Does it contain THC?
No. The broad-spectrum formula is made with 0.0% THC, and independent laboratory testing did not detect THC or its derivatives (such as delta-8 THC) either. That’s why it won’t get you high. However, we cannot guarantee a negative drug test result: if you are subject to drug testing, check with your doctor or employer.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Your body also produces cannabinoids of its own (endocannabinoids), which bind to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system; the two main receptor types are CB1 (mainly in the brain) and CB2 (mainly on immune system cells). CBD does not bind directly to these receptors and – unlike THC – it is not psychoactive.
What’s the difference between the hemp oil sold in shops and CBD oil?
Although they come from the same plant, they are two different products. The hemp oil sold in shops is pressed from hemp seeds and is a cooking oil similar to flaxseed or olive oil: it contains omega fatty acids but hardly any CBD. Hammer CBD products contain an extract of the plant’s flowers, leaves and stems, so they are rich in CBD and other cannabinoids.
What does broad-spectrum mean?
The hemp plant contains more than 120 cannabinoids, along with terpenes and flavonoids. In a broad-spectrum extract these are retained alongside CBD – except THC, which is at 0.0%. Full-spectrum extracts may also contain small amounts of THC; we only sell a broad-spectrum, THC-free formula.
Is CBD the only thing in it?
No: most of the cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD), but it also contains other cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes are the compounds that give plants their scent, flavour and colour (mint and basil are rich in them, for example); hemp contains more than 100 kinds, and none of them is psychoactive. The main terpene in Hammer CBD is beta-caryophyllene (BCP).
Which strength should I choose?
The softgels come in 25 mg and 50 mg strengths (a 1 ml serving of the tincture provides 25 or 50 mg). In our experience, most people use 25–50 mg a day:
- Lower body weight or lighter needs: for many, one 25 mg softgel a day is enough.
- Higher body weight (above about 70 kg), prolonged demanding periods, or frequent muscle soreness and restless evenings: typically the 50 mg strength, i.e. one 50 mg softgel a day.
Start with the lower amount and decide, based on your own experience, which strength suits you.
What does the nano-emulsion form with up to 5× better bioavailability mean?
During manufacturing, the hemp oil is broken down into very tiny droplets of 10–100 nanometres (about 25 nm on average); in conventional microemulsions they are 100–1000 nm. Smaller droplets mean a larger surface area. According to the developer, Dr. Raj Gupta, CBD made this way is better absorbed when taken orally: compared with the roughly 10% of conventional hemp oil products, it can reach up to 50% – that’s up to five times better bioavailability. This is why a smaller amount may be enough.
Why is the 25 mg softgel yellow, and why is the cotton in the bottle yellowish?
The 25 mg softgel also contains 15 mg of curcumin, which gives it its yellow colour and makes it easy to tell apart from the 50 mg softgel. Curcumin sometimes leaves a slight yellow mark on the cotton or on your hand – this is normal and doesn’t mean a softgel is damaged. The colour may vary slightly from batch to batch.
What should I do if the softgels stick together in hot weather?
In very hot weather, softgels can stick together. Put the bottle in the fridge or freezer for a few hours and they’ll separate easily.
Are CBD Softgels vegan?
No: the softgel shell is made from bovine gelatin. If you’re looking for a vegan option, choose Broad-Spectrum CBD Tincture.
Should I use them daily or only now and then?
We recommend regular, daily use. In our experience, there is no need to increase the amount even with daily use.
When should I take them?
You can take them at any time of day. If you focus on sleep and evening rest, take them before bed as part of your evening wind-down; during stressful, demanding periods and as part of the post-workout recovery routine, many people use them in the morning and after training. In our view, taking them in the evening is the most popular option, because the body does most of its recovery during sleep.
How do they fit into my recovery routine?
CBD softgels fit in alongside our recovery products: after training together with Recoverite, and in the evening alongside the products in the Sleep Trio Kit (the kit includes CBD in tincture form). Many athletes take them on the evenings after hard training days with sore muscles – in our view, getting enough good-quality sleep is also part of good recovery.
Can I take them together with REM Caps?
Yes, the two products can be used together – CBD (in tincture form) and REM Caps are also included together in the Sleep Trio Kit. The main ingredient of REM Caps is melatonin: melatonin contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep (the beneficial effect is obtained by consuming 1 mg of melatonin close to bedtime).
What can I do for better sleep?
According to Dr Séverine Sabia, who led a large sleep study published in PLOS Medicine, healthy sleep habits are essential: regular bedtimes and wake-up times, physical activity and natural light during the day, a light dinner, and avoiding screens for half an hour before bed. (source)
For your evening routine we recommend the Sleep Trio Kit: CBD Tincture, REM Caps and Essential Mg. Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal psychological function.
Who are they not recommended for?
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for anyone under 18. If you take medication or have a known medical condition, consult your doctor before use. Although the product contains 0.0% THC, we cannot guarantee that a drug test will be negative – if you are subject to drug testing, check with your doctor or employer.
