CBD 101: Your Guide to Hemp CBD
CBD 101: Your Guide to Hemp CBD
Whether you're new to CBD or just want a better understanding of how it works, this guide covers the basics: what CBD actually is, how your body processes it, what to look for in a quality product, and how to find your right dose.
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is derived from the hemp plant. The hemp plant contains more than 100 different compounds, and the two main types are cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids
A diverse set of compounds that occur naturally in both the human body (through the endocannabinoid system) and in plants. The most well-known include CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC. Each plays a different role in how your body maintains balance.
Terpenes
Found in many kinds of plants, terpenes are the primary compounds in essential oils and are responsible for the smell of cannabis plants. Each terpene has a unique effect. Common ones in hemp include limonene, humulene, myrcene, and linalool.
How CBD Works in Your Body
Researchers have found that cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with your body through an internal system called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is made up of several parts:
- Enzymes that create and break down cannabinoids
- Receptors that bind to cannabinoids (both your body's own endocannabinoids and plant-derived phytocannabinoids)
- Signaling that helps neurons in the brain and spinal cord relay information more efficiently
Studies have revealed that cannabinoids can act as neuromodulators for various aspects of bodily function. Broadly speaking, the endocannabinoid system helps maintain homeostasis, your body's ability to maintain internal stability. Research has shown that a healthy endocannabinoid system can play a big part in our well-being.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth
CBD is illegal.
Fact
Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. State laws vary, but CBD products meeting federal standards are legal in all 50 states.
Myth
CBD makes you "high."
Fact
CBD is non-psychoactive. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. Hemp CBD products contain only trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%) and will not produce intoxicating effects.
Myth
All CBD products are the same.
Fact
Quality varies enormously. Differences in hemp sourcing, extraction methods, third-party testing, and whether a product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate all affect what you're actually getting. Always check for lab results.
Myth
There is no research on CBD.
Fact
There are thousands of published studies on CBD and the endocannabinoid system. Research continues to grow, and CBD-based medications like Epidiolex have been FDA-approved since 2018.
Myth
Hemp CBD has no therapeutic value.
Fact
The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, immune response, and more. Supporting it with plant-derived cannabinoids is an active and growing area of clinical research.
Full-Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolates
There are more than 100 compounds in a hemp plant, and CBD is just one of them. When taken as a full-spectrum extract, these compounds all work together to produce what researchers call the "entourage effect", meaning the combined benefits of the whole plant are greater than any single compound on its own.
Full-Spectrum
Retains all parts of the hemp plant during extraction, including the natural cannabinoids and terpenes, all of which have therapeutic value on their own and help create what's known as the entourage effect.
Broad-Spectrum
Refined during the extraction process to remove THC specifically, while attempting to preserve the other cannabinoids and terpenes. Some entourage effect is retained, but not the full profile.
CBD Isolate
Specifically isolates CBD from all other hemp compounds. It's the most processed form, and is essentially just the CBD molecule. You lose the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and the entourage effect entirely.
Populum uses full-spectrum hemp extract in all of our products because we believe you get the most benefit when the plant's natural compounds work together, the way nature intended.
Why Lab Results Matter
Lab testing is the single most important thing to look for when choosing a CBD product. Without it, you really don't know what's in the bottle. Here's what to check when reviewing a Certificate of Analysis (COA):
1. The amount of CBD in the product
Does the lab result match what's on the label? If a product says 500mg of CBD, the lab report should confirm something close to that number. Significant deviations are a red flag.
2. The amount of THC
Legal hemp CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC. This should be clearly stated in the lab results. If it's missing or unclear, move on.
3. Contaminant testing
Look for results on heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbials. These are the standard panels that tell you the product is clean and safe. You want to see "ND" (not detected) or "BDL" (below detection limit) for contaminants.
4. Third-party verification
The lab should be an independent, accredited third party, not the company's own internal testing. Look for the lab's name and accreditation on the report.
At Populum, every batch of every product is tested three times: once at harvest, once at our production facility, and once by an independent third-party laboratory. You can view our current lab results here.
How to Use CBD Oil
If you're new to CBD, here's a simple three-step process to find the right routine for you.
Step 1: Choose Your Concentration
Basic
250mg
For those looking for a good place to start, or experienced users looking for a daily, low-dose supplement.
Signature
500mg
For those who want CBD as part of their daily routine. Our bestseller. If you don't know how much you're going to need, this is a great starting point.
Advanced
1000mg
For those familiar with hemp CBD or who want something more potent. If you're an experienced user and still need something stronger, this one's for you.
Step 2: Choose Your Dosage
If this is your first time with hemp CBD, we recommend 8mg to 12mg of hemp CBD per day. Everyone's body is different, and various hemp CBD dosages will affect each person differently.
250mg: 1 full dropper = ~8mg CBD
500mg: 1 full dropper = ~17mg CBD
1000mg: 1 full dropper = ~33mg CBD
Step 3: Evaluate and Customize
Take note of how your body has adapted to hemp CBD on a weekly basis and adjust your dosage based on your desired effect. For best results, we encourage you to stick with the same hemp CBD routine for 30 days. Fill the dropper and squeeze under the tongue, let the oil absorb for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing.
You can also add it to a cup of coffee, boost your morning smoothie, keep a bottle on your nightstand for an easy bedtime routine, or try adding it to a cocktail.
Our Products
Our signature orange-flavored tincture. A proprietary formulation of rich full-spectrum hemp extract blended with grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, coconut oil, and cold-pressed orange oil. Available in 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg, and 2000mg.
Natural cannabinoids + terpenes
Vegan, non-GMO, no additives
Every batch, every time
Full-Spectrum Hemp CBD Capsules
Convenient, no-fuss softgel capsules made from domestically grown hemp extract. Each capsule delivers a precise dose of full-spectrum hemp CBD blended with MCT oil. Available in 450mg (15mg/capsule) and 750mg (25mg/capsule). Versatile and convenient, you can take capsules anytime, anywhere, as part of your daily routine.
A hemp-infused, arnica cooling CBD topical rub that soothes muscles and joints. Apply on the back of your neck, sore muscles, or joints for targeted cooling relief. Toss one in your gym bag for post-workout soreness.
Our companion animal line, formulated specifically for pets. Made with the same full-spectrum hemp extract and quality standards as our human products, with dosing designed for dogs and cats.
Why Populum?
Populum was launched in 2016 to address a real problem in the CBD industry: misinformation and inconsistent quality. From the beginning, we set out to create the most transparent, rigorously tested CBD products on the market.
GMP
Certified Good Manufacturing Practices
Triple-Tested
At harvest, production, and by third-party lab
Since 2016
Serving 25,000+ customers
USA Made
Colorado hemp, U.S. manufacturing
All of our products use full-spectrum hemp extract, so you're getting the most natural, effective form of CBD available. We publish batch-specific lab results for every product, and we stand behind everything we sell with a 30-day risk-free trial.
Have questions? Check our FAQ or get in touch. We're happy to help.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Populum products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All hemp products contain less than 0.3% THC per federal regulation.