What is CBD? Your Burning Questions Answered

If you’ve ever asked, ‘what is CBD?’, you’ve come to the right place. At Cannaray, we’re not just committed to bringing you the most premium products; we’re pioneering better CBD education, too.
That’s why – with insight from Cannaray’s Chief Science Officer, Gregor Zorn – we’re answering your top ten most pressing CBD questions, covering what it is, where it comes from and how to use it.
Here's what you need to know...

1. What Does CBD Stand For?
CBD is a shorter, easier way of saying ‘cannabidiol’, which likely brings you to your next question: ‘what is cannabidiol?’ Put simply, it’s a CBD (AKA cannabidiol) is a safe and natural compound found in hemp plants. It is just one of over 100 naturally occuring compounds called cannabinoids found in the plant, but it's fast becoming the most popular feature of this powerful leafy green.

2. What is CBD Oil Made From?
In a CBD oil, you have the processed CBD extract (taken from hemp plants) and a carrier oil to make it quick and easy to ingest. In the CBD Oil Drops, we use coconut oil – and it is delicious. Plus, because coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, it allows for increased bioavailability. What is CBD bioavailability, you ask? This is the rate at which cannabidiol is absorbed. It plays a key role in delivering the strength and timings you want. The higher the bioavailability, the higher the potency, which is what makes that dose of coconut oil all the more important.

3. What Does Hemp Have to Do with CBD?
Hemp's leaves are abundant in CBD, so it’s a great natural source for the supplement. However, its seeds are not, meaning if you see ‘hemp oil’ or ‘hemp seed oil’ for sale, you shouldn't confuse it with CBD oil.

4. What's the Difference Between CBD and THC?
When people hear about a compound derived from hemp, some can mistakenly assume that CBD may make them feel ‘high’, but this is only true when THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is involved. THC is responsible for the psychoactive states associated with consuming cannabis, but Cannaray’s CBD is THC-free – meaning our products are all non-psychoactive.
5. Is CBD Legal?
Yes, CBD alone is completely legal. Without THC, it is not a drug, but rather a natural wellness product you can take in oil, capsule, gummy, cream or balm form. Our products are THC-free, which makes them suitable for use in professional sports and other industries that may have this requirement.
In fact, Cannaray CBD is part of the European Specialist Sport Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) and the official CBD brand for the Professional Golf Association (PGA), which means each product we blend is suitable for athletes.

6. What Does Taking CBD Feel Like?
Now you know that CBD doesn’t cause you to feel ‘high’, what does it feel like?
“Taking CBD doesn't change your consciousness,” explains Gregor. “You can still function fully and totally normally”
"This is why CBD has been rising in popularity as a natural supplement across the globe. At present, there is little evidence to date of any unwanted side effects and no evidence of addictions. Therefore if taking CBD can help you as an individual — even though it's effects are still being studied — then you have very little to lose by giving it a try"

7. How Much CBD Should I Take?
As a general rule, Gregor recommends "you should start low with CBD and gradually adjust your dosage, building up to find a level that works perfectly for you.
That means applying just one full dropper of the CBD Oil Drops underneath your tongue, or taking one CBD Capsule until you feel ready to increase.
Gregor adds, That ‘perfect’ level is the dose that gives you the effects you’re looking for. Just remember to stay within the guidance of no more than 70mg per day.

8. How Long Does CBD Stay in the System?
One of the many benefits of CBD is that its results are long-lasting, namely because it takes a while for the enzymes in your body to metabolise it. There are a number of factors that affect how long it stays in your system, including the amount of food you eat, how much CBD you use, how often you use it and, of course, your genetic make-up.
9. Which CBD Product is Best for Me?
With so many ways to use CBD, which one should you try first? Here’s what makes each CBD product unique, from the oil drops to the capsules to the topicals.

CBD Oil Drops
Onset: 5-20 minutes
Duration: 3-6 hours
With the highest bioavailability of all of our CBD products, the CBD Bright Days Oil Drops and Night Time Oil Drops are your go-to for quick, direct application. Squeeze a full dropper under your tongue and hold for 90 seconds to increase absorbency, or mix in with a latte or protein shake to experience a subtler effect.

CBD Gummies
Onset: 15-60 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
The CBD Gummies are a juicy and fruity vegan chew — perfect for taking on the go. Each gummy contains 10mg CBD, so we recommend taking 3 gummies a day and adjusting to suit your schedule. They're perfect to mix and match with other CBD products too.

CBD Capsules
Onset: 15-60 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
The CBD Capsules are packed with immunity supporting vitamins in an easy-to-measure dosage – ideal for first-time users. Take two per day at first and adjust accordingly.

CBD Balm & CBD Cream
Onset: Varies
Duration: Varies
CBD topical products including CBD creams and CBD muscle balms are ideal for targeted application. Used to enhance a DIY massage or soften skin, the CBD Muscle Balm is infused with nourishing eucalyptus, arnica and aloe.
Shop by CBD Product Type
Shop our collection of CBD Oils, CBD Gummies, CBD Capsules, CBD Creams & Balms and CBD Kits.
10. What Should You Look For in CBD?
High-Quality Plant Extract:
When it comes to high-quality CBD, how the plant is extracted is a vital factor, and every brand approaches this process differently. Our CBD is triple lab tested for purity to ensure a quality and safe CBD product every time.
Bioavailability:
For the uninitiated, CBD bioavailability relates to how much of the product is absorbed into your bloodstream, and how effective it will be. It plays a huge role in every product we create, including our CBD Oils, which are blended with coconut oil – a carrier oil that ups absorbency and tastes delicious.
Transparency:
Look to CBD essentials made with transparency at the forefront; brands that are proud of their extraction process and the way their products are sourced. You’re in the right place at Cannaray, as every CBD capsule, CBD oil or CBD topical that arrives at your doorstep comes with a serial number, so you can track the full production process.
Know your CBDs from your THCs - Our FAQs should help with any questions you have about CBD