Popular Questions​

MAY 2019

In South Africa, Government Notice No. 756 of 2019 Medicines and Related Substances Act (101/1965) provided exclusion of certain preparations containing Cannabidiol (CBD) from operation of certain provisions of the Act.

CBD preparations which are products containing less than 20 mg per daily dose of CBD, are now allowed to be sold and are exempt from the Schedules to the Medicines Act.

• Products are to be labelled for General Health Maintenance, Enhancement, or Relief of Minor Symptoms.
• To contain no more than 10ppm (0,001% of THC).

What is Legal & Certified – what is important to know about my CBD brand choice?

NOT MORE THAN 0,001 PER CENT THC:

The CBD laws for South Africa state that Legal CBD products are required to contain no more than 0,001% THC in South Africa and are derived from hemp plants rather than marijuana plants. If a product contains more than 0,001 per cent THC, avoid it.

CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS (COA):

A COA is a document created by a third-party testing facility that verifies a product’s specifications, including its components and concentration. Ensure the company has a COA for their products that is readily available on request. RETHINK products all have a COA.

NO UNVERIFIED CLAIMS

CBD oil has so many remarkable benefits. However, it cannot be claimed that it cures, ‘treats’ or mitigates any disease. If you come across any company that makes these kinds of claims, think twice.

CAN YOU FIND THE COMPANY ON THE INTERNET?

One way to tell if a company is legitimate is by doing an online search – do they have a comprehensive website that answers all your questions, and a customer support number?

Created by Mother Nature, Our broad-spectrum CBD oils are designed for quick absorption and easy digestion. Each bottle is filled with premium cannabinoids like CBD and the carrier oil of your choice, with dropper lids that help you achieve the perfect dose, every time.

Our CBD Oils are 100% THC-free

Produces Entourage Effect

Contains all valuable compounds of the hemp plant for optimum results, without the risk of psychoactive side effects.

Traceable

Fully traceable from seed to shelf, with Certificates of Analysis for all of our products.

100% Safe

Quality-assured farming and extraction processes, and rigorous third-party lab testing, to create a safe and certified final product.

Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds found in a variety of plants and produced in highest concentrations in the flowers of the Cannabis plant. There are over 100 cannabinoids produced in the hairs on the flowers called trichomes, the main ones are THC, CBD, CBG and CBN.

We recommend sublingual administration for CBD oil. This involves placing a few small drops under your tongue, giving the CBD time to diffuse (holding for around 60 seconds) into the bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth. About 40% will be absorbed by the body, the rest will be carried away in your saliva into the gut.

This is far more effective than simple swallowing because it significantly reduces the length of the journey into your bloodstream.

How much shall I take?

When you are introducing a new food supplement into your body, we always believe that it’s best to start low and go slow, gradually increasing the dosage. This will give you time to gain a sense of how your body is reacting to the CBD oil, you can then, if you wish, increase the strength or dosage until you feel the desired results.

Refunds & Returns

What is Rethink CBD’s Refunds & Returns Policy
We offer a refund and/or exchange within the first 30 days of your purchase. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, you will not be offered a refund and/or exchange of any kind.

Eligibility for Refunds and Exchanges
Your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it.
The item must be in the original packaging.
Refunds will be made using the same method as the original form of payment.
Only regular priced items may be refunded, sale/discounted items will not be refunded.

Rethink CBD reserve the right to cancel an order for which payment has already been received. This may occur if stock is insufficient, or the quality of goods ordered does not meet our standards. In cases of unavailability, we will refund you in full, without any deductions within 7 days.

Partial refunds

Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery. Any item part of an order, that is either damaged or broken for reasons not due to our error.

Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund within 7 days.

If approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within 30 days. Refunds can also be issued in the form of store credit, items of similar value, or a replacement product.

Late or missing refunds

Should you have not received a refund yet, please check your bank account again. Should there be no reflection of the refund, we advise that you contact your credit card company. It may take some time before your refund is officially processed.

