CBD FAQs

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants and primarily extracted from hemp. CBD is a cannabinoid like the THC found in cannabis, but unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating – it doesn’t make you feel high or “stoned.” CBD can activate serotonin receptors in the brain, causing an anti-depressant effect.

At Ceres, we believe in Companion Botanicals, the concept where the entourage effect of active ingredients within a plant, a medley of plants, or botanical extracts used synergistically in formulation can be the most beneficial in bringing about positive outcomes for specific conditions. CBD is just one of thousands of phytochemicals in the cannabis plant, and only one of hundreds that have actually been identified and studied. Research informs us that how these phytochemicals exist in ratio to one another greatly impacts the effects it will have on an individual. The terpenes in cannabis, for example, can determine whether a product will be more sedative and calming to help ease tension and promote sleep or more stimulating to counter fatigue and increase cognitive function. These terpenes also exist in other plants such as lavender and rosemary which have been used for millennia in traditional systems of plant-based medicine to either soothe or invigorate. Now that prohibitive laws relating to cannabis/hemp are being removed, we welcome this powerful plant back into the complete herbal apothecary in order to build successful formulas to create particular states of wellbeing.

CBD has been studied extensively in recent years for its significant therapeutic potential to alleviate pain, anxiety, seizures and inflammation. Cannabinoids affect individuals differently so there is no guarantee of its efficacy for a particular purpose. For more information on how CBD has been applied therapeutically, please visit Project CBD.

It is legal in the state of Vermont to grow hemp and to manufacture products with hemp-derived CBD as long as the plants and the products contain less than 0.3% THC. The 2014 Farm Bill made it legal for American institutes of higher learning to grow hemp for the purpose of research, and hemp research is ongoing at the University of Vermont. The 2018 Farm Bill expanded on the previous bill, removing hemp and hemp-derived products from Schedule I status. It also legalized the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity, giving the US Department of Agriculture regulatory authority over the cultivation of hemp. It also defines hemp as an agricultural commodity that is eligible for federal crop insurance. The 2018 Farm Bill does not impact the FDA’s regulatory authority over CBD and other hemp-derived products in food and drugs.

You must be at least 21 years old to purchase vape products in the state of Vermont. As of July 1st, with Act 28 (H.47), the state of Vermont has implemented a 92% tax on all vape products and technology. This includes all vape batteries, vape cartridges and e-juices, nicotine-based or not. If you would like to learn more about the taxation on vape in Vermont, please visit this site. You can also contact your local legislature and comment on the laws, here. When purchased from a dispensary, a person with a qualified condition that is registered with the Vermont Marijuana Registry is not subject to the 92% tax on any vape product.

There are no age requirement laws for the purchase of CBD in the state of Vermont. At Ceres Natural Remedies, we require that purchasers be 18 or older. We believe that this is the responsible approach in a new industry that is yet to finalize regulations regarding the production, labeling and marketing of CBD products, by either federal or state governmental agencies. One of our primary concerns when considering consumption by minors is the amount of THC in CBD products that are made with “full spectrum” hemp extracts. Currently, CBD products can legally contain up to .3% THC. Also, at this time, the FDA considers CBD to be a drug. Until further discovery has been made in this arena, we believe it is wise for parents/guardians to be involved in the decisions regarding a minor’s consumption, and is best done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Yes, it’s possible to fail a drug test after taking CBD because drug tests are designed to identify any quantity of THC. To minimize THC exposure, select high-purity CBD concentrates labeled 99.9% pure (such as isolates).

“Start low, go slow.” Begin with a low dose of CBD for several days before increasing the dose. Every person must see what works best for them as effects will vary depending upon your metabolism, age, gender, etc. If you have an underlying condition it is important that you consult your doctor before using CBD, especially if you have a history of alcohol/drug abuse, mental illness, are taking medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Yes. Consult your doctor before consuming CBD if you are taking medication. Studies have shown that CBD can inhibit the metabolizing of certain drugs. For more information, read CBD-Drug Interactions: The Role of Cytochrome P450

Products labeled as Full Spectrum are either extracted in a way that preserves the entire range of beneficial compounds (such as Whole Plant CBD Oil) or have these compounds added back into the final product after extraction. Research indicates that cannabinoids like CBD can provide more effective, predictable symptom relief when combined with other plant compounds like terpenes.

Ceres Natural Remedies uses supercritical CO2 (a non-toxic liquid) to extract high-purity CBD, terpenes, and other compounds from raw plant material. Terpenes are often added back into CBD products extracted with CO2 to achieve the Full Spectrum “entourage effect”.

We strive to curate the best selection of hemp-based products from the finest farms and manufacturers first and foremost in VT, but also the US and abroad. Ceres Natural Remedies products are currently made with CBD from farms in Vermont, Colorado, and Kentucky. The Colorado and Kentucky-sourced CBD we use is a whole plant extract from organically grown hemp made available to us through our relationship with Mary’s Medicinals/Nutritionals. Our goal is to curate CBD extracts for quality, consistency and price, just as we do finished goods of other brands for our retail stores. We strive to find CBD extracts that originated from organic/sustainably grown hemp, that are lab tested for consistent cannabinoid content, are absence of contaminants, and are at a cost that will allow us to create value for our consumers.