Frequently Asked Questions

We know CBD can feel overwhelming at first. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often — written with transparency and backed by our process. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out directly or head over to The Reddit Files where we answer community questions from Reddit.

About Kyoto Botanicals

Who is behind Kyoto Botanicals?

Kyoto Botanicals is owner-operated and led by its founder, Mark Gillilan, a biologist with deep roots in the wellness and natural products industry. Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the company was born out of a desire to create a clean, transparent, and reliable source plant-based wellness and reconnecting us all with nature.

Unlike large, faceless corporations, Kyoto Botanicals is a founder-led operation. Our founder personally oversees product development and quality control to ensure that every tincture and gummy meets the highest standards of purity. By keeping operations local to Colorado,one of the world's leading hubs for hemp innovation, we maintain a direct connection with our customers through founder-led customer service and direct shipping.

Why was Kyoto Botanicals started?

Kyoto Botanicals was founded to bring a human connection and uncompromising integrity back to the CBD industry. Our founder witnessed the massive potential of CBD firsthand while working at Charlotte’s Web during the industry's early explosion. However, as the market grew, it became clear that many large companies were shifting their focus toward corporate profits, high-volume scaling, and one-size-fits-all corporate mentalities, losing the hearrt & soul of botanical wellness.

We believe that wellness is personal, not transactional. Kyoto Botanicals was created to bring our founder's love of connection at local markets to provide the compassion, education, and individual attention of a neighborhood shop at scale in a digital world.

Our mission is built on four pillars:

  • Education: Empowering individuals with the science of wellness so they can make informed decisions for their own bodies.
  • Compassion: Treating every customer as an individual with unique needs, rather than just an order number.
  • Quality: Utilizing a plant-first philosophy focusing on broad-spectrum, 0.0% THC products and fruiting body functional mushroom extracts that people can trust for daily use without hesitation.
  • Focus: Remaining a founder-led company so that quality never takes a backseat to growth and return on investment is not even aa part of our company.

Where are your products shipped

Unlike many companies in the industry, we ship everything ourselves from Greenwood Village, Colorado. This is a choice we made because our founder knows how frustrating it is to see an order status update say fulfilled, but then sit for days without actually shipping. We pride ourselves on fast shipping, turning around most orders same day and have an average time from order to delivery of only 4 days.

CBD Basics

What is CBD?

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. It’s one of over 100 phytocannabinoids that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network that helps maintain balance (homeostasis) in mood, sleep, stress response, and physical comfort.

Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. It won’t make you feel “high.”

What are the benefits of CBD?

Research and customer experiences suggest CBD may help with:

  • Promoting relaxation and calm

  • Supporting better sleep quality

  • Easing everyday stress

  • Encouraging physical comfort and recovery

Everyone’s body is unique, so results and timing may vary.

How long does it take for CBD to work?

Effects vary by product type and individual. Tinctures and oils taken under the tongue typically absorb within 15–30 minutes. Gummies and capsules may take 30–90 minutes as they pass through digestion. Topicals (like creams and balms) act locally and often provide faster targeted relief.

Is CBD safe to take every day?

Yes — most people use CBD daily without issue. In fact, consistency is often key to experiencing the best results. Scientific studies show CBD is generally well-tolerated, with minor side effects (like drowsiness or dry mouth) reported occasionally at higher doses.

Usage & Dosage

How much CBD should I take?

We always recommend starting low and slow. Begin with a small serving (e.g. half a dropper of oil, one gummy, or a small amount of cream) and gradually increase until you find your ideal balance.

What’s the difference between tinctures, gummies, and topicals?

  • Tinctures (oils): Fast-absorbing, versatile, and easy to measure

  • Gummies: Pre-measured, convenient, and delicious

  • Topicals (creams, balms): Applied directly to sore muscles or joints for targeted support

How do I store CBD products?

Keep CBD in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in hot cars or near heat sources to maintain freshness and potency.

Safety & Legality

Will CBD make me high?

No. CBD is non-intoxicating. Our products contain broad spectrum hemp extract (0.0% THC). See our full line of THC-free CBD products.

Will CBD show up on a drug test?

It’s possible. While our broad spectrum products are THC-free, we always want to err on the side of caution here as everyone is different. If testing is a concern, we recommend avoiding CBD products altogether.

Is CBD legal?

Yes. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC in all 50 states. Always check local regulations if traveling internationally.

Is CBD safe for kids or pets?

Our products are crafted for adults. For children, consult a healthcare professional before use. For pets, we recommend choosing a CBD product specifically formulated and tested for animals.

Ingredients & Quality

What makes Kyoto Botanicals CBD special?

  • USDA Certified Organic hemp extract in our organic cbd oil tinctures

  • Blended with organic carrier oils like olive oil and MCT oil

  • Always independent, third-party lab tested (results posted online)

  • Born in Colorado by a small, owner-operated team

  • Backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee

Our mission is simple: deliver premium CBD products with the highest quality ingredients, every time.

Are Kyoto Botanicals products organic?

Yes — our tinctures are USDA certified organic CBD oil. Look for the USDA badge on our tinctures. For our other products, we do everything we can to make sure every ingredient is as high quality as possible.

Do you test your products?

Absolutely. Every batch is tested by an independent lab to confirm potency, purity, and safety. You can view the latest Certificates of Analysis on our Lab Results page.

Orders & Returns

What if I’m not satisfied?

We stand behind every product. If you’re not happy, contact us within 30 days and we’ll make it right.

Where do you ship from?

All orders ship directly from our Colorado facility. We currently ship within the United States.

Extra Questions Customers Ask

Can I mix CBD with alcohol or medications?

CBD may interact with certain medications. If you’re taking prescriptions or drinking alcohol regularly, consult your healthcare provider before use.

Can athletes use CBD?

Yes. Many athletes use CBD for recovery, focus, and calm. Our broad spectrum products (0.0% THC) are especially popular for athletes.

How do I know which product is right for me?

Think about your goals:

  • Daily wellness & sleep support → tinctures or gummies

  • On-the-go stress relief → gummies

  • Targeted recovery → topicals (creams, balms)

Still unsure? Reach out — we’d be happy to help you choose.

Do you offer anything besides CBD?

Yes. We offer digital gift cards as well as branded apparel.

Closing Note

Your wellness journey is personal, and so is our approach. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.