A Beginner's Guide to CBD

Curious about CBD but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! Whether you’re wondering about its benefits, legality, or how to use it, navigating the world of CBD for the first time can feel overwhelming. So, we've got you covered in our beginner’s guide to CBD. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from what CBD is to how to find the right products and dosages for your wellness goals.
What is CBD and What Does It Do?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. It has gained a lot of attention recently, as people are discovering it offers a host of potential benefits with very few side effects.
CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate essential internal functions like sleep, mood, pain, inflammation, and immune response. People turn to CBD for a wide range of wellness goals, from easing everyday stress to supporting physical recovery and sleep.
Historically, CBD and other hemp extracts have been used in herbal medicine practices for centuries. CBD has grown in popularity thanks to the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC at the federal level. (Some states still have additional regulations, so it's always a good idea to check your local laws.)
Many newcomers ask, “will CBD get me high?”. While full-spectrum hemp extracts do contain .3% THC, this concentration is not enough to cause a euphoric effect for most users. That said, people who are very highly sensitive to THC may notice more of a response, and even with the small levels of THC in CBD products, THC may still show up on a drug test.
If you want to learn more about hemp and CBD, our CBD FAQ page is a great place to find quick answers!
What to Look for in CBD Products
Choosing quality CBD products is one of the most important steps in your CBD journey.
First, always look for products from reputable, transparent companies—especially those that grow their hemp organically and craft their products in-house. At Treadwell Farms, we use sustainable farming practices and make all of our products in small batches right here in Florida.
A high-quality CBD product should always include:
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Third-party testing: This ensures the product is independently verified by an accredited lab that is certified by the FDACS Hemp Program and contains what it says it does, and nothing it shouldn’t.
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A certificate of analysis (COA): A COA is a lab report that confirms the cannabinoid content and verifies the product is free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
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Clear product labeling: Make sure you can easily find dosage information, expiration dates, and a complete list of ingredients.
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Full-spectrum hemp extract: Full-spectrum products contain the complete range of cannabinoids and terpenes that work together for maximum benefits—a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
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Premium carrier oils: We use sustainably-sourced, organic MCT oil from coconuts in Treadwell Farms’ products to stabilize and improve absorption of the CBD extract.
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No synthetic additives: Steer clear of artificial colors, preservatives, or chemical fillers.
These guidelines are essential for anyone interested in finding quality CBD products that are safe, effective, and compatible with wellness goals.
Best CBD Products for Beginners
There’s a wide variety of CBD products available today, so where should you begin? Let’s take a look at the best options for beginners and how to choose what’s right for you.
CBD Edibles
CBD gummies are one of the most popular ways to get started if you’re brand new to CBD.
Our CBD gummies for beginners are discreet, pre-dosed, and easy to take. They’re ideal for people who want a slow-and-steady release of CBD that lasts several hours. Because they go through the digestive system, the effects may take 30-60 minutes to kick in.
The best CBD gummies for beginners pair high quality hemp extract with high quality ingredients, creating a great-tasting, convenient, and quality way to get your daily dose of CBD.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils—also called CBD tinctures or CBD extracts—offer flexibility, fast absorption, and precise dosing.
Our CBD oils and extracts are made with full-spectrum hemp extract oil and include MCT oil for maximum bioavailability. Learning how to use CBD tinctures is easy: you simply place a measured dose of oil under your tongue and hold it for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. You’ll typically feel the effects within 15–30 minutes with this method.
You can also add the drops into your smoothie, tea, or coffee,though the effects take longer to kick in as the CBD will need to be processed through digestive (instead of sublingual) absorption.
If you’re wondering how to get started with CBD oil, we recommend trying our Starter Variety Pack. It includes several blends so you can explore what works best for your needs—whether that’s daytime focus, restful sleep, or general wellbeing.
Every bottle of Treadwell Farms’ CBD oil comes with a dropper that is pre-marked for precise dosage, so you get the right dose every time. Make sure you shake well before use and store in a cool dry place!
Topical CBD Products
CBD skincare for beginners is an approachable way to add the benefits of hemp to your daily routine. From muscle salves to soothing lotions and pocket-sized CBD oil roll-ons that go wherever you go, these products are applied directly to the skin and absorbed in the area where you need them most.
Our CBD topicals and skincare line is ideal for getting started with CBD topicals. Because they’re non-ingestible, you can use them alongside other CBD products without affecting your total daily dosage.
If you're looking for workout recovery or hydration for dry skin, topicals are a great option to find localized relief and skincare support.
How to Take CBD: Dosages for Beginners
So, how much CBD should a beginner start with? The general rule is to start low and go slow.
We recommend starting with 5–10 mg of CBD per day and working up to 20 mg per day, 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon. Keep in mind that your ideal dose will depend on a few factors, including your body weight, metabolism, and the reason you’re taking CBD in the first place. Topicals can be used as frequently as needed as a complement to oral methods.
For example, someone looking for daily stress support may need a different amount than someone addressing sleep or physical discomfort. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body, be consistent, and give yourself time to notice how you feel.
These CBD dosage guidelines are a good starting point, but you should also consult your healthcare provider—especially if you’re taking medications or managing a chronic condition.
Whether you’re just beginning your CBD journey or looking for a more natural way to support your wellness routine, we hope this guide gives you the clarity and confidence you need to get started.
And remember, at Treadwell Farms, we grow the plants, extract the CBD, and stand behind every product that we offer and craft ourselves. From our family farm to your home, we’re here to help you feel your best with plant-based wellness you can trust.
About the Author
Jammie Treadwell has co-owned and operated Treadwell Farms since 2019 handling everything from nursery operations to product development. Treadwell and her parents continue her family's Florida farming legacy by intentionally creating natural, small-batch artisanal hemp products trusted and tested with the community in mind.
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Text - H.R.5485 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for State and Tribal regulation of hemp production, and for other purposes. (2018, April 12). https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5485/text