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If you’ve spent any time digging into the wide world of cannabis and hemp, you may have come across smokable flower labeled either Indica or Sativa. They aren’t the same, and by old rules of thumb, each should elicit different effects. So which one is right for you?

In this post, we’ll be looking at some of the differences between Indica vs. Sativa cannabis like,

How Indicas make you feel vs. how Sativas make you feel
How Indica plants are structured vs how Sativa plants are structured
When should you use Indica strains vs. when you should use Sativa strains

What Is Sativa Cannabis?

Sativa is shorthand for a type of cannabis called Cannabis Sativa Sativa. It is the first of three subspecies of the Cannabis sativa L. species. Sativa cannabis is found primarily in hot, tropical climates such as Northern Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

Sativa plants are thinner and grow taller than the other subspecies of cannabis, reaching heights of 12 and 14 feet when left unattended. Their leaf structure mimics this general structure too. Sativa leaves are finger-like— long and skinny.

Sativa plants also take longer than the other subspecies to fully mature during their flowering phase, sometimes up to 14 weeks. This is because Sativa plants evolved in areas with consistent light schedules and warmer climates with fewer mold pressures.

Common Beliefs About Sativas

It is often said that Sativa strains of cannabis and hemp are:

Energizing
Anxiety-reducing
Productive
Creative
More cerebral

Because of its energizing and productive nature, many budtenders will recommend that you use Sativa strains during the daytime.

What Is Indica Cannabis?

Indica is shorthand for Cannabis Sativa Indica. The more bush-like of the three Cannabis Sativa L. subspecies, Indica cannabis strains usually grow in colder, temperate climates like Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.

Indica plants are more stout than Sativa cannabis plants. Indica’s leaves also mimic its structure in that the individual leaves are shorter and wider than Sativa plant leaves.

Because Indica cannabis plants evolved in temperate climates, they have a shorter flowering time of 6 to 9 weeks. Without this shorter flowering period, landrace Indica plants would’ve likely died off in nighttime freezing conditions late in the season. A shorter flowering period means that Indica plants can fully mature and produce ample seeds before the first frost.

Common Beliefs About Indica

It is often said that Indica strains of cannabis are:

Relaxing
Pain-relieving
Good for appetite
A sleep aid
More body-oriented

Because of its deeply relaxing nature, most budtenders will recommend Indica and Indica-dominant strains for nighttime use.

Are There Other Types Of Cannabis?

There is so much more to the world of cannabis genetics than Indica vs. Sativa. Most cannabis and hemp flower that you’ll find for sale are some form of hybrid, meaning that it came from a plant with mixed Indica and Sativa lineage.

What Is Hybrid Cannabis?

Unlike Sativa and Indica plants, hybrid cannabis doesn’t have a set plant or leaf structure. That’s because hybrids contain the genetics of both Sativa and Indica. Not only do we not know what Hybrids will look like until they reach maturity, but it means that we also don’t know how new Hybrid strains will affect users.

Most cannabis and hemp strains that you’ll see available for purchase will be to some degree a hybrid. There are a few reasons for that:

Hybrid plants tend to yield more smokable flower than Sativas or Indicas.
Properly-bred hybrid plants are more resistant to pests and external pressures.
Hybrid plants can be bred to grow in certain climate conditions.

Aside from the endless selection of hybrids, there is another cannabis subspecies that is becoming more popular with boutique and hobby growers. This subspecies is called Cannabis Sativa Ruderalis, though it is more commonly called “auto-flowering.”

What Is Auto-Flowering Cannabis?

Auto-Flowering is a unique trait native to the Cannabis Sativa Ruderalis subspecies. Ruderalis plants are not photoperiodic, meaning that they don’t transition into their flowering period based on hours of daylight. Instead, Ruderalis plants transition into their flowering phase based on the age of the plant. Because of this genetically encoded transition, most true Ruderalis plants will never grow past three feet tall.

Ruderalis’s auto-flowering feature has allowed this subspecies of cannabis to live and thrive in the harshest of growing conditions in Central and Eastern Europe and some parts of Western Asia.

Because of harsher growing conditions and this auto-flowering feature, most Ruderalis plants don’t develop as many cannabinoids as either Sativa or Indica plants.

Indica Vs. Sativa: Which Is Hemp?

Knowing that Sativa and Indica subspecies of cannabis elicit different effects, it makes sense to ask: Is hemp Sativa or Indica?

Hemp can actually be either Indica or Sativa. The difference between hemp flower and recreational marijuana flower is the amount of THC present. Hemp flower, as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill, contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight

At Sunset Lake CBD, most of our hemp strains are Sativa-dominant hybrids meaning that our plants are the result of selectively bred Indica and Sativa plants that express more Sativa phenotypes, i.e. they are taller and have a skinnier, Christmas-tree structure. In short, they are hearty hybrids that look more like tall Sativa plants.

Indica vs. Sativa: What Else Factors Into A Flower’s Effect?

Because most cannabis flower that you’ll find for sale is to some extent a hybrid strain, using Indica vs. Sativa may not be the best way to predict how each strain will affect you.

To better understand what you’re smoking or consuming, it’s better to take a look at what cannabinoids and terpenes are present in your flower. These naturally-occurring cannabis compounds work together to elicit different experiences in users.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabis plants produce hundreds of chemical compounds that all have unique properties and the most prevalent are called cannabinoids. Both THC and CBD are examples of cannabinoids.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by fruits and plants that give each their unique smell. Cannabis is an especially aromatic plant and produces countless different terpenes, but the four most prevalent are:

Myrcene
Limonene
Terpinolene
Caryophyllene

Not only do terpenes produce their own unique smells, but they can change how cannabinoids affect you. Some terpenes are known to help with:

Relaxation
Feelings of euphoria
Feelings of anxiety
Appetite stimulation

If you’re interested in learning more about your cannabis flower on the cannabinoid and terpene levels, you should become acquainted with certificates of analysis and how to read them. These third-party lab documents should tell you everything that you need to know about your flower from potency to terpene concentration and more.

Indica vs. Sativa: Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Really A Difference Between Sativa And Indica?

There is a difference between Indica and Sativa cannabis plants. Based on our old understanding of Indica vs. Sativa, Indica cannabis has more of a “body” effect, while Sativas are supposed to give users more energizing, “heady” effects.

Because of the interbreeding of Indica and Sativa plants, these old understandings of Indica vs. Sativa are just that: old and outdated. Almost every strain you’ll find for sale is a hybrid. The only real way to tell the difference between Indica vs. Sativa is by their structure. Indica plants are short and bushy, while Sativa plants are tall and skinny.

Is Sativa An Upper Or Downer?

Sativa cannabis flower is supposed to produce more of an energizing and stimulating feeling. Because of the abundance of hybrid crossbreeding, a better way to gauge cannabis’s effects would be to look at an individual strain’s terpene profile.

Is Indica An Upper Or Downer?

Indica cannabis flower is supposed to produce more of a mellow and downer feeling in users. Because of the abundance of hybrid crossbreeding, a better way to gauge cannabis’s effects would be to look at an individual strain’s terpene profile.

Indica vs. Sativa: The Takeaways

Given that most of the strains you’ll find available for purchase these days are hybrids, you’ll likely have a hard time finding a strain that adheres strictly to the Indica vs. Sativa traits.

The best way to get a sense of how a strain might affect you is to take a close look at the strain’s lineage, its cannabinoid content, and its terpene profile. There are likely other factors that play a role in how a cannabis strain might affect you, but these are the big three to take notice of.

In the few years since CBD has become mainstream, you may have heard or read some anecdotes about CBD’s ability to cure just about any ailment, including anxiety.

Surely a silver bullet for one of the most common, yet complex mental disorders is too good to be true right?

In this piece, we’re going to take a look at past and current research on CBD for anxiety.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol and is one of the more than 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant.

Unlike THC, the main cannabinoid present in marijuana, CBD is nonpsychoactive and is thought to curb some of THC’s less desired side effects like paranoia, anxiety, and an elevated heart rate.

Does CBD Help With Anxiety?

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved CBD for use in Epidiolex, an anti-seizure medication, the results of a 2020 SingleCare poll suggest that nearly half (49%) of CBD users go “off-label” and use CBD for anxiety and stress.

While nearly half of respondents use CBD for anxiety, it’s still difficult to know if CBD is helping with their anxiety or just alleviating symptoms caused by anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal part of life and can present itself as nervousness and panic or in physical manifestations like sweating and increased heart rate. Anxiety disorders are more uncommon and can inflict more severe and persistent symptoms.

Some of the most common anxiety disorders include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobias

What Does Anxiety Do?

There are many ways that anxiety can manifest itself. Common symptoms include:

Feelings of nervousness or restlessness
An impending sense of danger or doom
Higher heart rate
Hyperventilation
Excessive sweating
Shaking or trembling
Feeling fatigued or weak
Trouble being present. Always thinking about something in the past or future
Trouble sleeping
Gastrointestinal problems

Current Studies into CBD and Anxiety

There are several recent and ongoing studies into CBD and how it may help users manage anxiety disorders.

A 2011 study found that CBD may help reduce anxiety and discomfort in people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder.
A 2015 review of nearly 50 independent studies suggest that CBD could help alleviate generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A small study carried out in 2019 found that taking CBD in addition to routine psychiatric care helped reduce PTSD symptoms in adults. CBD also appeared to reduce the frequency and severity of PTSD-related nightmares in the test group.
Several additional studies have been carried out on CBD (and other cannabinoids) and its impact on sleep— something people with anxiety disorders can struggle with.

Can CBD Cause Anxiety?

Some believe that CBD, but more generally cannabis, causes anxiety. While the science is still out on CBD’s link to anxiety, most studies thus far have indicated that CBD helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

“Cannabis” is a much more broad term. Recreational THC cannabis (a.k.a. marijuana) falls under the cannabis umbrella and has been known to cause increased heart rates, paranoia, and anxiety.

It’s important to delineate CBD from THC (and other THC-analogous cannabinoids) when we talk about cannabis’s link to anxiety.

How To Use CBD To Help With Anxiety

Disclaimer: This piece was written for purely informational purposes. The efficacy of CBD has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CBD will not cure or prevent anxiety or anxiety disorders.

