CBD Oil, or cannabidiol, extracted from Hemp, is being talked about as something that may help folks with Anxiety, Stress, Focus and Pain. You can purchase it online and in locally-owned private stores, coffee shops and even pet stores.
Everyone claims to have the Best CBD Oil extracted from Hemp. But what is the truth? How do you know where it is sourced? How will you know the purity of CBD Oil? Does CBD oil really do anything? Many people have questions about CBD oil and find the information confusing. Every CBD product is different so figuring out what the right way is to use it is important. People also want to make sure that the product they are buying is legit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Oil Extracted From Hemp
We will go over many frequently asked questions about CBD Oil to clear up the many misconceptions about CBD and its benefits. It is important that you do your own research. We will provide as much info as possible and links that you can use as a resource.
People are using CBD Oil for a variety of health issues. Because there have not been many studies done it is difficult to know if it will work for you. I want to make sure you are getting the best quality CBD before you buy.
Is Hemp The Same As Marijuana?
Although hemp and marijuana function differently they are from the same plant family. We also use hemp and marijuana differently and for different conditions. Marijuana can have a high level of THC and is used as a medicine or for recreational purposes. Hemp contains very little amounts of THC but is high in Cannabinoids.
A couple of years ago we found a Hemp store that sold a multitude of products. Hemp can be used in many different ways such as dietary supplements, clothing, skin products, construction materials, paper and more.
Marijuana and hemp look different, have different uses and have a different chemical makeup.
What Exactly Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a non-intoxicating chemical in the hemp or marijuana plant. The plant Cannabis sativa has two primary species, hemp and marijuana. Both contain CBD, but there’s a much higher percentage in hemp, which also has very low (less than 0.3%) levels of THC compared to marijuana.
People who are not interested in getting high or do not have a need for THC like the option of using CBD with no mind-altering side effects.
How is CBD Oil Extracted From Hemp?
This is a very important question. There are several ways to extract the CBD Oil. Extraction methods are extremely important. Some CBD oils are extracted with solvents. Only CBD extracted through a solvent-free CO2 process should be used. Hemp seed oil is not extracted from the plant itself but from the seeds. It has been used for many years and for many numerous purposes ranging from clothing to skincare.
If you are not using a CBD made from a CO2 process you may get a residue of chemicals in your supplement.
Is CBD Oil Legal In The USA
Yes! The good news is the CBD Oil does not have any THC. Unlike THC, CBD Oil does not make you high. For that reason, CBD Oil extracted from Hemp is legal to use in all states.
Are There Different Qualities of CBD Oil?
Yes, quality can vary greatly. Depending on extraction, growing and storage methods, the quality of CBD oil can be vastly different. As with any plant-based substance, the timing of the harvest also matters in relation to strength and quality.
In addition, many companies place additives in their CBD Oil that may not be ideal. You want a CBD Oil that has been 3rd Party Tested for purity and potency. You can check the manufacturer’s bottle and website for a certificate.
Can CBD Oil Be Used on Pets?
Yes! CBD oils have been used on many pets as a remedy for arthritis and anxiety. More and more animal lovers are using CBD Oil to manage their pet’s health conditions. The FDA does not allow products to be labeled for both pets and humans.
What Should I Look For When Purchasing CBD Oil Extracted from Hemp?
There are literally hundreds of brands out there so it can be confusing! Here is what I look for when purchasing our families CBD Oil.
- Look at the Label — Ingredients matter! I have seen CBD oil that is mixed with parabens, GMOs, and chemicals that I no longer want in my diet.
- Look at the Packaging — Does it come in a glass bottle with no access to light?
- Third-Party Testing — This is a must. Some CBD Oils, as well as other supplements, do not have the dosage they are claiming on their products. I have read as much as 26%!
- Isolate vs Full Spectrum — Isolate and Full Spectrum are not created equally. Full-spectrum CBD has more cannabinoids and other natural compounds that help with inflammation. CBD Isolate may be better for people who need a strong dose of just cannabidiol and have the potential to be drug tested. A CO2 extraction process avoids any thermal degradation. It also delivers pure CBD oil which is free of pesticides and residue. Full-spectrum CBD oil products have the advantage of containing many different cannabinoids and terpenes and the potential for a wider health reach but also have the chance of showing up in a drug test.
CBD and Medication Interactions
CBD can inhibit the cytochrome P450 group of liver enzymes just like grapefruit can. Thus, it can affect the potency of medications in either direction, making them stronger or weaker. To date, there is no information on which doses of CBD can affect the way different drugs react.
A patient’s doctor may want to monitor his or her blood levels of medication. This way they can make sure they’re getting the correct amount of their prescribed medicine when using CBD.
Many medical studies show that CBD has the potential for benefiting human and animal health via its connection to the ECS (endocannabinoid system). While research is ongoing, it’s fair to say CBD is capable of affecting almost every biological process in your body as it acts upon your CB1 and CB2 cell receptors (and helps your natural endocannabinoids work their magic as well).
Many people are using CBD products as a supplement for better health and even for addressing specific health issues, even though the studies are limited as to its benefits.
We encourage you to consult with healthcare providers familiar with CBD and use the following websites as resources as newly published research is coming out in real-time.
- National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/
- PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/
Key Terms You Want To Know
You will want to familiarize yourself with a few key terms associated with CBD products. You should do your own research on purchasing any supplement. Always discuss your personal situation with your doctor before starting anything new.
Full Spectrum:
Full Spectrum means that you get more helpful compounds and cannabinoids. These different compounds can amplify each other’s effects giving a better result for the person taking them. Because there are more cannabinoids, a full-spectrum CBD hemp oil is usually considered more effective. Isolated hemp oil or CBD product is considered inferior to full-spectrum. Thre are many helpful blended ingredients you get from hemp compounds. These compounds come from hundreds of naturally occurring nutrients working together. When these compounds are combined it is called the Entourage Effect creating a synergistic effect that can make the CBD oil ore potent.
Terpenes:
Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its unique flavor. They are important for getting the maximum benefit from CBD and have direct physiological calming effects on the body. They are directly responsible for the smell, taste and color of your CBD oil.
Decarboxylation:
Decarbing is an essential step in creating CBD oil. The decarboxylation process is the heating process that converts components that are inactive in cannabis into active components. In its natural state, cannabis produces CBD-A. In order to turn CBD-A into a CBD that can be used, one carbon atom must be removed also known as decarboxylated. once this has occurred, then the CBD is activated.
Hemp:
Hemp is genetically different from marijuana and is different in its use and chemical make-up. The hemp plant comes from the varieties of Cannabis sativa that do not get you high. Hemp will also have 0.3% or less of THC. Although hemp is similar to marijuana, and they come from the same plant family, hemp does not have the high THC content that marijuana has.
Third Party Laboratory Testing:
Independent third-party lab testing means exactly that. An independent third party lab that has no affiliation with the manufacturer is used to ensure the products match any claims made by the manufacturer. Make sure you are only buying a supplement that has been third party tested. Third-party labs will not have any affiliation with the suppliers or the manufacturers of the product so you can rest assured of the ingredients and quality.
From all of my research and speaking to friends who have used CBD there are some important points to remember before purchasing.
- Make sure any product you purchase has been 3rd party tested.
- Make sure you only buy CBD Oil that has been extracted without chemicals and is CO2 extracted.
- There are brands out there that offer products with absolutely no THC in them.
- Make sure you are looking at the grower’s and where your CBD is sourced.
- Federal law requires a THC concentration of 0.3%. or lower. Make sure you check with your state laws to find out what is allowable.
*Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement or nutraceutical. Especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Individual results may vary.
