Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Saha, your health and happiness is our ultimate concern. Although we do everything we can to provide timely, researched and accurate information on CBD and hemp-derived wellness products in-general, this industry is anything but static. So please be sure to always speak with your medical provider first if you are considering using any of our products.

The Saha Editorial Team

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Kehlia D.

Shelley W.

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Suzanne H.

Basic CBD Questions

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol which is one of 113 Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are produced naturally in the human body (endocannabinoids) as well as in plants (phytocannabinoids).

How do Cannabinoids interact with our bodies?

Through our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which is found in our central nervous and immune systems. Our ECS is responsible for regulating functions such as sleep pattern, appetite, pain tolerance, mood, memory, etc.

How do Cannabinoids interact with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The 113+ phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant interact with the ECS receptors throughout our bodies and help stimulate the production of endocannabinoids.

Are Phytocannabinoids found elsewhere in nature?

Yes, Interestingly, phytocannabinoids are also known to occur in several other plant species besides cannabis, such as Echinacea. New cannabinoids continue to be discovered and tested for possible uses.

How do we get CBD?

CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stalk of the cannabis plant.

Is CBD oil the same thing as Hemp Seed Oil?

No, although often used interchangeably, Hemp Seed Oil is NOT the same thing as CBD oil and is extracted solely from hemp seeds and only contains trace amounts of CBD.

What is CBD used for?

Most people use CBD to relieve muscle and joint pain and discomfort, promote relaxation (especially at bedtime), manage stress and anxiety and generally as part of a daily health and wellness routine.

Is CBD new?

Cannabis has actually been used medicinally for centuries. As the popularity of CBD is increasing, research is continuing to discover that CBD along with other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant are beneficial for a growing list of ailments.

Is CBD legal?

Yes, as long as the hemp from which it is derived has less than 0.3% THC per the 2018 Farm Bill.

What is the 2018 Farm Bill?

The 2018 Farm Bill is legislation that made CBD oil and other hemp-derived products legal in the United States, as long as they have less than 0.3% THC. Said another way, under the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD derived from hemp that has less than 0.3% THC is federally legal.

Can CBD be shipped anywhere in the US?

Currently, yes, it can as it is legal on a national level.

Can I buy CBD legally in any state?

While CBD is legal on a national level, always check your state and local laws before buying to make sure CBD is legal where you live specifically. It is your responsibility to know and follow your local, state, and federal laws.

Do I need a prescription for CBD?

Although we advise speaking to your doctor before using CBD, a prescription is not needed for CBD.

Is CBD natural?

Yes, CBD oil is a natural oil which is extracted from the cannabis plant.

What is THC?

THC is an abbreviation for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound in marijuana that causes a high.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

CBD is non-psychoactive so it cannot get you high. That’s why CBD made from hemp plants is legal nationwide.

THC, on the other hand, is best known for its psychoactive effects – specifically, it makes you high. That’s the reason THC is still more regulated than CBD in the United States

What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana are two varieties of the cannabis plant. Just like oranges and lemons are both fruit from citrus plants, hemp and marijuana although different, come from the same plant.

The key difference is that although both hemp and marijuana plants produce CBD and THC, they produce them in very different amounts. Specifically, hemp plants contain a lot of natural CBD but very little THC. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, contain high levels of THC and much less CBD.

So CBD won’t get me high, right?

Yes, that’s correct. Because CBD is not psychoactive (like THC) , that means it cannot get you high.

Although many people confuse THC and CBD, they are two different substances made from different varieties of the cannabis plant. CBD comes from industrial hemp, which has less than 0.3% THC. THC is made from marijuana plants, which have a lot of THC.

What is the difference between CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum?

This is a great question and critical to understand before deciding on which CBD products may be best for you.

Full spectrum refers to the whole plant hemp extract, which will include THC up to 0.3% which is the legal limit under the 2018 Farm Bill.

CBD Isolate contains pure CBD only and none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, or other natural compounds found in the whole plant extract.

