russo, E. B., & Grotenhermen, F. (Eds.). (2014). The Handbook of Cannabis Therapeutics: From Bench to Bedside. Routledge.
Is CBD evil?
Many people of devout Christian, faith actually believe God created cannabis and man made it evil. Rastafari hold a similar view that ganja is a spiritually important plant. Some Christians cite Genesis 1:29 saying, 'And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.' These Christians view cannabis as an important medicine that God gave us.
Martin, A., 2020. These Devout Christians Are Using The Bible To Argue That Pot Is God’S “Perfect Medicine”. BuzzFeed.
Is the government tracking CBD users?
There is no way for the state or federal government to track independent CBD sales or users.
CBD FAQ: Drug Testing and CBD vs THC
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
Pure CBD isolate will not show up on a drug test, but some products like full-spectrum CBD and hemp flower may crate positive THC results.
How much THC is in CBD?
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp is classified by law as containing less than 0.3 percent of the psychoactive compound THC.
Congress.gov. 2020. Text - S.2667 - 115Th Congress (2017-2018): Hemp Farming Act Of 2018.
What is 'delta 9'?
'Delta 9' is short for the full name of THC: delta-9-tetrahydocanabidol. This is thought of as the 'active' amount of THC. However, when you smoke (or decarboxylate) the acidic version (THCA), it converts to THC. The total THC upon use of a cannabis product is the amount of THC plus some amount of the THCA. This amount is also called 'potential THC.'
CBD FAQ: CBD Effects
Will CBD give me the munchies?
Unlike THC, CBD will not give you 'the munchies.' CBD may help promote healthy digestion and is being studied in disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.
Esposito, G., Filippis, D. D., Cirillo, C., Iuvone, T., Capoccia, E., Scuderi, C., … & Steardo, L. (2013). Cannabidiol in inflammatory bowel diseases: a brief overview. Phytotherapy Research, 27(5), 633-636.
Will CBD make me paranoid?
CBD does not have psychoactive effects like THC, including paranoia. In fact, CBD can balance the negative effects of THC.
Niesink, R. J., & van Laar, M. W. (2013). Does cannabidiol protect against adverse psychological effects of THC? Frontiers in psychiatry, 4, 130.
CBD FAQ: Using CBD
What is the best way to use CBD?
Every CBD delivery method has pros and cons, smoking or inhaling is a fast way to get larger CBD doses when compared to edibles or pills that lose potency in the digestive system. The best way to use CBD is a truly personal opinion.
Russo, E. B. (2007). History of cannabis and its preparations in saga, science, and sobriquet. Chemistry & biodiversity, 4(8), 1614-1648.
Can I cook with CBD?
While the FDA has forbidden CBD from being added to food, many individuals are creating CBD recipes anyways.
US Food and Drug Administration. (2020, March 11). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products: Q&A.
What does CBD taste like?
Different types of CBD products will have different flavors. An unflavored CBD product usually tastes a little earthy and herbal. Hemp flower will taste different depending on the strain and its unique terpenes.
Can I give my pet CBD?
The effects of CBD on pets is not well studied. Limited research suggests there may be some benefits of giving CBD to pets, but it is best to consult your veterinarian to make sure they feel it is safe for your pet.
Johnson, C. CBD: Forget the legal issues—does it work in veterinary patients?
Can I give my child CBD?
The drug Epidiolex is a pharmaceutical version of CBD that the FDA has approved for use in children with certain disorders like severe treatment-resistant epilepsies. Some parents have chosen to give non-FDA evaluated CBD to their kids knowing that its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated. You should consult a physician before giving CBD to children to get an official medical opinion. Plain Jane products are not intended for children and will only be sold legally to adults.
Laux, L. C., Bebin, E. M., Checketts, D., Chez, M., Flamini, R., Marsh, E. D., … & Seltzer, L. (2019). Long-term safety and efficacy of cannabidiol in children and adults with treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome: Expanded access program results. Epilepsy research, 154, 13-20.
Where can I buy CBD?
