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Cannabinoids are a group of 100+ naturally occurring chemical compounds, including CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), that are produced by cannabis plants along with many other botanicals, as well as the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). These compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors within the ECS to produce a variety of non-psychoactive and psychoactive effects.

The plant genus Cannabis contains three species; Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. CBD is derived from specific cultivars of Cannabis sativa, which are bred specifically to contain high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Cannabis sativa, which is below 0.3% THC is classified as hemp. Our CBD is derived from hemp.

Cannabinoids can be classified as phytocannabinoids or endocannabinoids, based on where they are derived. The prefix “phyto” means “plant”, which refers to the plant-based origin of phytocannabinoids. Alternatively, the prefix “endo” in endocannabinoids means “within”, indicating these cannabinoids are produced within the body. Both phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system of the nervous system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling biological system composed of cannabinoid receptors, internal neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) and cannabinoid receptor proteins expressed throughout the central nervous system (CB1) and peripheral nervous system (CB2). The ECS is active in regulating a range of functions involved in physiological and cognitive processes and contributes to the homeostasis of the body’s internal environment through modulation of immune, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. The ECS is linked to immunity, sleep, mood, learning and memory, appetite and digestion, metabolism, bone and muscle formation, skin and nerve function and motor control, and therefore plays a significant role in holistic health.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid that is found in high concentrations in certain strains of hemp. Cannabidiol can interact with the human endocannabinoid system and has non-intoxicating effects.

CBD naturally occurs in the hemp plant as Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA). CBDA is relatively biologically inactive due to the presence of a carboxyl group (COOH), or acid, composed of a carbon atom bonded to an oxygen atom and a hydroxyl group. Decarboxylation is a heat-catalyzed chemical reaction that decomposes CBDA into CBD, by releasing the carbon dioxide. This conversion process increases the bioavailability of CBD. Decarboxylation is an essential aspect of the CBD extractions process, wherein exposure to moderate temperatures for an extended period of time activates the therapeutic benefits of CBD for optimal uptake by receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, without degrading terpenes and other beneficial compounds.

Hemp seed oil is extracted solely from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant while CBD hemp oil is extracted from the plant’s flowers, stalk, stems and leaves. While hemp seed oil contains valuable nutrients and antioxidants, such as omega-3 and omega-6 acids and vitamins E, B2 and B6, cannabidiol quantities are rarely detectable. CBD hemp oil, however, contains high concentrations of cannabidiol as well as additional phytocannabinoids and terpenes.

Hemp oil or hemp extract are both sometimes used in place of CBD hemp oil. To ensure that you are purchasing a product that is actually high in CBD, look for third party test results for the product. Test results for all Lazarus Naturals products are located on the Test Results tab on the product’s page.

Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level in all 50 states and regulated under the 2018 Farm Bill. Marijuana-derived CBD products (which contain 0.4+ percent THC) are still considered illegal by the federal government. Prior to purchasing any CBD product, verify that it is third-party tested for potency. For more information regarding legality, it is encouraged that you consult with state’s laws, customs offices, and the local government of anywhere you travel to ensure your safety and regulatory compliance.

CBD alone will not show up on drug tests but many hemp-derived CBD products contain trace amounts of THC which may show up on a screening, depending on the lab and testing threshold used by your employer. This means that while Lazarus Naturals products comply with the federally-mandated THC limit of less than 0.3% by dry weight, a positive test is possible. Before using any CBD product, check the company’s lab results to verify the potency is within federal limits. If a CBD company’s lab results are not readily available, or are not third-party verified this may be an indication that their products are not in compliance with federal standards. Since drug tests do not distinguish between THC-positive results based on hemp-derived CBD usage or marijuana usage, we recommend not using CBD products if this is a concern for you. Lazarus Naturals hold no liability for positive drug test results.

Our CBD is derived from hemp. We extract the CBD from hemp using ethanol. The extract undergoes a purification process to remove unwanted fats, chlorophyll, and ethanol. Through further purification processes called distillation and crystallization, full spectrum extract becomes isolated CBD.

As of 2019, about 70% of our hemp is sourced from our own farm in Central Oregon. All of our full-spectrum products and the majority of our isolate products are made using hemp from our farm.

