Cannabidiol is the second active ingredient in the cannabis plant. The first is its more well-known cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, however, CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects of THC. With no psychoactive properties, CBD is unable to make the user feel the "high" typically associated with the marijuana plant. Of course, cannabidiol isn't the only cannabinoid that can be found in hemp. There are actually hundreds, and some other commonly used ones include cannabinol (CBN) cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC). Each of these cannabinoids is being researched for their own individual uses, and broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oil products often combine multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and extracts to increase the effects of all in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. If you've ever wondered "what is full-spectrum CBD?" it uses the full spectrum of legal cannabis products, possibly including trace amounts of THC under 0.3% to stay in compliance with state laws and to prevent any intoxication from occurring.

What does CBD actually do?

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed in the United States, industrial hemp products have effectively been made legal at the federal level. Since then, you've likely noticed that CBD products, such as dietary supplements, topicals, and edibles, have exploded in popularity. It's even common to see celebrity endorsements claiming that CBD has helped them with anything from chronic pain and inflammation associated with arthritis to the tremors that come with Parkinson's disease. While these claims certainly sound promising, it's important to remember that CBD can't be accurately presented as a "cure-all." In fact, much further research and clinical trials need to be conducted before any definitive health claims can be made about CBD at all.

We'd love to explain in detail exactly what our CBD products can do for you when the proper dosage is followed, but for now, we can only present anecdotal evidence and claims. This is because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict regulations against making efficacy claims regarding supplements and products that haven't been fully researched or passed the FDA's drug approval process. Currently, the only medication to use CBD that has received FDA approval for medical use in humans is Epidiolex. This is a prescription medication meant to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex in infants and patients one year of age or older. There are also some other CBD products approved in other countries, such as Sativex, which is a botanical spray used in the UK.

There are plenty of other anecdotal effects of CBD, but again, it's important to point out that more studies need to be conducted to determine if these are real effects or simply examples of placebo. One element of CBD use that has been researched is its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which explains how it can lessen joint pains caused by arthritis, as well as some cancer pain associated with chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment. In addition to treating sclerosis and epilepsy, the use of CBD in humans is also being researched for its potential to ease neuropathic pain.

Animal studies have shown that CBD has anti-anxiety properties, and it may one day be used in therapy to help treat anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, and insomnia. Some researchers even believe that therapeutic use for CBD may reach the point where it can be used to treat serious psychological conditions like PTSD and other traumatic stress disorders, schizophrenia, psychosis, and more. Early research also suggests that it may help slow neurodegenerative and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease as well.

Most people who try CBD find that it helps them relax and that it can help with joint aches and muscle soreness, as well as nausea and vomiting. It's also believed to have similar effects in pets like cats and dogs, and it seems to reduce their anxiety as well. There are even potential applications for CBD in cosmetics, such as treating acne. Again, these could be placebo effects. You'll simply have to try CBD oil and other products for yourself to test their efficacy. We've made it our mission to create products that can improve your quality of life and sell them at prices that make sense.

How does CBD work?

While cannabidiol and other cannabinoids are found naturally in hemp, the human body also produces cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors, naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and enzymes that help break endocannabinoids down once they've served their functions. The main receptors are the CB1 receptors (found in the central nervous system) and the CB2 receptors (found in the peripheral nervous system). CB1 receptors can be targeted to provide direct pain relief, whereas CB2 receptors can be targeted to reduce inflammation.

It's believed that CBD can actually target both receptors and help prevent other cannabinoids from being broken down in the endocannabinoid system, essentially boosting their effects. The ECS in humans is also similar to the ECS of dogs and cats. This system is the reason that our CBD oil, topicals, and other products can work for you and your pets in the first place. A notable difference is that the CB1 receptor in dogs is known to produce a state called "static ataxia," which is a lack of coordination that occurs when they're exposed to THC. Fortunately, our pet products don't contain active amounts of THC, so you won't have to worry about this.

In both humans and our furry friends, the ECS is thought to play an important role in maintaining homeostasis. It's also believed to regulate many important bodily functions like sleep, appetite, mood, memory, and reproduction. Naturally, additional human studies and animal studies will need to be conducted to confirm these beliefs.

Why choose Naternal for your CBD needs?

We understand how confusing it can be when you're trying to find the right CBD drug product to try out CBD content. We actually created Naternal because we were looking for a safer alternative to prescription drugs for our families, and we couldn't find a CBD company that seemed to uphold the same quality standards and education standards we typically expect from a health and wellness company.

