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National CBD Day lands on August 8, 2026, and it has become a nice little checkpoint for anyone curious about cannabidiol. It is a day set aside to talk about CBD, how it fits into cannabis, and the many ways people fold it into daily routines. Here in San Jose, our team at Purple Lotus fields CBD questions all year, so a whole day dedicated to the topic feels like a fair excuse to lay it all out in one place.

This guide keeps things plain and useful. We will walk through what CBD actually is, how it compares to THC, what those CBD:THC ratios on the label mean, the product formats you will run into, and how to shop for CBD at either of our two San Jose shops. No hype, just a clear starting point for CBD Day and beyond.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of many naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Alongside THC, it is one of the most talked about cannabinoids, and it shows up across a wide range of products on dispensary shelves.

The headline fact most people want first: CBD is non-intoxicating. On its own, it does not produce the "high" that THC is known for. That single trait is why so many folks reach for CBD when they want to stay clear-headed while still working cannabis into their lifestyle.

You will see CBD sourced from cannabis and sold at licensed dispensaries like ours, where products are tested and labeled with their cannabinoid content. That lab testing is part of why buying from a licensed San Jose dispensary matters, because you can actually read what is in the bottle or package.

CBD vs THC

Both CBD and THC come from the same plant, and they are chemically cousins, but they behave differently in the body. The simplest way to hold the two apart:

• THC is the intoxicating cannabinoid. It is the one responsible for the classic cannabis high.
• CBD is non-intoxicating. It will not get you high on its own.

That does not make one better than the other. They are just different tools. Some people want the effects THC brings. Others prefer CBD precisely because it keeps things mellow and functional. And plenty of people mix the two in a single product to land somewhere in the middle.

CBD is also part of a bigger family of cannabinoids worth knowing. If you are curious how it stacks up against another popular one, our breakdown of CBD vs CBN is a good next read.

Understanding CBD:THC ratios

Here is where labels start to make sense. When a product lists something like 1:1 or 20:1, that is the ratio of CBD to THC. The first number is CBD, the second is THC.

A few common ones you will spot:

• 1:1 (equal parts CBD and THC): a balanced blend. Because there is still THC in the mix, these products are intoxicating.
• 2:1 or 4:1 (more CBD than THC): CBD leads, with a smaller amount of THC along for the ride.
• 18:1 or 20:1 (CBD dominant): heavily weighted toward CBD, with only a trace of THC.

For someone new to CBD, a CBD-forward ratio is a common starting point, and many first-timers like the balance of a 1:1 for a gentler on-ramp. The key thing to remember: any ratio that contains THC can be intoxicating, so the higher the THC portion, the more that matters. Start low and give it time before reaching for more. Our microdosing guide covers that measured approach in detail.

This is also a good moment to mention the entourage effect and the difference between full-spectrum and isolate. At a high level, full-spectrum products keep a range of the plant's natural compounds together, and the entourage effect is the idea that those compounds may work in concert rather than solo. Isolate, on the other hand, is CBD stripped down to just CBD. Neither is right or wrong. It comes down to what you are after and how you like to read a label.

CBD product types

CBD shows up in almost every format cannabis comes in. Here is a quick tour of the main ones.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid drops you place under the tongue or add to a drink. They make it easy to measure a consistent amount thanks to the marked dropper, which is part of why they are popular with people who like precision. Browse our tincture selection to see the ratios we carry.

Topicals

Topicals are balms, salves, lotions, and roll-ons you apply to the skin. They are a favorite for people who want a targeted, localized option that stays right where you put it. We wrote more about the category in our cannabis topicals overview, and you can shop the current lineup on our topical page.

Edibles and gummies

Edibles, gummies especially, are one of the easiest ways to try CBD. They arrive pre-portioned, they are discreet, and brands like Camino and Wyld offer ratio options that pair CBD with THC in set amounts. Just remember that edibles take longer to kick in than other formats, so patience pays off. If you are weighing your options, our edibles vs smoking guide is a helpful primer. See what is in stock on the edible page.

Softgels

Softgels are capsules you swallow like any other supplement. They deliver a fixed amount with zero flavor and zero fuss, which suits people who want CBD folded quietly into a daily routine.

CBD flower

Yes, CBD-rich flower exists. It looks and smells like the cannabis you know, but the cannabinoid profile leans toward CBD. Some people enjoy the ritual of flower without a strong intoxicating effect, though CBD flower can still contain some THC, so read the label. Take a look at our flower shelf to compare.

Vapes

CBD and ratio vapes offer a faster onset and portable convenience. As with any THC-containing product, check the ratio so you know what you are getting. Our vape category lists the ratios right on each product.

How to shop CBD at Purple Lotus

Ready to browse? The quickest path is our CBD filter, which pulls CBD and ratio products from across every category into one view. From there you can sort by format, read the ratios, and check current pricing.

Prefer to see everything at once? Shop All gives you the full catalog, and our Deals page is worth a peek for rotating specials. If you would rather have it brought to you, our Lotus Now delivery is the fastest in San Jose, and you can learn how it works in our how to choose a delivery service. New delivery customers get 25% off their first order.

Picking up in person instead? Our what to expect at a licensed dispensary makes a first visit painless. And if CBD is part of a wind-down routine, you might also like our notes on cannabis and sleep.

Know before you shop

A few ground rules for buying at a licensed California dispensary:

• You must be 21 or over with a valid government-issued ID to purchase.
• California sets daily purchase limits: up to 28.5 grams of flower and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis per day. Our purchase limits explainer breaks it down.
• With any product that contains THC, including CBD:THC ratio items, start low and go slow. You can always take more later.

These are general shopping and legal notes, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

When is National CBD Day? National CBD Day is observed every year on August 8. In 2026, that falls on Saturday, August 8.

What is the difference between CBD and THC? CBD and THC are both cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. THC is intoxicating and produces a high, while CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a high on its own. Many products combine the two at set ratios.

What does a CBD:THC ratio like 1:1 mean? The ratio lists CBD first and THC second, so 1:1 means equal parts of each. Because a 1:1 product still contains THC, it can be intoxicating. Higher ratios such as 20:1 are CBD dominant with only a trace of THC.

Is CBD flower the same as regular cannabis flower? It looks and smells similar, but CBD flower is bred to be higher in CBD. It can still contain some THC, so always check the label at a licensed dispensary.

Do I need a medical card to buy CBD in San Jose? No. Any adult 21 or over with a valid government-issued ID can buy CBD and other cannabis products at a licensed recreational dispensary like Purple Lotus.

Celebrate CBD Day with Purple Lotus

National CBD Day is the perfect nudge to explore the category with fresh eyes. Start with our CBD filter to see every ratio and format in one place, order pickup at either San Jose location, or let Lotus Now deliver it to your door. New delivery customers save 25% on their first order. Questions? Give our team a call at (408) 456-0420 and we will help you find your fit.

Purple Lotus is a family-owned, licensed San Jose dispensary with two locations: Downtown at 66 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, and our flagship at 752 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112. Both open 8 AM to 10 PM daily. Phone (408) 456-0420. For adults 21 and over. Please consume responsibly.