CBD 101

New to CBD? Here's a plain-English guide to what it is, how to choose the right product, and what to know before you buy — brought to you by the team at CBD Essentials in Riverton & American Fork, Utah.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 natural compounds found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, the compound responsible for marijuana's "high," CBD is non-intoxicating — it won't get you high. People use CBD for a wide range of everyday wellness goals, including relaxation, sleep support, and muscle or joint discomfort. Hemp-derived CBD sold in stores like ours comes from hemp plants, not marijuana, and is bred to contain very low levels of THC.

CBD is not a medicine and hasn't been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you take other medications.

Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum vs. isolate

  • Full-spectrumContains CBD plus the full range of natural hemp compounds, including a legal trace amount of THC (0.3% or less). Many people believe the compounds work better together — sometimes called the "entourage effect."
  • Broad-spectrumContains CBD plus other hemp compounds, but with the THC removed. A good middle ground if you want more than just CBD alone without any detectable THC.
  • IsolatePure CBD with nothing else — no other hemp compounds and no THC. The most straightforward option if you want to keep things simple.

How to start dosing

  1. Start low. Begin with a small serving — many people start around 10-20mg of CBD — and see how you feel.
  2. Go slow. Give it a few days before increasing your amount. CBD can take time to build up and affects everyone differently.
  3. Keep notes. Track how much you take and how you feel, so you can find the amount that works for you.
  4. Ask our staff. Every body is different — our team can walk you through serving sizes for the specific product you're considering, in-store or by phone at 801-938-9320.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

It can. Standard drug tests screen for THC, not CBD — but full-spectrum products legally contain trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), and regular use can sometimes build up enough to trigger a positive result on a sensitive test. If you're subject to drug testing for work or any other reason, broad-spectrum or isolate products (formulated to contain no detectable THC) are generally the safer choice.

Good to know: Ask our staff which of our products are broad-spectrum or isolate if avoiding THC entirely matters to you — and always feel free to ask about a product's Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Is CBD legal in Utah?

Yes — hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% THC or less are legal to sell and purchase in Utah, and that's what we carry at CBD Essentials. Utah restricts the sale of any CBD product containing THC (even trace, legal amounts) to adults 21 and older, which is why we ask everyone entering our site — and our stores — to confirm their age. Hemp and cannabinoid regulations continue to evolve at both the state and federal level, so if you have questions about a specific product's compliance, our staff can walk you through its lab testing and Certificate of Analysis.

This page is for general education only and isn't legal advice. Laws can change — when in doubt, ask our staff or call us at 801-938-9320.

Got more questions?

Our staff at both Utah locations are happy to talk through anything CBD-related — no pressure, no guesswork.

Call 801-938-9320