Broad-spectrum CBD starts as full-spectrum CBD that undergoes an additional process to remove the trace amounts of THC. It offers all the entourage benefits associated with full-spectrum CBD, without any chances of THC being ingested into the body.

Why would I choose Broad Spectrum CBD?

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is an excellent choice for individuals who want to experience the entourage effect from their CBD but can’t have any traces of THC in their system whether for legal purposes, passing a drug test, or any other reason.

Please note, we can’t guarantee you’ll pass every drug test out there. Please purchase with discretion.

What is the difference between hemp extract and hemp seed oil?

This is another great question and critical for you to understand since there is so much confusion out there.

Hemp seed oil and hemp extract are often used interchangeably, but they are very different products – and only one of them contains CBD!

Hemp extract is made from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. It contains many beneficial cannabinoids like CBD.

Hemp seed oil (sometimes called hemp oil) is made only from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains no cannabinoids, including just trace amounts of CBD. It’s a healthy oil that has many uses but has no effective CBD in it.

Will CBD make me drowsy?

Generally speaking, CBD will not make you drowsy but depending on how much you take and how your body interacts with CBD, it is possible that it could. That said, if you intention is to stay alert while or after using CBD, please do not consume large servings of CBD as this could be an unwanted side effect. Please consult your doctor before using CBD if you have any concerns.

Will I fail a drug test if I use CBD?

Under normal circumstances, our broad spectrum products are not expected to produce a positive result for THC consumption through testing conducted using industry-standard sophisticated testing methods.

That said, Saha Self-care cannot, and does not represent or warrant as to the results that any individual may experience, and advises you to consider the risks of incorrect detection prior to use of this product.

As always, please discuss with your doctor if you are considering using CBD but have any concerns.

What’s the difference between full and broad spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum hemp extract contains all cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC. It retains the most natural components from the raw hemp plant.

On the other hand, broad-spectrum hemp extract contains all cannabinoids and terpenes, but has no THC. It retains most natural components from the raw hemp plant, but the THC is completely removed.

Both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products are required to contain less than 0.3% THC by law in the U.S. in order to be legal.

What exactly is the entourage effect?

The cannabis plant contains over 113 active cannabinoids. It also contains terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and are regarded as increasing the efficacy of the cannabinoids.

Besides CBD, some of the other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC and CBG, have been found to have symptom alleviating qualities including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and pain relief.

Why is the entourage effect important?

When consumed together, the many cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids and other natural compounds found in the cannabis plant produce what is known as an “entourage effect”. This is the synergistic relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes and has been shown to increase the healing properties of one another.

And what are terpenes?

Terpenes, like cannabinoids, are natural compounds found in all plants. They are the reason fruits, vegetables and other plants like flowers taste and smell the way they do. Hemp plants produce a variety of natural terpenes, too.

Can I get addicted to CBD?

No, CBD is non-addictive and you will not experience withdrawal symptoms for reducing usage or missed doses.

Does CBD cause any side effects?

Side effects from CBD are very uncommon but for individuals who take high doses, they may experience lightheadedness, dry mouth, an upset stomach, diarrhea and possibly sedation.

What should I do if I experience any side effects from using CBD?

We recommend reducing the dosage you’re currently using or adding it to your food or drinks so it’s not as concentrated.

How should I use CBD if I’m a beginner?

We recommend that, as with any new supplement, you start with a low dose and then gradually increase it until you find an optimal dose that is effective for your particular needs at that time. You can then adjust accordingly from there.

Can CBD affect or interact with any other medications that I’m taking?

CBD does not negatively interact with any other medication directly.

However, our liver has a family of enzymes called cytochrome P450, that breaks down drugs into smaller bits that then allows our cells to absorb them better and eliminate them properly. Although the effects have been shown to be minimal, CBD can inhibit the CYP450 system’s ability to metabolize certain pharmaceutical drugs.

