FAQ

This is a tough question to answer, because full spectrum CBD products are incredibly complicated, and interact with your body in many complex ways. To put it simply: CBD works on your ECS to keep it in check and in balance. 

Some researchers posit that instead of working on ECS receptors directly, CBD encourages your body to produce more of its own cannabinoids. Other studies suggest that CBD targets specific receptors and molecules to produce specific effects that, in turn, create balance in the body. Follow this link to learn more about CBD's effects on the body.

Mother Nature has done her part by creating a plant chock full of goodness. Now it becomes our job at Vida Drops to extract that goodness into oils, capsules, gummies, and lotions so that you can benefit most effectively. 

CBD is located in the glandular hairs of Sativa plants and must first be dissolved in some solvent and then extracted from that solvent in a useful form. There are three primary extraction methods:

- oil extraction

- solvent extraction

- carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction

Oil extraction involves placing raw chopped up Sativa in an oil bath and heating it so that the CBD is extracted from the plant, using a chemical reaction called decarboxylation. This method is inexact and results in the lowest potency and lowest purity.

Solvent extraction uses volatile chemical solvents like ethanol and butane to extract the CBD and terpenes. The solvent is then evaporated out. While the end result can be highly potent, there is also a high risk for contamination and impurity. (Toxic chemicals, ya know.)

The third method is the best, most efficient, and cleanest one available on the planet--so naturally, it’s the one we use. CO2 extraction is performed when liquid carbon dioxide is pressed through the plant matter to extract the CBD and terpenes. (Yes, carbon dioxide can be made available in liquid form!)

Once the CO2 has done its job, it simply evaporates back into a harmless gas--just like an exhale. It leaves no chemical residue behind, making it the purest form of CBD extraction available. (It’s also by far the most expensive extraction method, which is why many producers only out for a cash-grab don’t use it.)

Think of CBD like a groovy guitar player. She sounds great all on her own, right? But when she’s backed by a BAND...now we’re really rocking.

In this case, the “band” is all the other chemical compounds naturally found within the hemp plant. Arguably the most important ones are terpenes: oils found in every plant on earth. Terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to cannabinoids. They act as an assistant, working to infiltrate the blood-brain barrier and increase cell permeability, allowing faster absorption of cannabinoids. Terpenes can also influence neurotransmitters in the brain.

Some CBD products have no terpenes; ours have five. If you want to dive deeper into the science behind Vida Drops products, click here for our independent lab test results.

Full spectrum CBD products contain the whole band. CBD isolate products contain only the lead guitarist. Definitely still works, but not quite as rad. Make sense?

Scientific research has proven that the ECS regulates multiple processes within the human body, including: 

Stress response (National Academy of Science of the United States of America, 2010)

Appetite and sleep (International Journal of Molecular Medicine)

Immune response (Journal of Immunology, 2012)

Energy balance (Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 2008)

CBD is being scientifically tested by several reputable research organizations around the world. Initial studies indicate that CBD may be helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, epileptic seizures, inflammation, and chronic pain.

Glad you asked! 

Harvard Health Blog

National Institute of Health Journal: Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Hard Evidence at Last?

National Institute of Health Journal: Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders 

National Institute of Health Journal: Cannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety in Drug-Abstinent Individuals With Heroin Use Disorder

The Journal of Clinical Investigation: Cannabidiol Exerts Sebostatic and Antiinflammatory Effects on Human Sebocytes

Yes! Our hemp is grown 100% legally in Colorado under Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2018 (the “Farm Bill”).

No. Our CBD is derived from Cannabis sativa hemp plants, which are related to but not the same as marijuana plants. Like hemp, marijuana contains hundreds of unique compounds that work together to affect the body. Until recently, the most famous compound was tetrahydrocannabinol--more commonly known as THC. THC is responsible for the mind-altering “high” commonly associated with marijuana. Marijuana plants contain both CBD and THC. Hemp plants contain CBD and less than 0.3% THC (the legal limit).

Marijuana and hemp are two different, though related, plants. (More like cousins, rather than brother and sister.) Our CBD is derived from Cannabis sativa hemp plants, but that’s not just any hemp plant! 

Most industrial hemp is bred for fibers or seeds, whereas Vida Drops hemp was specifically and thoughtfully bred for its phytocannabinoid content. Better yet, all of our plants are clones--meaning that we control our product from seed to seal, ensuring the highest possible and most consistent quality.

Short answer: No. 

Long answer: Still no, but here’s the science: the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gets you “high” is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The federal limit for THC content in CBD products is 0.3%, and all of Vida Drops CBD products are below that limit. For reference, you would need a THC content of at least 3-5% to feel any kind of high, and average street weed contains roughly 20-30% THC. 

If you are concerned about THC consumption of ANY kind, our THC-free products are a better alternative to our standard full spectrum oils.

Yes, if you consume full spectrum CBD products, you may fail a drug test. Drug tests these days are so advanced that they can detect even the teeniest tiniest trace amounts of THC. 

However, all hope is not yet lost! If you are bound by drug testing, our THC-free line of products is for you. This line of products contains ZERO THC, and has been used successfully by USA athletes tested by the US Doping Agency.

