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Maybe you're a seasoned user of CBD wanting to widen your use of CBD into the cooking realm, or perhaps you want to try out CBD, and you think cooking with CBD is a good introduction. 
For both these scenarios and those in between, we are going to explain what you need to know to effectively cook with <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/what-is-cbd">CBD</a>! Why? Maybe the better question is, why not?! 
<h2>What Is CBD?</h2>
Rookies to CBD keep reading because, in this section, we will break down the seemingly complex world of CBD, the endocannabinoid system, and phytocannabinoids. 
When searching the internet or even going to your local grocery store, you're likely to come across more brands and types of CBD products than you even knew existed. Once you start looking for and paying attention, you'll realize that CBD is everywhere! This is because CBD derived from the industrial hemp plant has recently become legal to sell in the US. 
How recent? The legalization of Industrial hemp occurred with the 2018 passage of the Farm Bill. Since this time, manufacturers have scrambled to take advantage of this new market, with some manufactures producing higher-quality CBD products than others. 
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids that can be pulled out of the hemp plant. This compound was discovered before the middle part of the 20th century, yet it remained relatively unknown to the general public until recently. This happened in part due to legal restrictions surrounding the hemp plant and partly due to the lack of knowledge of the body's endocannabinoid system, which wasn't discovered until the 1990s. Although CBD is only one of more than 100 cannabinoids, it accounts for more than <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2011.0389">40%</a> of the plant's total cannabinoids. 
The endocannabinoid system describes cannabinoid receptors such as CB1 located in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system, CNS) and CB2 receptors located outside the CNS, as well as the chemicals produced by the human body that interact with these receptors. Certain cannabinoids prefer to attach to specific receptors, which is why some cannabinoids produce different effects than others. 
Thus far, the research on cannabidiol is promising. However, there is one thing to keep in mind. While many people claim that CBD products can produce various effects, the reality is that research is just beginning, and definitive claims can't be made right now regarding CBD.
<h2>Types of CBD Products</h2>
We already talked about how important it is to choose a CBD manufacturer who puts in the extra time and effort to produce a CBD product with high concentrations of cannabinoids and who utilize industry best practice standards, such as <a href="https://penguincbd.com/">Penguin CBD</a> oil, but what about the different kinds of CBD products? We will briefly talk about the three major categories of CBD products and then go into the best CBD products specific for cooking!
There are three primary categories of CBD products commonly encountered, which include CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD. A CBD isolate product describes a product that contains no other cannabinoids other than cannabidiol (CBD). When looking at a broad-spectrum product, you'll find that this product has CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes, minus delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 
As you can probably guess, the reference to isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum describes the cannabinoid content of the product. So, naturally, a full-spectrum CBD product will contain all the phytocannabinoids found in the industrial hemp plant, including THC. However, even in full-spectrum products, the THC content is limited to 0.3% or less by law. 
We're taking the time to explain the different CBD categories, because there is a theory that has some research to back it up that describes the ability of cannabinoids to enhance the effects of other cannabinoids, sometimes referred to as the "entourage effect." The entourage effect also describes the property of combined cannabinoids to produce new effects that are not seen when cannabinoids are used in isolation.
With this perspective in mind, THC is not necessarily the bad guy in CBD products, but can be a useful player on the championship cannabinoid team. Taking this analogy a step farther, no member of a unified team can get such a big ego that it loses sight of the other players' strengths, just like taking too large a dose of THC can cause adverse effects.
So assemble the team that is right for your needs. Some prefer to have THC on their team (full-spectrum), while others choose to leave it out while still achieving the desired "entourage effect" (broad-spectrum).
<h2>CBD Products</h2>
CBD products come in many forms, including CBD tinctures, creams, gummies, cooking oils, and more. Consumers of CBD have the ability to choose a CBD product specific to their desires and goals. Although CBD products come in many forms, not all products use the same extraction, production, or testing methods, which means different grades of CBD products are available. 
If you’re just quickly wanting to find a high-quality, transparent CBD company then look no further. Not to toot our own horn too much, but here at Penguin we strive to produce not only the highest quality <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-oil">CBD oil for sale</a>, but also <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-gummies">CBD gummies</a>, <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-cream">CBD creams</a>, and other products as well. 
There are three primary methods for extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant: steam distillation, solvent extraction, and CO2 extraction. While there are pros and cons to all the methods, it’s sufficient to say that CO2 extraction is by far the best method, although it's also the most expensive to the manufacturer. You can read each of these methods in detail in this <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/how-is-cbd-oil-made">article</a>!
When selecting a CBD product, you'll also want to make sure that the company's third-party laboratory tests its products to ensure purity and consistent potency. This is especially important for individuals who are drug tested for their job, so they are not consuming enough THC to test positive. 
Transparency is a key sign that you're dealing with a CBD company that knows what they are doing. Often you can get your hands on the laboratory report for your specific batch; some companies even put a QR code that is linked to the batch laboratory report.
Selecting a CBD company that utilizes an independent laboratory to test their products should give you a little extra piece of mind, as there the results reported are more likely to be accurate and reflective of the actual dose content of the product. 
<h2>Tips for Using CBD While Cooking</h2>
Now to the main topic of this article, how to cook with CBD oil. There are a few things you're going to need to keep in mind while cooking with CBD oil, which you'll be able to look back on in this section in case you forget. 
