CBD Oil 101
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. But when it comes down to it, not many people know about CBD’s history, the many CBD oil benefits, possible CBD oil side effects, or even how it differs from hemp oil.
CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil
The main difference between CBD oil and hemp oil is that hemp oil does not contain any CBD, and while that might sound obvious, some companies and consumers can easily get them mixed up. This is because hemp oil is actually hemp seed oil, produced from the seed of the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes a variety of vitamins and omega fatty acids but does not contain any cannabinoids or terpenes.
CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the stems, flowers, stalks, and leaves of mature hemp plants. And in addition to cannabidiol, CBD oil often contains a large variety of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, although the exact number and ratio of cannabinoids differs from company to company.
Once extracted from the hemp plant, CBD and the other cannabinoids are infused into a carrier oil, usually MCT oil, in order to make it safe for consumption.
What Are the Many CBD Oil Benefits?
We want to make products that don’t just CBD oil offers a wide range of benefits depending on how it is used. Some of the most common CBD products are tinctures, gummies, softgels, capsules, and topicals. All of which are ingested except for topical CBD creams, gels, and topical oils which are absorbed through the skin.
When ingested, CBD oil has to pass through your digestive system before it can enter your bloodstream – barring CBD oil tinctures, which are absorbed through the mucus membrane under your tongue first. And once in your bloodstream, the many CBD oil benefits are spread throughout your body. In contrast, topical CBD products provide benefits to a localized area (where applied) and do not enter your bloodstream.
In addition to the range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids we include in our CBD oil, our products also contain various other vitamins, botanicals, and/or extracts to enhance your wellness routine and boost various CBD oil benefits.
In addition to the range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids we include in our CBD oil, our products also contain various other vitamins, botanicals, and/or extracts to enhance your wellness routine and boost various CBD oil benefits.
Some of these benefits include:
- Promoting a sense of calm and relaxation
- Improving your mood
- Reducing minor exercise-related discomforts
- Supporting muscle recovery
- Improving the quality of your sleep
- Regulating your sleep cycle
Are There Any CBD Oil Side Effects?
While there are no major side effects to taking CBD oil regularly, some people have noted experiences such as increased drowsiness and mild nausea. It’s also worth noting that there is a possibility that CBD may interact with medications or supplements you’re currently using. And because every person’s body and needs are different, we always recommend discussing it with a doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen.
The Science Behind CBD Oil
It’s easy to ask “What is CBD oil?” and “How does it work?” but it’s a wholly different thing to really dig into the distinctions between the varied kinds of CBD on the market today. So what is the CBD science behind this cannabinoid? And how have we managed to turn it into something usable for our minds and bodies? The answer is actually less complicated than you might think.
CBD Science Explained
As CBD is extracted from the stalks, stems, flowers, and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant, the extraction often contains an abundance of other cannabinoids as well. And there are several different ways to extract cannabinoids from the hemp plant, including carbon dioxide, ethanol, solvents, and even olive oil and dry ice.
After the extraction, manufacturers infuse the extract into a carrier oil, typically an MCT oil, so that the finished product is safe for consumption by humans. When this is all said and done, the quality of a particular product or CBD oil formula really comes down to what method was used to extract CBD and the other cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Ethanol and carbon dioxide extraction have proved to be the most effective methods, although CO2 extraction can be costly.
It is also during the extraction process that the difference between broad spectrum CBD oil and full spectrum CBD oil is made. This is because the cannabinoid profile in a specific CBD oil will differ depending on the strain of Cannabis sativa that was used. In the US, CBD oils which contain less than 0.3 percent of THC are considered federally legal. And as such, hemp strains which contain less than 0.3 percent THC are the ones used to produce CBD oil.
That being said, manufacturers can strip a particular cannabinoid extract of THC, resulting in broad spectrum CBD oil, or leave it in to create full spectrum CBD oil which still contains federally legal limits of THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil vs Full Spectrum CBD Oil
At cbdMD, both our broad spectrum CBD oil and full spectrum CBD oil formulas contain a variety of terpenes, essential oils, and cannabinoids. What the difference between the two comes down to is THC. While our broad spectrum CBD oil formula is THC-free*, our full spectrum CBD oil is not.
Broad spectrum CBD oil contains several of the many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant except for THC, which is removed after the extraction process. And since you don’t need THC to trigger the “entourage effect,” a broad spectrum CBD oil product is an easy, almost whole-plant solution for your CBD needs. Especially if you have any concerns about using a product with THC.
Full spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, is CBD oil which contains a complete profile of the cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant, including THC. However, the THC content included in our full spectrum CBD oil is still below the federally legal limit of 0.3 percent. And because the THC content is so low, you will likely never feel the psychoactive effects of THC when using our full spectrum CBD oil products.