Nope. The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees:

“In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Yes! Pets have an endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS) just like we do. CBD acts on the ECS in the same way, and solves many of the same complaints that humans suffer from.

Take it from the founder of Vida Drops Rob: “My pitbull, Tank, had some serious anxiety issues when we first adopted him. He was terrified of loud noises, especially fireworks...but before I knew that, I went out to a July 4th BBQ. I came home to a half-eaten house--drywall, door jambs, doors, carpet, you name it. I was horrified that he had clearly suffered so much--but ever since we started making CBD oils for pets, Tank has been cool as a cucumber. All it takes is a few drops before we know he’s going to be in a stressful situation, and he stays his normal calm happy self.”

The easiest way to administer CBD oil to your pet is by adding the oil to their food. Most dogs have no issue accepting CBD this way. If they’re especially picky, try mixing it into some peanut butter or pumpkin puree.

First and foremost, we are control freaks--in a good way! We and our manufacturers, Revivid USA, control the production process “from seed to seal.” 

Proprietary Genetics

It all starts with the seed. We found the highest quality hemp we could get our hands on, and then selectively bred unique strains for years to develop the most potent, richly concentrated plant possible.

Organically Grown

Like many plants, hemp absorbs nutrients from its environment as it grows. What would be the point of developing genetically superior plants if we muck it all up with pesticides and chemicals as they grow?! All our plants are organically grown and extracted in an ISO 9001-Certified facility.

CO2 Extraction

Okay, so we’ve got power-packed hemp plants that have been organically grown in the crisp Colorado mountain air. Now what? How do we get that magical CBD out of there and into the bottle? CO2 extraction is the best, most efficient, and cleanest extraction method available on the planet--so naturally, it’s the one we use. CO2 extraction is performed when liquid carbon dioxide is pressed through the plant matter to extract the CBD and terpenes. Once the CO2 has done its job, it simply evaporates back into a harmless gas--just like an exhale. It leaves no chemical residue behind, making it the purest form of CBD extraction available.

Unmatched Quality Control

We are obsessed with our mission to bring the highest quality CBD on earth to as many people as possible. That’s why we control the entire process, from tiny seedlings to the package we ship to you with care. 

We never sell anything we wouldn’t take ourselves, give to our precious pets, or recommend to our grandmothers.

YUP! We have absolutely nothing to hide and stand behind the purity of our products, 100%. We hired a third-party lab to run tests on our products to measure the potency, concentration, chemical compounds, and more. You can take a look at that right here.

Our CBD oils are available in a variety of potencies: 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 1500 mg all available in 1 ounce bottles. Our 3000 mg is a 2 ounce bottle. We also have a 6000 mg option in a 4 ounce bottle. If you are brand new to CBD products, we suggest you start on the lower end and work your way up, subject to your needs.

As you can probably imagine, recommended dosages vary from one individual to the next. When in doubt, start slow with just a few drops a day and increase as necessary until you experience the relief you’re looking for. Depending on the ailment, most consumers take 1 ml (1 full dropper) every day they experience symptoms.

How long a bottle of CBD oil lasts depends on your individual dosage and frequency. With the standard serving size of 1 ml (a full dropper), a 30 ml (1 ounce) bottle will last 30 days. You may need more or less--it all depends on your symptoms and how your body responds. Pets may need a little less: a 1 ounce bottle, with a daily dosage of 1/2 a dropper, will last about 60 days.

All Vida Drops products are made from organically grown hemp plants and produced in an ISO 9001-Certified facility. Our two bestsellers are USDA Certified Organic, with more to come. (Due to the nature of the production process, CBD isolate/THC-free products cannot be certified organic.) We are pesticide-free, chemical-free, no artificial preservatives, and 100% American made. Always.

CBD drops and gummies are intended to be taken orally, while our CBD topicals are just that--intended for topical use. CBD gummies are THC-free and available in lower doses (25 mg), while the oils are more concentrated. If you are restricted to THC-free products, we have oils, gummies, and balms to meet those needs.

Our standard CBD tinctures are considered to be “full spectrum”, meaning that they are packed with a wide assortment of cannabinoids that work harmoniously together to amplify their healing benefits.

Most customers report a mild grassy or vegetal flavor to CBD oil. We sweeten ours with just a little vanilla and stevia extract to make it easy and pleasurable to take orally or sublingually (under the tongue). If you don't care for the taste, you can add CBD oil to a smoothie or protein shake. Some customers prefer to mask the flavor with a non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale.

In our 10+ years of experience in this industry, we’ve come across many subpar CBD products. In fact, the vast majority of CBD products out there are poor quality (sold by unethical merchants just trying to capitalize on this new “trend”) and therefore, are much less likely to work effectively. 

If you have tried CBD products before but didn’t find the relief you were looking for, we strongly recommend that you give Vida Drops products a try. We are so passionate about helping people (and pets!) discover natural relief that we produce only the highest quality CBD oil, CBD gummies, and CBD lotion. (You may also want to consider changing up the delivery method - trying gummies instead of oil, for example.)