The first step in cooking with CBD is to select a CBD product. If you're not actually planning on cooking or heating the CBD and food together, such as you may do with making a salad or putting into a smoothie, then using a CBD tincture is acceptable. No need to go purchase a special kind of product for cold applications, but when actually cooking food with CBD, you'll need to look for a product made specifically for this purpose. 
Products made specifically for cooking often have an olive oil base, which makes sense when you realize that olive oil is often used as a cooking oil. There are other bases for the CBD when it comes to cooking, such as sesame, but olive is probably the most common you're going to encounter. 
Temperature is another extremely important consideration you'll need to think about when cooking with CBD. We don't want either to change the chemical structure of CBD or burn off the CBD, both of which can happen with high cooking temperatures. We generally recommend using a CBD with an olive oil base not to cook food in temperatures above 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Why this specific temperature? 
This is the temperature at which olive oil starts to rapidly breakdown and smoke, which can flavor your food in undesirable ways. This point is called the smoke point, and every oil has one, so if you're using a CBD cooking product with a base other than olive oil, you'll need to look up the smoking point.
An alternative method to preserve CBD concentration is to add the CBD-containing product later in the cooking process after the food has been heated. This method may be best if your goal is to get as much CBD into your body as possible while eating your meal. If a salad or potato is part of your meal, you can always add the CBD cooking oil onto these products after being cooked. 
You'll also want to remember that CBD and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning that they like being combined with other fats, and you'll get the best absorption into your system by combining CBD with fat. This generally is not a problem as CBD cooking oils have a base of some kind of fat. We only mention this for those out there who are not looking to purchase a CBD product made explicitly for cooking. 
Since you're combining the CBD with food, the effects you expect to feel from the CBD may take longer to become apparent than other ingestion methods, such as dosing CBD under the tongue. This is because CBD combined with food has to pass through your mouth, down your esophagus, into and out of your stomach, and into your small intestines before it's able to be absorbed into your bloodstream. 
Conversely, the sublingual administration of CBD can, at least in part, directly enter the bloodstream and simultaneously bypass the 1st round of metabolism by the liver. This means CBD reaches receptors quickly and in high doses. 
<h2>A Few More Tips</h2>
If you're worried about how to know the dose of CBD you're ingesting, the manufacturer typically includes the mg concentration of CBD per ml of CBD cooking product. Remember what we talked about above concerning progressive, gradual increases in dosing. When new to a CBD product, always recommended to “start low and go slow.”
Those who have not used CBD products in the past, or have recently switched from a different strength or brand, would be wise to start at the lowest recommended dose by the manufacturer and slowly increase the dose as needed until the desired effect is reached. 
You'll also want to consider the other ingredients that may be combined as part of the CBD product you're using. Some CBD oils use sesame seed oil or olive oil as a carrier base for the CBD, which can be a serious source of concern for those allergic to sesame or olives. So always make you know exactly what you're putting into your body.

Curious about cooking with CBD oil? Here are some tips and knowledge to help you get started!

Cooking With CBD Oil: What You Need to Know

One of the most commonly asked questions about CBD is whether one needs a prescription to take it. Unfortunately, the answer is not clear cut, just like the laws surrounding cannabis as a whole. 
To understand the difficulty associated with this question, we need to look at the history of CBD. 
<h2>The History of CBD in the United States</h2>
In the 1930s, hemp became a big deal. This was around the time that the U.S. halted the cultivation of industrial hemp, placing it in the same category as marijuana, a psychoactive cousin to hemp. 
<h3>Hemp vs. Marijuana</h3>
When you hear “cannabis,” you most likely automatically think "joint" or "weed." But cannabis is much more than a plant with psychotropic properties.
Cannabis produces small flowers that often house the majority of the important plant compounds that we utilize today, <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/how-does-cbd-work">like CBD</a>. We typically refer to the plants grown for CBD and textiles as hemp; marijuana is generally the term used for the cannabis products that produce psychoactive properties.
The major difference between the two is in the cannabinoids. Hemp is generally low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, while marijuana contains significant quantities of it.  If you’re looking for CBD products of any type, they come from hemp plants.
<h3>The Evolution of Industrial Hemp in the U.S.</h3>
Early on, the hemp plant was cultivated industrially for its fibers and its application in several other industries like building, textiles and even fuel. The hemp plant is thought to produce <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360138517301772">more fiber</a>, fuel and food than any other plant. 
Sadly, in 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act restricted the cultivation and distribution of cannabis (hemp inclusive), and this led to a drastic decline in the production of hemp. By 1970, the Controlled Substance Act banned the cultivation and harvesting of industrial hemp, classifying it as a Schedule I substance. This was the first time the federal government created a legislation grouping both hemp and marijuana in the same category.
The industries for which hemp was a necessary raw material had to search for alternatives. Deforestation, among other things, became a problem. In a bid to mitigate this, President Obama signed the 2014 Farm Bill Law, allowing research institutions, universities and state agricultural departments to pivot to hemp farming. 
It was not until 2018 that President Trump signed the revised Farm Bill Law that removed hemp from the Schedule I substance category. This was the first time since 1970 that the hemp plant and its derivatives had been removed from the Controlled Substance Act, and it was a big win for the cannabis plant.
The amendment of the classification of hemp as a nonaddictive substance has opened it up to more research. Although the 2018 Farm Bill now acknowledges the chemical difference between hemp and marijuana, the regulations of this industry are not clear cut. 
