You’ve probably heard a lot about CBD oil recently. It seems like everywhere you turn, people are talking about the benefits of this cannabis extract. CBD has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. It’s been shown to help reduce chronic pain, ease anxiety, promote better sleep, and more—all without getting you high. CBD oil is legal in all 50 states and it’s easy to find. But with so many options out there, how do you know which CBD oil is right for you? This article will walk you through the basics of CBD oil and help you unlock the power of this versatile hemp extract. By the end, you’ll feel confident finding a CBD oil that suits your needs so you can start experiencing the benefits for yourself.
What Is CBD Oil and Where Does It Come From?
CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant, but it won’t get you high like marijuana. CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of over 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
CBD oil is legal in many places because it contains little to no THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that produces a “high” feeling. CBD oil may help reduce symptoms related to many health issues and provide natural relief for issues like chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more.
How is CBD Extracted?
There are a few methods for extracting CBD from the cannabis plant:
- CO2 extraction: Uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract CBD and other compounds from the plant. This method is very clean and yields high-quality CBD oil.
- Ethanol extraction: Uses ethanol, a high-proof alcohol, to extract the CBD. This method destroys some plant waxes and can affect the flavor of the final product.
- Oil infusion: The cannabis plant is soaked in a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. This is a simple method but may not extract as much CBD as the other methods.
The end result of any extraction process is CBD oil in the form of a viscous liquid that contains CBD, other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, terpenes, and plant residues. The CBD oil can then be consumed as is, or used to produce CBD capsules, gummies, creams, and other CBD products.
Using high-quality CBD oil extracted from organically-grown hemp plants can provide a long list of benefits for both the body and mind. The possibilities seem almost endless!
The Many Potential Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil has been touted as a natural remedy for all sorts of common ailments. The list of potential benefits seems to grow every day, but here are some of the top ways CBD oil may help improve your health and well-being:
\n\n###Reduced Anxiety and Depression
CBD oil may help alleviate symptoms related to anxiety and depression. CBD works by interacting with your brain’s serotonin receptors, which influence your mood and social behavior. CBD oil could help boost feel-good chemicals in your brain that work to regulate your mood.
\n\n###Better Sleep
Struggling with insomnia or restlessness at night? CBD oil may help you get the deep, restorative sleep you need. CBD can relax your body and mind, reducing anxiety and stress that can keep you up at night.
\n\n###Relief from Chronic Pain
CBD oil may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. CBD binds to receptors in your brain, spinal cord, and other areas of your body that influence how you perceive and feel pain.
\n\n###Improved Heart Health
Emerging research shows CBD oil may help lower high blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and minimize cell death associated with heart disease. While more studies are needed, CBD oil could be a natural way to support cardiovascular health and possibly even prevent heart disease.
The potential benefits of CBD oil seem limitless. While more research is still needed, CBD oil appears to be a safe, natural remedy that may improve both your physical and mental well-being. Why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and so much to potentially gain.
How to Choose a High-Quality CBD Oil
When it comes to CBD oil, quality matters. Not all CBD is created equal—some contain little to no CBD, while others may have harmful contaminants. Finding a high-quality CBD oil will ensure you reap the benefits. Here are some tips for choosing the best CBD oil for you:
Look for organic hemp sources. Hemp is a “bioaccumulator,” absorbing everything in the soil, including pesticides and heavy metals. Organic hemp is grown without these chemicals, resulting in a cleaner, safer CBD oil. Check the product description and brand website to confirm organic certification.
Check the extraction method. The best extraction methods are supercritical CO2 or ethanol extraction. These produce high-quality, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oils that retain many beneficial plant compounds. Avoid CBD oils that use propane, butane or hexane—these can leave behind toxic residue.
Read the lab reports. Reputable CBD brands will provide third-party lab reports verifying the CBD and THC content, and certifying the absence of contaminants. Make sure the lab is accredited to ISO 17025 standards. If no lab reports are provided, find another brand.
Check the CBD and THC concentrations. For best results, choose a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil with at least 15 to 20 mg of CBD per serving. CBD isolates contain only CBD, while full-spectrum contains CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum has CBD and other cannabinoids, but no THC.