How Much CBD Should You Take For Anxiety?

There are a lot of factors that play into what your ideal CBD dosage will be. If you’re new to cannabis or CBD products, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential prescription drug interference CBD may cause.

We here at Sunset Lake CBD always recommend starting with a lower dose and working your way up once you’re acclimated. Start with 25mg per night and stick with that amount for at least a week. If 25mg isn’t delivering the relaxation that you want, gradually increase your dosage over time until you find a level that works for you.

What Is the Best Way To Take CBD For Anxiety?

CBD can come in several forms. Below are several more common forms:

Oral liquids – CBD Oil Tinctures and Mouth Sprays.

Oral liquids are generally well homogenized, meaning that your dosing will be consistent. Oral liquids and CBD oil can take approximately 15-45 minutes to set in.

Edible items – Infused foods and beverages.

Edibles will take the longest to kick in (1-2 hours,) but will last longer because of how your digestive system works. The dosing may not be as consistent as oral liquids but should be within a 10% margin of error.

Topicals – Targeted relief to sore areas, not to be ingested.

Unlike oral liquids and edible items, topicals will not bring you a general feeling of relaxation, rather they’re for targeted relief. For example, if your biggest hindrance to a restful evening is a sore knee, try rubbing it with a CBD topical.

Smokables – CBD Flower, pre-rolls, and kief

Because of how inhalation and CBD ingestion works, smokables will kick in the fastest. So if you’re looking for relief now, smokable CBD may be the way to go. That said, smokable CBD will also “wear off” the fastest because you will metabolize vaporized CBD faster than any other method.

How To Find CBD To Help With Anxiety

Peace of mind isn’t something you’ll want to stake on a sketchy online retailer. There are so many companies operating in the CBD space that promise miracle cures for any and all kinds of ailments. How can you know that you’re buying from a trustworthy vendor?

There are a few things you’ll want to look out for.

Website Smell Test

Think of an eCommerce store as a salesperson. The first question you should ask yourself is: can I trust them? For many of us, it’s a gut reaction.

Use those same instincts here. If the CBD vendor’s website doesn’t look trustworthy and is pestering you with endless popups, don’t bother. However, if you’ve found a site that you like and trust…

Find Their Certificates of Analysis

From our blog post: How to Read a Certificate of Analysis

A certificate of analysis, or COA for short, is a document from an accredited third-party lab that confirms that your hemp product meets advertised specifications. COAs tell you a few things, most importantly the concentrations and variety of cannabinoids present in your product.

Certificates of analysis are important and should be included with every CBD purchase because…

They ensure that your product contains advertised levels of CBD.
- Some studies have found that nearly 7 out of 10 hemp products do not contain the advertised level of CBD.
COAs should also list any other relevant cannabinoids in your product.
- This includes CBN, generally thought of as another cannabinoid that promotes relaxation and restfulness.
They indicate whether or not the product in question is federally-legal hemp or a federally-prohibited cannabis product.
- Products with over 0.3% of delta-9 THC by dry weight are considered to be THC cannabis.
Depending on how your product is advertised— full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, THC-free, etc.— the presence of additional cannabinoids may be of concern.

Curious to see Sunset Lake CBD’s certificates of analysis? You can see them here.

Customer Reviews

Before you press that “Buy Now” button, take a look at customer reviews, both on and off the website. It may turn out that previous buyers have extra insight into how best to use the product, some tips on dosing, or, in worst-case scenarios, you may find out that the product in question may not help with your situation at all.

FAQ About CBD and Anxiety

Is CBD Safe?

CBD is generally well-tolerated by most, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t experience any side effects. Some of the most commonly reported are:

Change in appetite
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dizziness
Upset Stomach
Weight change

It should be noted that the side effects listed above are from short-term use. Because of CBD’s novelty, we have yet to observe any long-term side effects.

Is CBD Going to Interact With Other Medications?

Ask your doctor, or better yet your pharmacist. CBD can interact with other prescriptions. Specifically, CBD can slow down your liver’s ability to break down certain medications.

How Can You Reduce Anxiety?

There are several approaches an individual can use to reduce anxiety. None will cure you of anxiety. That goes for CBD too— it’s not a treatment nor a cure for anxiety.

These approaches include:

Therapy
Breathing exercises
Journaling
Meditation
Socializing
Thought reframing
Physical activity

If ever your anxiety becomes an obstacle in your personal, interpersonal, or professional life consider seeking help from a health care provider.

Last Word: Does CBD Help With Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder among Americans. If you’ve struggled with an anxiety disorder, you know how taxing excessive worry can be.

CBD is not and should not be considered a treatment for anxiety. At best, CBD can help you address some of the symptoms of anxiety and make it easier for you to relax in solitary and social settings.

If you choose to use CBD to address your anxiety symptoms, be sure to consult your primary care physician first as well as your pharmacist to make sure that it won’t negatively interact with any of your medications.

What Is Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation is a process in which we use heat and time to turn acidic, inactive cannabinoids into active, ready-to-ingest cannabinoids.

Raw cannabis produces high concentrations of acidic cannabinoids like CBDa, THCa, and CBGa. These acidic cannabinoids carry an extra carboxyl (-COOH) ring group and don’t interact with your body in the same way that their “decarbed” forms do. In order to activate these cannabinoids, we have to strip their extra carboxyl ring.

When we say we’re decarboxylating cannabis, we literally mean the process (-ation) of removing (de-) carboxyl.

How Does Decarboxylation Work?

Decarboxylating is a function of time, heat, and sometimes oxygen. When you smoke or vape cannabis flower, you’re subjecting to rapid decarboxylation and inhaling activated cannabinoids.

You can also slowly decarboxylate your flower with oxygen. Often times smokers don’t prefer this decarboxylation method as it makes their flower stale.

What Happens When You Decarboxylate?

We know that decarboxylation is a function of heat and time and involves stripping acidic cannabinoids of their extra carboxyl group, but what happens to the cannabinoid during decarboxylation?

CBDa, for example, has 22 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms. When we decarboxylate this acidic cannabinoid, we remove one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms and decrease the molar mass of the cannabinoid by roughly 12.2%.

Note: This is also the reason you’ll see total CBD (or THC) on your certificate of analysis calculated as:

Total CBD = ([CBD] + [CBDa] x 0.877)

The 0.877 comes from the acidic cannabinoid’s remaining molar mass after decarboxylation.

Is Decarboxylation Necessary For Edibles?

Yes, in order to properly infuse active cannabinoids into a fat prior to making homemade edibles, you need to first decarboxylate your cannabis.

Without first decarboxylating your cannabis, you’ll leave a ton of cannabinoids behind and without cannabinoids you’re infusion won’t be potent.

How To Decarboxylate: The Basics

The two things you’ll need to decarboxylate your flower are heat and time.

Assuming you have both, follow these four easy steps for a near-flawless decarboxylation. Be advised that this is a very aromatic process and will make your living space smell like cannabis.

Preheat your oven (or toaster oven) to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn your overhead hood fan on if you have one.
Line a baking sheet or glass baking dish with parchment paper. Lay your cannabis flower out evenly on the parchment paper. If you have any larger buds, grind or rip them into small pieces before laying them out evenly on the parchment paper.
Put your baking sheet or glass dish in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, pull your baking sheet from the oven and let your cannabis flower cool. It should be browned and brittle to the touch.

What’s the Best Decarboxylation Temperature?

While the above steps called for a temperature of 250F, the best decarboxylation temperature depends on the cannabinoid you’re trying to optimize. The optimal decarboxylation temperature is different for different cannabinoids.

Should You Grind Your Cannabis Before Decarboxylation?

Grinding your cannabis flower down before decarboxylation doesn’t matter much. Assuming you’re using a convection oven for decarboxylation, the difference is going to be marginal.

Grinding your cannabis does matter for infusion though. After you’re done with decarboxylation, you’ll want to grind your cannabis down to increase your flower’s surface area and optimize the infusion.

Yes, You Can Decarboxylate…

Fresh Trim

If you’ve just finished up a home grow and have fresh trim, why not turn it into edibles? You can decarboxylate fresh trim the same way you would decarboxylate cannabis flower.

Fresh Buds

If you have fresh buds that you don’t want to cure and smoke, go ahead and throw them in the oven and decarboxylate them. Small buds are great for infusions.

See Sunset Lake CBD’s lineup of CBD small buds here.

Kief

You can also decarboxylate kief. Decarbing kief is similar to decarbing cannabis flower, but your kief can become sticky and harder to work with. Read more about decarbing kief here.

In A Toaster Oven

If you don’t have a full-sized oven available to you, you can also decarboxylate your cannabis flower in a toaster oven. The process is the same, though you should be more mindful of space and odor.

NOT In A Microwave…

We do not recommend decarbing your cannabis in a microwave. Microwaves work by targeting water molecules inside your food— in this case, your cannabis flower— and shaking them violently to create heat. This can lead to uneven heating and unchecked temperature spikes which can destroy your cannabis. Take it from this author, who’s lit his cannabis on fire in the microwave before. Decarboxylation is a low and slow process.

How To Decarboxylate: Advanced Tips

How To Decarboxylate Your Flower With Less Smell

Oven decarboxylation will make your entire living space smell like a Phish show. If you want to decarboxylate your cannabis covertly, this is a great tip for you.

Refer to our step-by-step decarboxylation guide earlier in this post. In order to decarb your cannabis with less smell, you’ll need an oven (or toaster oven) preheated to 250F, but you must use a baking dish. You’ll also need heavy-duty tin foil.

Line the bottom of the baking dish with parchment paper. Lay out all of your small buds or trim in the dish, but before you pop that dish in the oven, cover it completely with tinfoil, preferably more than once.

Once your dish is covered completely with tin foil, put it in your preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, turn off the oven and let the dish completely cool inside.

Note: this method is not smell-proof, but it will drastically curb the cannabis smell.

How To Decarboxylate Your Flower With No Smell

There is a more involved way to decarboxylate your cannabis flower with no smell if you’re willing to stick it out.

