Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Products & Usage

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 natural compounds from the cannabis plant, but it’s most often derived from hemp. It’s known for its enormous therapeutic potential and appears to play the most significant role in the plant’s benefits. While like THC, CBD is a cannabinoid, it is non-psychoactive, meaning you won’t get “high”.

What is THC?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary natural compound in cannabis responsible for its psychoactive and euphoric effects. It works by interacting with receptors in your brain and central nervous system that govern mood, perception, sleep, and appetite.

• Hemp vs. Marijuana: While both belong to the cannabis family, 100% of the products sold on Kota Botanics are derived from federally compliant industrial hemp, NOT marijuana.
• Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC: The THC featured in our edibles and beverages is extracted naturally from legal hemp and formulated to contain 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight, allowing you to enjoy uplifting, relaxing benefits fully within federal compliance (the 2018 Farm Bill).

💡 Kota Botanics Promise: Every single product in our store—from our CBD oils to our Delta-9 THC gummies and beverages—is derived strictly from industrial hemp, never marijuana.

What is the difference between CBD, CBG, CBN, and Delta-9 THC?

Each cannabinoid interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system in unique ways to target specific wellness goals:

• CBD (Cannabidiol): Ideal for daily balance, stress management, post-workout recovery, and overall calm without intoxicating effects.
• CBG (Cannabigerol): Often called the "mother cannabinoid," CBG is known for supporting focus, mental clarity, and gut health.
• CBN (Cannabinol): A aged cannabinoid prized for its relaxing properties, widely used to support deep, restful sleep.
• Delta-9 THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. In hemp-derived doses, it delivers euphoria, deep relaxation, and mood elevation.

How does CBD work?

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the biological network responsible for regulating stress, mood, immune health, and daily balance. When daily stressors disrupt your body’s natural rhythm, CBD offers a safe, plant-derived way to restore calm and help your system return to its natural state of balance (homeostasis).

Will your products make me feel "high"?

• Non-Psychoactive Products (CBD, CBG, CBN): Products containing only non-intoxicating cannabinoids (or trace amounts of THC under 0.3%) will not produce a "high."
• Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Products: Products containing full-spectrum Delta-9 THC could produce psychoactive effects. If you are sensitive to THC or new to hemp edibles, we recommend starting with half a serving and waiting at least 60–90 minutes before taking more.

Will these products show up on a drug test?

• Full-Spectrum & THC Products: Full-spectrum hemp products and Delta-9 THC edibles contain detectable levels of THC that may cause you to fail a standard drug screening depending on how sensitive your metabolism system reacts to THC.
• Broad-Spectrum / Isolate Products: While these are processed to remove detectable levels of THC, trace amounts may still occur in rare instances.

Recommendation: If you undergo mandatory drug testing, we advise consulting with your employer or healthcare provider before consuming any cannabinoid product.

What is the difference between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate?

The key difference lies in which plant compounds are preserved during extraction:

• Full Spectrum: Contains the entire profile of the hemp plant—including CBD, trace phytocannabinoids (CBG, CBN), natural terpenes, flavonoids, and up to 0.3% THC. Taking all these compounds together creates the Entourage Effect—a natural synergy where these elements work together to boost overall therapeutic benefits.
• Broad Spectrum: Offers a rich profile of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but with THC removed (non-detectable levels). You still experience a enhanced Entourage Effect without consuming THC.
• CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with all other plant compounds—including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC—completely filtered out. It offers a 99%+ pure CBD experience without an entourage effect.

Does CBD interact with medications?

Your health and safety are our top priorities, but as a wellness retailer, we are unable to give medical consultations or evaluate drug interactions. To be completely safe, we strongly encourage you to consult with your doctor or physician before adding CBD to your routine if you are taking any prescription medications.

What is the difference between Hemp and Cannabis?

"Cannabis" is actually the overarching plant family, while hemp and marijuana are two distinct classifications within it. Legally, hemp is defined as any cannabis plant containing 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Beyond producing non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, industrial hemp is one of the strongest, most versatile plants on Earth—used for thousands of years to create sustainable clothing, paper, building materials, and nutritious foods like hemp seeds and hemp milk!

