Why CBD
CBD 101: Your Complete Guide to Hemp CBD
Whether you're brand new to CBD or just want to understand it better, you're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know—what CBD is, how it works, the different types, and important information about drug testing and legality.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. It's one of over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, but unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive—meaning it won't get you "high" or impair your cognitive abilities.
CBD works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, a vital biological system that plays a key role in maintaining overall balance and wellness.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Why CBD Works
Here's something fascinating: your body was literally designed to interact with cannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling network discovered in the early 1990s. It exists in all mammals—humans, dogs, cats, horses, and more—and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis (internal balance).
The ECS consists of three main components:
1. Endocannabinoids Cannabinoids your body produces naturally. The two main ones are anandamide (the "bliss molecule") and 2-AG.
2. Receptors Found throughout your body, these receptors interact with cannabinoids:
- CB1 receptors — Primarily in the brain and central nervous system
- CB2 receptors — Primarily in the immune system and peripheral organs
3. Enzymes Break down endocannabinoids after they've done their job.
What Does the ECS Regulate?
The endocannabinoid system helps regulate:
- Sleep and circadian rhythm
- Mood and stress response
- Appetite and digestion
- Immune function
- Discomfort and inflammation response
- Memory and cognitive function
- Motor control
- Skin and nerve function
How CBD Interacts with the ECS
Unlike THC (which binds directly to CB1 receptors and causes a "high"), CBD works differently. It influences the ECS indirectly by:
- Supporting your body's natural endocannabinoid production
- Interacting with non-cannabinoid receptors (serotonin, vanilloid, etc.)
- Slowing the breakdown of your own endocannabinoids
This is why CBD doesn't cause intoxication but may still provide wellness benefits—it supports your body's existing systems rather than overriding them.
Why This Matters for Pets Too
Because all mammals have an endocannabinoid system, CBD isn't just for humans. Dogs, cats, and other pets have the same ECS receptor network and may experience similar benefits from CBD supplementation.
This is why CBD products for pets have become increasingly popular—and why we developed our Pet CBD line specifically formulated for our furry family members.
How People Use CBD
While the FDA has not approved CBD for most uses, research is ongoing and millions of people include CBD in their daily wellness routines. Here are some of the ways CBD users commonly incorporate it into their lives:
Daily Calm Routines
- Often included in daily wellness routines
- Used by people seeking a relaxed mindset
- Part of many everyday calm rituals
- Used as part of a balanced lifestyle
Evening Wind-Down Routines
- Often included in evening wind-down rituals
- Used as part of a nighttime routine
- Part of many people's bedtime rituals
- Used by people preparing for rest
Active Lifestyle Routines
- Used as part of post-activity routines
- Included in many active lifestyles
- Used by people who stay on the move
- Used as part of post-activity rituals
- Part of a daily wellness routine
Skin & Beauty
- Often included in skincare routines
- Used in many skincare rituals
- Topicals are formulated to moisturize
- Part of many skincare rituals
Daytime Routines
- Often included in daytime routines
- Part of many morning rituals
- Used during productive daytime hours
Daily Wellness
- Used as part of a daily wellness routine
- Part of a balanced lifestyle
- Part of a balanced wellness lifestyle
General Wellness
- Used as part of overall wellness routines
- Part of many people's balanced lifestyles
- Used as part of everyday wellness rituals
- Used in everyday comfort routines
Important Notes:
- Results vary from person to person
- CBD is not a cure for any condition
- These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA
- Consult your healthcare provider for specific health concerns
CBD for Pets: Your Furry Family Members
Because all mammals share the endocannabinoid system, many pet parents include CBD in their pet wellness routines too.
Potential Benefits for Dogs & Cats:
- Often included in pet routines during stressful situations (thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, separation)
- Used by pet parents of active dogs whose lifestyles include long walks and stairs
- Part of many pet wellness routines for skin and coat
- Included in many pet wellness routines
- Part of daily pet wellness routines
- Used after long walks and active play
Why Pet-Specific Products Matter: Pets metabolize compounds differently than humans. Our Pet CBD products are specifically formulated with:
- Appropriate concentrations for pet body weights
- Pet-safe carrier oils and ingredients
- Flavors pets enjoy (like our peanut butter pet tinctures and salmon oil)
Our Pet CBD Line:
- Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil + Hemp — Omega-3s plus CBD for comprehensive pet wellness
- Pet Tinctures — Full spectrum CBD in peanut butter flavor, sized for small and large breeds
CBD Can Help Counteract THC
Here's something many people don't know: CBD can actually help reduce the effects of THC.
