Doc Brown’s CBD 101

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered in the early 1990s by researchers studying the effects of THC on the human body. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system found throughout our body that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes.

Researchers have found two types of receptors in the ECS, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are found mostly in the central nervous system and the CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, especially in the immune cells.

To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids help keep our internal functions running smoothly.

Endocannabinoids can bind to either type of receptor depending on what the body needs. For example, endocannabinoids might bind to a CB1 receptor in a nerve to relieve pain or a CB2 receptor in your immune system to signal that your body is experiencing inflammation.

Research has shown that the ECS is linked to the following processes:

• appetite and digestion
• metabolism
• chronic pain
• inflammation and other immune system responses
• mood
• learning and memory
• motor control
• sleep
• cardiovascular system function
• muscle formation
• bone remodeling and growth
• liver function
• reproductive system function
• stress
• skin and nerve function

The purpose of endocannabinoids is to activate a homeostatic effect, bringing the body to a balanced state of health.

Phytocannabinoids are molecules derived from the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s ECS system. Some well known subclasses of cannabinoids include:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabinol (CBN)

Of these phytocannabinoids, only THC is psychoactive and can produce intoxicating effects, however all cannabinoids interact with our ECS system in different ways.

Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level in all 50 states and regulated under the 2018 Farm Bill. Anything above 0.3 percent THC is still considered illegal by the federal government. All of Doc Brown’s products have testing results located on their product page for easy access to their compliance with current regulations.

For more information about the legality of CBD in your state, we encourage you to consult with your state’s laws, and the laws of the local governments wherever you plan to travel.

Full-Spectrum CBD includes many of the cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC. Broad-Spectrum CBD contains all the same compounds as full-spectrum CBD, minus the THC.

If you are required to take drug tests, we recommend that you only consume Broad-Spectrum CBD products as even the small amount of THC in Full-Spectrum could show up on a drug test.

CBD can be taken orally, topically, or inhaled.

Using CBD topically is great for localizing their effects within one area as CBD topicals aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream but rather connect with nearby cannabinoid receptors through the skin. Topicals are great for people looking to relieve minor discomfort or revitalize the skin in specific areas.

Taking CBD orally allows the CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream for an all-over effect. Tinctures can be taken sublingually for maximum absorption and are recommended when higher doses are required. Gummies and pills are absorbed through the digestive system and liver and can take longer to take effect but can be a more convenient way to take CBD.

Generally, you can begin to feel the effects of CBD within 15 minutes of using it sublingually. Edibles and topicals can take longer.

The effects of CBD last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on how you use it.

What you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat matter. If you take CBD on an empty stomach, it gets metabolized and eliminated faster than if you take it on a full stomach, which slows its absorption. 

CBD typically stays in your system for 2 to 5 days. The higher the dose and frequency of usage, the longer CBD will stay in your system. It builds up in your body over time. This is why it’s recommended to use it for at least a week to see if it’s right for you.

When starting any new medication, the best approach is to start with the lowest dose possible and slowly increase the dose as needed to achieve the desired effect. Below is an example of how our Doc Brown pharmacists may get you started with CBD:

1. Take 10-20mg once daily at bedtime for 3-5 days
2. After 3-5 days, take 10-20mg twice daily in the morning and at bedtime
3. After 3-5 days, take 10-20mg three times daily as needed
4. Adjust dose as necessary to achieve desired effects

Everyone’s body is different and may respond to CBD differently at various doses. You should always talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to properly dose CBD products while using them to get the maximum benefit and avoid unwanted side effects. This will also help avoid any unnecessary interactions with other prescription drugs.

It’s important to note that because CBD products are not FDA regulated, they do not have any official recommended dosages. Likewise, make sure you are using a quality CBD product that has undergone third-party testing to ensure the product you’re using is safe and effective.

Not only can you take CBD every day, but taking CBD every day will give you the best results. CBD compounds in your body over time adding to the potential health benefits.

A review of potential side effects in humans found that CBD was well tolerated across a wide dose range, up to 1500 mg per day orally.

Though it’s often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you’re taking, such as blood thinners, so always check with your doctor when starting CBD if you have prescriptions.