You can buy CBD online or in CBD specialty and tobacco shops. You should avoid purchasing CBD from irreputable sources like gas stations. Beware of hemp prices that seem unusually cheap, and make sure that expensive products are really worth the high price tags!
CBD FAQ: CBD Safety
Please keep in mind that this CBD FAQ is not a replacement for medical advice. Speak to a doctor before using CBD to ensure they feel it is safe to do so.
Can I use too much CBD?
According to Bergamaschi, et al.'s research:'…chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.' However, CBD may have drug interactions and side effects like nausea and sedation. If you start to experience CBD side effects, it is a sign that you may be taking too much CBD.
Bergamaschi, M., Helena Costa Queiroz, R., Waldo Zuardi, A., & Crippa, A. S. (2011). Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Current drug safety, 6(4), 237-249.
Is CBD addictive?
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not present the risk of addiction that concerns many. Marijuana dependence is a real disorder but there is some research that supports the role of CBD as a tool in addiction recovery.
Shannon, S., & Opila-Lehman, J. (2015). Cannabidiol oil for decreasing addictive use of marijuana: a case report. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 14(6), 31.
Is CBD safer than my current RX?
If you are currently taking medication, you should talk to your doctor before trying CBD as it may interfere with some pharmaceuticals. CBD is noted for having few side effects that are generally mild, but has not been evaluated for safety or efficacy by the FDA.
Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.
Is smoking CBD hemp safer than smoking tobacco?
Smoking CBD hemp flower has some of the same risks associated with smoking tobacco. However, there are some that feel CBD hemp cigarettes may help with smoking cessation.
Morgan, C. J., Das, R. K., Joye, A., Curran, H. V., & Kamboj, S. K. (2013). Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings. Addictive behaviors, 38(9), 2433-2436.
CBD FAQ: CBD Benefits
Please keep in mind that CBD is not intended to treat or cure any disease or disorder. This CBD FAQ is not intended to provide medical advice.
Will CBD help with anxiety and sleep health issues?
Some research has observed less anxiety symptoms and better sleep with use of CBD.
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
Will CBD help with anxiety and schizophrenia health issues?
Limited research has observed CBD benefits in social anxiety disorder and schizophrenia.
Sarris, J., Sinclair, J., Karamacoska, D., Davidson, M., & Firth, J. (2020). Medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders: a clinically-focused systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 24.
What is the best CBD for anxiety?
There is growing evidence that CBD can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. The best CBD product for anxiety will take some trial and error, but starting with a low dose of full-spectrum CBD tincture or smokable hemp flower can help harness the benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes other than CBD.
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
Will CBD help with analgesia and inflammation health issues?
CBD can exert analgesic (pain relieving) effects and suppress inflammation. Taken together, many believe that CBD can improve symptoms of pain.
Formukong, E. A., Evans, A. T., & Evans, F. J. (1988). Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Inflammation, 12(4), 361-371.
Will CBD help with epilepsy, inflammation, and immune suppression health issues?
CBD can relieve spasticity associated with MS, neuropathic pain, and other conditions. It also is able to alter inflammatory responses from the immune system to reduce many common inflammatory factors.
Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. L. (2019). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
Will CBD help with migraine health issues?
While more study is needed, researchers believe that CBD and other cannabis cannabinoids and terpenes may help relieve migraines and other headaches.
Baron, E. P. (2018). Medicinal properties of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis, and benefits in migraine, headache, and pain: an update on current evidence and cannabis science. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(7), 1139-1186.
Will CBD help with cancer cell inhibition?
There is cautious observation of CBD's ability to destroy and suppress some types of cancer cells and tumors.
Ramer, R., Merkord, J., Rohde, H., & Hinz, B. (2010). Cannabidiol inhibits cancer cell invasion via upregulation of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1. Biochemical pharmacology, 79(7), 955-966.
Will CBD help with weight loss?
Studies of CBD in mice have demonstrated weight loss. However, these CBD weight loss benefits have not been widely studied or confirmed in humans.
Ignatowska-Jankowska, B., Jankowski, M. M., & Swiergiel, A. H. (2011). Cannabidiol decreases body weight gain in rats: involvement of CB2 receptors. Neuroscience letters, 490(1), 82-84.