The mandatory amount of THC allowed in cultivated industrial hemp is pretty much the only clear-cut regulation from this bill, hence the apparent undefined rules surrounding the purchase and consumption of hemp-derived products. 
Judging by how long the hemp industry has had to fight for its legality, it is no surprise that some things are still being figured out. The Food and Drug Administration reserves the right to regulate all cannabis-based products under the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/laws-enforced-fda/federal-food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-fdc-act">Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act</a>. 
Though CBD products are proclaimed as legal all over the U.S., is the situation so clear cut?
<h2>Is CBD Oil Legal Everywhere in the United States?</h2>
As THC is the main phytocannabinoid for which cannabis is so persecuted, the current Farm Bill Law addresses the quantity that is allowed in CBD products. Hemp-derived products containing not more than 0.3 percent THC content are now considered federally legal, but states may have specific requirements and regulations.
While CBD isolate oils (oils that contain only cannabinoid extracts) are covered by the federal law and are declared legal, full-spectrum oils (those that contain the whole array of cannabinoids present in the hemp plants alongside some plant terpenes, including THC) must allow the state to weigh in, and acceptance can vary widely. For instance, <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/cbd-oil-in-idaho">Idaho</a> does not tolerate any THC content whatsoever, while <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/cbd-oil-in-georgia">Georgia</a> allows patients who are deemed qualified to <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-oil">buy CBD oil</a> with THC content as high as 5 percent, which is above the federal limit. 
Suffice to say, while CBD oil is legal, the type you can get depends on where you live. Nevertheless, <a href="https://penguincbd.com/">Penguin CBD</a> products are legal in all 50 states.
<h2>Should You Get a Prescription for CBD Oil? </h2>
CBD is mostly just allowed to function as a supplement and not as a cure for any ailment, so you don't need a prescription to use CBD oil. However, that can change based on the type of CBD oil you use and where you live. 
It is not necessary to get a prescription for CBD oils containing not more than 0.3 percent THC, like CBD isolate oils or broad-spectrum oils. 
However, if your preference is full-spectrum oils, you should see a doctor for a medical marijuana card or exception. Again, this exception is totally dependent on how liberal your state is. Contact your local or state health department to be sure. 
You might be wondering how to decide which CBD product to use and at what dosages. Here are some tips. 
<h2>How to Make Your CBD Purchase Decisions Without a Prescription</h2>
Choosing the best CBD product for yourself in a largely unregulated market can be daunting, especially since you can't always get professional prescriptions. A way to get around this is to consider each product's qualities properly and decide what suits you the best. 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">
Source of the CBD: Not all CBD oils are the same and not all suppliers are trustworthy. While hemp-derived products are federally legal, marijuana-derived products are generally not. It is imperative to purchase your CBD oils from a trusted and reliable source. 
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">
Potency: Essentially, the strength of CBD oils available for purchase varies by manufacturer and brand. More importantly, it varies according to the percentage of CBD present in the end product, thus the need to be privy to the potency of the product you are buying. Consumers have been reported to resort to some sort of trial-and-error method due to the difference in potency and absence of expected results. You can find out for yourself by trying our delicious CBD oils!
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">
Content and Additives: Commercial CBD oils often contain extra ingredients, from terpenes to carrier oils to other cannabinoids. You want to be aware of the contents of the product you purchase. While some extra ingredients improve <a href="https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/phar.2377">bioavailability</a>, some may contain harmful substances or ingredients you might be allergic to. 
</li>
</ul>
This is why we suggest that you purchase from manufacturers who are transparent about the content of their products. Accurate labeling is essential in the CBD industry, as you don't want to mistake products containing THC for those that shouldn’t. 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">
Expected Results: While there has been research regarding the qualities and prospects of CBD, the personal effects you intend to experience by using CBD oil as a supplement should also influence your decision making. 
</li>
</ul>
In cases where mood-lifting effects are the priority, you might want to consider buying CBD oils that contain other cannabinoids. This is because some of these cannabinoids have been researched more than others, and they have been found to be more effective together than individually because of the entourage effect. 
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">
Mode of Use: There are many ways to use CBD products these days. CBD oils can be used orally, sublingually or topically. For skincare, topical CBD applications are a better fit. Depending on which mode of use is convenient for you and the result you anticipate, you might want to purchase CBD oils that specifically fit that preference.
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">
Price: Your budget should influence your decision making when it comes to CBD oils. There are several quality CBD products available on the market that won’t break the bank. 
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Where to Purchase CBD Oil</h2>
You can purchase CBD oils over the counter practically anywhere. Of course, these stores are keeping it safe and only stocking products that comply very strictly to FDA rules. Nevertheless, you can find CBD oils anywhere from online stores to malls, gas stations, coffee shops, health clubs, gyms and community markets. 
However, we strongly advise that you purchase from a reputable brand, even though you might pay slightly more. Quality always trumps quantity, and since CBD is a supplement you are taking with wellness in mind, spending a little more to get trusted products is always a solid investment. 
<h2>Are Any CBD Products FDA Approved? </h2>
In 2018, Epidiolex was approved by the FDA, and it is currently the only CBD product available with a prescription. This product is a pure CBD plant extract developed by GW Pharmaceuticals. It is so far the only cannabinoid-based product that is approved as a medication in the United States.
Epidiolex is available as a viscous nonpsychoactive fluid to be dispensed in syringe droppers. The component is reported to be 98 percent CBD and trace amounts of other cannabinoids, but contains no THC.