If you have completed the above step and you still have not received your refund, please email us at info@hashtag.co.za or WhatsApp us on 078 084 1806

Exempt Goods

The following are exempt from refunds:
Gift cards
Some health and personal care items
Discounted/sale items
Exchanges

We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, follow our returns process below.

Returns

If you are not satisfied with your online purchase, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund, replacement/exchange or store credit if:

You have the original proof of payment
The item is unused
The item is in its original, undamaged packaging

Return Process:

Email us on info@hashtag.co.za to our customer service department to arrange for product collection, we will provide you with a return form and courier quote for your completion. Once the item/s have been received, you will be refunded. Refunds are generally processed within 30 business days.

5 Langa Crescent Road , Shop 5 Langa Crescent, Corridor Hills , Witbank , 1035

Please note, Hashtag Health & Wellness is not responsible for the shipping costs that are part of the refund or exchange process.

Shipping

Please do not send the product back to the manufacturer. It must be sent to the following address:

5 Langa Crescent Road , Shop 5 Langa Crescent, Corridor Hills , Witbank , 1035.

Customers will be responsible for shipping costs for returns, exchanges or product replacements made past 30 days.

Shipping costs are non-refundable! If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

Please note, we cannot guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

Need help?

WhatsApp us on 078 084 1806 or email us at info@hashtag.co.za

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol is one of 113 active cannabinoids recognized inside the Cannabis Sativa, an herbaceous flowering plant that originally is indigenous to Eastern Asia however has been grown throughout the world for centuries. CBD is a natural alternative to alleviate or minimize many health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, digestion issues, IBS, pain, inflammation, appetite, allergies, and more.

CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant. CBD has absolutely no psycho-active intoxicating properties (unlike THC). Research has shown that CBD extracted from Cannabis and consumed has the potential to alleviate a wide range of conditions which include:

Sleep disorders/ insomnia
Stress and anxiety
Pain
Inflammation
Nausea
ADD/ADHD
Depression
Migraines
Muscle fatigue
Menopause

The Endocannabinoid system:

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found in both humans and animals. It two receptors– CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found throughout the body, internally and on the skin, and help to regulate and bring the body to homeostasis, which is a state of equilibrium and balance. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating our hormones, mood, appetite, digestion, memory, pain sensitivity, motivation, sleep and much more.

The ECS is involved in communicating and transmitting signals between the body’s various systems such as the central nervous system, the Immune System and the organs. The body produces its own cannabinoids, but these are unable to travel far in the body—this can lead to deficiencies in the ECS. This is why introducing plant- produced natural cannabinoids such as CBD, helps to supplement and support the ECS, which in turn helps to support and bring balance to the body’s various systems.

Isolate – the purest form of CBD, everything in the plant matter is removed, including all traces of THC, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils and other cannabinoids leaving only the isolated CBD.

Broad Spectrum – all of the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and essential oils are used which means it can deliver the enhanced benefits of an “entourage effect.” This is without the risk of the psychoactive effects of THC, because the THC has been removed.

Full Spectrum – Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils and all other cannabinoids. THC still remains in the product, however the levels need to be below 0,2% to be legally compliant.

Health benefits of CBD, as well as potential side effects and safety concerns related to CBD products.

CBD, especially in combination with THC, may be effective for reducing certain types of pain associated with conditions such as MS and fibromyalgia. Still, more research is needed to investigate its potential use in pain management
CBD use has been shown to improve some symptoms related to anxiety disorders.

Researchers are currently investigating how CBD may be used in the treatment of other mental health disorders.

Though CBD may improve certain cancer-related symptoms in some people, research findings are currently mixed and more studies are needed to assess its effectiveness and safety.

CBD may be effective for treating seizures related to several health conditions. The prescription CBD product Epidiolex has received FDA approval to treat seizures related to rare, seizure-causing conditions such as Dravet syndrome.
Though more human studies are needed, CBD may benefit heart health in several ways, including by reducing blood pressure and improving artery function.