CBD acts as a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor—the same receptor THC binds to in order to produce its psychoactive effects. When CBD is present, it changes the shape of this receptor, making it harder for THC to bind effectively. The result? A reduced or moderated high.
This means CBD may help:
- Reduce feelings of anxiety or paranoia from too much THC
- Calm a racing heart associated with THC overconsumption
- Bring down an uncomfortably intense high
- Shorten the duration of THC effects
Why This Matters for Pet Owners:
Dogs are especially sensitive to THC—they have significantly more CB1 receptors than humans. Unfortunately, accidental THC ingestion is one of the most common pet emergencies (curious pets getting into edibles, cannabis flower, or discarded products).
If your pet accidentally consumes THC, CBD may help moderate the symptoms. Many veterinarians now recommend keeping CBD on hand for this exact reason.
Signs of THC toxicity in pets include:
- Disorientation or stumbling
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive drooling
- Urinary incontinence
- Lethargy or hyperactivity
- Tremors or seizures (severe cases)
What to do if your pet ingests THC:
- Stay calm—most cases are not life-threatening
- Administer CBD if available (may help reduce symptoms)
- Contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately
- Monitor your pet closely
- Keep them in a quiet, safe environment
Important: While CBD can help moderate THC effects, it is not a complete antidote. Always seek veterinary care for THC ingestion, especially if symptoms are severe or your pet is very small.
Having CBD products on hand isn't just good for daily wellness—it could help in an emergency situation with your pet.
Is CBD Legal?
Federal Law: Yes, hemp-derived CBD is federally legal in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, including CBD, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
What this means for you:
- CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal to buy, sell, and possess federally
- You can travel with legal CBD products within the United States
- CBD is not a controlled substance when derived from compliant hemp
State Laws: While federally legal, some states have additional restrictions on CBD products. Most states follow federal guidelines, but it's always wise to check your local laws.
FDA Status: The FDA has not approved CBD for most uses (except one prescription epilepsy medication called Epidiolex). This is why CBD companies cannot make specific medical claims. However, millions of Americans use CBD daily as part of their wellness routine.
Our Commitment: All Urban Roots products are derived from legal industrial hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC, fully compliant with federal law.
Types of CBD: Which is Right for You?
Full Spectrum CBD Contains all cannabinoids naturally found in hemp, including CBD, CBG, CBN, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%). Many users prefer full spectrum because of the "entourage effect"—the theory that cannabinoids work better together than in isolation.
✓ Maximum "whole plant" benefits ✓ Entourage effect ✓ Most comprehensive cannabinoid profile ⚠️ Contains trace THC (see drug testing section below)
CBD Isolate Pure CBD (99%+) with all other compounds removed. Contains absolutely zero THC. Ideal for those who want CBD only or need to avoid THC completely.
✓ Zero THC guaranteed ✓ Won't affect drug tests ✓ Pure CBD experience ✓ Great for beginners
Broad Spectrum A middle ground—contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but with THC completely removed. Offers some entourage effect benefits without THC.
✓ Multiple cannabinoids ✓ Zero THC ✓ Partial entourage effect
CBD and Drug Tests: What You Need to Know
This is one of the most common questions we get, so let's be completely clear:
Drug tests do NOT test for CBD.
Standard drug tests (urine, blood, hair) screen for THC and its metabolites—not CBD. CBD itself will never cause a positive drug test result.
However, here's what you need to understand:
Full Spectrum Products: Full spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC (legally under 0.3%). While this is a very small amount, regular use of full spectrum products can potentially cause THC to accumulate in your system over time. If you are subject to drug testing, full spectrum products may cause you to fail a test for THC.
This is not a defect in the product—it's simply how full spectrum works. The trace THC is legal and contributes to the entourage effect, but it can be detected on sensitive drug tests.
If You're Subject to Drug Testing: Choose CBD Isolate products. Our isolate tinctures, gummies, and other isolate products contain 99%+ pure CBD with absolutely zero THC. These products will not cause you to fail a drug test.
What About Topicals (Lotions, Creams, Balms)?
Good news: Standard CBD topicals will not cause you to fail a drug test—even if they contain trace THC.
Here's why: Regular topicals like lotions, creams, balms, and roll-ons are not transdermal. They work locally on your skin, muscles, and joints but do not penetrate deep enough to enter your bloodstream in any significant amount.
Drug tests detect THC metabolites in your blood and urine. Since topicals don't reach your bloodstream, there's nothing to detect. This applies to our Freeze Cream, Body Butter, Roll-On, Lip Balms, and similar products.
Note: Transdermal patches (designed to deliver compounds into the bloodstream) are different and could theoretically affect drug tests. However, none of our topical products are transdermal.