Pharmaceuticals isn’t the only area where CBD is making inroads, however.
The use of CBD in cosmetic products under strict regulations is also approved by the FDA. Frankly, the legality of CBD is a function of how it is labeled and marketed to the public. However, since capitalism and profit-making are the goal of most manufacturers, the legality of several CBD products will continue to be dubious until the FDA fully approves CBD as a compound.
<h2>Final Thoughts on CBD and Prescriptions</h2>
The bottom line: CBD and other cannabis-based medicines are continuously becoming more available and more widely consumed. Depending on the state you reside in and the type of product you want to buy, a prescription may be required. 
This is the reality of the hemp industry: Sometimes you need a prescription; sometimes you can buy over the counter. In the meantime, know your state’s laws on cannabis products and patronize only trusted and reliable brands. 
If you found this article helpful, please share so it can reach more people!

Many people have asked whether CBD requires a prescription to use. We answer that question for you and more.

Do You Need a Prescription for CBD Oil?

Drug testing is more common than you might think. It’s not just done at the police station; it may also be a part of a private institution’s policy. For example, your employer, school, sports administration or even extracurricular club might do drug testing on its employees or group participants.
Sometimes you know about these drug tests in advance. At other times they’ll be a complete surprise, and if you have something in your system that shouldn’t be there, the consequences could involve being cut from the team, losing your job or even a criminal conviction.
But does this apply to CBD? Most people report that CBD does not show up on a drug test, but are you willing to stake your reputation on that? 
It’s true that CBD should not show up on a drug test, and you should be fine taking it. But it’s important that you understand the ins and outs of CBD drug testing and what you should do if you’re drug-tested regularly.
<h2>CBD’s Composition</h2>
To understand whether or not you’ll pass a drug test when under the influence of CBD, you need to know how CBD is made. This substance is a product of industrial hemp, which is cultivated to be high in CBD and low in THC.
Using a special extraction process called CO2 extraction, the CBD is taken from the hemp plant and put into a supercritical liquid. It’s usually mixed with MTC oil like coconut oil for consumption. The THC may be completely stripped from the oil, or up to 0.3 percent may remain.
To be true CBD, there cannot be more than 0.3 percent THC. However, there are some cannabis oils that mix CBD and THC in higher concentrations. Although this is cannabis oil and not CBD oil, sometimes the products are improperly labeled, and you might end up with a higher concentration of THC that will show up on a drug test.
It’s essential that you read the label carefully and understand which CBD products you’re dealing with to avoid failing a drug test. 
<h2>THC and Drug Testing</h2>
Drug tests are not magical chemical strips that can sense if there’s a foreign substance in your body. It doesn’t work that way. A drug test can only tell you what’s in your system if it tests specifically for that chemical.
A standard drug test is formulated to look for certain drugs, including: 
<ul>
<li>Amphetamines</li>
<li>Cocaine</li>
<li>Marijuana</li>
<li>Methamphetamines</li>
<li>Opiates</li>
<li>Nicotine</li>
<li>Alcohol</li>
</ul>
Some drug tests may only search for a few of those substances, while others will test for most or all.
When it comes to hemp- and cannabis-based products, you need to be worried about the THC content in what you took. Marijuana and cannabis oil will show up on a drug test because it contains high levels of THC. 
<h2>
What Could Cause You to Fail a Drug Test? </h2>
<a href="https://www.leafly.com/news/cbd/does-cbd-show-up-drug-test">According to Dale Gleringer</a>, co-director at California NORML, there have been “a few reports of CBD users who have flunked a drug test.” What might have caused these failures? 
According to one study from the University of Health Sciences Center in Salt Lake City, CBD is not part of most drug tests. However, it’s possible for a test seeking THC to report a false positive when tested in urine that has CBD. 
Researchers in this study added CBD, CBN and two other cannabis compounds to a urine sample to see if it would show up on a drug test. All cannabinoids passed the test except CBN, which reacted with one of the tests being used.
Upon further inspection, they discovered that the test was positive because it was an immunoassay test, which is unable to distinguish THC from other compounds. A second test should be ordered at this point to get a more accurate reading, but that first test result can be alarming.
Additionally, some CBD strains contain up to 0.3 percent THC. These are full-spectrum CBD strains that don’t have all the THC removed. In most cases, that’s not enough THC to show up in a drug test. However, sometimes your body can turn regular cannabinoids into THC, and if you add that to the THC present in your system, it could trigger a positive result.
Broad-spectrum and isolate CBD strains are best if you’re drug-tested regularly because there’s absolutely no THC in them.
<h2>What to Do If You Fail a Drug Test When Taking CBD</h2>
If you know that you should have passed a drug test because you’ve only been using CBD, challenge the test results. Ask for a second test or ask them to use the same urine with a different test.
If you’re facing severe consequences because you tested positively when you only had CBD in your system, and they refuse to do a second test, consider hiring an attorney to represent you. You should not face the loss of your job or legal punishment if you’re legally consuming CBD.
<h2>How Long CBD Stays in Your System </h2>
If you’re worried about testing positive on a drug test, the best solution is to keep CBD out of your system leading up to the test. CBD does not stay in your system forever. In fact, it can be out of your bloodstream in as little as 24 hours.