Nevertheless, it is still important to note that THC can build up in your system over time. And while you may never feel the intoxicating effects, it could be of concern if you take regular drug tests and your employer requires that you have absolutely no THC in your system.
While both formulas allow your body to experience the entourage effect, full spectrum CBD oil makes full use of this system thanks to the inclusion of THC.
Water Soluble vs Non Water Soluble CBD Oil
The vast majority of CBD oil as you know it is non-water soluble: i.e. it is joined with a carrier oil which by definition does not mix well with water. Traditional CBD oil by its very nature is made up of cannabinoids that are typically lipophilic and dissolve best in fats and oils. Which is why CBD has most often been combined with MCT carrier oils. And it’s also why almost every CBD food or drink recipe involves mixing CBD oil with at least one other oil or fat.
Unlike traditional CBD oil, water soluble CBD “oil” is produced using nanotechnology which breaks CBD oil molecules down and emulsifies them in a solution until they can be mixed with water. In addition to blending well with drinks or other recipes without the need for a fat or oil, this new water soluble CBD oil is actually more easily absorbed by your body.
The smaller a CBD particle is, the more easily it will bond to water molecules. And the human body just happens to be made up of 60 percent water. For the same reason, the maximum concentration of CBD oil your body can absorb is also higher with water soluble CBD oil than non-water soluble CBD oil. Since water and oil don’t mix well, your body loses a larger portion of CBD when ingesting an oil-based form.
You can also immediately swallow a water soluble CBD oil tincture and it will act just as quickly as when you hold a regular CBD oil under your tongue first. That’s because when in a water soluble form, the CBD will bind to the water molecules in your bloodstream more easily.
What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
CBD, a.k.a. cannabidiol, is just one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant. It was first identified by researchers at the University of Illinois in 1940. After it was legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill, the market was soon flooded with a range of CBD products and claims. Some of which were not legitimate, which unfortunately left many people asking, what is CBD really? And how does it work with your body?
Although cannabinoids were discovered some time ago, how, and more importantly why, they work with the human body is still being studied. But what we do know is that all mammals, including you and your dog, have what is called an endocannabinoid system, which includes CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are spread throughout your body and brain and influence a number of your bodily functions, from your appetite and sleep habits to your immune system.
Where CBD comes into the picture is in how it interacts with your cannabinoid receptors to create various desired benefits. When not influenced by CBD or other exogenous cannabinoids, your CB1 and CB2 receptors respond to two main cannabinoids (otherwise endocannabinoids) which your body produces: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Both of which are produced and used by your body every single day.
CBD Defined
Understanding how CBD works really comes down to knowing how your endocannabinoid system operates and what functions it’s responsible for. Because once you know what cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are, seeing how your body uses CBD oil becomes much easier.
What Are Cannabinoids?
A cannabinoid is simply a chemical substance that interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system. Contrary to popular belief, cannabinoids are not only a group of substances, such as CBD and THC, found in the Cannabis sativa plant. In fact, your own body actually produces cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids, simply meaning “growing or originating from within an organism.”
And your aptly named endocannabinoid system, which is made up of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors, is responsible for helping your body achieve homeostasis by using any cannabinoids available. When only associated with the Cannabis sativa plant, cannabinoids can receive a bum rap when in fact your endocannabinoid system is constantly using cannabinoids (mainly anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)) to operate on a daily basis.
Where CBD and the other Cannabis sativa plant cannabinoids, also referred to as phytocannabinoids or exogenous cannabinoids, come into play is in their ability to boost your body’s own functions by interacting with your CB1 and CB2 receptors. Both of which encompass the entirety of your central and peripheral nervous systems.
What Are CB1 Receptors?
CB1 and CB2 receptors are located throughout your entire body and act as your endocannabinoid system’s connection points for cannabinoids. While CB1 receptors are found almost exclusively within your central nervous system (CNS), CB2 receptors are predominantly located within your peripheral nervous system (PNS). CB1 receptors in particular are responsible for responses relating to your immune cells, appetite, pain perception, and memory.
So when it comes to a particular phytocannabinoid or endocannabinoid, it’s important to know which receptor(s) it interacts with and how. Take THC and THCV, for example. A lot of THC’s stereotypical effects on your appetite and brain are a result of its connection with your CB1 receptors, which are responsible for appetite stimulation in addition to a psychoactive “high” and many other factors.
Like THC, THCV also interacts with your CB1 receptors but with one important difference: THCV actually blocks your CB1 receptors (resulting in a suppression of your appetite). In fact, thanks to its relationship with your CB1 receptors, THCV may go so far as to actually block or counteract various psychoactive properties of THC.
Where Can You Buy It?
When it comes down to buying CBD oil, the only two choices are online CBD stores and brick and mortar shops. While each boasts some advantages, being able to buy CBD oil online far outweighs in-person shopping, at least when it comes to the magnitude of information available at your fingertips. Plus, you can shop at your own pace from the comfort of your home, and you’ll never have to wait in line.