Consider the additional ingredients. High-quality CBD oils usually only contain CBD extract and a carrier oil like MCT or hemp seed oil. Avoid CBD oils with lots of unnecessary additives, fillers or preservatives. All-natural, minimal ingredients are best.
Buy from reputable brands. Do some research on the CBD company and their practices. Look for brands that source responsibly-grown hemp, use clean extraction methods, and have positive customer reviews mentioning the quality and effectiveness of their products. Established, trusted brands are your best choice for a premium CBD oil.
Following these tips will help you find a safe, effective CBD oil and experience the full benefits of this powerful plant extract. Take your time and do some research—your health and well-being are worth it!
How to Take CBD Oil: Methods and Dosing
There are several methods for taking CBD oil, and the dosage can vary for each person. The most common ways to consume CBD oil are:
- Sublingually: Place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the CBD to absorb into your bloodstream quickly. Start with a lower dosage, like 5-10mg of CBD, and see how you feel after 30 minutes before increasing. For the best results, take CBD oil sublingually 2-3 times a day.
- Ingesting: Add a few drops of CBD oil to foods and beverages, such as smoothies, coffee, tea or salad dressing. While convenient, ingesting CBD oil may result in lower bioavailability since some of the CBD can be lost in the digestive process. It may take 30-90 minutes to feel the effects. Start with a dosage of 10-25mg of CBD with each meal or snack.
- Topically: Apply CBD oil directly to your skin for relief from soreness and inflammation. CBD oil can be used as a massage oil, or added to lotions and balms. For targeted relief, apply a few drops to the problem area, massaging it into the skin. The effects may be felt within 15-30 minutes and last 4 to 6 hours. Reapply as needed.
- Vaping: Inhale vaporized CBD oil using a vape pen to experience the effects quickly. However, vaping may be irritating for some people and the long term effects are still unknown. Only use high-quality CBD vape oils and start with a low dosage like 1-5mg of CBD. The effects can be felt within minutes but do not last as long as other methods.
The ideal dosage amount can range from 5mg up to 100mg of CBD per day depending on your needs. In general, it’s best to start low and go slow – you can always increase your dosage over time as needed. Be patient and consistent, and you’ll soon find the perfect amount of CBD oil for you.
FAQ: Common Questions About CBD Oil Answered
CBD oil has become immensely popular, but for good reason. This natural supplement offers some promising health benefits, but it also leads to a lot of questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about CBD oil.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a cannabis extract that contains little to no THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. CBD oil won’t get you high but still delivers the health benefits of cannabis. It’s derived from hemp, a type of cannabis plant bred to have minimal THC and maximum CBD.
Is CBD oil legal?
In the U.S., CBD oil made from industrial hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, CBD oil made from marijuana plants still falls under the same laws as marijuana for recreational or medical use, which vary by state. Check your state laws to see if CBD oil is legal where you live.
How do I use CBD oil?
The most common ways to use CBD oil include:
- Oral drops (tinctures): Place drops under your tongue for fast absorption into the bloodstream.
- Capsules or edibles: Swallow like regular supplements or add CBD oil to foods.
- Topicals: Apply lotions, balms or creams to skin for relief from pain and inflammation.
- Vaping: Use a vaporizer to inhale CBD vape oil. Fast-acting but may be irritating to lungs.
The dose will depend on the potency of your CBD oil and the condition you’re treating. Start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find what works for you. Talk to your doctor for guidance on proper dosage and usage.
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
CBD oil may help relieve symptoms related to anxiety, insomnia, pain, and inflammation. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Improved sleep
- Chronic pain relief
- Reduced inflammation
- Relief from nausea
- Clearer, calmer thinking
CBD oil is a promising natural supplement, but more research is still needed to fully understand its effects. Always talk to your doctor before using CBD oil, especially if you are on any medications.
Conclusion
So there you have it, all the most important things you need to know about CBD oil and how to unlock its power. Whether you’re dealing with pain, insomnia, anxiety or just want an extra health boost, CBD oil is worth trying. Starting with a high-quality product and the proper dosage for your needs, you’ll soon discover why this natural remedy has become so popular. Give CBD oil a shot – your body and mind will thank you. The benefits are real if you give it a fair chance. Here’s to your health and happiness