Naternal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Root Bioscience, Inc. Root Bioscience is a materials science company, specializing in cannabis products. It monitors our entire supply chain from soil to oil, as well as our ingredient profile, and manufactures our products in a modern GMP-compliant facility in North Carolina’s world-renowned Research Triangle Park, rather than relying on third-party labs. This means that our hemp products, including CBD extracts, are made with the best extraction methods available, and we only use natural products like hemp seed ingredients.

In fact, we only use formulations that we're proud to put in our own bodies, even without the addition of CBD. We only use all-natural ingredients without the need for additives, pesticides, preservatives, synthetic cannabinoids, derivatives, heavy metals, artificial flavonoids, or harmful chemicals. We're constantly looking for ways that we can do things differently and better than other providers in the CBD industry while providing products with minimal potential side effects. Take a look at our natural ingredient list, so you can get the important information on exactly what's going on your skin and in your body.

Argan Oil

Arnica

Beeswax

Cocoa Butter

Lavender Oil

MCT Oil (contains coconut)

Menthol Crystals

Shea Butter

Sunflower Oil

Vitamin E

Vanilla

Honey

Ginger

We don't view healthy living and self-care as a passing fad. It's a lifestyle that we're committed to, and using natural ingredients to create our products is just one way we live up to that standard. Of course, our hemp solutions for pets are also made naturally and are meant to be an alternative to prescription medication. If you have additional questions regarding our active ingredients, CBD oil and tinctures, or animal health products, please contact our customer service, so we can help connect you with the right products for your needs.

How do I find the right amount of CBD?

Different people (and pets) react to CBD differently, and some may need a lower dosage, while others need a higher dosage. Finding the right dosage for yourself is extremely important, especially if you have safety concerns. For humans, we've created our "Trust the Dose System," which uses 20 mg of CBD as its starting dose. We've found that lower doses are better to start with until you get used to CBD, especially if you're taking a purified form of CBD. Then you can work your way up to higher doses by increasing the dose by 5 mg of CBD each time until you've found your perfect dose.

As for taking CBD, extracts and CBD oil products can be taken sublingually. Simply place a drop under your tongue and hold it until it's absorbed into the bloodstream. Alternatively, if you don't like the taste of CBD oil, you can use the dropper to place a drop into your favorite beverage, such as a morning smoothie, to enjoy the effects. When it comes to topical products, simply spread it over the affected area and rub it in to get relief. CBD's ability to work effectively, like with medical products in general, depends on the right dosage. It's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before trying an investigational new drug product, especially if you're taking prescription medicine that may cause drug interactions.

As for our pet products, the best way we recommend to give them is to use 4 milligrams of CBD for every 10 lbs of your pet's body weight (dogs and cats only). We've created this dosage chart to help you determine how much CBD to use.

PET'S WEIGHT

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

0-10 LBS

2-4 mg

10-30 LBS

4-12 mg

30-70 LBS

12-24 mg

70+ LBS

24+ mg

We know that all pets are different, and supporting your pet's health is our top priority. Therefore, this chart is simply a guideline that can help you find the right CBD dosage for your pet. If you have any questions regarding dosing or potency, or you need medical advice, please consult your veterinarian.

Are there any public health concerns with such products?

When a solution is anecdotally reported to aid rheumatoid arthritis, types of epilepsy, convulsions, anxiety, muscle spasms, and more, it's only natural that you may become suspicious of adverse effects. As of now, however, scientific research has uncovered no known dangerous side effects for CBD. A World Health Organization report also shows that there is no known potential for CBD to cause substance abuse or dependency issues, including withdrawal symptoms.

While the safety of CBD is generally thought to be high, recent studies have discovered that CBD may inhibit certain liver enzymes needed to metabolize medications, which has led to unanswered questions if long-term use of CBD can lead to liver injury. If you experience any signs of liver injury or other damage, cease using CBD, and contact your healthcare provider immediately to avoid adverse events and discover other treatment options.

**Disclaimer: Due to current regulations, our products are not eligible for U.S. FDA evaluation, and are not intended to diagnose, cure, or otherwise treat any medical conditions or serious diseases. Side effects of CBD may include dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, diarrhea, agitation, and irritability. Use of this site is intended for informational purposes only, and the information presented does not constitute medical advice or legal advice. While industrial hemp products generally have legal status under federal law, you may want to check your state laws and local legislation to be certain.