The remaining supplemental hemp is all of top quality, sourced from trusted growers on Oregon farms. We ensure all source material comes from farms which adhere to the strict certification process of the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Hemp Research Pilot Program.

All Lazarus Naturals products undergo a comprehensive testing protocol to ensure our quality and safety standards are met. Our standards adhere to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) monograph on Cannabis. While the testing requirements vary from product to product and the production stage, each batch undergoes multiple rounds of testing which include: cannabinoid potency, terpenes, heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contaminants and residual solvents. Prior to processing, our hemp is tested for potency, heavy metals, and pesticides. Post-extraction, the raw oil is tested for these same analytes as well as residual solvents. If refined into CBD isolate, an additional potency and residual solvent test is conducted. Then, all final batches are tested by a third-party laboratory for potency and quality analysis. For more information regarding the testing protocol and third-party results for our products, refer to the “Test Results” tab located at the bottom of each product page.

Lazarus Naturals products are available in Full Spectrum and THC-free. Full Spectrum products contain high concentrations of CBD as well as a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes and other phytochemicals, and less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. While our THC-free products are made with CBD isolate, trace amounts of THC are found in most hemp-derived CBD products.

All Lazarus Naturals products are gluten free. While the majority of our products contain exclusively vegan-friendly ingredients, there are a few products with non-vegan components. Our balms contain beeswax, Cycling Frog capsules contain gelatin, and Wild Salmon Flavored Calming Pet Tincture contains Salmon and Wild Pollock Oil.

FDA DISCLOSURE: In accordance with federal regulation we cannot make health claims regarding our dietary supplements. We can only recommend our products for general wellness. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Due to the wide range of use-cases for CBD, appropriate serving sizes can vary widely. Your serving size will be dependent upon your body weight, metabolism, individual body chemistry, and other metabolic factors.

We cannot make specific recommendations regarding serving sizes. We recommend starting with a small amount of CBD, and gradually increasing the serving until the desired effects are achieved.

CBD can interact with certain drugs in a manner that is similar to grapefruit. Research has shown that certain compounds in grapefruit can interact with many common pharmaceutical drugs by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes, a family of liver enzymes that metabolizes these drugs. CBD can also inhibit these enzymes when consumed at high enough dosages.

We always recommend checking with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program. Any instructions you may have received from a medical professional regarding grapefruit should be treated with the same level of care when it comes to CBD products.

CBD meets the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of being psychoactive. The WHO defines psychoactive substances as substances “that, when taken in or administered into one’s system, affect mental processes, e.g. cognition or effect.”

However, while this may be the case for CBD, it must be noted that CBD is non-intoxicating in its effects. It does not produce feelings of euphoria, stupor, or loss of control; effects commonly associated with THC ingestion. Research suggests that this is due to the fact that CBD does not bind to the CB1 receptor in the same way that THC does. In fact, CBD has been shown in some studies to modulate or reduce the intoxicating effects of THC.

Our tinctures labeled as “High Potency” contain 50 miligrams of CBD per one mililiter, while our “Standard Potency” tinctures contain 20 miligrams CBD per one mililiter.

Our full spectrum products are made by a whole plant extraction with food grade alcohol. We carefully control our process to maintain and preserve the full suite of naturally occurring phytocannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes in the hemp plant in addition to CBD. This suite of compounds, which includes THC, has potential synergistic benefits which are currently being researched. The THC in our full spectrum products will always be below the federally mandated limit of less than 0.3% by dry weight.

Our full spectrum products are standardized to specific CBD potencies and due to the natural variation of plant extracts, the levels of other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids may fluctuate from batch to batch.

Broad spectrum products retain some of the additional plant components that are present in the full spectrum product but have no detectable THC. Isolate based products contain only the isolated CBD molecule and will also have no detectable THC.

While our products do not require refrigeration, we recommend storing your CBD tinctures and topicals in a cool dry place, similar to how you would store honey. Make sure to shake well before each use. We recommend storing isolate in a dry cool place away from direct heat and sunlight. Ensure the cap is closed air tight after each use. Refrigeration is not necessary but may prolong shelf life.