If you took CBD through an inhalant, it will likely be out of your system within 24 hours. CBD that has been ingested usually takes about 36 hours to leave your system, but a large dose may take up to five days to work its way through your system. If you take CBD daily, it may also take longer to rid your system of the substance.
You might choose to abstain from CBD during the week leading up to the drug test to ensure it has fully left your system. 
<h2>Getting Quality CBD </h2>
The quality of the CBD you get is essential to ensuring it doesn’t show up on a drug test. All CBD is not created equally, and there are several things to understand. 
First of all, there are three types of CBD: isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Isolate and broad-spectrum CBD do not contain THC, while full-spectrum CBD can contain up to 0.3 percent THC. It’s not likely that this minuscule amount will show up on a drug test, but a particularly sensitive test might show a positive. 
You should also carefully check where the CBD has been manufactured and distributed. If it has come into close contact with other THC products, there’s a chance that trace amounts of THC might make its way into your CBD, polluting your bloodstream with enough to show up on a drug test. At <a href="https://penguincbd.com/">Penguin CBD</a>, we make sure that all of our products are absolutely THC free.
Finally, it’s important to note that not all CBD companies are ethical. They might claim to have accurate levels of CBD and THC, though their products are imprecisely measured. You’ll want to research ethically sourced CBD and read all third-party lab reports associated with your CBD products of choice to ensure they are clean and free from drug-testing risks.

Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

How can you be productive and stay focused when your office is in your living room?
First, what is staying focused? Well, for us here at <a href="https://penguincbd.com/">Penguin CBD</a>, we think it has a lot to do with removing the triggers that cause stress in the first place. Being focused means completing the tasks you have on hand in a reasonable amount of time with minimal stress.
But, if you’re like the rest of us trying to adjust to a new normal of social distancing, that might seem like an unattainable dream. Well, that’s why I’m writing this particular post right now, because I’m sure you have questions too. 
It looks like working from home is here to stay. For some, this can cause a lot of stress. It’s hard to stay focused at the “office” when there are so many other projects to take care of.
Without clear expectations on how to fill your time while telecommuting, it’s easy to get off track. And, if you’re working from home, that means there’s probably something else that sounds a little more interesting – like that reality TV show you’ve been binging or that load of laundry that needs to be put away.
Let’s first look at what stress is, and how it interrupts your ability to stay focused. I’ll then give you a number of tried and true focusing methods that you can use while working from home.
<h2>First, let’s talk about stress</h2>
We all feel stressed out from time to time. That heart-racing, blood-pumping sensation that makes it impossible to concentrate on anything. When we feel anxious, we can’t focus and our work suffers. 
If you’re an anxious person in a work-from-home situation, you get behind on your work projects and your home projects because you’re in the same place all day, every day. Because of this, your current stress levels are probably going through the roof. 
COVID-19 isn’t making things easier. The Center for Disease Control reports that fear and worry about this pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Social distancing might be making you feel lonelier than usual, which can compound the situation.
Let’s take a look at the most common signs and symptoms that come with being stressed out. 
Biologically, the feelings of stress we experience in stressful situations have <a href="https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-anxiety">physiological roots</a>. Think elevated heart rate, a sense of being warmer or flushed, or suddenly being extra aware of your surroundings. 
All these body signals are part of a fight-or-flight response. They help prepare a person for an unknown eventual conclusion, and were especially useful during earlier periods of human history.
The nervousness experienced in the current era before a big presentation, first date or other important life event is a part of this natural response.
<h2>How does stress affect our job performance while working from home?</h2>
Adapting to new situations can be difficult, especially if you’re an extroverted social butterfly. You might be feeling so overwhelmed with the concept of working from home that it’s hard to feel motivated.
Remember that you’re not alone in feeling like this. That may alleviate some feelings of inadequacy and guilt about your inability to focus or lack of productivity. Most importantly, keep in mind that it’s not healthy to compare your performance now with your performance when you were going into the office. We’re sure things are going to get better. But in the meantime, here are some things you can do to address your stressors head-on. 
We all tend to use our performance as a relative marker of how “well” we’re doing at our job. But the reality is that performance is just not a reliable metric right now. If you don’t have enough stress or pressure to complete your tasks on time and with minimal errors, you might not feel motivated to do much. That’s where the inability to focus comes into play, and you’re tempted to do anything except work. 
But if you have too much stress, like a boss who demands your Zoom camera be on all day, then you’re going to feel incapable of getting anything done either. The external pressure can lead you to feel overwhelmed, which means you’re stuck once again.
<h2>So, what’s to be done?</h2>
The key is to find balance. 
When you find that sweet spot, you’re able to maximize your productivity and life goals. 
But how do you find that “just right” amount of stress, and then use it to take your productivity to the next level? 
Remember that working from home brings many of your personal and professional aspects into one place, which is unusual and unplanned. It can be easy to get distracted, until you’re able to separate business and personal tasks. That means it’s going to take some time and a steep learning curve to learn how to work from home – especially if this is all brand new for you. 
Most experts agree that working from home entails finding ways to be balanced. At its core, a successful work-from-home venture is a mindset. Here are a few tips and tricks for staying focused while we learn how to work from home.
First, automate, automate, automate. Technology should be your best friend while you’re figuring out your best approach to this whole work-from-home thing. That can mean everything from setting alerts about tasks to creating digital reminders to reorder products you use often. The less you have on your mind at one time, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to focus on the tasks at hand. 
