Cannabidiol (CBD) is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. It may produce a feeling of calm and relaxes the user instead of making users feel high or intoxicated that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does. CBD has become so popular these days that you can now find all sorts of products that include CBD, and among them, CBD oil is probably the most famous. In this blog, we‘ll tell you everything about CBD oil and where it comes from.
What is CBD oil and how is it made?
Manufacturers make CBD oil by extracting CBD from hemp and adding the extract into a carrier oil, which usually includes hemp seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or MCT oil. There are many methods for extracting CBD and making CBD oil, but carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is the most popular one. In CO2 extraction, manufacturers pump CO2 into a chamber containing hemp material. Due to high pressure, the CO2 absorbs the flavors and oils of the plant matter. Then the mixture of CO2 and plant matter is transferred into a different chamber where CO2 returns to its gaseous state, only leaving flavors and oil behind. Other extraction methods include oil infusion and liquid solvents.
What makes CBD oil pure?
When it comes to CBD oil, the term “pure“ can have two different meanings. When a person says pure CBD oil, they may be referring to any type of CBD oil that doesn‘t contain harmful elements and doesn‘t contain any contaminants. Other people use “pure CBD oil“ to define CBD isolate oil. CBD isolate oil doesn‘t contain the other cannabinoids and components of the cannabis plant and contains 99% pure CBD isolate extract. So, depending on the context, pure CBD oil means that it is free of contaminants or it belongs to the isolate category.
Different ways to use CBD oil
The main reason behind the popularity of CBD oil is that you can use it in almost any way you want.
Sublingual
The sublingual method of using CBD oil is one of the most popular methods of using CBD oil. In this method, you put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue, hold them in your mouth for one or two minutes and then swallow. The mucous membrane quickly absorbs the CBD oil and enables the CBD to reach the endocannabinoid system more easily.
Topical application
In the topical application of CBD oil, you apply CBD oil directly to your skin or the problem area. CBD oil’s topical application is considered the safest method of using CBD oil because the CBD doesn’t enter your bloodstream. People using CBD oil for pain relief and to reduce inflammation often prefer this method as they can directly apply it to the target area.
Ingestion
Ingesting CBD oil is another effective method of using CBD oil. You can consume capsules containing CBD oil, make food using CBD oil, or add CBD oil to your food. This method provides long–lasting results; however, the effects of CBD oil may take a while to kick-in, somewhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours. So, don‘t consume more after taking the first dose and allow the CBD oil to produce its effects.
Inhaling
Inhaling CBD oil is the fastest–acting method of using CBD oil; however, it may not be the safest. Experts are linking smoking and vaping with lung injury and are recommending not to use vapes and e-cigarettes. So, use this method at your own discretion after doing proper research about the legality and risks of using vapes and e-cigarettes.
Uses of CBD oil?
You can use CBD oil for the following purposes:
May relieve pain
CBD oil may effectively relieve pain by interacting with the brain receptors. Due to this interaction, CBD has the potential to effectively relieve multiple types of pain, including chronic, injury, muscle, arthritis, and MS.
May reduce seizure frequency
According to a study, CBD, along with the traditional epilepsy treatment, may reduce the frequency of seizures by 36.5%. The Food and Drug Administration has already approved a CBD-based medicine to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
May relieve anxiety
One of the most popular uses of CBD oil is to relieve feelings of anxiousness. According to research, CBD could increase serotonin levels by interacting with the serotonin receptors. The increase in serotonin levels results in a potential better mood and reduced anxiety. Another study suggests that a single dose of CBD may significantly reduce anxiety levels when compared to a placebo.
May prevent acne
Our body produces an oily substance called sebum to moisturize itself, but acne outbreaks can occur due to sebum’s overproduction. According to a study, CBD interacts with the sebaceous glands and regulates sebum production, which in turn may prevent acne. Acne can also occur due to inflammation, and data suggest that CBD has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.
May protect the brain and nerves
Researchers believe that CBD may interact with the CB1 receptor in the brain and may provide neuroprotection to patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
Side effects of CBD oil
Health experts suggest that CBD is safe to consume and doesn‘t have a risk of addiction. So pure CBD oil that is free of toxins is also safe to consume; however, people with sensitive metabolism may experience a few side effects. These side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in weight and appetite
The legality of CBD oil
Hemp–derived CBD oil containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the United States under the Farm Bill of 2018. Pure CBD oil is legally available, and you can easily buy it online or from your nearest health food store. But it is illegal in some states.
Takeaway
Pure CBD oil means isolate CBD oil or CBD oil that is free of toxins and contaminants. Before using CBD oil, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional and always buy products that are approved by an independent lab.