You’ll need:

A stovetop
Heat-safe cooking bag (like a food-safe vacuum-sealed bag)
A soup pot

Fill your soup pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Place your cannabis flower, trim, or kief into a heat-safe cooking bag and seal it. It’s important that this bag be able to withstand temperatures of up to 220F.
Place the bag into the boiling water for 90 minutes. Make sure that your pot doesn’t boil dry.
Remove your bag from the water and let it cool before you remove the flower from the bag.

This process takes longer than your traditional oven decarboxylation because boiling water maintains a temperature of 212F. Properly decarbing cannabis at lower temperatures takes more time.

How To Skip The Decarboxylation Process

Is there a way to completely skip the decarboxylation process?

Sort of. Out of all of the methods laid out in this post, this takes the most patience.

If you vaporize your cannabis flower, you may notice that it will come out brown and smelling of stale popcorn— reminiscent of decarboxylated cannabis. That’s no coincidence. When you vape your cannabis flower, you’re decarboxylating it. Save the flower that you vaporize. When you collect enough of this already-vaped bud (AVB,) you can infuse it into oil for edibles.

What’s The Best Decarboxylation Method?

There is no best decarboxylation method. There are only optimal decarboxylation temperatures and times. As long as you can adhere to them and have patience, you’ll be able to unlock the true potential of your cannabis flower.

CBD is a fat-soluble cannabinoid that generally stays in your system for 2 to 5 days. That range isn’t applicable to everyone, though. For some users, CBD can last in their system for several weeks.

How long CBD stays in your system depends on a few important factors.

Last Time You Took CBD

The biggest, but often overlooked factor in how long CBD stays in your system is the last time you took CBD. All other factors aside, if you just took CBD, expect CBD to be in your system.

If you took a large dose (150mg +) of CBD once more than a month ago, then there’s no chance that it would still be present in your system.

How Much CBD You Take

CBD is like other supplements in this regard. The higher your dosage of CBD, the longer it will stay in your system at any measurable level.

How Often You Take CBD

The frequency of your CBD use will also play a big part in determining if CBD is still present in your system.

CBD will build up in your body over time with prolonged use and take longer to completely clear from your system. (This is also the reason it sometimes takes a few weeks of regular use to realize the benefits of CBD.)

Your Body

Everyone is different. Body fat percentage, water content, and metabolism to name a few genetic factors can affect how long CBD stays in your system.

Do You Take Your CBD With Food?

This is more specific to edible CBD. If you take CBD edibles or CBD oil on an empty stomach, you will metabolize and clear it from your system faster. On the other hand, if you take your CBD with food, the effects of the CBD will last longer, but you will metabolize the CBD more slowly.

Does CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

From our post on CBD and Drug Tests:

The short answer is: Yes, using CBD products can show up on a drug test.

The moderately longer answer is: Drug tests aren’t testing for Cannabidiol (CBD). They’re testing for any trace amounts of THC that may be present in your CBD product.

Will your CBD product show up on a drug test? Find out here.

How Do You Flush Your System Of CBD?

If you absolutely must flush your system of CBD, there are a few safe options you can choose from… and some not-so-safe options.

It’s important to note that CBD leaves your body just like everything else— via sweat, urine, and defecation. With that in mind…

Drink More Water

Drinking more water will make you urinate more frequently and will help flush the CBD from your body. It’s important to not overdo this one as too much water can flush vital nutrients from your system and more to the point, lead to a failed drug test because of artificially low creatinine levels.

Eat More Fiber, Fewer Fats

CBD is fat-soluble and will hang around your body longer if there is more fat to latch on to. In order to flush the CBD from your system faster, eat more fruits, vegetables, and beans. These, in addition to drinking more water, will help make you more regular.

Exercise

Kick it up a notch at the gym. Breaking a good sweat is a great way to flush CBD from your system. It will also prompt you to drink more water.

Don’t Take Detox Pills

With the first three flushing methods above, you have control. Detox pills may promise the same results faster, but who knows what fillers are in them.

Be Patient

Above all other flushing methods, the best method is patience. Your body is great at detoxing and will clear out all CBD if you cease use and give your body time.

Takeaways: How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

There are plenty of factors that affect how long CBD stays in your system and how long it takes CBD to leave your system. If you’re concerned about having CBD in your system, the best thing you can do right now is stop using CBD now and give your body ample time to flush the CBD naturally.

If your concern is failing a drug test, there are THC-free CBD products that will not make you test positive on traditional drug tests. One such product is Sunset Lake CBD’s Sour Gummy Bears. See them here.

It’s a common question we get from potential customers and lookie-loos alike: Can you smoke hemp? The short answer is yes. Just like traditional THC cannabis that you may be familiar with, hemp, and specifically slow-cured hemp buds, are perfect for smoking.

In this post, we’ll talk about,

The benefits of smoking hemp
What parts of the hemp plant you can smoke
And more…

Can You Smoke Hemp?

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, you can smoke as much hemp as you want. While it might not be the most inconspicuous way to consume hemp’s beneficial cannabinoids, smoking hemp does present its own unique benefits.

Benefits of Smoking Hemp

Increased Bioavailability

As opposed to eating or sublingual ingestion, smoking hemp increases its cannabinoid’s bioavailability by up to 50%.

Smoking Hemp Works Quickly

Smoking hemp is one of the fastest ways to get hemp’s cannabinoids into your bloodstream. When you combust hemp and inhale, cannabinoids make contact with your lung tissue and enter your bloodstream almost immediately.

Smoking Hemp Is Affordable

Of all the ways to consume hemp and hemp-derived products, smoking hemp flowers is one of the most affordable ways to do so. This is mainly because hemp flower requires less labor and capital to produce than products made with hemp extracts.

Is It Harmful to Smoke Hemp?

Smoking any substance comes with risks. When you smoke any plant material, tars and carcinogens will inevitably make contact with your throat and lungs.

Is Smoking Hemp Safer than Smoking Tobacco?

While we have yet to determine how smoking hemp impacts long-term health outcomes, we can say that unadulterated smokable hemp doesn’t contain nicotine— tobacco’s addictive substance. Nor does hemp contain the long list of chemicals commonly found in tobacco cigarettes.

How Can You Smoke Hemp?

You can smoke hemp just as you would any other dried plant material, whether you prefer joints, pre-rolls, or pipes.

If you’re growing your own hemp plants with the express goal of smoking them you should know that there are some parts of the plant that are more desirable to smoke than others.

Does Hemp Have Buds?

Feminized hemp plants, like all feminine cannabis plants, produce flowers (sometimes called buds) where the hemp’s cannabinoids are produced. These hemp flowers, or hemp buds if you prefer, are the best part of the hemp plant to smoke. They look like this:

Is Hemp Marijuana?

Hemp is not, legally speaking, marijuana. You can read more about that distinction here. Essentially, hemp is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, whereas marijuana is cannabis that contains more than 03% THC by dry weight.

Common Questions About Smoking Hemp

Does Hemp Contain CBD?

Smokable hemp flower will contain CBD. Generally, hemp flower will either contain one of two main cannabinoids— CBD, CBG, or sometimes both. You can figure out how much CBD is in your hemp flower by looking at your flower’s certificate of analysis.

Does Hemp Contain THC?

Most hemp flower contains trace amounts of THC or THCa which, when smoked, will convert into active THC. To figure out how much THC is present in your flower, look at your certificate of analysis.

Can You Smoke Hemp To Get High?

This is a tricky question to answer. Hemp’s main active ingredient CBD is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating. That said, smokable hemp does contain trace amounts of THC, and depending on your sensitivity and the amount of hemp that you smoke, you could conceivably feel intoxicated.

Can Smoking Hemp Show Up On A Drug Test?

Smoking hemp can show up on a drug test. It depends on the precision of the test and the type of test. Read more about CBD and drug testing here.

Takeaways: Can You Smoke Hemp?

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient CBD delivery system, smoking hemp may be your best bet. Be aware that there are some drawbacks, like the smell and the fact that smoking anything isn’t the best for your lungs. If that’s a big hangup for you, consider vaping hemp. You’ll get all of the benefits of smoking hemp without the harsh drawbacks of combustion.

CBN is one of the newest cannabinoids on the block and it isn’t going anywhere. While it’s still considered by some to be a minor cannabinoid behind THC and CBD, it’s being marketed as a superior sleep aid. While the science has yet to confirm whether or not CBN promotes a more restful night’s sleep, it’s still worth getting to know the cannabinoid.

In this post, we’re going to look at CBN, where the cannabinoid comes from, its potential benefits, and hopefully, answer any questions you might have about the “sleep cannabinoid.”

What is CBN?

CBN is short for Canna-Bi-Nol, one of the more than 100+ naturally-occurring compounds produced by the cannabis plant. CBN is considered a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid and is usually only found in aged THC-dominant cannabis flower.

Is CBN Different Than CBD?

CBN and CBD are different cannabinoids with their own distinct molecular structures and benefits. We know that CBN interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD does not.

You can take CBD and CBN at the same time. Doing so may even yield additional desired effects. Research suggests that consuming both at the same time can be an effective pain management method.

What is CBN Good For?

We still aren’t sure what CBN can do because while there have been CBN studies, most have not been carried out with human subjects. So far we can only hypothesize about what CBN might be good for based on animal studies.

Anti-Inflammation

One study on rats published in 2016 suggested CBN may reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Further research is needed in both animals and humans before we fully understand this link¹.

Pain Relief

Another 2019 study found that a combination of both CBD and CBN was able to relieve chronic pain in rats. Further, this study found that a combination of CBN and CBD was more effective than either cannabinoid taken alone².

Another study conducted in Japan in the 1980s concluded that both CBN and THC have pain-relief properties³.

Sleep

A recent human-centered study published in 2021 by the Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute found that a combination of THC, CBN, and CBD taken regularly under the tongue significantly improved insomnia symptoms and self-reported sleep quality in people compared to the placebo group⁴.

Read: Can CBN help you get a better night’s sleep?

Appetite Stimulant

In a rodent study, CBN increased the volume of food that rats ate, suggesting that CBN may be an effective appetite stimulant. CBN could be an alternative for those looking to gain their appetite back without the high associated with THC (another well-known appetite stimulant.)