Second, avoid procrastination. It’s easy to put off work tasks when hundreds of other things are clamoring for your attention. Working from home means you have to be firm with your “office hours.” Otherwise, you’ll find yourself pushing up against increasingly tighter deadlines, which will ultimately heighten your feelings of stress and derail your focus. 
Third, don’t stay in your pajamas all day. We’re well aware that loungewear should be the new office wear, but for right now – especially as you transition to a work-from-home mindset – it’s essential to keep your business mindset in place. That means leaning on whatever dress code you had in place before the pandemic. 
While there’s no need for a three-piece suit or full-on makeup, it is a good idea to remember that we’re creatures of habit. Abruptly changing your routine is going send the wrong signals to your brain. If you want to stay focused, it’s best to dress for success. Not to mention – how professional and boss-like can you be sitting around in your pajamas all day? 
<h2>Enjoy your breaks </h2>
This is one of the hardest tips to embrace, in part because it’s so contrary to our fast-based workplace culture. But when you’re working from home, you must allow yourself time to enjoy your breaks. And that might mean something different for everyone. Around here, we like a quick yoga or meditation session around midday to help us stay connected and focused, followed by a <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-oil">dropperful of our CBD oil</a>.
Not only will a break help you come back stronger, but you’ll also be able to tap into your focus zones more quickly. That means as soon as you settle in, you’re ready to go right back to work. 
Have a dedicated workspace. This can be a little fluid, based on the space needs of your new “office,” but the idea here is that you have a place where you “go” to work every day. Just as your bed should be reserved for sleeping, your dedicated workspace should be a spot in your home that’s only for work. 
Keep regular hours. Whatever these are, you need to create them and stick to them. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself answering emails at all times of day and night, and you’ll feel unfocused and unproductive. 
<h2>Make sure you set proper boundaries </h2>
Just like setting office hours, make sure you have reasonable limitations in place. It’s a common misconception that if you’re working from home, you’re not actually working. Make sure that people are aware of your schedule, your commitments and your boundaries. 
Practice mindfulness, whatever that means for you. It might involve a deep soak after a busy day with a CBD-infused bath, a nice cup of tea, 10 minutes with your favorite game or a massage with some <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-cream">CBD cream</a>. 
Whatever you routinely used to do to center and focus should still be part of your daily routine in a work-from-home world. 
Set a schedule and stick to it. Even if new Slack alerts or emails are waiting in your inbox, stay off the clock if you’re off the clock. Otherwise, you’re going to feel like you’re always on call, and that’s the quickest way to get burned out. 
Stay off social media. I know, it’s so hard, especially since our entire work is now digital. It feels like the only way we get to see anyone is via social media feeds. But here’s the thing about social media: It’s a total time suck.
You might think you’re just checking up on a few friends, but it’s so easy to get lost in the chatter. The best thing to do is to set aside specific times of day to check your feeds and then leave them alone. 
<h2>Closing Thoughts on Staying Focused While Working From Home</h2>
Don’t let your wellness routine of CBD and other self-care get lost in the shuffle. 
Wellness is a huge part of staying focused and committed to your profession. If you’re not focused, you’re not performing. Ticking off the items on your to-do list might help you feel productive, but it can also cause you to lose focus quickly. You have to think about the big picture too.
Wellness is going to continue to look different as we all adjust to a new normal. That means looking for new ways to find joy in the same routine. If you’re working from home and feeling isolated or lonely, you might encourage your work team to “meet up” for a virtual mixer or create a fitness challenge to help your team stay motivated.
Virtual mixers are a great way to help you remember that you’re not alone in this struggle, and if you live alone, they’re a good way to maintain safe human contact. Mixers or weekly chats with your team can also allow you to explore issues or challenges that you and others might be having with your current work-from-home setup and look for ways to make sure that it’s getting better. 
Around here, we do a lot to ensure that everyone on the team moves every day. From yoga to at-home workouts to a walk around the block, exercise <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254618301005">helps lower stress levels</a> and can contribute to feeling more focused over time.
Even more exciting is that a regular exercise routine coupled with a diet that’s rich in whole foods and a dedicated CBD regimen might be precisely what you need to help you feel your best while we all relearn what it means to live in a post-COVID world. 
Once you have your workplace set and your boundaries in place, make sure you head on over to our catalog to explore our <a href="https://penguincbd.com/shop">current offerings</a>.

Easy Ways to Stay Focused While Working From Home

Like most "new" things, especially those with a history of prohibited use, <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/what-is-cbd">CBD</a> seems to attract its fair share of misinformation. People are still trying to ferret out the myths, often perpetuated by those opposed to CBD's use, from the truths. With so many sources of both legitimate information and just plain falsehoods, how is one to find out the truth? 
How about asking someone trained in medicine and how chemicals affect the body? Well, that's what we are going to do here, break down the logic and research to help bust the ten most common myths circulating the internet and among people regarding CBD!
Keep reading to find out what are CBD myths and what are facts!
<h2>Myth #1: CBD Is Addictive</h2>
One top myth frequently talked about among non-CBD users is that CBD is addictive. Some think of CBD in the same addiction potential category as amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, and marijuana. Addictive drugs affect a specific set of neurons in our brain designed to motivate us to seek out and repeat pleasurable experiences. This brain cell pathway is sometimes called the addiction pathway or reward pathway of the brain and involves areas such as the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), Nucleus Accumbens (NA), and Prefrontal Cortex (PFC).  