We're dedicated to making CBD products that do exactly what you want them to, and we sell them at prices that make sense for families. In fact, we decided to create Naternal because our own families use these products, and we were unable to find a CBD brand in the United States that upheld the same quality standards we would typically come to expect from health and wellness companies. Each of us is passionate about self-care, and our biggest goal is to create CBD oils and CBD topicals using the best all-natural ingredients and extraction methods. Our CBD products are tested and retested to ensure the highest purity and quality.

We know how confusing it can be to try and find the right CBD solution, especially with all the misinformation that exists within the CBD industry. Many people take CBD as a dietary supplement or a topical to improve their quality of life as an alternative to prescription medication. We made Naternal as a way to find safer alternatives for our daughters, and we only use active ingredients and formulations that we're proud to put in our own bodies. Let us guide you through our CBD products and the potential benefits of CBD, so we can find the perfect fit for you!

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that can be found naturally in the hemp plant. It's the second active ingredient in the cannabis plant, with the first being its more well-known cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Specifically, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol produces the psychoactive effects, or the "high," commonly associated with the marijuana plant. Cannabidiol, however, produces no such effect. Some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3% to stay in accordance with state laws), but when used properly, CBD will not produce the typical effects of THC.

You've likely seen CBD advertised, and you may have even seen celebrity endorsements for CBD claiming that it's a great option for everything from muscle soreness to lessening tremors associated with Parkinson's disease. One of the main effects of CBD that has been researched is its ability to reduce chronic pain associated with arthritis in joints, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. At this point, however, we do have to make it clear that these are anecdotal effects, and further research and clinical trials will need to be done to confirm that these are true effects caused by the cannabis product and not simply a placebo.

We'd love to open up more about exactly what our cannabidiol products can do for you, but for now, we can only guide you toward CBD products and recommend that you try them for yourself. This is because the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has strict regulations against making definitive claims about the efficacy of experimental products or those that haven't passed the full FDA drug approval process. While the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States effectively legalized industrial hemp products at the federal level, federal law still prohibits making direct health claims about hemp supplements until they're fully researched and approved.

Currently, the only medication to use CBD and receive full FDA approval for medical use in humans is Epidiolex. This is a prescription medicine that's used to treat epilepsy associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex in patients one year of age or older. There are CBD products approved in other countries, such as Sativex, which is a botanical drug approved in the UK. In addition to treating seizures, there are plenty of anecdotal claims that CBD treatment can help with insomnia, appetite, inflammation, nausea, vomiting, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, PTSD and other forms of traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and more.

In addition to treating sclerosis and certain types of epilepsy, it's also believed that CBD can reduce the pain associated with chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment in cancer patients. Investigations are also being conducted into its potential role in cosmetics, such as to relieve acne. In the future, CBD may even prove useful in therapy. Again, it's important to stress that these are anecdotal claims, and more animal studies and human studies need to be conducted to determine the efficacy of CBD treatment and confirm that these aren't just placebo effects.

How does it work?

Cannabidiol isn't the only cannabinoid that can be found in hemp. Others, such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and more can be found in hemp products, and they also occur naturally in the human body as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system produces these cannabinoids even if you don't consume any cannabis products. While further studies need to be conducted to discover all of the effects of the ECS, recent studies suggest that it plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis and that it regulates many important bodily functions, such as appetite, mood, memory, sleep, and reproduction.

Endocannabinoids produced by your body (AEA and 2AG are the main ones) can bind with endocannabinoid receptors, which signal that the endocannabinoid system needs to get to work. They can bind to the receptors CB1 (found in the central nervous system) and the CB2 receptor (found in the peripheral nervous system). Endocannabinoids will typically target the CB1 receptors to ease pain, while they may target CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation. This system is what allows the effects of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids to work in the first place. Once the endocannabinoids have completed their functions, they're broken down by enzymes in the body.

CBD is hypothesized to prevent other cannabinoids from breaking down in the endocannabinoid system. If so, then the effect of cannabidiol is essentially to increase the effects of other cannabinoids. A similar phenomenon can be seen in CBD products like full-spectrum CBD oil. These CBD oil products mix CBD with other hemp terpenes and extracts to increase the effects of all in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

How should I take CBD?

