There’s a lot of noise around CBD, and we love to be part of it.
Some of those people swear by it. Some people tried it once and felt nothing. Some people think it’s a miracle. Others think it’s all hype.
After 10 years of using CBD and a collective decade working in this beautiful and magnificent industry, we’ve seen pretty much all of it.
We’ve tried the good stuff, the bad stuff, the overpriced stuff and then the simply not worth their socks stuff. We’ve listened to people, tested formulas, made mistakes and learned a lot along the way.
So this isn’t us telling you that CBD will fix everything.
It won’t.
CBD affects everyone differently, and what works brilliantly for one person may do very little for another.
What we can do is give you an honest place to start.
So, What Exactly Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of many naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Unlike THC, CBD isn't intoxicating, meaning it doesn't produce the traditional “high” associated with cannabis.
You’ll find it in oils, capsules, gummies, creams and everything else imaginable on this blue globe of ours.
The important thing to understand is that CBD isn't one-size-fits-all.
Different products contain different amounts of CBD, different ingredients and sometimes other cannabinoids or plant compounds too.
That’s why two bottles labelled “CBD oil” can feel like completely different products.
“Will CBD Help With Anxiety?”
This is probably one of the first questions we hear.
The honest answer?
We can't promise that it will, but we can promise we have seen it do so for others.
Some tell us that CBD has become part of their routine when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed and to their delight, they feel these emotions less. Others don't notice much difference at all.
CBD isn't a one-stop treatment for anxiety, and it shouldn't replace the basics of movement and a positive mindset.
But if you're curious about CBD for everyday wellbeing, starting with a straightforward tea, oil or gummy, and keeping track of how you feel can be a sensible way to see whether it's something that works for you.
Our view: Don't buy the strongest product because someone online told you it's the best. Start small, start simple.
“What About Sleep?”
Another big one.
People often come to us looking for something to help them switch off at night.
Again, we're careful with this one.
CBD isn't a sleeping pill, and we don't believe in promising that you'll take it and suddenly sleep like a baby.
Sleep can be affected by hundreds of things — stress, routines, caffeine, screens, work, your environment and plenty more.
Some people find that CBD fits nicely into their evening routine by helping them turn down the volume of those running inner noises we can often be shouting at ourselves. Others don't notice the same.
Our view: Think of CBD as one small part that we have seen be a key ingredient to a better night's sleep, but not the only key required to unlock the calm.
“Can CBD Help With Pain?”
We get asked this constantly, particularly by people dealing with everyday aches and discomfort.
This is where we really don't want to overpromise.
CBD isn't a painkiller, and we can't tell you that it will treat or cure pain.
What we can say is that we've spoken to plenty of people over the years who choose to include CBD in their everyday wellness routine, and while we have seen and heard of miracle stories, every pain is different.
Everyone's experience is different.
Our view: CBD is worth exploring, but continue the basics of a healthy lifestyle and recovery work.
“How Much Should I Take?”
This is where things get confusing.
You'll see people online talking about huge amounts of CBD as though there's one perfect dose for everyone.
There isn't.
Products vary, people vary, and your circumstances matter.
If you're new to CBD, we generally believe starting low and taking your time makes more sense than jumping straight into the strongest product you can find.
Read the label. Understand how much CBD is actually in the product. Give yourself time to see how you respond.
And if you're taking medication or have a health condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using CBD.
“How Long Does It Take To Work?”
There's no universal answer.
Some people notice something relatively quickly. Others don't notice anything for a while. Some people don't notice a meaningful difference at all.
It also depends on the product you're using and how you're taking it.
This is one of the biggest lessons we've learned over the years:
Don't judge a product based on someone else's experience.
Your experience is your experience.
“Do I Need A Really Strong CBD Oil?”
Not necessarily.
In fact, this is one of the biggest misconceptions we see.
A higher-strength product isn't automatically a better product.
We'd rather someone understand what they're buying than simply pick the biggest number on the bottle.
More isn't always better.
Start with something appropriate for you, understand the label and go from there.
“What’s The Difference Between CBD Oils?”
Quite a lot.
You might see terms like:
CBD isolate
Contains CBD without other cannabinoids.
Broad spectrum
Contains CBD and other naturally occurring compounds, generally without THC.
Full spectrum
Contains a wider range of compounds from the hemp plant and may contain trace amounts of THC, depending on the product and applicable regulations.
Then there are differences in extraction, ingredients, concentration and quality.
This is why we always recommend looking beyond the big number on the front of the bottle.
“Does CBD Make You High?”
No — CBD itself isn't intoxicating.
CBD and THC are different cannabinoids with different effects.
That said, always check exactly what you're buying and make sure it's from a reputable source that complies with the relevant regulations.
“Are There Any Downsides?”
Yes.
And we're not going to pretend otherwise.
CBD isn't perfect for everyone.
Some people don't notice anything. Some don't like the taste of oils. Some products simply aren't very good. And CBD can interact with certain medicines. Always consult a physician in these cases.
If someone tells you CBD is the answer to everything, we ourselves would be a sceptical.
“How Do I Know If A CBD Product Is Good?”
This is one of the most important questions you can ask.
Look for:
- Clear CBD amounts
- Clear ingredients
- Reliable lab testing
- A reputable company
- Sensible, transparent information
- Packaging that tells you what you're actually buying
Be cautious when a product makes enormous promises.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
After 10 years in this industry, we'd rather sell you something we genuinely believe in than something with the biggest marketing budget.
“What If CBD Doesn't Work For Me?”
That's okay.
Seriously.
CBD isn't for everyone.
We've seen people have fantastic experiences and we've seen people try several products and decide it's simply not for them.
There's no prize for forcing yourself to use something because everyone online says you should.
Our job isn't to convince you that CBD is amazing.
Our job is to help you make an informed choice.
“So, What Do We Actually Believe?”
After a decade in the CBD world, we're still excited about CBD.
We've seen the industry change. We've seen fantastic products arrive. We've seen questionable products disappear. We've watched marketing get bigger and promises get louder.
And we've learned that honesty matters more than hype.
CBD can be a useful part of some people's everyday routines.
It can be completely unremarkable for someone else.
Both experiences are valid.
We're not doctors. We're not here to diagnose you. And we're definitely not here to tell you that CBD can cure everything.
We're simply two brothers who have been using CBD ourselves for around 10 years, working with it for almost as long, and learning along the way.
We've seen the good. We've seen the bad. And we'll always tell you what we genuinely think.
That's how we want to do things at Bud Brothers.
No miracle claims.
No pretending every product is perfect.
No hiding the negatives.
Just good CBD, honest information and a family-run business that treats people the way we'd want to be treated ourselves.