It is interesting to note that CBD is not alone in CYP450 inhibition. Grapefruit, Watercress, St. John’s Wort, and Goldenseal all have a similar impact in terms of drug metabolism so if you are taking any prescription medications, we advise that you speak with your doctor before consuming CBD.

What is the best way to consume CBD?

How one consumes CBD is really an individual preference and depends on the dosage and the condition you are looking to address.

You also have to consider practicality and convenience. For instance, tinctures are easy to enjoy at home when you have time, but when traveling, sofgels or gumdrops are easier to pack and more convenient to consume.

A person’s lifestyle is also important to consider. If someone enjoys vaping and does so regularly, then vaping CBD may be a more natural, enjoyable way to consume CBD. If you are an athlete and have localized or recurring muscle or joint discomfort, then a cream or salve may be the most effective way to provide relief to the target area.

Finally, the final thing to consider is that different delivery methods provide different levels of absorption rates and bioavailability.

How do the different CBD delivery methods differ from one another?

Vaping offers the fastest delivery method for CBD and its effects can be felt within minutes.

Tinctures taken sublingually (the most popular method of consuming CBD) also has a fast absorption rate.

Topicals applied directly to the skin, can provide fast relief to the affected area but do not enter the bloodstream.

Edibles have a slow absorption rate as the oil must travel through the digestive system. Effects from edibles may take up to 1-2 hours, however the benefits will last a lot longer… up to 6-10 hours as opposed to lasting only 1-4 hours through vaping.

What does bio-availability mean and why is it important to CBD?

Bioavailability is the ability of a drug or other substance, such as CBD, to be absorbed and used by the body. The higher bioavailability a substance has, the more easily and quickly it can be absorbed by the body and into the bloodstream.

Is CBD safe for my pets?

It absolutely is! All animals, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system which regulates certain cognitive and physiological processes in their bodies. CBD has long been used as a natural way for pet owners to soothe aging pets, those with physical, mental, or behavioral issues or conditions, and as a way to promote good overall health.

Can taking CBD make me fail a drug test?

The short answer is no, you should not fail a drug test by consuming CBD from Saha Self-care. In order for a CBD product to be legal today, it must contain no more than 0.3% THC. We go one step further however and use a chromatographic purification process which is able to selectively remove the trace amounts of THC from our hemp oil extract, leading to what is known as “broad spectrum CBD”.

That being said, it depends on the testing methods and standards of the lab administering your drug test. Most labs only search for the cannabinoid THC, which is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Even though Saha Self-care products do not contain THC, there are some testing facilities that check for a spectrum of cannabinoids and could trigger a false positive on a drug test. We suggest that you ask the lab what cannabinoids they test for.

Finally Saha Self-care cannot, and does not represent or warrant as to the results that any individual may experience, and advises you to consider the risks of incorrect detection prior to use of this product.

As always, please discuss with your doctor if you are considering using CBD but have any concerns.

Should I buy CBD oil from Amazon or my grocery store?

“CBD” products sold on Amazon or your local grocery store are most likely made from hemp seed oil, which does not contain any significant amounts of CBD. They will not list CBD on the label, nor list any amount of actual CBD contents. Also, you should be aware that although CBD from hemp is legal according to the 2014 and 2018 farm bill, Amazon’s policy does not allow any CBD products to be sold on their platform as of yet.

While both products come from the same plant, hemp seed oil (sometimes referred to simply as hemp oil) found in grocery stores or on Amazon is very different than full/broad spectrum CBD oil. Full/broad spectrum CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stalk of select phytocannabinoid-rich hemp plants, while hemp seed oil is produced solely from the seeds, usually from marginal quality industrial hemp plants.

This isn’t to knock hemp seed oil which is a great source of nutrition as it contains antioxidants and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids but only to state you should be careful when purchasing CBD products to ensure you get what you pay for.

What does nano-emulsion mean?

Nano-emulsion is a manufacturing process that breaks down CBD oil particles into water-soluble nano-sized droplets to provide for maximum bioavailability and a higher absorption rate.