The best way to get therapeutic use out of CBD products depends on their form. CBD can come as an oil, topical, capsule, gummy, and even in cosmetic products. Hemp seed oil and CBD extracts can be taken safely in a number of ways, typically involving a dropper. CBD tinctures may be taken sublingually, meaning that you hold the proper dose under your tongue until it's absorbed into the bloodstream. You can also mix the right amount of CBD into your favorite beverages, such as a morning smoothie if you don't enjoy the taste of the CBD oil.

CBD topicals are even simpler to use. For topical application, simply coat the affected area with CBD lotion, cream, or other topical product, and rub it into your skin to help with muscle soreness or muscle spasticity. The main thing to concern yourself with when trying a CBD drug product for the first time is to find the proper dosage for you. Our "Trust the Dose System" uses 20 mg of CBD as the starting dosage, and you can customize your dosage in increments of 5 mg of CBD until you find the perfect fit for your needs.

It can be difficult to pin down the proper amount of CBD to use, simply because its activation doesn't produce the obvious side effects of THC. It's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before trying such products, especially if you're taking prescription drugs that may cause drug interactions.

Our quality products are made to be as safe as possible, and we only create formulations that we would be proud to use, even without the addition of CBD. We use all-natural ingredients without the need for pesticides, GMOs, derivatives, heavy metals, preservatives, or artificial flavors, so you're only getting exactly what you want from your use of CBD.

Are there any safety concerns with CBD?

It's understandable for people to have a fear response when it comes to investigational new drug products, but thus far, scientific studies haven't uncovered any dangerous side effects of taking CBD nor any other public health concerns. According to a report from the World Health Organization, CBD use presents no potential for substance abuse or dependency disorders. Again, new users are advised to stick to lower doses at first before moving on to a higher dose.

Clinical research has discovered that CBD may inhibit certain liver enzymes required for the metabolization of medication. This has led to unanswered questions regarding whether CBD content can result in liver damage over long periods of use. If you believe you might be experiencing a liver injury, cease use of CBD, and contact your healthcare provider and seek medical attention immediately.

**Due to current regulations, our products cannot receive full FDA evaluation and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any serious diseases, ailments, or serious medical conditions. Products may contain trace amounts of THC but will not produce psychoactive effects. Low percent THC may show up on a drug test, but drug tests will not generally be screening for CBD. While adverse effects are not common, possible side effects of CBD include drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, agitation, irritability, loss of appetite, and cravings.

Thanks to the effective legalization of CBD products, the popularity of CBD has surged in the United States over the past several years. It's become commonplace to even see celebrity sponsors for CBD, recommending it for everything from treating muscle soreness to Parkinson's disease. It must be noted, however, that the vast majority of perceived effects of CBD are anecdotal, and more clinical research needs to be conducted before any definitive claims can be made regarding its efficacy. Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has eased the regulatory requirements on conducting CBD research, so we may have more definitive information on its effects soon.

Currently, the only medication to use CBD that has achieved FDA approval is Epidiolex. This is a prescription medication designed to treat epilepsy and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis. All other dietary supplements, oil, and CBD products are not approved by the FDA, but many users have perceived positive effects when using them. Additionally, a report from the World Health Organization suggests that CBD lacks any indication of abuse or dependence potential, and there are no known public health problems caused by the use of pure CBD.

How does CBD make you feel?

While some people may be stuck on what CBD is, those who want to integrate it into their everyday life may have questions like "how does CBD make you feel?" or even "what does CBD do?" After all, it is a close cousin to THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that makes you "high." 

While it is uncommon to have a psychoactive experience with CBD products, or other cannabis products that lack THC, there are some people who are more sensitive and may feel differently. Generally, you may feel a calmness or an increased sense of focus, or you may feel nothing at all. That's normal. 

While Epidiolex is the only medication with CBD approved by the FDA for medical use, there are animal studies and pieces of anecdotal evidence from human studies and users to suggest additional positive effects of CBD when the proper dosage is used. These anecdotal effects include, but are not limited to, easing chronic pain and inflammation associated with joints, such as those caused by arthritis. One of the suggested health benefits of CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties, which may act as a great natural alternative to medications. There have also been reports of CBD reducing abdominal pain and neuropathic pain, though more clinical studies need to be conducted to confirm that these aren't placebo effects.