Neuroprotectant

CBN may also be a powerful neuroprotectant, meaning that it may help protect your nervous system from damage, especially in people who develop a health condition with neurological effects.

In a 2005 study, researchers found that CBN helped delay the onset of ALS in rats⁵.

Antibacterial

CBN has also been tested against certain strains of MRSA— a type of staph bacteria that’s become much more resistant to antibiotics in recent years⁶.

Where Does CBN Come From?

CBN comes from a process called oxidation. As its predecessor cannabinoid, THC is exposed to light, heat, and air, it breaks down into CBN.

This also means that the CBN content present in cannabis flower isn’t determined by genetic factors as THC and CBD content are. Instead, the CBN present in your flower is more attributable to time and environment.

How Do You Convert THC into CBN?

You can convert THC into CBN by exposing your flower to a few factors like,

Heat

Not too hot though, we don’t want to decarboxylate your flower. Over time as THC is exposed to higher than room temperature, it will convert into CBN.

Light

UV light is a potency killer. Both THC and CBD break down [storing flower link] when exposed to excessive light.

Air

Exchange of air and exposure to excessive carbon dioxide will also help oxidize the THC present in flower.

Is CBN Psychoactive?

Many believe CBN is mildly psychoactive because THC is its predecessor cannabinoid and it interacts with your CB receptors in much the same way THC does. It should be noted that psychoactive doesn’t necessarily mean intoxicating.

Is CBN Legal?

CBN is not listed as a Schedule I substance. Because CBN is derived from oxidized THC, it’s thought by some that CBN could be illegal under the Federal Analogue Act.

That said, CBN can also be derived from federally-legal hemp plants defined as “cannabis that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC,” albeit in smaller quantities. As long as the CBN is derived from hemp, it’s believed to be legal.

Where to Find CBN

As a byproduct of THC, CBN isn’t the most plentiful cannabinoid and oxidizing THC-dominant cannabis isn’t exactly the most efficient way to harvest CBN. Because of the advances in cannabis science, some companies are starting to release CBN isolate and broad-spectrum CBN + CBD blended products, like CBN edibles and CBN oil.

What are CBN Edibles?

CBN edibles are gummies, beverages, or foods that have been infused with cannabinol. Broad- and full-spectrum CBN edibles will contain additional cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Some manufacturers may choose to make their CBN edibles with CBN isolate, in which case they should only contain CBN and no other cannabinoids. CBN edibles, like any other cannabinoid-infused edible, should take anywhere between 30-120 minutes to take effect.

What is CBN Oil?

CBN oil is similar to CBD oil. Most of the time, CBN oil will be made by mixing CBN isolate with a carrier oil such as hemp oil or coconut MCT oil.

You can add your CBN oil to your favorite foods or drinks, or apply the oil directly under your tongue for rapid absorption. CBN oil taken under your tongue should take less time to take effect than CBN edibles— anywhere between 15-60 minutes.

What are CBN Topicals?

CBN topicals are lotions, rubs, roll-ons, or salves infused with CBN. You’ll normally see CBN topicals also infused with CBD due to both cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory properties. CBN topicals should offer localized relief for aches and pains that keep you up at night.

What are CBN’s Side Effects?

As of this writing, there are no known side effects of CBN, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist— it just means we need more time to understand the cannabinoid.

Pregnant people, children, and those sensitive to THC should avoid CBN until we’re more certain of its safety.

Will CBN Interact with my other Medications?

While we do know that CBD interacts with certain medications, especially those that come with “grapefruit warnings,” we don’t know if CBN acts the same way.

To be on the safe side, take caution and speak to your pharmacist before trying CBN.

Does CBN make you hungry?

Unlike CBD which can have appetite-suppressing effects, CBN appears to stimulate appetite (at least in rodents)⁷. While CBN may not give you the munchies, closely associated with THC cannabis use, CBN may be a great therapeutic option for people struggling with their appetites because of illness or cancer treatments.

Takeaway: What Is CBN?

CBN is on the rise thanks in part to its numerous potential benefits. Expect to see it incorporated into more and more cannabis-derived products—especially those aimed at promoting sleep [cbn for sleep link]— in the short term.

Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans report not getting eight hours of sleep every night? If you’re one of these millions of Americans you know that not being able to get a good night’s rest can quickly become a nightmare. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious short-term and long-term health effects like high blood pressure, depression, and an increased risk of a heart attack.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans that suffer from irregular sleep, you may have heard of a new cannabinoid, CBN, which some believe has sleep-promoting properties.

In this piece, we’ll take a look at CBN, how it affects your body, whether taking CBN for sleep might help you, and more.

What is CBN?

CBN, short for cannabinol, is one of the 100+ naturally-occurring chemicals produced by the cannabis plant. Unlike CBD and THC, cannabinoids you may be familiar with, there is little CBN found on a fresh cannabis plant. A majority of CBN comes from the oxidation and breakdown of THC.

Too many three-letter cannabis acronyms? Read our handy decoding guide here!

Disclaimer: This piece was written for purely informational purposes. The efficacy of CBN has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. CBN is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. There is no guarantee that CBN will help you get to or stay asleep.

Does CBN Help With Sleep?

Because of CBN’s relative novelty, there are no FDA-approved uses for the cannabinoid yet. That doesn’t mean that people aren’t using CBN and other cannabinoids like CBD for sleep.

According to a recent study [1] on “reasons for CBD” use published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, 42.5% of survey respondents said that they were currently or had used CBD to “improve sleep quality” or treat “self-perceived insomnia.” Nearly 40% of the same sample said that they “sleep better,” after using CBD.

As of this writing, there are no published studies supporting the claim that CBN promotes sleep in humans or animals. There is some evidence though that would suggest CBN can reduce psychological arousal caused by stress and pain, as well as evidence suggesting that broad-spectrum CBN can have sedative effects.

What Does CBN Do?

Anti-Inflammation

One study on rats published in 2016 suggested CBN may reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Further research is needed in both animals and humans before we fully understand this link. [2]

If CBN does have anti-inflammatory properties, there’s a chance that it may, in some people, reduce pain and sleep-preventing arousal.

Pain Relief

Another 2019 study found that a combination of both CBD and CBN was able to relieve myofascial (chronic) pain in rats. Further, this study found that a combination of CBN and CBD was more effective than either cannabinoid taken alone. [3]

Another study conducted in Japan in the 1980s concluded that both CBN and THC have pain relief properties, but that the dose of CBN needed was about 9 times higher to match the strength of the THC dose. [4]

Sleep

A recent human-centered study published in 2021 out of the Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute found that a combination of THC, CBN, and CBD taken regularly under the tongue significantly improved insomnia symptoms and self-reported sleep quality in people compared to the placebo group. [5]

How Does CBN Affect the Body?

CBN, like its predecessor cannabinoid THC, interacts directly with your endocannabinoid’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. One of the CB1 receptor’s main functions is to regulate restlessness and deep sleep via neurotransmitter release.

Your CB2 receptors improve your immune system functions and can actually help your body fight off infections.

Is CBN better than CBD for Sleep?

Because there is so little research published on either, it would be difficult to declare one as better than the other.

It may be more helpful to think about CBN and CBD as working together than one vs. another. A 2019 study on rats found that a combination of CBD and CBN was more effective in managing pain versus using just CBN or just CBD. The same may be true of CBN and CBD’s sleep-promoting properties: better together.

How Should You Use CBN for Sleep?

How much CBN Should You Take To Sleep?

If you’re new to CBN and cannabis products in general, be sure to talk to your pharmacist about any potential prescription drug interference CBN may cause.

We always recommend starting with a lower dose and working your way up once you’re acclimated. This is especially true for CBN as it’s believed to be mildly psychoactive and sensitive users may experience some unwanted effects at high doses.

When it comes to CBD, we recommend starting with 25mg at a time, but we recommend starting with an even lower CBN dose. Start with 10mg of CBN and stay at that level for at least 14 days so that you’ll understand how your body reacts to prolonged use at that level.

If you experience any unwanted side effects at the 10mg level, stop taking CBN until you can consult your physician.

How Do You Take CBN To Sleep?

As with any supplement, you should give CBN time to take effect. Depending on your ingestion method, CBN products can take anywhere from 20 to 120 minutes to fully work their way into your system.

Do not take CBN, and then take another dose when you don’t experience immediate results. This is especially true if your CBN product contains any amount of melatonin as taking too much melatonin can make you restless and disrupt your circadian rhythm.

CBN Gummies & CBN-Infused Edibles

If you decide to eat a CBN-infused edible, be aware that it may take longer to kick in— anywhere from 45 to 120 minutes. This is because the CBN needs to make it through the initial stages of your digestive system before entering your bloodstream via the membrane in your small colon.

Sublingual CBN Tinctures

CBN can also come in a liquid form that you place under your tongue— think CBN + CBD oil tinctures. If you take your CBN sublingually (under your tongue) you should expect to feel effects faster than you would with an edible.

The average user will feel the effects of sublingual ingestion in 20 to 45 minutes.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

CBN isn’t FDA-approved, nor is it a proven sleep aid. It’s far too novel to have been thoroughly researched. If you decide to add CBN to your nighttime routine, you should do so in addition to practicing good sleep hygiene.

According to the CDC, sleep hygiene is a way to refer to a set of sleep habits that are scientifically proven to lead to more consistent and higher-quality sleep.

Consistency

Going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning will help your body get into a rhythm. This includes weekends, too. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to train our brains to adhere to a pattern 5 out of the 7 days of the week.

Electronics Use

If you want to fall asleep faster and stay asleep, consider removing as many, if not all, electronic devices from your bedroom.

Most electronics emit noise, heat, and blue light— all of which can disrupt your sleep. Not to mention devices like smartphones which have a much more profound impact on our brain chemistry. How often have you had the urge to check your phone when you’re restless in bed?

Environment

For the best sleep, make sure that your bedroom is quiet, cool, and dark. External lights can pull us out of our sleep cycles and lead to a restless night.

Activity

Try to be physically active during the day, even if just for 20 minutes. Being tired will help you fall asleep at the end of the day.

