CBD is one of the fastest-growing products in health and wellness, and you'll find it in stores and online at nearly every turn. With so many product types and so many competing claims, it can be hard to separate real information from clever marketing — and that uncertainty leaves a lot of shoppers feeling wary.
If you've found yourself wondering what is CBD, whether it's legal, and what people actually use it for, you're in the right place. Below, we strip away the complicated language and answer the questions beginners ask most, so you can make informed, confident choices on your wellness journey.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from the hemp plant. It's one of dozens of cannabinoids found in hemp and used in all-natural health and wellness products. CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it won't produce the "high" associated with marijuana.
Is CBD Legal?
Yes. Hemp-derived CBD is legal across the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived CBD containing 0.3% THC or less legal to grow, produce, and sell nationwide. At Pharmstrong, our hemp is USDA Organic certified and third-party lab tested for purity and potency, so you always know exactly what you're getting.
What Is CBD Used For?
Because CBD is still relatively new to the wellness market, people continue to discover new ways it can fit into a healthy routine. Today, many use CBD to:
- Support overall relaxation and a calmer mind
- Encourage a healthy sleep routine
- Complement a daily skin care routine
- Support faster joint and muscle recovery
The list of reported uses keeps growing, and new products reach the market regularly.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
Here's the honest answer: there's no single dose that's right for everyone. Each brand and each product is different, and your ideal amount depends on the product's composition and application method, plus your own height, weight, and goals. Use these factors to find the right amount for you.
Read the Label Before You Buy
Every CBD retailer has its own growing, extraction, and production methods, and those choices directly affect the quality, purity, and concentration of the CBD in the bottle. A reputable brand also removes unwanted chemicals, solvents, and metals so the product is safe to use. Look for a company that explains its full process — from hemp seed to bottle — transparently. (You can review Pharmstrong's third-party lab results for every product.)
Favor a Science-Driven Production Process
A detail-oriented, carefully controlled production process gives you a higher-quality, more consistent product that works in harmony with your body. Many of the most effective products — including our softgels and balms — use nano-emulsion technology to improve bioavailability, which means your body can absorb and use more of the CBD. In practice, a smaller dose can deliver the same or better result than products made without this technology.
Start With the Suggested Use
Because every body is unique and each product targets a specific need, the best starting point is the "Suggested Use" section on the label. These recommendations are based on the CBD concentration in that specific product. If you don't notice your desired results after a few uses, adjust the amount slightly. You can also reach out to our team for a personalized recommendation.
Match the Dose to the Application Method
Different formats are absorbed differently, so the right amount changes with how you use it. A CBD tincture taken sublingually (under the tongue) absorbs quickly through the small blood vessels there, bypassing normal digestion. A topical like a body balm is applied to the skin and absorbed differently. This is exactly why starting with the retailer's recommended dosage matters — those suggestions are made by professionals who know the product.
How to Choose the Right CBD Products
There's no one-size-fits-all dose, but there is one universal rule: only buy CBD from companies committed to safe, pure, premium-grade products.
That's why customers across the country choose Pharmstrong. We're a women-led, Colorado-based company that's been crafting clean, effective CBD since 2018. Our hemp is USDA Organic certified and every product is lab tested by an independent third party for purity and potency.
A few things that set us apart:
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Curated CBD kits that pair complementary products at a discount, with free shipping on orders $75+
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A growing, innovative lineup spanning oral drops, softgels, gummies, body balms, rollers, skin care, and pet products
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A hands-on experience at our Breckenridge, Colorado store — including a one-on-one CBD sample bar
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Veterinarian-formulated CBD dog treats your pup can sample in person
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A 30-day money-back guarantee and friendly customer support by phone at 866-399-5371
Not sure where to start? Take our 2-minute quiz to find the right CBD or non-CBD support for your goals, or shop all products to explore the full range.