Quality online CBD stores will already have pages and pages of information for you to sort through if you’re curious, be it on their blog or under their “about” pages. And in addition, they may also offer a live chat function so you can get right to the heart of any questions you may have.
In addition to having all the information you could ever need, transparent CBD companies will also readily provide you with ISO-certified third-party testing results so you can know exactly what you’re getting before you buy it. Not to mention, the average price of CBD oil products is often cheaper online than when purchased in store thanks to lower overhead costs.
How to Find the Best CBD Supplements
With so many different CBD companies on the market today, let alone the variety of CBD products themselves, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Which is why we recommend narrowing your search down to a particular company first, then choosing which of their products (CBD oil tinctures, gummies, softgels, etc.) best suits your needs.
When you’re thinking about how to find the best tincture for anxiety or sleep disorders, for example, it’s also important to consider any possible limitations you might have, such as THC and any current medications you might be taking. As always, before making your final decision we recommend speaking with your doctor before starting a new health and wellness routine.
How to Find the Best Tincture for Anxiety or Sleep Issues
Two of the most common reasons people decide to use CBD oil are for everyday anxiety and sleep regulation. Which makes sense, because half of the CBD oil benefits we list include promoting a sense of calm and relaxation and improving your mood and the quality of your sleep. So really, it’s a no-brainer. And because both of these problems are ones you’ll want dealt with quickly, using a CBD oil tincture is your best option.
Why a CBD oil tincture? Because of all ingestible CBD options, tinctures reach your bloodstream the fastest. When you place the dropper under your tongue and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing, what you’re really doing is giving the CBD oil enough time to absorb through the mucus membrane under your tongue and head straight to your bloodstream. Not that there’s anything wrong with gummies or softgels, but CBD oil tinctures will go into effect about 30 minutes faster.
With that decision made, it comes down to finding the best CBD oil tincture for you. Which can be a very personal choice depending on your individual needs.
Does your stress and anxiety rear its head more often when you have a rough night’s sleep? CBD PM tinctures might be the right answer for you. Do your sleepless nights result from all the stress you experience during the workday? Then a daily CBD oil tincture that you take once or twice during the day might be a better solution for you.
And when it comes to daily CBD oil tinctures, at cbdMD you actually have three varieties to choose from: broad spectrum CBD oil, full spectrum CBD oil, and water soluble CBD oil. The real difference between the first two is the inclusion of the federally legal amount of THC in full spectrum oil. But where water soluble CBD oil shines is both in its ability to be absorbed by your body faster and more efficiently as well as mix easily into your morning coffee or nightly tea.
Why all the different CBD oil tincture options? Because we want you to get exactly what you need and nothing more. Don’t feel comfortable using a tincture with any amount of THC in it? Then our superior broad spectrum CBD formula is the perfect option for you. Prefer to add your CBD oil tinctures to your favorite daily drink so you don’t disrupt your normal routine? Look no further than our water soluble CBD oils.
Once you decide which CBD oil tincture is right for you, we offer all four in a variety of concentrations so you can take as much or as little CBD as you feel comfortable with.
Choosing the Right CBD Product for You
Deciding which CBD product is right for you often comes down to three main factors: the reason behind your CBD needs, the rate at which you want to see the benefits, and personal preference.
If you’re struggling with exercise-related discomfort or looking to relieve some muscle tension, taking a CBD oil tincture or eating a CBD gummy wouldn’t make a lot of sense when what you need is a CBD topical like CBD Freeze or CBD Recover. Likewise, if you have a daily struggle with anxiety and stress, you’re more likely to benefit from broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD oil tinctures or calming gummies than by using CBD skin care products.
Where tinctures, softgels, and gummies really differ is in how fast they go into effect and how long the benefits last. Because CBD oil tinctures are absorbed faster and go into effect sooner, their benefits also tend not to last as long. Conversely, it might take a little longer for your body to see the CBD benefits of softgels and gummies, but their effects will last longer.
But of course the largest factor that comes into play when choosing the right CBD product for yourself is personal preference. Maybe you don’t like how tinctures taste? Then CBD gummies would be a great option for you. Or if you want to just bundle CBD in with your other supplements or vitamins, maybe a CBD softgel would be the right choice for you. Every CBD product has their own strengths and weaknesses depending upon how you want them to work for you.
CBD Oil Is Your New Best Friend and Here’s Why!
CBD oil comes in a wide range of forms for a reason: We know everyone’s needs and preferences are different, and we want to make sure there is a CBD product for everybody. Whether you’re looking for the right product to enhance a specific need or want to use a few different forms of CBD throughout the day, we want it to be as easy and simple for you as possible.
Because you’re busy, you’ve got a great life to lead, and we get that. And we’re here to make sure you get the CBD benefits you need.