An important distinction should be made at this point regarding someone being physically dependent on a substance or activity and someone being psychologically dependent. When someone is physically dependent on a substance or activity, the individual will experience adverse bodily symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, among others. 
Conversely, someone can be psychologically dependent on something if they rely on the substance or activity to calm them or decrease anxiety. When we become psychologically dependent on something, and the substance or activity is withdrawn or discontinued, we can feel distressed. 
The current research on pure CBD is that it does not activate the addiction pathway of the brain. A conclusion shared by the <a href="https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf">World Health Organization</a> that states, "At present, there are no case reports of abuse or dependence relating to the use of pure CBD."
<h2>Myth #2: You Can Overdose and Die From CBD</h2>
The myth that you can overdose and die from CBD is one that prevents many people from trying CBD for the first time. The myth has a small grain of truth lodged in a larger falsehood, which is why we are going to take the time to explain this myth in detail. 
Most of the time, when we think of overdosing on something, we relate it to extreme outcomes such as being hospitalized or even death. If we break down the word overdose, then the word's real meaning becomes clear, which is taking a dose of a substance above what's shown to be beneficial. 
In this sense, almost everything we do or consume could fall under this definition, including drinking water! Yes, you can "overdose" on water, often referred to as water intoxication, which, interestingly enough, can be fatal. One of the great things about CBD is its safety profile.
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Another aspect of this myth that has not been substantiated in either research or reports is that someone can die from ingesting too large of a CBD dose. Currently, there has never been a confirmed death whose cause can be traced to the ingestion of pure CBD. 
<h2>Myth #3: CBD Can Get You High</h2>
A common fear of first time CBD users or those thinking about giving CBD a try is that after ingesting CBD, they will get "<a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/will-cbd-oil-make-you-feel-high">high</a>." This is another myth that has a grain of truth overlaid with larger deceit. If you have ever used marijuana or seen others use it, then you know that someone can get "high" from this product. 
This is because marijuana contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive part of the plant. In states where recreational marijuana is legal, you can purchase cannabis-derived CBD oil with large amounts of THC, which may or may not produce a "high" feeling. 
Contrast cannabis-derived CBD oil with the more common industrial hemp-derived CBD, which by law must contain less than 0.3% THC. The THC content found in industrial hemp-derived CBD is not enough to make a person feel "high." 
If you're worried about feeling "high" when ingesting CBD make sure that you're taking a high-quality industrial hemp-derived CBD product such as <a href="https://penguincbd.com/">Penguin CBD</a> oil.
<h2>Myth #4: All CBD Is the Same</h2>
Those researching CBD and CBD products can feel confused when encountering terms such as broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolates, not to mention the various forms in which one can utilize. These factors and others all influence the effect one feels when taking a CBD product. 
Let's start by breaking down the <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/full-broad-spectrum-isolate">broad categories of CBD products</a>, namely the difference between broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolates. Full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD contains 0.3% THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. Some experts believe that leaving a small amount of the THC into the final CBD product enhances the effect of the other cannabinoids; a phenomenon often referred to as the "entourage effect." 
Broad-spectrum CBD products further refine the CBD oil to remove the THC, while leaving the CBD and other cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum products are an ideal option for individuals worried about having THC in their CBD products, but still want the benefits of having other cannabinoids combined with the cannabidiol. 
A product labeled as a CBD-isolate has all the THC and other cannabinoids removed from the product leaving only the cannabidiol chemical for ingestion. Professionals working in fields in which regular drug testing and a zero-tolerance policy are enforced, such as doctors and airline pilots, often choose a CBD-isolate product. 
We mentioned that all CBD products are not created equal and that the administration route can make a difference in the effects you feel or don't when taking CBD. We debunk this myth further down the article, so keep reading to learn more!
<h2>Myth #5: It Doesn't Matter How the CBD Is Extracted</h2>
If you dive deep enough into CBD and the CBD products available, you'll soon realize that there are different ways in which manufacturers extract the cannabinoids from the industrial hemp plant. The three most common ways in which manufacturers extract the chemical compounds include steam distillation, solvent extraction, and CO2 extraction. 
Steam distillation is one of the oldest methods for extracting chemicals from plants. The technique is relatively straightforward in that water is heated to a boil, which permeates through plant material, resulting in steam production that contains the plant oils (cannabinoids) and water. The steam is condensed into a liquid, and the water and oil are separated, leaving the oil final product. 
While this technique is relatively simple, it has a few downsides, including difficulty regulating exact doses of cannabinoids, requiring large amounts of the plant material, and the potential for overheating the plant material, which could result in altered cannabinoids chemicals. 
Solvent extraction is another popular method used to separate cannabinoids from the industrial hemp plant. The process of using solvent extraction is almost identical to the steam distillation method except that the water is replaced with a solvent, such as a hydrocarbon or a natural solvent such as olive oil or ethanol. 
Hydrocarbons include chemicals such as naphtha, petroleum, butane, or propane, which are known to be harmful to humans if ingested in appreciable amounts. While the hydrocarbons are supposed to be burned off at the end of the solvent extraction method, past studies have found trace amounts in certain CBD products utilizing this extraction method. 
The use of natural solvents such as olive oil or ethanol does not have the potential health problems associated with hydrocarbons, but some users of natural solvent derived CBD report unpleasant tastes often associated with the Chlorophyll. 