Drug Test Summary:
- Full Spectrum Tinctures/Edibles — Possible risk, may cause positive THC result
- CBD Isolate Products — No risk, zero THC
- Topicals (any type) — No risk, doesn't enter bloodstream
- Pet Products — N/A (pets aren't drug tested!)
How to Take CBD
Tinctures (Oils) Place drops under your tongue, hold for 60-90 seconds, then swallow. Effects typically begin in 15-30 minutes and last 4-6 hours. Most customizable dosing.
Edibles (Gummies) Chew and swallow like regular candy. Effects take longer (30-90 minutes) as CBD passes through your digestive system, but effects last longer (6-8 hours). Pre-measured doses make it easy.
Capsules Swallow with water like any supplement. Similar timing to edibles. Convenient and precise—no taste, no mess.
Topicals Apply directly to skin. Works locally on the area where applied. Effects begin within minutes. Ideal for targeted comfort. Does not enter bloodstream.
Vaping Fastest onset (5-10 minutes) but shortest duration (2-3 hours). For experienced vapers only.
Dosing: Where to Start
There's no one-size-fits-all CBD dose. Factors like body weight, metabolism, and individual body chemistry all play a role.
General Starting Guidelines:
- New to CBD: Start with 10-15mg per day
- Some experience: 15-30mg per day
- Regular users: 30-50mg+ per day
Our recommendation: Start low, give it 1-2 weeks, and gradually increase until you find what works for you. Keep a simple journal noting how you feel. Many people find their "sweet spot" within a few weeks.
Quality Matters: What to Look For
Not all CBD is created equal. Here's what separates quality CBD from questionable products:
Third-Party Lab Testing Reputable companies test every batch through independent labs and publish results (COAs). This verifies potency and purity.
Source of Hemp Quality matters from seed to shelf. Look for USA-grown hemp from reputable farms.
Extraction Method CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard—clean, efficient, and preserves beneficial compounds.
Transparent Labeling You should know exactly what's in your product: CBD content, THC content (if any), other cannabinoids, and ingredients.
Company Reputation How long have they been in business? Do they have reviews? Awards? A real track record?
Urban Roots: We've been in business since 2018, our products are triple-tested, and we've won multiple High Times Cannabis Cup awards. Quality isn't negotiable for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CBD get me high? No. CBD is non-psychoactive and will not impair your cognitive abilities or produce a "high."
How long does it take to work? Depends on the method: Vaping (5-10 min), Tinctures (15-30 min), Edibles/Capsules (30-90 min), Topicals (minutes for local effect).
Can I take too much CBD? CBD is generally well-tolerated. Taking more than needed may cause drowsiness or digestive discomfort, but serious adverse effects are rare. Start low and find your optimal dose.
Will CBD interact with my medications? CBD can interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by the CYP450 enzyme pathway (including blood thinners and anti-seizure medications). Consult your doctor before using CBD if you take prescription medications.
Is CBD safe for pets? Yes! Dogs and cats have endocannabinoid systems too. We offer pet-specific products formulated for their needs.
Can CBD counteract THC? Yes. CBD acts as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1 receptors, which reduces THC's ability to bind and produce psychoactive effects. CBD won't completely eliminate a high, but it can significantly reduce intensity, anxiety, and paranoia. This is especially important for pet owners—if your dog or cat accidentally ingests THC, administering CBD may help moderate symptoms while you contact your veterinarian.
How should I store CBD products? Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Most products have a 1-2 year shelf life when stored properly.
Can I travel with CBD? Hemp-derived CBD (under 0.3% THC) is federally legal, so domestic travel is generally fine. International travel is more complicated—check destination country laws.
What's the difference between hemp and marijuana? Both come from the cannabis plant, but hemp contains 0.3% THC or less (legal), while marijuana contains higher THC levels (illegal federally, legal in some states). Our products are all derived from legal hemp.
How is CBD different from THC? THC is psychoactive and causes a "high." CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause intoxication. Both interact with the endocannabinoid system but in different ways.
Ready to Try CBD?
New to CBD? We recommend starting with:
- CBD Gummies — Pre-dosed, delicious, easy to use
- CBD Isolate Tincture — Zero THC, customizable dosing
- Freeze Cream — Targeted topical relief, award-winning formula
For Your Pets:
- Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil + Hemp — Our most popular pet product
Questions? We're here to help. Email sales@urbanrootscbd.com and we'll help you find the right product for your needs.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The potential benefits listed above are based on user reports and ongoing research—individual results may vary. Consult your physician before using CBD products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.