What's CBD, and Why Should I Care?

Let’s face it. Getting high is awesome! Whether you’re passing a joint among your friends, sharing an edible with a sweetheart or peacefully puffing on a vaporizer in the comfort of your own home, using cannabis can be a comfort as well as a way to have fun.

But for every mind-blowing, euphoric experience you’ll hear about or read about, there’s a downside. Almost every cannabis user you will meet will gladly recount a tale of when they ate just a bit too much or smoked just one too many bowls and found themselves “too high.”

So how can you avoid getting “too high”? The simplest answer seems obvious: use less! But sometimes that isn’t an option. If you’ve ever taken one last puff or one more bite only to find yourself way outside of your comfort zone then you’ll know exactly what I mean. Sound familiar?

Fortunately, there is a solution! Recent research suggests that Cannabidiol (commonly known as CBD) may hold the key for each of us to find the perfect high, every time.

So what is CBD? How does CBD work? And how the hell do I use it?

Lucky for you, your favorite Hashtag budtenders have done their homework and are eager to shed some light on the topic. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the possibilities and to find the CBD product that’s right for you:

1. What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid and is produced naturally by cannabis plants (just like THC!). But unlike THC, CBD is a non-intoxicating part of cannabis. Which means it won’t get you high. But it can make you feel really good. There are even studies on the subject that suggest that CBD, in concert with THC, can combat some of the adverse, uncomfortable aspects of a THC high (try googling “The Entourage Effect” next time you’re bored).

2. How does it work?

The answer to that is still a mystery. But there is mounting evidence that suggests CBD may have beneficial effects on one’s health (check out ProjectCBD for some of the latest news and information on CBD). What we do know is that different amounts of THC and CBD (commonly referred to as “ratios”) can have uniquely different but predictable effects.

3. What’s a CBD ratio, and why should I care?

Different CBD to THC ratios can have a wide variety of effects. Not to mention everybody’s tolerance to THC (and possibly CBD) is unique. The trick is finding a CBD product with the highest level of THC that you are willing to tolerate. Why is that? Because evidence suggests that THC can help your body make the best use of CBD (known commonly among cannabis researchers as “the entourage effect”.)

4. How can I use CBD?

Hashtag sells CBD in every form we sell THC. Right now, the possibilities are endless! We carry CBD flower, joints, concentrates, vaporizing cartridges, edibles, topicals, and tinctures that range from 1:1 to 50:1 ratios of CBD to THC.

5. What should I try first?

That all depends on you! Everybody is different, and each person has a CBD to THC ratio that’s just right for them. Here are just a few of our favorites to get you started:

Cold weather slowing you down? Try Flow Gel from Fairwinds!

This cosmetic gel-based topical from Fairwinds is a budtender favorite and requires no rubbing or massaging to use. Just smear it on a sore muscle or an aching joint, and let it soak in. The effects last for hours and will have you feeling at ease in no time!

Need some rest? Try Beauty Sleep from Green Revolution!

This tincture is a unique blend of THC, CBD, and CBN (a cannabinoid renowned for its sedative effects) and is a great buy for folks looking to catch a couple extra Z’s. This water-based tincture can be mixed with your favorite sleepy-time beverage or applied sublingually for fast-acting effects.

Gotta meet a deadline? Try Gilda from Raven Grass!

Available in flower as well as joints, Gilda by Raven Grass is a one-of-a-kind strain with a CBD to THC ratio that ranges between 1:1 and 2:1. Gilda’s herbal tea aroma and lemongrass flavor will leave you calm, focused, and ready to tackle any challenge!

Need to cool down from a tough workout? Try Critical Cure by Seattle Green Buds!

This high CBD Indica hybrid is a budtender favorite and available in flower and joints! It's 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC is the perfect balance for the experienced cannabis user looking to turn down the volume on discomfort.

Like to Do-It-Yourself? Try Thunderstruck from Sky High Gardens!

But what if you already have a favorite THC strain? No problem! Make your stash last by blending in a little bit of Thunderstruck. With a whopping 10:1 ratio of CBD to THC, this strain is the perfect companion for any bowl, big or small!

And that’s just the beginning! Interest in CBD products has grown rapidly over the years, and new products are always on the horizon. So stop by our Fremont and Redmond locations to see what’s new!