Diet

Avoid big meals and caffeinated beverages too close to your set bedtime. Being too full or buzzing on caffeine will make it harder to fall asleep.

What Happens if You Take Too Much CBN For Sleep?

Is CBN Safe?

CBN is thought of as a safe, naturally-occurring cannabinoid. There are no known negative side effects at this point because of limited research.

What are CBN’s Side Effects?

As of this writing, CBN use has no known unwanted side effects, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. If we take what we know about CBD, an analogous cannabinoid, we might make an educated guess that too much CBN may cause:

Changes in appetite
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dizziness
Upset Stomach

Where Should You Buy CBN?

A full night’s rest isn’t something you should leave up to chance. But there are so many cannabis retailers out there selling CBN nighttime drops or CBN relax gummies. How can you have confidence in the CBN you’re buying?

There are a few green flags you should look for.

Website Smell Test

Think of an eCommerce store as a salesperson. The first question you should ask yourself is: can I trust them? For many, it’s a gut reaction. Trust your instincts. If the CBN vendor’s website doesn’t look trustworthy, don’t bother with them.

Find Their Certificates of Analysis

From our blog post: How to Read a Certificate of Analysis

Certificates of analysis are important and should be included with every CBD and CBN purchase because…

They ensure that your product contains advertised levels of CBD and CBN.
- Some studies have found that nearly 7 out of 10 hemp products do not contain the advertised level of CBD.
They indicate whether or not the cannabis (product) in question is federally-legal hemp or a federally-prohibited cannabis product.
- Products with over 0.3% of delta-9 THC by dry weight are considered to be THC cannabis.
Depending on how your product is advertised— full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, THC-free, etc.— the presence of additional cannabinoids may raise an eyebrow.

Curious to see Sunset Lake CBD’s certificates of analysis? You can see them here.

Customer Reviews

Before you press that “Buy Now” button, take a look at customer reviews, both on and off the website. It may turn out that previous buyers have extra insight into how best to use the product, some tips on dosing, or, in worst-case scenarios, you may find out that the CBN product in question may not help with sleep at all.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBN:

Is CBN Legal?

CBN is not listed as a Schedule I substance. Because CBN is derived from oxidized THC, it’s thought by some that CBN could be illegal under the Federal Analogue Act.

Is CBN the Same as CBD?

CBN and CBD are both cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants but they are not the same thing. Their molecular structure, how they interact with your endocannabinoid system, and even some of their effects on your well-being are different. Read about all of that and more here. [Link]

Is CBN Similar to Melatonin?

CBN is not similar to melatonin. Your body naturally produces its own melatonin in order to tell your brain that it should be tired when it starts to get dark out. Too much melatonin has also been known to raise blood-sugar levels and increase blood pressure in people taking hypertension medications.

CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system that’s believed to help with inflammation, pain management, and other factors that help you relax and get ready for bed.

Is CBN Going To Interact With Other Medications?

It’s very possible that CBN interacts poorly with some medications. Be sure to consult your doctor and pharmacist before adding CBN to your nighttime routine.

Takeaway: Is CBN a Good Sleep Aid?

Not getting enough sleep can impact every part of your life, from suppressing your immune system to making it hard to focus at work. If you’ve struggled with sleep problems, you know that the days you actually get your eight hours can be game-changing.

While CBN is an underresearched cannabinoid, it may help with marginal issues that prevent you from falling and staying asleep. If you plan on adding CBN, CBD, or cannabis products in general, to your nighttime routine, be sure to do your research first.

As always, you should also be wary of companies that promise you a silver bullet for your sleep-related issues. There’s no such thing.

Updated Feb. 24, 2023

CBN gummies are becoming a popular before-bed supplement that promises to help with your sleep quality and night pains. Is that all cannabis-industry hype? Or is there a good reason that CBD brands are diversifying their lineups with this new cannabinoid?

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CBN gummies.

Jump to…

What are CBN gummies?

What do CBN gummies Do?

How to take CBN Gummies to sleep?

What is CBN?

And, some frequently asked questions about CBN

What Are CBN Gummies?

CBN gummies are gummies infused with the cannabinol (CBN) cannabinoid. Broad and full-spectrum CBN gummies do contain additional cannabinoids like CBD and THC. CBN gummies made with CBN isolate won’t contain any other cannabinoids.

You can figure out which your CBN gummies are by looking at third-party certificates of analysis. These lab documents will show you if your gummies contain any additional cannabinoids, and if your gummies contain the advertised amount of CBN.

Certificates of analysis can look like highly technical documents— learn about how to read them here.

What Do CBN Gummies Do?

CBN is a still relatively new cannabinoid, but there are a few studies that suggest taking CBN gummies may help with:

How Do You Take CBN Gummies To Sleep?

As with any supplement, you’ll want to give your CBN gummies some time to take effect. After taking a CBN gummy, the average user can expect to feel an effect within 30 to 120 minutes— in line with what we know about other cannabinoid-infused foods.

If you’re taking CBN gummies for sleep, try to take your gummy at least one hour before your desired bedtime.

A word of caution: don’t take your CBN gummies, wait 10 minutes, and take another. This is especially true for CBN products that are also infused with melatonin. Taking too much melatonin can work against the CBN and make you restless.

Will CBN Gummies Change How I Sleep?

Taking CBN gummies, especially those formulated to also contain CBD, will likely not change how you sleep. For instance, you can’t expect to take CBN gummies, sleep for 5 hours, and expect to wake up feeling refreshed.

As a naturally-occurring substance, CBN is gentle, and taking CBN gummies won’t knock you into a semi-coma for a portion of the night. CBN gummies are designed to relax you mentally and physically, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

Do CBN Gummies Make You Groggy In The Morning?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Your grogginess after taking CBN gummies will depend on your dosage, how long before bed you took them, if they are full-spectrum or not, and other factors unique to you.

Our recommendation is to start slow and work your dosage up gradually as needed. One of the benefits of CBN gummies is their consistent dosing. If you’re noticing that one gummy an hour before bed is making you groggy the next morning, try taking one-half of a CBN gummy 90 minutes before bed and see how that makes you feel. Dosing your CBN gummies is all about finding your sweet spot.

We will say that we do not recommend taking CBN gummies during the day, especially if they contain CBD. More often than not, gummies containing both CBN and CBD are formulated to help users with sleep issues with drowsiness being the desired effect. Taking a product designed to help you get to sleep during the day could lead to daytime grogginess.

Do CBN Gummies Make You Hungry?

In other words: Will taking CBN gummies give you the munchies?

There is evidence to suggest that CBN acts as an effective appetite stimulant. If the question is: will taking CBN gummies before bed compel you to raid the fridge in the middle of the night? Probably not.

Can You Take Melatonin With CBN?

Sunset Lake CBD’s Sleep Gummies combine both CBD and CBN with the sleep aid, melatonin. While studies into CBN are still in their infancy, there is no research as of this writing to suggest that mixing CBN with melatonin is in any way harmful or counterproductive.

What is CBN?

CBN, short for cannabinol, is one of the more than 100 naturally-occurring chemicals— cannabinoids— that are produced by the cannabis plant.

CBN is more of a unique cannabinoid than most though, mainly because it’s a by-product of THC oxidation, meaning that as THC is exposed to heat, light, and air it breaks down into CBN.

What’s the Difference Between CBN and CBD?

CBN is similar to CBD, but they are different cannabinoids. While both are thought to help manage sleep and pain, the main differences between CBN and CBD include:

How CBN and CBD Interact With Your Body

CBN and CBD interact with your body’s native endocannabinoid system, but they do it differently. While CBN binds with your CB1 receptors, CBD doesn’t bind with any of your CB receptors. Instead, it’s believed that CBD facilitates the binding of other beneficial endo- and phytocannabinoids.

Where the Cannabinoids Come From

CBN comes from the breakdown of THC through a process called THC oxidation.

CBD and CBDa (CBD’s acidic precursor molecule) are produced by a maturing hemp plant. In other words, CBD is ready out of the box, while CBN takes more time.

Some CBD Medications are FDA-Approved

CBN research is still very much in its infancy. Even though it was technically the first-ever cannabinoid to be isolated in a lab setting, don’t expect any major research on CBN to come out for the next few years.

There has been at least one CBD-derived medication that’s been approved by the FDA for use in humans. Epidiolex is supposed to help manage seizures in patients with very rare forms of epilepsy.

CBN Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Mix CBN and CBD Gummies?

Yes, you can mix CBN and CBD gummies. Doing so may enhance your desired effects via something called the “entourage effect.”

This is when you take multiple cannabinoids, a spectrum for those familiar with broad and full-spectrum cannabis products, to make the cannabinoids work better together. The theory is that the more than 100+ cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant are supposed to be consumed together and are more effective than when you consume one at a time.

Do CBN Gummies Have Any Side Effects?

As of this writing, there aren’t any known side effects to using CBN gummies that we know of. That doesn’t mean that aren’t any.

If we extrapolate side effects based on what we know about CBD, we might make an educated guess that misuse of CBN gummies may cause:

Changes in appetite
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dizziness
Upset Stomach

Are CBN Gummies Habit-Forming?

CBN, as of this writing, has no known addictive properties making it a gentle and natural nighttime supplement.

On-and-off CBN consumption before bed can lead to inconsistent sleep patterns though.

Will CBN Gummies Interact With My Medications?

CBN is known to interact with certain medications. You should talk to your pharmacist before adding CBN gummies to your nighttime routine.

How Many CBN Gummies Should I Take?

That depends on the strength of the gummy and your tolerance. Always read your product labels and your certificates of analysis.

We here at Sunset Lake CBD recommend starting with a low dose and adjusting your dosage as needed.

Will CBN Gummies Show Up On a Drug Test?

CBN, like CBD, does not contain any THC and should not show up on a drug test.

However, your CBN product may be considered “full-spectrum” and may contain trace amounts of THC which, if you ingest, could register on your standard urine-analysis drug test.

Are CBN Gummies Legal?

Yes, CBN gummies are legal, but only if the CBN is derived from hemp plants that contain less than 0.3% of delta-9 THC, otherwise they would be considered a recreational cannabis product.

