February 12, 2025

Dear Melissa: A CBD guide with expert insights

Dear Melissa—Melissa Urban wearing a light blue jean top and darker blue jeans, cooking on a wooden table top, and smiling at the camera.

Dear Melissa,

My Whole30 has helped me incorporate some new self-care practices into my daily routine. I noticed your Whole30 Approved page now features lost range CBD. They have a ton of products—I’m intrigued by their sleep tinctures, skin salves, and muscle rubs. I’ve heard about CBD, but the whole topic is kind of confusing. CBD doesn’t get you high, right? Is it legal? What are the benefits? Help! —Hemp Curious

Dear Hemp Curious,

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the hemp plant, and can offer a wealth of benefits for stress, sleep, pain, dry skin, and more. But distinguishing between different forms of CBD and other compounds found in hemp (like THC) can make choosing the right product confusing! To answer your questions (and then some), I decided to put together this simple but thorough CBD guide.

I turned to Whole30 Approved partners lost range CBD for the answers. I first discovered lost range at the Mountain Games in Colorado four years ago. I’ve been using their products ever since. So it made sense for me to go straight to the source to answer the most common CBD  questions. Here is my interview with lost range CBD owners Matt and Given.

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Melissa Urban: What is CBD/cannabidiol? Where does it come from? And how is it made?

Matt and Given: CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring, non-intoxicating, and non-psychoactive compound found primarily in the hemp plant. All lost range® CBD is grown in Hotchkiss, Colorado using certified organic practices. We use cold ethanol extraction to obtain a pure and potent extract. We infuse that extracted CBD into all of our products, including tinctures, topicals, and edibles for various wellness applications.

How is it different from THC? Do CBD products have THC? 

CBD is a non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive compound and doesn’t create the feeling of being “high.” 

Alternatively, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant that can create a “high,” including euphoria, altered perception, and impaired coordination. While both CBD and THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, they are completely different chemical compounds, and act on different receptors in the brain. At lost range CBD we offer two distinct product lines: 

  • CBD isolate products, which are 100% THC-free
  • Full-Spectrum CBD products, which include trace amounts of THC (below the federal limit of 0.3%)

Our CBD Isolate products (including topicals and tinctures) use pure, medical-grade CBD extracts stripped of other cannabinoids, making it 100% THC-free.

Our Full-Spectrum CBD contains both CBD and low levels of other cannabinoids, including THC. It also contains other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, including naturally occurring terpenes, essential vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins. Full Spectrum CBD may have a more synergistic effect than pure CBD isolate, which is often referred to as the “entourage effect.”

Is all CBD the same? 

Not all CBD products are created equal. The quality depends on factors like the hemp source, extraction methods, potency, third-party testing, and additional or artificial ingredients. 

lost range has always had a dedication to transparency and quality. Every lost range product is handcrafted in small batches in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with 100% all-natural ingredients to ensure the highest quality and consistency. 

Every batch we make undergoes rigorous independent third-party lab testing to confirm they are free from pesticides, microbes, and heavy metals. Our products exceed both state and federal testing standards, so our customers can trust in the safety and consistency of every product.

In addition, we’re currently going through the Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) certification and expect to be certified in 2025. GMP is a globally recognized system that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled according to a quality of standards. It covers all aspects of our production, including materials, facilities, equipment, personnel, and processes. This certification is another investment we are making to ensure consumer confidence in our product safety, quality, and efficacy, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals and food production.

How is CBD used (for what conditions/symptoms), and what are the benefits?

CBD products can be used topically and orally or a combination of both depending on your personal issue or symptom. While CBD benefits are still being studied, research has shown positive effects on mood, appetite, relaxation, focus, sore muscles and joints, body aches and pains, exercise recovery, anxiety, depression, sleep, and stress. Researchers are also studying the impact it may have on arthritis, epilepsy, cancer treatments, and neurodegenerative diseases. We recommend consulting a physician before using CBD products if you are currently taking medications, pregnant, or have underlying health conditions.

What forms do CBD come in? 

lost range offers Whole30 Approved® Full-Spectrum CBD tinctures for humans and pets. Our Whole30 Approved line also includes Isolate CBD tinctures, sleep tinctures, muscle and joint rubs, lip balms, skin salves, massage oils, bath bombs, and bath salts.

In your food freedom, you can also try lost range’s Full-Spectrum CBD gummies and honey!

What are potential side effects of CBD?

CBD is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects, including:

  • Dry mouth: CBD can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry sensation.
  • Drowsiness or fatigue: Higher doses may cause relaxation or sleepiness.
  • Digestive issues: Some users report nausea, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.
  • Interaction with medications: CBD may affect how certain medications are metabolized, so please consult a doctor if you take any prescriptions. 

We recommend starting with a low dose of CBD and gradually increasing to help minimize any potential side effects. 

How much CBD should you take?

Dosage is highly personal. Factors like your body chemistry, metabolism, health context, body weight, individual tolerance, reason for use, and the quality of the product can all affect how someone responds. Some people may need a higher dose or a different type (full-spectrum vs. isolate) to feel effects, while others might not notice much at all. As is the case with any new supplement, it may take time before you start to see the benefits of CBD. We recommend consistent use for several weeks to most accurately evaluate the benefits.

Again, we recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the right amount. Full-spectrum CBD may require a lower dose due to the “entourage effect,” while isolates might require higher amounts. Always check product labels and consult a physician if you are unsure.

Can CBD be used with dogs or cats?

CBD can be used for dogs and cats, but it’s important to use the right product and dosage. We recommend our CBD Pet Tincture to help pets with anxiety, discomfort, or joint issues. Like humans, not all pets respond the same way. Consult your veterinarian, especially if your pet is on other medications, to ensure CBD is safe and effective for them. Starting with a low dose and observing your pet’s response is key. 

Why did you want to be Whole30 Approved?

lost range CBD pursued Whole30 Approved certification to demonstrate our commitment to clean, transparent ingredients, which align perfectly with the Whole30 program. Our CBD products are pure, natural, and supportive of holistic wellness goals. They also adhere to Whole30’s strict requirements, which eliminate added sugars and alcohol. The Whole30 Approved certification gives health conscious-consumers the confidence that lost range CBD is trusted and high-quality for those committed to mindful supplementation.

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