Will CBD help with PMS and menstruation health issues?
Researcher Ethan Russo explains 'Sir John Russell Reynolds was personal physician to Queen Victoria, and it has been widely acknowledged that she received monthly doses of Cannabis indica for menstrual discomfort throughout her adult life.' His publication 'Handbook of Cannabis Therapeutics' reveals extensive evidence about the historical medicinal use of CBD and cannabis to alleviate conditions like PMS. He also discusses how cannabinoids work in the body and may benefit a variety of conditions like Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, MS, epilepsy, diabetes, and others.
Russo, E. B., & Grotenhermen, F. (Eds.). (2014). The Handbook of Cannabis Therapeutics: From Bench to Bedside. Routledge.
Does CBD have antimicrobial properties?
CBD has demonstrated antimicrobial abilities that could be harnessed in the future to fight bacterial infections like MRSA.
Głodowska, M., & Łyszcz, M. (2017). 11. Cannabis sativa L. and its antimicrobial properties–A review.
CBD FAQ: Medical Use of CBD
Is CBD medicine?
Epidiolex is the only FDA approved CBD medicine. However, many feel that non-prescription CBD products have benefits to their health. The FDA may classify some CBD products as dietary supplements in the future, Currently, CBD products remain in a legal limbo as to what they can be called and what benefits can be claimed.
Shortt, D. (2020, January 17). Will the FDA Soon Treat Hemp CBD as a Dietary Supplement? Harris Bricken.
Are there doctors that prescribe CBD?
There are doctors that prescribe CBD in the form of Epidiolex for limited conditions. Many doctors are unfamiliar with CBD products at this time and not all may feel comfortable talking about the subject. You may have the best luck seeking out a medical marijuana doctor who specializes in cannabinoids as a medicine.
Where can I get a CBD prescription?
The pharmaceutical Epidiolex is a CBD prescription medication. Only doctors can prescribe Epidiolex and it is only approved for use in treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Devinsky, O., Verducci, C., Thiele, E. A., Laux, L. C., Patel, A. D., Filloux, F., … & Seltzer, L. E. (2018). Open-label use of highly purified CBD (Epidiolex®) in patients with CDKL5 deficiency disorder and Aicardi, Dup15q, and Doose syndromes. Epilepsy & Behavior, 86, 131-137.
CBD FAQ: CBD Hemp Flower Cultivation
How can I grow CBD?
The CBD plant hemp can be grown at home where it is legal. CBD hemp flower can be cultivated in the same conditions as marijuana plants. To get CBD out of hemp plants you would need to extract your own CBD.
Who grows the best CBD hemp flower?
The best CBD hemp flower growers are spread out through the nation. There are many reputable hemp farms growing top shelf smokable hemp flower with natural and sustainable farming practices.
Where is CBD grown?
CBD is grown all over North America, South America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Africa. Hemp cultivation is a centuries-old practice that has only become controversial in recent times.
Clarke, R. C., & Merlin, M. D. (2016). Cannabis domestication, breeding history, present-day genetic diversity, and future prospects. Critical reviews in plant sciences, 35(5-6), 293-327.
What is bio mass (biomass)?
'Biomass' refers to the ground hemp flower and sugar leaves of the hemp plant. This is the part of the plant used to make CBD oil.
Final Thoughts on CBD FAQ
If you have questions about CBD that you would like to see on this FAQ, you are welcome to leave them in the comments below. Unlike the usual CBD FAQ you see on websites, we have provided links to the associated research so you can explore topics deeper.
Where does CBD research come from?
When looking for peer-reviewed scientific research on CBD, there are some great resources. The easiest way to access research is through Google Scholar. PubMed Central and Directory of Open Access Journals also offer open-access scientific articles to the public.
CBD manufacturers must take care that their content, marketing, and products comply with FDA requirements. The biggest requirement is that they do not make health claims about CBD. This can make it difficult to answer some common CBD FAQ questions. We strive to comply with this requirement while also providing information and education to readers.