CBN Gummies: The Takeaways

CBN gummies do offer an exciting and tasty option for folks looking to potentially improve the quality and quantity of their sleep. Before you buy, be sure that you’re doing some research into the quality of the CBN gummies and the company that you’re purchasing from. Always ask for test results!

CBD oil and hemp oil are not substitutes for each other. Nor are they priced that way. CBD oil is generally more expensive than hemp oil and for good reason.

Because hemp oil and CBD oil are closely related, there may be some confusion around their respective names.

By the end of this piece you’ll hopefully know:

How to discern the difference between CBD oil vs. hemp oil
How to dose and safely use each
How taking CBD oil vs taking hemp oil might make you feel

What’s the Difference Between CBD and Hemp?

The difference between CBD and hemp is that CBD is one of over hundred a naturally-occurring compounds that hemp plants produce.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a molecule produced on the flowering buds of hemp plants. Once ingested, CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system. Read more about those interactions here.

Hemp is an overarching legal term for cannabis plants that produce flowers that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. CBD-rich cannabis plants and grain cannabis— grown for fiber and seed— fall into the hemp category.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is made by extracting the resin from mature CBD-rich hemp flowers. That CBD extract is then mixed and diluted with a carrier oil like MCT coconut, olive, and hemp oil.

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil, sometimes called hempseed oil, contains little to no CBD content. Hemp oil is made by cold-pressing hemp seeds into a culinary oil that’s rich in omega acids, beneficial fats, and vitamins B and D.

1. How Does CBD Oil Work vs. Hemp Oil?

One of the biggest differences between CBD oil vs. hemp oil is in how each interacts with your body.

CBD oil contains cannabinoids that interact with your endocannabinoid system. Hemp oil, on the other hand, shouldn’t contain any cannabinoids.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

The science is still currently out on how exactly CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system. We do know that, unlike THC, CBD does not bind with your CB1 receptors.

Some theories put forward about how CBD oil works with your endocannabinoid system include:

Inhibiting the uptake of inflammatory molecules
Activating receptors that help regulate pain
Increasing the activity in your serotonin receptors which moderates:
- Sleep
- Anxiety
- Perception
- Nausea
- And Sociability

How Does Hemp Oil Work?

Hemp oil is much more straightforward than CBD oil. Because hemp oil is a cold-pressed culinary oil, we can definitively say that the main benefits of hemp oil come from its high polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Specifically three:

Linoleic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid

These fatty acids can be beneficial to users in a number of ways, including:

Improving and rejuvenating your skin
Lowering your blood pressure
Promoting heart health
Reducing inflammation
Supporting a healthy pregnancy

2. How Do You Use CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil?

Because CBD oil and hemp oil’s active ingredients are different, you wouldn’t necessarily want to use them in the same way.

How Do You Use CBD Oil?

You can take CBD oil in a few different ways. First, you’ll want to figure out what dosage of CBD is right for you. We here at Sunset Lake CBD always recommend starting with a 25mg dose of CBD. Start low and work your way up if needed.

When you know how much CBD oil you want to take, you have a few options:

Sublingual ingestion

Place your dose of CBD oil under your tongue, hold it there for 20 seconds, and swallow. The CBD in the oil will enter your bloodstream via the thin membrane under your tongue.

With food or in a beverage

You can also add CBD oil to your favorite foods and drinks. This will prolong the efficacy window to about an hour due to digestion, but the effects of CBD should also last a bit longer than if you were to take CBD oil sublingually.

Topically

You can also use CBD oil topically, placing a few drops of it on your skin and rubbing it in as needed. Using your CBD oil as a topical will localize all effects to the affected area.

How Do You Use Hemp Oil?

Dieticians seem to agree that three tablespoons of hemp oil daily is enough to get all of the beneficial fatty acids your body needs. How you work your hemp oil into your diet is up to you.

Because hemp oil is classified as a culinary oil, you can ingest it just like you would any other oil, be it olive or MCT coconut. That means you can also use it to make salad dressings and as a beverage additive. You can also use hemp oil topically and in your hair.

3. What Will CBD Oil Make Me Feel Like vs. Hemp Oil

Ideally, using hemp won’t make you feel anything. If CBD oil doesn’t make you feel anything, your dosage may be a bit too low.

What Will CBD Oil Make Me Feel Like?

Physically?

Someone who ingests CBD oil may feel a number of things like,

Sleepy or more awake (this is product-dependent. Sunset Lake’s CBD Coffee definitely won’t put you to sleep!)
Relaxed
Less stiff

Mentally?

CBD may also promote mental well-being. Whether or not these benefits come from CBD use or from the physical effects listed above is unknown. Many have said that using CBD makes them feel:

Less socially anxious
Able to focus
More alert
At ease

What Will Hemp Oil Make Me Feel Like?

There is a good chance that hemp oil won’t change your physical or mental state at all. Because you would be using hemp oil for its nutritional benefits, this lack of effect is probably a good thing.

The Takeaway: CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil

Both CBD oil and hemp oil are derived from the same plant. CBD is extracted from the resinous flowers and leaves from CBD-rich hemp plants, while hemp oil is pressed from raw hemp seeds.

While both have their own unique uses and benefits, CBD oil and hemp oil are not substitutes for each other.

With that in mind, know that CBD products are generally more expensive than hemp oil and you shouldn’t pay CBD prices for hemp oil products. Do your research, look at the certificates of analysis, and be sure you’re buying the right product for you.

If you’re someone who has trouble getting eight hours of sleep every night, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, 70% of Americans reported not being able to get the recommended amount of sleep at night.

If you’re one of these millions of Americans who have sleep-related issues, there’s a good chance you’ve tried just about every remedy under the sun (and stars) to reclaim some of those lost hours of rest. You may have even heard that CBD can help with sleep issues.

You may have some questions like,

What is CBD?
How do you use CBD for sleep? Is it effective?
Are there side effects?

We’ll touch on those and more in the following piece.

What Is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the more than 100-known cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that consuming it won’t make you feel intoxicated or “high.”

Because CBD doesn’t make users feel intoxicated or “euphoric,” the World Health Organization has stated that “…CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…” meaning that as far as we know, it’s not possible to become physically addicted to CBD.

So what exactly does CBD do? Check out our piece on CBD and how it interacts with your body here.

CBD for Sleep

While the FDA has only approved the CBD-derived anti-seizure medication, Epidiolex, the results of a recent study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research would suggest that many CBD users are utilizing CBD to help manage sleep issues; 42.5% of survey respondents said that they used CBD to “improve sleep quality” or for self-perceived insomnia.

In that same study, participants were asked “How does CBD affect your sleep?” Nearly 40% of respondents said, “[they] sleep better.” While FDA-backed research on CBD for sleep may be behind, these responses are promising for folks looking to introduce CBD into their nighttime routine.

Current CBD for Sleep Studies

There are several ongoing into using cannabinoids and CBD for sleep disorders.

Dronabinol – Early research suggests that this synthesized version of THC may help with obstructive sleep apnea. But at this early stage, professionals are hesitant to recommend the use of cannabis products to alleviate sleep apnea or any other sleep disorders.
Nabilone – Another synthesized version of marijuana used primarily as an anti-nausea drug by chemotherapy patients. Some studies have shown that nabilone may help those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have fewer nightmares, and in turn help them get a more restful, deeper sleep.
CBD – Research is still in the early stages, but CBD for sleep disorders is showing a lot of promise. Early findings suggest that CBD might help alleviate disorders like, insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness disorder.

Now would be a good time to add our disclaimer: This piece was written for purely informational purposes. The efficacy of CBD has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. There is no guarantee that CBD will help you get to or stay asleep.

Does CBD Let You Sleep?

While experts are still uncertain about CBD’s relationship to sleep, many believe that it’s possible that CBD plays a role in getting better quality sleep via addressing the root causes of restlessness.

Many factors can cause you to have poor-quality sleep, or not get enough sleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor sleep can be caused by:

Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Medications that can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.
Physical discomforts like pain and restless leg syndrome.
Caffeine intake later in the day.
Your surroundings. Are you awoken by loud noises or lights in the middle of the night?

Many professionals and current users consider CBD helpful in addressing some of the factors listed above— namely anxiety and physical discomforts.

In the aforementioned Journal of Cannabis Research study, 42.6% of users reported that they used CBD to help them with anxiety. Nearly 20% said that they used CBD to help with arthritis and joint pain.

CBD is thought to help users relax without the psychoactive high common with traditional marijuana. When someone is relaxed, they are less likely to have racing thoughts or are less likely to be bothered by aches and pains. It makes sense as to why users report better sleep as not just a desired outcome of CBD use, but as a welcome side effect too.

How to Find CBD for Sleep

A full night’s rest isn’t something anyone wants to leave up to chance. But there are so many CBD sites out there selling ‘nighttime’ drops or ‘relax’ gummies. How can you know that you’re buying from a trustworthy vendor?

There are a few green flags you’re going to want to look for.

Website Smell Test

Think of an eCommerce store as a salesperson. The first question you should ask yourself is: can I trust them? For many of us, it’s a gut reaction.

Use those same instincts here. If the CBD vendor’s website doesn’t look trustworthy and is pestering you with endless, tangentially-related popups, don’t bother with them. However, if you’ve found a site that you like and trust…

Find Their Certificates of Analysis

Certificates of analysis are important and should be included with every CBD purchase because…

They ensure that your product contains advertised levels of CBD.
- Some studies have found that nearly 7 out of 10 hemp products do not contain the advertised level of CBD.
Certificates of Analysis should also list any other relevant cannabinoids in your product.
- This includes CBN, generally thought of as another cannabinoid that promotes relaxation and restfulness.
They indicate whether or not the cannabis (product) in question is federally-legal hemp or a federally-prohibited cannabis product.
- Products with over 0.3% of delta-9 THC by dry weight are considered to be THC cannabis.
Depending on how your product is advertised— full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, THC-free, etc.— the presence of additional cannabinoids may raise an eyebrow.

Curious to see Sunset Lake CBD’s certificates of analysis? You can see them here.

Customer Reviews

How to Use CBD for Sleep

Disclaimer: This piece was written for purely informational purposes. The efficacy of CBD has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. There is no guarantee that CBD will help you get to or stay asleep.