Our CBD oil in its purest form commonly has a robust grassy, nutty or earthy flavor, which comes from the organic compounds that make up the hemp plant from which the oil is derived. These compounds include cannabinoids, terpenes and chlorophyll. Many of our customers enjoy the bold, earthy taste of our full spectrum, unflavored tincture. If you find the taste or smell unappealing, consider mixing the unflavored tincture with some yogurt, a fruit smoothie, ice cream or your favorite recipe to mask the earthy flavor of the unflavored tincture. You could also try one of our flavored CBD tinctures instead.

It works very similarly to the way it does in humans. Like us, animals have an endocannabinoid system and CBD is a naturally occurring molecule that interacts with the receptors in that system. As a result, they experience many of the same benefits we do when we take CBD.

Nope, CBD doesn’t get humans or pets high because it comes from hemp, which legally must have THC (the compound in marijauna that gets you high) levels below 0.3%. However, if you still have concerns about how your pet might react to these trace amounts, we offer a THC-free tincture as part of our pet product line.

Because the legalization of hemp is so recent, there is insufficient research to determine toxic levels for CBD. However, there hasn’t been a single recorded case of a CBD overdose in animals or humans to date. Anecdotally, people most commonly report sleepiness and dry mouth when they (or their pets) have taken a large serving and this can be avoided by starting with small amounts and gradually increasing the serving size. And always check with your veterinarian first if your pet is on any other medications or if you’re worried about serving size.

You can use the guide on our product label as a starting point but every pet will react differently so there is some trial-and-error involved. First decide on whether you want to give CBD to your pet daily for general wellness or if you will use it only in specific situations, such as when the fireworks go off on July 4th. Start off low and watch your pet carefully. If you don’t see the desired results, gradually increase the serving size. It can take up to a week to start seeing the benefits, so be patient.

A tincture can be used two ways: dropping oil directly into your pet’s mouth or mixing with their food. When the tincture goes directly into the mouth, it’s sometimes absorbed faster into the bloodstream and can potentially bypass the GI tract. You should see the results within 20 minutes, although the benefits do not last as long as the other method. When a tincture is mixed with food, as it is in our dog treats, it passes through the digestive system and the liver. It will take longer to see the effects (up to 1-2 hours), but they tend to last for a longer duration (typically 6-8 hours).

Right now there are lots of products containing hemp seed oil on pet store shelves. But unless these products specifically say they contain CBD, you’re not getting the benefits of CBD. Hemp seed oil itself has many nutritional benefits but because it is extracted from seeds, it doesn’t contain any detectable levels of CBD. CBD is extracted primarily from the flowers and leaves of the mature hemp plant and these oils have high concentrations of cannabinoids.

A lot of people are wondering this since the safety and risks of using CBD in dogs has not been researched yet, although several studies are now underway. We expect that for the most part, CBD works the same way in animals as it does in humans, and that anecdotally they get the same health and wellness benefits we do. However, there can be huge differences in the products you buy when it comes to ingredients and potency. Here’s how to make a safer choice when shopping for CBD:

• Look for pure natural ingredients. Choose CBD that is free of toxins such as pesticides, herbicides or heavy metals, and unnatural additives. You should also verify that the product actually contains the amount of CBD that it says it does. How do you do this?
• Ask for the independent lab test results, otherwise known as a Certificate of Analysis or COA. Reputable companies post these on their websites for any customer to refer to. At Lazarus, you can find a COA on our website by visiting the “Test Results” tab on an individual product page and looking for the batch number listed on the packaging.
• Choose American-grown hemp. Only buy CBD that has been made from hemp grown in the USA. Some companies use hemp from other countries that don’t have the same standards and regulations we do in the US. Even better, buy from companies that grow their own hemp, like we do at Lazarus Naturals. We own every part of the process, from the farms to the extraction facility to packaging, ensuring that control over safety and quality at every step.
• Look for the Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) certification. This means the products were produced in a facility that has been audited by a third-party for adherence to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Those standards ensure that the company is not cutting corners and producing safe, consistent, and effective products. Any reputable CBD company will be forthright about whether or not they are certified.