Users of CBD oil and other products have also reported anecdotal effects like easing insomnia and promoting sleep, reducing feelings of anxiousness or agitation associated with PTSD, social anxiety, and mood disorders, reducing blood pressure, easing the withdrawal symptoms from drugs, relieving nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and creating pain relief in the muscles and skin. There's even some early evidence to suggest that CBD has uses in cosmetics, such as reducing acne.

While the effects aren't generally "noticeable" in the same way that medical marijuana might be, the way you take CBD or the quality of your CBD oil may strengthen the effects. High-quality CBD oil, such as our broad-spectrum CBD oil and full-spectrum CBD oil at Naternal, can combine multiple cannabinoids and terpenes in what's known as the "entourage effect," which may make you feel the effects of CBD oil more strongly.

Again, it's important to point out that these are anecdotal accounts, and more clinical trials will need to be conducted to determine if these are true effects or merely a placebo. While generally reported as manageable, possible known side effects of CBD include dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, or cravings for certain foods.

How does it work?

CBD is one of many cannabinoids that occurs naturally in hemp, but it also occurs naturally in the human body's own endocannabinoid system (ECS). While further research needs to be conducted into the ECS and its roles in body regulation, it's currently believed to have a significant role in regulating the central nervous system, activating the body's immune system, and maintaining homeostasis in the body. Other common endocannabinoids include delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG).

While other neurotransmitters are stored in nerve cells, cannabinoids are stored in fat molecules within a cell, and they're released when endocannabinoid receptors are activated (receptors may be activated by the use of hemp seed oil, for example). CBD oil and other active CBD drug products primarily affect the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors in the brain. While the best CBD oil and supplements may contain trace levels of THC, the THC content is always limited to less than 0.3% to stay within the boundaries of federal law, and these products are not known to activate cannabinoid receptors in a way that produces psychoactive effects.

One of the effects of CBD most noticed in animal research thus far has been its potential therapy effects on rats with diabetes. By activating the CB2 receptor, CBD has been able to lower blood pressure in these diabetic rats, and by activating the 5-HT receptors, it's been observed to reduce pain and other adverse effects associated with the condition. Future CBD use looks bright as further research is conducted into its potential use in cancer treatment, additional types of epilepsy, and even boosting cognitive function to battle serious diseases like Alzheimer's disease or mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Clinical investigation is also continuing to determine CBD's efficacy as a natural alternative to prescription drugs that may have undesirable side effects or produce adverse reactions.

How do you use CBD?

CBD can be taken in a variety of forms, including salves, creams, capsules, gummies, full-spectrum oils, a purified form of CBD, and many more. CBD oils held under the tongue tend to enter the bloodstream faster and linger longer, so those who want to maximize the effects of nonprescription CBD products are advised to take a suitable CBD oil with a dropper. CBD oil can also be mixed into your favorite beverages or smoothies, which is considered the best way for users who don't like the flavor of CBD oil.

Are there potential health risks?

Aside from the previously mentioned list of potential side effects, studies have found that CBD's use may inhibit some of the liver enzymes that are necessary for the metabolization of medicine. This has led to some safety concerns about whether CBD may pose real risks to a user's liver or even cause liver injury. The FDA's drug approval process will ensure that these health concerns are thoroughly researched and that CBD manufacturers only use consistently safe methods when producing new products.

At Naternal, we only use all-natural ingredients in our formulations that we would be proud to use ourselves and to have our families use on their own, even without the introduction of CBD. We also produce our CBD oil and other products without the use of pesticides, heavy metals, artificial flavonoids, or the use of synthetic cannabinoids, so you know that our tinctures are always made with high-quality natural plant extracts and ingredients. We're here to create CBD products that are easy to understand and that come at reasonable prices.

Our "Trust the Dose System" uses 20 mg of CBD as the starting dosage, which we've found is adequate for most customers. We encourage you to use our dosing guide to find the proper dosage for you if you find that 20 mg isn't your perfect dose. You may find that you need to use more CBD or less CBD over time to achieve your desired results.

If you're still concerned about CBD use, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the daily dose that's right for you and any drug interactions it may have with medications. Just remember that CBD is only recommended for certain situations based on anecdotal evidence, and it can't be claimed to "cure" any conditions like sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, muscle spasticity, PTSD, metabolic syndrome, neurodegeneration, or any other particular disease. Any labels advertising such effects are false claims and should be reported.

Disclaimer: Smokable CBD products, such as vapes, can only be used by those at least 21 years of age without restrictions. Users at least 18 years of age may purchase non-smokable CBD products. The use of this site is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or medical advice.