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction is sometimes referred to as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE), which refers to the inherent chemical properties of CO2. CO2 extraction involves utilizing pressured carbon dioxide to separate the cannabinoids from the industrial hemp plant matter. The carbon dioxide will eventually evaporate from the cannabinoid oil. 
The downsides of CO2 extraction are primarily felt by the manufacturer as this process requires expensive specialized machinery. Carbon Dioxide extracted CBD is the best extraction method currently available, but you may or may not have to pay a little more for the CBD product as the cost to produce the product is higher. 
<h2>Myth #6: All Forms of CBD Product Have the Same Absorption Rates</h2>
While it may be nice to think while you're down a delicious CBD gummy, you're receiving the same dose as if you used a CBD tincture; this simply isn't the truth. How you end up ingesting your CBD will affect how much and how long the CBD ends up staying in your system.
Typically the two fastest ways for cannabinoids to get from your mouth into your bloodstream is through smoking/vaping CBD or leaving the CBD under your tongue, which is referred to as sublingual absorption. The CBD in capsules, on the other hand, has to pass down your throat, past your stomach, and into your intestines before crossing the gastrointestinal barrier into your bloodstream which can take up to <a href="https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/phar.2377">four hours</a>! 
One research study found that less than <a href="http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.948.7645&amp;rep=rep1&amp;type=pdf">33%</a> of the CBD found in capsules actually makes it into your bloodstream compared to the less than <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22716155/">35%</a> of CBD absorbed when holding CBD in the mouth for 30 seconds for sublingual absorption. 
CBD oil's benefit for under the tongue absorption is twofold: sublingual absorption bypasses the first round of metabolism in the liver, which means more of the product reaches the receptors, and sublingual administration only takes less than half an hour to absorb. 
<h2>Myth #7: CBD Oil Will Not Cause a Positive Urinary Drug Screen</h2>
Some people are under the belief that they will not come up positive on a urinary drug screen (UDS) when taking CBD. If you're uncertain about this question, then you'll be happy that you took the time to read this myth, as it could cost your job. Some jobs require their employees to have random or annual drug screens, especially those working in jobs in which other people's lives are in your hands, such as doctors or airline pilots. 
In a previous myth, we mentioned that CBD oil derived from the industrial hemp plant is required by law to contain 0.3% THC content to be sold in all 50 states. The fact is that although 0.3% seems like a small percentage, this amount has been known to cause people to show a positive UDS. 
While there are many ways in which employers test their employees for illicit drugs, including salivary tests, blood tests, and hair tests, the urine is the most common. Most urinary tests can detect THC in amounts as low as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5330962/">50 ng/ml</a>. 
Individuals worried about coming up positive for THC when taking CBD oil should avoid consuming full-spectrum CBD oil and choose either a broad-spectrum oil or a CBD isolate. Even if you <a href="https://penguincbd.com/products/cbd-oil">buy CBD oil</a> that features a broad-spectrum formula, there is a small theoretical chance that you could show a positive result due to a cannabinoid called cannabinol (CBN), which has been shown in at least <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20190809/pure-cbd-wont-make-you-fail-a-drug-test-but#1">one study</a> to show a false positive test for THC. 
When taking a CBD product when your job depends on you having a negative result on a UDS, your best bet is to utilize a CBD isolate, which contains nothing but cannabidiol.
<h2>Myth #8: CBD Oil Requires a Prescription</h2>
You may think that like medical marijuana, CBD oil requires that a physician write you a prescription to obtain the product. This myth is simply not true, at least in <a href="https://www.nutrasciencelabs.com/blog/where-is-cbd-legal-and-illegal-in-the-united-states">some states</a>, as CBD oil can be purchased without a prescription as long as the CBD Oil contains less than 0.3% THC. 
The 2018 <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019">Farm Bill</a> legalized the manufacturing and sales of hemp-derived products, and many CBD oils are sold under the classification of a dietary supplement. There is a CBD pharmaceutical called Epidiolex, currently in the US market used to treat certain seizure disorders, and this drug does require a prescription by a physician. 
<h2>Myth #9: You Need To Take a Large Dose of CBD for It To Be Effective</h2>
Many newbies to CBD adopt the classic American mindset that the more of something you take, the better, but this doesn't necessarily hold true for those taking CBD. While we are not here to give you CBD dosing advice, many companies label their products with a recommended starting dose of 10 to 25 mg per day. This slow dosing allows individuals to slowly get accustomed to CBD and find the minimal dose that gives the individual their desired effect. 
Additionally, the more CBD you take in a dose, the more likely you are to experience adverse side effects like the ones we discussed in myth #2. To learn more about dosing and if you can take too much CBD, take a second to check out this <a href="https://penguincbd.com/blog/can-you-take-too-much-cbd">article</a>!
<h2>Myth #10: There Is Minimal Research Conducted and Being Conducted on CBD</h2>
While there may have been limited research on CBD before the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, primarily because of the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance, this federal classification made it extremely difficult for non-academic research institutes to obtain cannabis and industrial hemp so that CBD could be extracted. Throughout the twentieth century, there were research studies that looked at THC and CBD various effects, most of which were conducted on animals. 
Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and the legalization of industrial hemp-extracted CBD, research has exploded surrounding CBD. More and more evidence and findings continue to accumulate concerning CBD, other endocannabinoids, and phytocannabinoids.

There is a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding CBD. The Penguin Team is here to help clear them up.

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