What dosage should I start with if I am new to hemp products?

When starting any new cannabinoid routine, the golden rule is "Start low and go slow."

Edibles & Gummies: Start with half a gummy or serving (e.g., 5mg–10mg CBD or 2.5mg–5mg Delta-9 THC). Allow 60–90 minutes for full absorption before considering an additional serving.

Oils & Tinctures: Place 1/4 or half a dropper under your tongue, hold for 30–60 seconds, and swallow. Effects typically take 15–30 minutes to appear.

Can I take CBD or cannabinoid products if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive?

No, we do not recommend using any CBD, THC, or cannabinoid products if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.

Health organizations—including the FDA and CDC—strongly advise against consuming cannabis or hemp-derived products during pregnancy and lactation, as the potential effects on fetal and infant development are not yet fully understood.

Your health and your baby’s safety are paramount. If you have questions about managing stress, sleep, or discomfort during pregnancy or nursing, please consult directly with your OB-GYN or primary healthcare provider for safe, personalized guidance.

Where can I find Lab Reports (Certificates of Analysis)?

Transparency and safety are core to everything we do. Third-party lab testing ensures every batch is potent, pure, and free from contaminants, heavy metals, or residual solvents. You can view third-party COAs anytime on our dedicated Lab Reports Page.

2. Legality & Age Restrictions

Are Kota Botanics products legal under federal law?

Yes. All products sold on Kota Botanics are legally derived from industrial hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, making them 100% compliant with the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.

Do I need to be 21+ to order?

Yes. To browse and purchase products from Kota Botanics, you must be at least 21 years of age. Age verification is integrated into our checkout process to ensure full legal compliance.

Do you ship to all 50 U.S. states?

While federally compliant, local state laws regarding hemp-derived cannabinoids (specifically Delta-9 THC and certain state-specific bans) can vary. During checkout, our system automatically verifies whether specific products can be legally shipped to your delivery state.

Can I travel with CBD or THC products?

Because local laws, airline policies, and international regulations regarding hemp and cannabinoids are constantly evolving, we recommend checking the legal guidelines of your specific destination and transport carrier before traveling.

As a general rule, we strongly advise leaving all CBD and THC products at home when traveling INTERNATIONALLY to avoid potential issues with customs or border authorities.

3. Shipping & Returns

How long does shipping take, and how do I qualify for free shipping?

• Free Shipping: We offer FREE standard shipping on all U.S. orders over $75!
• Processing Time: Orders are typically processed and fulfilled within 1–2 business days.
• Delivery Time: Standard shipping generally takes 3–5 business days depending on your location. Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking link via email.

What is your return or exchange policy?

We want you to love your wellness journey. If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please reach out to us at info@kotabotanics.com within 30 days of purchase with your order number and photos of the issue. We will gladly process a replacement or store credit.

(Due to safety and health regulations, opened or consumed products cannot be returned for a full cash refund).

Do you ship internationally outside of the U.S.?

Unfortunately, due to varying international laws and regulations regarding hemp products, we currently only ship within the United States. We hope to expand internationally in the future, so please check back with us!

4. Subscriptions & Loyalty Program

How do I modify, pause, or cancel my product subscription?

You can update your subscription preferences at any time!

Log in to your account at Kota Botanics Login.

Go to Manage Subscriptions.

From there, you can change your delivery frequency, swap products, pause, or cancel your subscription—no strings attached.

How does the Kota Botanics Loyalty Rewards program work?

Our loyalty program rewards you for taking care of yourself!

Earn Points: You earn points on every dollar spent, plus bonus points for signing up, following us on social media, reviewing the products, and celebrating a birthday.

Redeem: Convert your accumulated points into direct discount codes within  your loyalty account at checkout.

Get Started: Click the Loyalty Rewards icon in the bottom corner of our website or log in to view your current points balance.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and secure online payment methods supported during checkout. All transactions are encrypted and processed securely.