If you’re asking “what is cannabidiol (CBD)?”, the short answer is that it’s a naturally occurring compound found in hemp that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help support balance.
As a Colorado-based CBD maker, we’ve spent years working with whole-plant hemp extracts and reviewing lab reports to understand not just what CBD is, but how quality, sourcing, and formulation actually matter in real products.
Last updated: December 22, 2025 • Author: Mark G. | Founder, Kyoto Botanicals
What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
And how can CBD help you?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp and the main component of our whole-plant, full spectrum hemp extract CBD products. While CBD is the one cannabinoid generating tons of talk these days, there are actually over 100 known cannabinoids in the hemp plant. While hemp is the most well known source of phytocannabinoids (plant-based), the human body actually has an endocannabinoid system that produces endocannabinoids (internal), similar to those found in certain plants, including hemp and other plants.
The phytocannabinoids produced by hemp, and found in our high-quality CBD oil, work in concert with our existing endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids it produces to help keep our mind, body, and spirit in equilibrium. We are still learning more about this system already present within our bodies, but it has been shown to help with numerous physiological processes, including homeostasis, sleep, mood, appetite, memory, stress response, and more.
It is important when shopping for CBD oil to make sure that you are buying from a company, like KYOTO BOTANICALS, that understands this system and how CBD oil derived from hemp can fit in. Hemp plants only produce cannabinoids in any measurable quantity in the leaves and flowers, so in order to have an effective CBD oil, it is important to buy from a company that is listing “aerial parts” on the label. Companies that are trying to pass off CBD oil that is created from seeds and/or stems are not selling CBD oil at all, as there are only trace amounts of cannabinoids found in these hemp plant parts.
There are also CBD products out there that attempt to spike their products with CBD isolate in order to hit a claimed level of CBD in the product. While this delivers an intended level of CBD, it does not deliver the broad spectrum of beneficial compounds found within the hemp plant. To make sure you are getting the best product possible, make sure you ask for and review the CoA from brands. The CoA for high-quality THC-free CBD oil will show detectable levels of not only CBD, but other beneficial cannabinoids as well.
Cannabidiol (CBD) FAQ
What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp. It’s one of many cannabinoids the plant produces, and it’s commonly used in wellness products because it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate balance across multiple functions.
What does CBD do in the body?
CBD works alongside the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network involved in maintaining equilibrium (homeostasis). Instead of acting like a single “on/off switch,” CBD is generally understood as supporting balance across systems tied to stress response, sleep, mood, appetite, and more.
Will CBD get you high?
CBD itself is not intoxicating and does not produce the “high” associated with THC. However, some CBD products (especially full-spectrum) can contain small amounts of THC, so it’s important to check third-party lab results if you want to avoid THC entirely.
Is CBD the same as THC?
No. CBD and THC are different cannabinoids. THC is the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis, while CBD is non-intoxicating. Both can be present in hemp extracts, depending on whether the product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.
What’s the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate?
Full-spectrum products contain CBD plus other cannabinoids and typically some THC. Broad-spectrum products contain CBD and other cannabinoids but are formulated to remove detectable THC. CBD isolate is CBD only, without the broader mix of plant compounds.
What part of the hemp plant contains CBD?
Hemp produces cannabinoids primarily in the flowers and leaves (often labeled as the “aerial parts” of the plant). Hemp seeds and stalks contain only trace cannabinoids, so products made from seeds or stems alone are not meaningful sources of CBD.
What is a COA (Certificate of Analysis) and why does it matter?
A COA is a third-party lab report that verifies what’s in a CBD product. It can confirm cannabinoid potency (including whether THC is present) and is one of the best ways to evaluate quality and transparency before you buy.
Is CBD legal?
In the U.S., hemp-derived CBD is widely sold, but laws can vary by state and can change over time. If legality is a concern where you live, it’s worth checking your current state rules and choosing products with clear sourcing and lab testing.