As with any supplement such as CBD, it doesn’t matter how much you consume if your body only absorbs a small amount of what is ingested. With standard micro-emulsion CBD products, 10% or less of the ingested product is actually absorbed by the body.

Trending CBD Questions Right Now

Does CBD really do anything?

Great question and given the current lack of medical research, the best place to start is with your doctor. That said, anecdotally, people using CBD report that it tends to help address stress, anxiety, poor sleep and chronic muscle and joint discomfort. If you do decide to use CBD, remember to start with a low dose and increase as necessary. 

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

This is a tricky one for a number of reasons. 

If you are using CBD isolate or broad spectrum, then theoretically the answer is no since none of these types of CBD have THC. If you’re using full spectrum CBD that has trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less to be legal) however, the odds are higher that the THC would show up on a drug test. 

That said, because the facility where the drug test is processed as well as the type and sensitivity of the drug test can play a factor in drug test results, most CBD companies, including Saha, will not guarantee that CBD – isolate, broad or full spectrum – will not show up on a drug test.

What happens if you take CBD everyday?

This depends on the individual taking the CBD, the dosage, the format and the frequency so while we cannot provide an answer that would apply to everyone, generally speaking, if you use CBD everyday, you improve the chances that it will work to improve the issues you are facing, be they stress, poor sleep or muscle and joint discomfort, for example. By taking CBD, you allow it to build up in your system which gives the CBD, and you, the best chance to benefit from it.

What drugs should not be taken with CBD?

Please ask your doctor this question before taking any CBD! 

That being said, per this article from the Harvard Health blog, it appears that CBD can alter the effects of the following drugs: Warfarin, a common blood thinner; Amiodarone, a heart rhythm medication; Levothyroxine, a thyroid medication; Clobazam, Lamotrigine, Valproate and several other seizure medication. Check out this article for more important information on this topic.

How long does it take for CBD oil to work for joint pain?

The answer depends on the individual taking the CBD, the dosage, the format and the frequency but generally speaking, relief may be felt from 15 to 45 minutes.

What are the side effects of CBD oil?

CBD is generally very well-tolerated which is one of the reasons it’s become so popular over the last few years but has been reported to cause side effects such as: dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with medication such as blood thinners.

Always be sure to discuss taking CBD with your doctor first and then doing your research to find a reputable brand with Certificates of Analysis readily available on their website.

Here’s a great link for more information.

Is CBD good for joint pain?

Anecdotally, CBD is known to provide relief to chronic sore muscles and joints. In fact, a 2017 study found CBD may be a safe and useful treatment alternative for joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. A 2016 study found that the topical application of CBD had the potential to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Learn more here.

Can you take too much CBD?

Great question. The general consensus among medical professionals and researchers (including the World Health Organization) is that in even in extremely large doses, CBD is likely to only cause side effects such as extreme drowsiness, lethargy, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhoea and other unpleasant, disorienting side effects but not sickness nor death. 

Here’s a great article with more information.

Can you get addicted to CBD?

No. CBD does not appear to have any addiction-related effects based on all the medical research performed thus far. Most likely, this is because CBD does not contain any intoxicating elements and subsequently does not produce any intoxicating effects.

Why does CBD make me feel high?

If you are taking a substance labeled CBD that is making you feel high, please stop using it immediately because CBD does not cause a high

Contact the company you purchased it from and request a Certificate of Analysis so you can review and confirm that the CBD product contains no more than 0.3% THC as that is the legal limit and not enough THC for you to feel a high whatsoever.

Is CBD good for focus?

Although there is scant medical evidence to suggest that CBD directly improves or sustains focus, anecdotally, many CBD users believe CBD does assist with their focus by reducing their daily stress, anxiety and joint/muscle pain.

Are CBD gummies safe to take?