How Much CBD For Sleep?

We here at Sunset Lake CBD always recommend starting with a lower dose and working your way up once you’re acclimated. Start with 25mg per night and stick with that amount for at least a week. If you notice that your 25mg dose isn’t delivering the relaxation that you want, gradually increase your dose over time until you find a level that works for you.

What Is the Best Way to Take CBD for Sleep?

CBD can come in several forms. Below are several more common forms:

Oral liquids – CBD Oil Tinctures and Mouth Sprays.

Oral liquids are nice because they are generally very well homogenized, meaning that your dosing will be very consistent. For example, Sunset Lake CBD’s 1,200mg CBD Oil Tincture + Melatonin is designed so that you’ll get 40mg of CBD and 3mg of melatonin in every 1mL dose. Oral liquids can take approximately 15-45 minutes to set in.

Edible items – Infused foods and beverages.

Edibles will take the longest to kick in (1-2 hours,) but will last longer because of how your digestion system works. The dosing may not be as consistent as oral liquids but will be within the margin of error.

Topicals – Targeted relief to sore areas, not to be ingested.

Unlike oral liquids and edible items, topicals will not bring you a general feeling of relaxation, rather they’re for relieving a targeted area. For example, if your biggest hindrance to a restful evening is a sore knee, try rubbing down that area with a CBD topical. Unlike oral liquids and edible items, CBD topicals tend to start working almost immediately.

Smokables – CBD Flower, pre-rolls, and kief

Because of how inhalation and CBD ingestion works, smokables will kick in the fastest. So if you’re looking for relief now, smokable CBD may be the way to go. That said, smokable CBD will also “wear off” the fastest because it will be metabolized faster than any other method.

What Strain of CBD Is Best for Sleep?

While CBD’s link to sleep is purely anecdotal, so too are flower strain’s links to desired effects. That said, it’s thought that Indica-dominant strains, like Sunset Lake CBD’s Cherry Abacus flower, are better for general relaxation and nighttime use.

Timing Is Everything

Regardless of your method of ingestion, if you plan on using CBD for sleep, you’ll want to time your dose correctly. Take your dose, especially if your CBD product contains the sleep-aid melatonin, one to two hours before bed.

This little buffer will allow the CBD to do its part relaxing you and the melatonin hormone to communicate that it’s time to sleep with the rest of your brain.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Don’t rely solely on CBD to get to sleep as it isn’t a silver bullet for sleep disorders. Practicing good sleep hygiene is also a must to getting consistent, quality sleep.

According to the CDC, “sleep hygiene” is a way to refer to a set of good sleep habits including,

Consistency – Going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning. (This includes weekends!)
Electronics – Remove electronic devices like televisions, computers, and phones from your bedroom.
Environment – Make sure that your bedroom is quiet, dark, and is a cool but comfortable temperature.
Activity – Try to be physically active during the day, even if just for 20 minutes. Expended energy can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
Diet – Avoid big meals and caffeinated beverages before bed. (Afternoon coffee drinkers lament.)

Takeaways: Does CBD for Sleep Work?

Not getting enough sleep can impact every part and facet of your life, from your immune system to your ability to lose weight. If you have struggled with your sleep, you know that some days are better than others. If only there was a way to ensure more of those better days.

While CBD products, and especially CBD products containing the sleep-aid melatonin, may help you relax and ease into sleep, they are not a cure-all. If you plan on using CBD for sleep, understand that it should be integrated into your sleep routine and should not be relied on solely to ensure a good night’s rest.

If your sleep problems persist, there may be other underlying causes that you may need to address with a medical professional.

CBD flower has only been on the market for a few years and already there are countless strains out there. Some are staples after years of further breeding and perfecting, while others are rarer and have their own cult following.

Sunset Lake CBD’s lineup of CBD flower continues to grow year after year just like our commitment to growing the best CBD flower around. This year we’ve grown nine strains; you may recognize some of your old favorites, but we’re sure you’ll love the new additions too.

We’ve put together this list of strains— in no particular order as we love all of our children equally— to help you find the best CBD flower for you. So, without further adieu…

Which is the Best CBD Flower For You?

1. Lifter – All Day Use | Staple Strain

Total CBD – 21.43% | Total THC – 0.87% | Total Terpenes – 1.6%

Oregon CBD Genetics
High CBD content
Daytime & Nighttime Strain

Lifter CBD Flower Description

There’s a good reason Lifter is one of the most common CBD flowers around. Lifter produces outstanding yields. That and Lifter’s high CBD content makes it some of the best CBD flower around. With an aromatic profile similar to sweet blueberry pie and cheese, Lifter has a distinctly sweet, earthy taste when smoked.

Lifter CBD flower is one of the best choices for all-day smokers, too. Day or night, this bud will bring you calm and focus without the drag common with some heavier strains.

Sunset Lake offers Lifter CBD flower in premium hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and pre-rolls. See them here.

Fun fact: Lifter’s name may actually be a reference to “Mortgage Lifter” heirloom tomatoes— a variety of massive beefsteak tomatoes that can bulk up to about four pounds each.

Lifter Flower Potency Tests | Lifter Flower Terpene Tests | Lifter Flower Heavy Metal Tests

2. Hawaiian Haze – Morning Tokers | Beginners

Total CBD – 17.89% | Total THC – 0.72% | Total Terpenes – 2.0%

Oregon CBD Genetics
Great Morning Strain
Unmatched Smokability

Hawaiian Haze CBD Flower Description

Hawaiian Haze is a tropical strain that took 1st place in the 2020 High Times Hemp Cup. These energizing buds are a 10/10 for smokability, flavor, and a staff favorite at Sunset Lake CBD.

Hawaiian Haze is a predominately Sativa CBD strain that can put anyone in a better mood without totally zonking you out. This strain is also the best CBD flower for folks new to smokable CBD.

Sunset Lake carries Hawaiian Haze hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and pre-rolls. See them here.

Hawaiian Haze Flower Potency Tests | Hawaiian Haze Flower Terpene Tests | Hawaiian Haze Flower Heavy Metal Tests

3. Sour Suver Haze – Sour Enthusiasts | Deep Relaxation

Terpene rich
Dense, dark-green nugs
Unmistakable flavor profile

Sour Suver Haze CBD Flower Description

A new strain for the sour enthusiasts out there. Sour Suver Haze was engineered by the one and only Oregon CBD Seeds. At 18.88% total CBD, these dense nugs— a cross between Suver 8 x Gorilla Glue #4— will win you over the second you open the jar. Our resident puffers say that Sour Suver Haze greets you with a spicy hello and leaves you with a tangy sour-lime finish.

Sour Suver Haze is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, but even so, this flower is good for daytime and nighttime use. Too many puffs of this flower and it’ll be bedtime no matter the time of day!

Sunset Lake carries Sour Suver Haze CBD flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and pre-rolls. See them here.

Sour Suver Haze Flower Potency Tests | Sour Suver Haze Flower Terpene Tests | Sour Suver Haze Flower Heavy Metal Tests

4. Suver Haze – Daily Use | Mood Boosting

Total CBD – 18.71% | Total THC – 0.74% | Total Terpenes – 1.5%

High CBD Staple Strain
Versatile Strain
Bold Aroma

Suver Haze CBD Flower Description

Everyone’s stash should have some Suver Haze. At 18.71% total CBD it’s easy to go a bit overboard with Suver Haze. As a Sativa-dominant strain, a little bit of Suver Haze is a good mood booster and can bring focus to a busy day. Too much Suver Haze and you might focus yourself right into a midday nap.

Suver Haze’s aroma is in a class of its own, too— a mix between spicy black pepper and green apple.

Sunset Lake carries Suver Haze hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, pre-rolls, Check them out here.

Suver Haze Flower Potency Tests | Suver Haze Flower Terpene Tests | Suver Haze Flower Heavy Metals Tests

Super Sour Space Candy – Super Smokers | Terpene Chasers

Total CBD – 19.34% | Total THC – 0.78% | Total Terpenes – 2.7%

Great Anytime Strain
Unmatched Flavor
Out-Of-This-World Smokability

Super Sour Space Candy CBD Flower Description

Super Sour Space Candy takes everything about Sour Space Candy— dense nugs, blood-orange hairs, and sweet citrus fragrance— and brings it to the next level, thanks to the mad scientists at Oregon CBD Seeds.

At a whopping 19.34% total CBD content and 2.7% total terpene content, this year’s Super Sour Space Candy is simply pleasant to smoke or vape. Daytime or nighttime, this strain promotes relaxation and calm.

Sunset Lake carries Super Sour Space Candy hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, pre-rolls. Check them all out here.

Super Sour Space Candy Flower Potency Tests | Super Sour Space Candy Flower Terpene Tests | Super Sour Space Candy Flower Heavy Metals Tests

Sour Hawaiian Haze – Midday Session | Terpene Explosion

Total CBD – 18.00% | Total THC – 0.71% | Total Terpenes – 2.5%

Sativa-Dominant Sour Cross
Floral & Tangy Profile
More Terpenes Than OG Hawaiian Haze

Sour Hawaiian Haze CBD Strain Description

Another new addition to the lineup. Sour Hawaiian Haze takes what we love about the classic Hawaiian Haze— tropical tasting notes, smokability, and overall chill vibe— and combines it with the gassy funk of Gorilla Glue #4.

Our resident puffers say that if you’re looking for a tasty, terpene-filled smoke or vape session, you can’t go wrong with Sour Hawaiian Haze. See what over 1% of Myrcene can do for you!

Sunset Lake CBD carries Sour Hawaiian Haze in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and pre-rolls. Check them out here.

Sour Hawaiian Haze Flower Potency Tests | Sour Hawaiian Haze Flower Terpene Tests | Sour Hawaiian Haze Flower Heavy Metals Tests

Cherry Abacus – Help Getting To Bed | Indica-dominant

Total Cannabinoids – 19.07% | Total CBD – 15.87% | Total CBG – 0.38%

Colorado CBD Genetics
Tasty Smoke
Nighttime Strain

Best CBD Flower for: Help Getting To Bed | Purple Buds

Cherry Abacus CBD Flower Strain Description

Cherry Abacus isn’t a strain to sleep on, rather, it’s a strain that will put you to sleep. As an Indica-dominant strain, if you’re looking for a no-frills bedtime strain, Cherry Abacus may be the best CBD flower for you.

Cherry Abacus is a beautiful flower full of purple, red, and green hues. Cherry Abacus’s aroma is subdued, but the taste is dynamite— like cool cherry cola.

Sunset Lake carries Cherry Abacus hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars and packaged small buds. See them here.

Cherry Abacus Flower Potency Tests | Cherry Abacus Flower Terpene Tests | Cherry Abacus Flower Heavy Metals Test

Special Sauce – The Most Complete Cannabinoid Profile

Total Cannabinoids – 20.97% | Total CBD – 17.01% | Total CBG – 0.65%

Unique Aroma & Taste
Anytime Strain
Special

Special Sauce CBD Flower Strain Description

Special Sauce has what you need day or night. Users tell us that they like it as a way to bring calm to their hectic morning and get ready for bed. With its solid CBD, CBG, and THCa content, this bud has it all.

Special Sauce’s sweet, vanilla odor is quite pleasing, but the real pleasure is in its smokability— initially sweet, then savory. For smokers looking for a staple to add to their collection, Special Sauce might be the best CBD flower for you.

Sunset Lake carries Special Sauce hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and pre-rolls. Find them here.

Special Sauce Flower Potency Tests | Special Sauce Flower Terpene Tests | Special Sauce Flower Heavy Metals Tests

Sour Lifter – Daytime Focus | Morning Mood Boost

Total CBD – 19.95% | Total THC – 0.78% | Total Terpenes – 2.1%

‘Fresh’ (thanks to its high Terpinolene levels)
Daytime Strain
High CBD Sour Strain

Sour Lifter CBD Flower Strain Description

A refreshing twist on the classic Lifter strain, Sour Lifter CBD Flower is a funky Sativa-dominant cross. When you break into a jar of Sour Lifter you may notice hints of blue cheese and zesty citrus— a mouthwatering pairing.

While Sour Lifter is much more of a pure daytime strain than others on this list, beware of the creep. Too many puffs may turn that morning boost into a mid-morning relaxation session.

Sunset Lake carries Sour Lifter hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and pre-rolls. Find them here.

Sour Lifter Flower Potency Tests | Sour Lifter Flower Terpene Tests | Sour Lifter Flower Heavy Metals Tests

If you’ve spent any time looking for CBD online, you may know that the prices of comparable products can vary— sometimes by $100 or more.

It’s worth your time to do a bit of research to,

Figure out what product is a good fit for your situation
Get a clearer picture of industry standards and prices. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to find the best-priced CBD.

Here at Sunset Lake CBD, we’ve put together this small guide to illustrate our farm-to-table philosophy, and show you how that philosophy allows us to provide some of the most affordable CBD products on the market.

Quick Navigation:

Our Philosophy: Affordable CBD Direct from the Farm

We’re farmers. We get up early, stay out late, and don’t stop until the work is done. That doesn’t leave us much time to do business with various middlemen and resellers who insist on taking a cut. We’d rather save time, and more importantly, save you money, by selling our CBD directly to you. We grow, process, sell, and ship the hemp that we grow. This allows us to do two crucial things:

Produce top-shelf, affordable CBD products.
Guarantee that all of our products were grown without the use of pesticides, with sustainable farm practices, and produced with the help of well-compensated workers.

The Price Per Milligram (mg)

The real measure of CBD product affordability is the price per milligram (mg.) Milligrams are the standard unit of measurement used across the CBD industry and will generally be used to describe recommended doses.

Beware of products that list milligrams of “hemp” instead of milligrams of “CBD.” These products may not actually contain any CBD at all. Be sure to look for a QR code on the product packaging or ask for the pertinent certificate of analysis. This lab certificate will show you just how much CBD is in that product.

Learn more about certificates of analysis and how to read them here.

How to Find Affordable CBD

Find the Best Affordable CBD Oil Tinctures

Most CBD oil tinctures are made by combining the hemp plant and its flowers with ethanol alcohol. The alcohol used to separate the CBD from the plant material is evaporated off and the resulting substance, CBD-rich concentrate, is combined with a carrier like hemp oil or MCT oil. The latter stands for Medium Chain Triglyceride and is mainly derived from coconuts.

Using a CBD oil tincture is as easy as adding a few drops to your favorite drink or meal. You can also take put a few drops under your tongue for 20-30 seconds. This method, called sublingual ingestion, may taste a little more bitter than adding CBD to a beverage, but you will feel the results more quickly this way.

Affordable CBD Oil Tinctures: Price Per mg

According to an October 2021 leafreport.com study, CBD oil tinctures, on average, cost $0.12 per mg. Sunset Lake’s lineup of full-spectrum oil tinctures ranges from $0.02 – $0.04 per mg— a fraction of the industry average.

Check out how we stack up against the competition below.

Company	Product	Price	Price per mg
cbdMD	CBD Oil Tincture Drops (750mg)	$59.99	$0.08
Koi Naturals	Koi Naturals Hemp Extract CBD Oil Tincture \| Peppermint Flavor (30mL, 1000mg)	$69.99	$0.07
CBD Distillery	Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture (500mg)	$45	$0.09
Sunset Lake CBD	Full Spectrum 750mg CBD Oil (30mL)	$29.99	$0.03

Finding the Best Affordable CBD Gummies

CBD gummies (under the umbrella of CBD edibles) come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and potency. Because gummies need to be digested for the CBD to enter your system, they do take longer to take effect than taking sublingual CBD oil or smoking hemp flower.

The biggest advantage of gummies over products with similar potencies is the taste. If you can’t stand the earthy taste of a tincture, then CBD candy is the product for you.

Affordable CBD Gummies: Price Per mg

According to an October 2021 leafreport.com study, CBD gummies, on average, cost $0.14 per mg of CBD present. In other words, you can expect to spend 14 cents for every mg of CBD in your gummies. Sunset Lake’s gummies range from $0.06 – $0.07 per mg— half the industry standard.

This is how we stack up against the competition:

Company	Product	Price	Price per mg
cbdMD	CBD Gummies – 750mg – 30 count	$59.99	$0.08
Koi Naturals	Koi CBD Gummies \| Anytime Balance (600mg)	$59.99	$0.10
CBDistillery	30mg Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies – 30 Count (900mg)	$70	$0.07
Sunset Lake CBD	CBD Gummies 1000mg pack (40 Count)	$64.99	$0.06

Finding the Best Affordable CBD Hemp Flower

CBD hemp flowers are the buds from the cannabis plant that tests under the federal limit of 0.3% delta-9 THC as laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill.

While CBD hemp flower is visually and aromatically similar to marijuana, it will not make the user feel “high” or intoxicated. Instead, most users claim that it helps with:

Quality of sleep
Feelings of anxiety
Managing pain

Affordable CBD Hemp Flower: Factors To Consider

Unlike CBD oil tinctures and CBD gummies, hemp flower prices are relatively consistent across brands. There is still some variance due to things like:

Grow Scale – If you see qualifiers on your CBD hemp flower that says small batch or small grow, it’ll likely be a little pricier. The size of certain grows may justify the use of time-saving machines like tractors, increased machine trimming capacity, etc. which will, in turn, lower that farmer’s labor costs and translate into lower prices.

Farming Practices – It’s cheaper to grow hemp flower using pesticides, but it doesn’t necessarily make for a better product— to be sure you shouldn’t smoke anything that’s been sprayed with harsh chemicals— nor does the use of pesticides bode well for the ecosystem in the long term.

Indoor vs. Outdoor – CBD hemp flower grown outside is always going to be more affordable than hemp flower grown indoors. While growing hemp outdoors presents its own challenges, growing indoors requires precise soil/hydroponic maintenance, use of several high-powered lights, and generally yields fewer flowers overall.

Affordable CBD Hemp Flower: Price Per mg

While it’s not for everyone, we toiled long and hard in our field to harvest the best CBD hemp flower we could. The resulting buds are gram for gram some of the most potent and most affordable CBD hemp flower on the market.

Here’s how we stack up:

Company	Product	Price	Price per mg
Plain Jane	Lifter Flower – 1oz – 15.2% Total CBD (4,256 mg)	$79.99	$0.019
Cannaflower	Lifter Flower – 1oz – 14.5% Total CBD (4,060 mg)	$109.95	$0.027
Cheef Botanicals	Lifter Flower – 1oz – 16.8% Total CBD (4,704 mg)	$109.95	$0.023
Sunset Lake CBD	Lifter Flower – 1oz – 21.43% Total CBD (5202.4 mg)	$79.99	$0.011

A Note About “Cheap CBD”

Not all CBD is created equally. Just like with any other product, there are some winners and there are some losers. And because CBD products aren’t regulated like medications— the advertised CBD content on the products doesn’t always reflect what’s in the product itself— you should be extra vigilant about what you’re buying.

Look for Third-Party Testing

Are third-party certificates of analysis prominently featured or on their website? How about the store page? If not, that might be a red flag. Certificates of analysis are documents that tell you:

What cannabinoids are present in a product;
When the CBD product was tested;
If the tests were conducted by a reputable third-party

All of Sunset Lake CBD’s third-party test certificates of analysis can be found here.

Social or No?

Once you think you’ve found CBD for the right price, do yourself a favor and look up the company’s social media channels. The main indicators you’ll want to keep an eye out for are:

Do they have social media channels?

If not, that’s a problem. Most farms and retailers worth their salt will have and maintain active social media channels, if not to keep open lines of communication, then to at least advertise their products.

Are they active? Do they post regularly (in the last two weeks)?

Have they gone dark all of a sudden? Do they respond to your messages in a timely manner? That may be an indication that the farm isn’t doing well or is no longer selling CBD online.

Does the vendor or farm engage with their community?

The above indicator is more of a vibe check than anything. Does the CBD online retailer maintain a healthy ecosystem and answer questions thoughtfully?

What are folks saying in their comment section?

Are customers singing nothing but praise in the comments? Or are there quite a few regretful buyers?

Updated 2/2/22