Some studies suggest that CBD may help with substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, and certain types of cancers. However, we need more research in humans to find out more about these potential effects.

Although CBD is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea and fatigue in some people. It may also interact with certain medications, causing side effects that may be harmful.

Aside from promoting a healthy nervous system and reducing anxiety and depression, CBD may also help increase your energy levels. This is due to CBD’s ability to increase blood flow throughout the body. Hence, when you take CBD, your mood may improve and your entire body will feel good

CBD can be introduced to the system in various ways, either consumed or applied. There are a wide range of product formats and delivery mechanisms available:

Vapes
Oral Oil Tinctures and sprays
Edibles and Beverages
Topicals – Creams, Salves and Balms
It is important to choose the one that works best for you!

Bioavailability:

Perhaps the most critical factor for cannabis consumption is the bioavailability of the product. Bio-availability is the degree to which a substance (like CBD) becomes available to the body after consumption or application through different product and methods of delivery. The various delivery methods and options offer varying degrees of effectiveness. For instance:

–An intravenous dose (i.e. injection) is considered 100% bioavailable as it is administered directly into the bloodstream.

–Vaping and Inhalers, like smoking utilise the lungs to absorb cannabinoids. With a top quality vaporiser or inhaler, the bioavailability for CBD can reach an amazing 50–80%.

–Edibles, in other words, ingesting, is somewhere in the range of 5–20%. The effects can be stronger and last longer than other methods of consumption as the cannabinoids are digested through the liver and intestines.

—Oil tinctures are absorbed into the bloodstream sublingually, meaning under the tongue and therefore bypass the liver and digestive system. They are known to be 40-50% bioavailable with some liposomal products reaching even higher levels.

—Topicals, i.e. creams, balms and lotions. Through transdermal delivery or rubbing cream into the skin, the cannabinoids are absorbed into receptors leading to a therapeutic effect.

Suggested usage and guidelines:

Our products are safe but please follow the guidelines and recommended dosages. CBD is not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Please note that everyone’s response to CBD is different and has a different ‘therapeutic window’ of efficacy. You may feel an improvement after the first use or you may need daily, continuous use to feel the benefits. Every user should safely experiment to find the best dosage and product concentration for their needs. We recommend starting with smaller dosages.

Vape: 2 -3 puffs to be held in the lungs as long as possible before exhaling. Effects felt in 2-5 minutes and last for up to 30 minutes.

Gummies, Cookies, Muffins: 2 – 4 per day. Effects are usually felt after about 20 minutes.

Beverages: a cup or two per day. Effects felt after about 20 minutes.

Oral oil tinctures: a few drops under the tongue. Effects felt in 20-30 minutes and last for up to 6 hours.

Topical Creams, Salves and Balms: Apply as needed. Effects felt in 30 to 60 minutes and last for up to 5-6 hours.

A person’s use of Cannabis will be a factor in the dosage. Regular users may require higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Higher dosages are advised for more chronic and severe conditions. Dosages should be assessed according to body weight guidelines.

CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical compound – meaning it won’t alter a person’s mental state – that can come from two different cannabis plants: The hemp plant (with less than 0.3 percent THC present) or marijuana plant (where there’s much more psychoactive THC). CBD products tend to be derived from hemp

How does CBD make you feel mentally?

CBD can help you to relax and unwind, allowing your body to find balance. Unlike with THC, you won’t experience physical or mental impairment and it won’t get you high. The length of time it takes for CBD to take effect is likely to be different from person to person and varies based on the individual.

The short answer to CBD use during pregnancy: No !! Not allowed at all !!

An article published in 2020 in Frontiers in Pharmacology states that pregnant individuals are placing their fetuses in danger by using CBD products. Any CBD products can have other ingredients that may not be safe to use while pregnant.

It’s always wise to err on the side of caution when pregnant or breastfeeding, so forego the CBD until your little one is no longer dependent on you for nourishment.

If you are currently taking a course of medication, you should consult with a medical professional, such as your GP or pharmacist, to see whether you should be taking CBD oil at this time.