CBD, in any format – gummies, tinctures, soft gels, etc. – is generally safe to take provided you are purchasing from a reputable company with a transparent supply chain and Certificates of Analysis available on their website. Furthermore, medical research has generally shown CBD to be a safe supplement option when used in accordance to product usage guidelines.

That said, some CBD users have reported side effects although these are not common and should not discourage individuals interested in trying CBD from doing so.

Can I take CBD with alcohol?

CBD and alcohol may amplify each other’s effects, and taking both together in high doses may cause sleepiness and sedation. 

What are the bad things about CBD?

CBD can affect how other drugs work, potentially causing serious side effects. Additionally, use of CBD with alcohol (or other drugs that slow brain activity, such as those used to treat anxiety, panic, stress, or sleep disorders) increases the risk of sedation and drowsiness, which can lead to injuries.

Does CBD make you relaxed?

For many CBD users, they report that taking CBD does help them feel more relaxed and better able to cope with daily stress and anxiety. 

That said, CBD is not intoxicating and does not cause a high like one would feel from smoking marijuana. Even when using full spectrum CBD which has trace amounts of THC, the amount of THC is not enough to cause a high or buzz

How often should I take CBD oil?

This is a personal decision and really comes down to how you individually interact with the CBD that you are taking. That said, anecdotally, taking CBD daily puts you in the best position to benefit from its positive effects (morning, evening and/or when needed) and most CBD users use dosages between 20 and 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day. Here’s a great link to learn more.

Is CBD good for back pain?

Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is still a new, emerging treatment for pain, including back pain and although it’s not medical fast, ongoing studies do suggest it may help relieve inflammation, which is very often a factor in chronic back pain.

What are CBD tinctures?

CBD tinctures are currently the most popular format for taking CBD and are typically comprised of a carrier oil such as sunflower oil or MCT oil along with CBD and other cannabinoid. Some CBD tinctures include flavoring as well such as spearmint or citrus oil to mask the CBD taste which is best described and earthy and borderline bitter.

Why are CBD pre-rolls becoming more popular?

As more cigarette smokers look for less dangerous alternatives to lit tobacco products, CBD vaping and smoking is becoming more popular. As a result, CBD pre-rolls are becoming more popular since it’s a familiar format for smokers but beyond that, smoking CBD is one of the most efficient and fastest ways to experience CBD since the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the lungs.

Can I give CBD to my pet?

Check with your veterinarian first before giving your pet CBD but currently CBD is very popular for cats, dogs and horses due to the calming effect it appears to have on them.

What are CBD topicals?

CBD topicals are any CBD products that are meant to be applied topically – on your skin – including CBD lotions, CBD body butters, CBD balms, CBD salves and CBD creams.

What are CBD ingestibles?

CBD ingestibles are any CBD products that are meant to be ingested – eaten, drank or inhaled – including CBD gumdrops, CBD gummies, CBD softgels, CBD tinctures, CBD beverages, CBD vapes and CBD pre-rolls and flower.

Can you smoke CBD?

Yes, smoking CBD is becoming more popular since it allows the CBD to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs which makes for a faster, more effective experience.

What are dissolvable CBD products?

Dissolvable CBD products are CBD products meant to be used in the bathtub or shower and include CBD bath salts, CBD bath bombs and CBD steamers.

Does CBD lubricant work?

The best way to find out is to try it for yourself and see if you experience the relief you are looking for. Always speak to your doctor first before trying CBD and make sure to start “low and slow” and then build up from there.

What’s the difference between CBD gumdrops and CBD gummies?

Essentially, CBD gumdrops and CBD gummies are made from the same key ingredients but can differ in size, shape, color, density, consistency and flavor. That being said, it really comes down to personal preference in terms of which format to select.

What’s the CBD product for me?

This really depends on the condition for which you are considering taking CBD. Always speak with your doctor first and remember to start “low and slow” especially when taking CBD tinctures or softgels for example. From there, you can increase your dosage until you get the level of relief you are looking for. And remember, CBD can take a while to start working so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel an immediate effect. Consistency is key.