What Should Everyone Know About CBD?

If you're new to CBD, here are the most important things to know: CBD is legal on the federal level when derived from hemp (containing 0.3% THC or less), it does not make you high, and it works through your body's endocannabinoid system to support balance and wellness. CBD needs to build up in your system over time to be most effective, and dosage varies based on factors like your weight, body chemistry, and the condition you're addressing. We recommend always choosing CBD from companies that conduct third party lab testing. Below, we break down what everyone should understand before starting their CBD journey.

1. CBD Is Legal on the Federal Level if Derived from Hemp

Although derived from cannabis plants, with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD was removed from the federal list of Schedule One controlled substances. This move effectively legalized CBD on a federal level for products that contain a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. In other words, if CBD is derived from hemp instead of marijuana, then it is legal on the federal level. However, state laws may differ, and CBD with more than 0.3% THC content is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government.

2. Does CBD Make You "High"?

While both THC and CBD are compounds called cannabinoids, and both are found in the same plants, CBD is completely non-intoxicating in humans and does not produce any powerful psychoactive effects like its cousin, THC. In other words, CBD does not get you high. CBD is also unlikely to cause you to fail a drug test, unless is has a THC content over 0.3%. However, if you are worried about potentially failing a drug test, we recommended only using CBD isolate products, which are pure CBD and contain no THC.

3. How CBD Works through Receptors throughout Your Body 

CBD works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors, enzymes, and pathways that helps regulate functions like mood, pain, and immune response. This system is involved in manufacturing and using the body’s own form of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning "originating within the body"). Furthermore, it also responds pharmacologically to cannabinoids like CBD.

CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout our bodies.

• CB1receptors are essential for a healthy functioning brain and are one of the most common receptors in the entire nervous system. They are found especially concentrated in the central nervous system areas of the brain and spinal cord. Depending on what region of the brain they are located in, they can be moderators of your memory, mood, motor function, or your perception of pain.
• CB2 receptorsare most often found in the peripheral nervous system. Specifically, on the cells of our immune system. This allows them to help moderate and respond to inflammation and our immune response to pathogens. If you use CBD products to combat conditions of an overactive immune system (i.e. arthritis, asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders or digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease), those are your CB2 receptors hard at work.

4. How Long Does CBD Take to Work?

The thing is, the benefits that may result from CBD’s interaction with the ECS will not all happen overnight. As CBD builds up in your body, it can stimulate an increase in cannabinoid receptors found throughout the endocannabinoid system. With more receptors, the ECS becomes more active and more sensitive to further triggering by cannabinoids (like CBD).

By consistently consuming CBD every day, you can maintain a sustained level of the cannabinoids in your body, leading to a more effective endocannabinoid system and improved homeostasis.

5. Only Choose CBD from Companies that Conduct Third Party Lab Testing

The CBD industry remains largely unregulated, and the majority of products are not FDA approved. However you value the FDA’s stamp of approval, it’s not a good idea to consume products that are completely unverified and haven’t been tested to prove their claims or ingredients whatsoever. And given that most CBD products are not undergoing any testing by the FDA or other “official” body, you need data from a different source and a different stamp of approval to make the best choice for your body.

That’s why it’s important to look for and consider third party lab testing.

6. What Affects CBD Dosage?

• The concentration of CBD – This is the total amount of CBD in a given product. Concentration is typically measured in milligrams (mg).
• The weight of the individual - Generally speaking, heavier people need higher doses to experience the calming effects of CBD; lighter people, on the other hand, may feel the same effects with a lower dose.
• The individual’s body chemistry – Each of our bodies are different. Your particular chemical makeup means that drugs, supplements, food—anything you ingest—will affect you differently than they will someone else. This includes any tolerance that you have built up to particular substances (like CBD).   
• The severity of the condition being treated – This factor is largely subjective. If you are experiencing severe pain or anxiety, then you may need a higher dosage than if you have slight pain or feel mildly anxious.
• Prescription Therapy – The amount of previous prescription therapy used to treat a condition may impact the dosage required as well. For example, if someone has taken a large amount of opioids to treat chronic pain, they may require a higher CBD dose until their body adjusts.

7. CBD’s Modern Rise in Popularity Only Began in 2011

Although it has been around and been studied for the better part of 80 years, CBD only really came out of the woodwork in 2011 with Paige Fiji and her daughter Charlotte. In short, Charlotte was suffering from Dravet Syndrome and having so many violent epileptic seizures that she had to be on life support. Eventually, Charlotte, at only five years old, was only expected to live for additional few weeks or few months.

Not able to find any successful treatment options, Paige turned to CBD for her daughter. Once she was able to buy marijuana, extract CBD, and give it to her daughter, hundreds of seizures a week dropped to less than three a month after only 18 months of treatment. It is truly an incredible story and put CBD on the mainstream map for the first time.

8. How Big Is the CBD Market?  

The global CBD market was valued at USD 16.52 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 24.61 billion in 2026 to USD 382.04 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 40.89% during that period, according to Fortune Business Insights. North America dominated the market with a 47.63% share in 2025, and the U.S. market alone is projected to reach USD 78.74 billion by 2032, driven by loosening regulations and growing consumer acceptance.

9. The FDA Has Approved One Drug Containing CBD

In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD based anti-seizure drug, called Epidiolex, for the treatment seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, in patients two years of age and older. This is the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified drug substance derived from marijuana. 

10. Does CBD Actually Work?

Research suggests CBD genuinely helps with certain conditions. According to Harvard Health, there is moderate evidence that CBD can improve sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, and anxiety, and increasing data that CBD may help people overcome various addictions. People commonly report that oral CBD helps relieve anxiety and pain and can lead to better sleep. The evidence is still accumulating, but for these specific uses CBD is considered a promising option.

Conclusion

CBD is everywhere these days. If you think it may be the answer for an issue you face, then it’s important to do ample research for yourself and consult your doctor before deciding which type of product or which brand is best for you.

If you have any questions about the CBD products at Urban Roots Hemp Co. and how they may benefit you, then please don’t hesitate to reach out today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is CBD legal?
Yes, CBD is legal on the federal level when derived from hemp and containing 0.3% THC or less, though state laws may differ.

Does CBD make you high?
No, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce psychoactive effects like THC, so it won't get you high.

How long does CBD take to work?
CBD needs to build up in your system, so consistent daily use over time leads to a more effective endocannabinoid system and better results.

How much CBD should I take?
Dosage depends on factors like CBD concentration, your body weight, your body chemistry, and the severity of your condition, so it's best to start low and adjust gradually.

Has the FDA approved any CBD products?
Yes, the FDA approved Epidiolex in 2018, a CBD-based drug for treating seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy.