What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a cannabis oil that has significant amounts of cannabidiol (CBD) contained within it. CBD is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, and it has been shown to have some impressive medical benefits.
Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and will not get you high. This makes it an appealing option for patients who are looking for relief from various conditions but don’t want the psychoactive effects associated with traditional cannabis use.
Types of CBD Oils
There are a few different types of CBD oils, each with its own benefits.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum oils use all parts of the cannabis plant during extraction. As a result, it is a product rich in CBD and contains low amounts of THC, less than 0.3%. Full-spectrum CBD oil includes a wide range of flavonoids and terpenes, which give off an earthy flavor.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum products contain a variety of cannabinoids and compounds from the cannabis plant. It may also contain trace amounts of THC and other compounds such as cannabinol, cannabichromene, and terpenes.
Isolate CBD Oil
As the name implies, isolate CBD oil is a pure form of CBD oil since it only contains CBD. This product is devoid of other cannabinoids or other natural compounds commonly found in the cannabis plant. The manufacturing process involves the thorough removal of the cannabinoids while retaining CBD.
The extraction process leaves you with a highly potent CBD product that maintains its potency even when you use it as an ingredient in lotions, food, or other substances.
Is Cannabidiol CBD Oil Different from Hemp Seed Oil?
Despite some people’s confusion, the two, CBD oil and hemp seed oil, differ in content and production method. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are quite different, despite both being sourced from the cannabis sativa plant.
Hemp seed oil is an extract from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Generally, the seeds have a low level of CBD. However, they contain essential nutrients, healthy fats, and other compounds that are beneficial to your health.
On the other hand, CBD oil comes from the hemp plant’s flowers, stalks, and leaves. These contain a high level of CBD, which delivers several health benefits.
How is CBD Oil Made?
Manufacturers in the hemp industry extract cannabidiol CBD oil from the cannabis plant using carbon dioxide. The process leads to a CBD-rich extract, which is added to carrier oil. The most common carrier oil manufacturers use is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), found in coconut oil. Other carrier oils include olive oil, vegetable oil, and sunflower oil.
After adding the extract to the carrier oils, manufacturers then consider the potency of the CBD content in the oil. Typically, the potency of the end product depends on the hemp plant used in the extraction.
Furthermore, in making full-spectrum products, manufacturers have to maintain all components in the extracts. However, the only essential component to be extracted for CBD isolate is CBD.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
As scientists explore more natural remedies for common ailments, CBD oil is gaining popularity for its wide range of benefits in the medical industry. Some health benefits may require more extensive research to ascertain any health risks they may possess. However, we’ve compiled possible health benefits based on ongoing research to help you determine if CBD oil is right for you.
Anxiety Relief
Scientific references suggest that CBD oil can be effective against anxiety symptoms. This is according to 2015 research showing robust anxiety relief effects in animals such as rats. The study also found that the animal’s heart rate improved, as well as other psychological symptoms.
Surprisingly, lower dosage levels of CBD oil produce anxiety relief symptoms compared to high dosages. In a study conducted in 2019, a sample of 57 men was selected for a simulated public speaking test. Researchers divided the group into two, one receiving CBD oil and the other a placebo.
The portion of men who took low doses of CBD oil (300 mg) displayed significant anxiety relief with low heart rates and blood pressure. However, the men who took high doses (600 mg) had no effects.
To explain this, low levels of CBD in the brain tend to bind with receptors similarly to the surrounding molecules. This binding then heightens the signaling, which produces anxiety relief effects. In higher doses, the binding at the receptor leads to the opposite effect; therefore, you will not experience anxiety relief.
Furthermore, CBD oil is also effective against other forms of anxiety, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. Other studies suggest that cannabidiol oil products may also cure insomnia caused by anxiety.
Chronic Pain Relief
A study conducted in 2020 looked into the effect of topical CBD oil on people experiencing damage to the peripheral neuropathy of the legs. The study sampled participants who received 250 mg of CBD infused in oil and others on placebo. The former reported significant pain relief and reduced itchy sensations, while the latter had no effects.
In another study, a 1:1 combination of CBD and THC sprayed into the mouth revealed its effectiveness in treating noncancer or neuropathic pain. This led to the approval of Sativex in Canada in 2005. CBD is an active ingredient in Sativex that can provide relief in cases of muscle spasticity.
A 2016 study also examined the effectiveness of CBD oil in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers applied CBD gels to rats over a four-day period. The rats received different CBD dosages, and after a while, researchers noted a significant reduction in inflammation and pain in their joints.
The study also revealed that low dosages of 3.1 mg were not effective in relieving rheumatoid arthritis pain. A 6.2mg/day dosage proved effective in curing sharp pain; however, increasing the dosage did not increase the chronic pain relief effect in the rats. CBD interacts with neurotransmitters in your body’s central nervous system during pain management.
Although cannabidiol oil has proved to be effective in alleviating chronic pain symptoms, researchers still need to conduct further studies using a larger sample of human participants over an extended period.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a common ailment, affecting nearly two out of every 10 people. It is evident in people who have experienced loss, disaster, accidents, or war.
An extensive study on medical cannabis shows that it is an effective treatment for PTSD. This CBD treatment can ease symptoms. However, more human studies must be undertaken to determine its safe use.
Furthermore, research into hemp-derived CBD products shows that consuming CBD after a traumatic episode can prevent the brain from creating memories that would later manifest as PTSD.
Preclinical evidence also indicates that CBD effectively reduces nightmares and flashbacks that are not pleasant.
High Blood Pressure
CBD oil is said to help reduce high blood pressure, which is a common side effect of stress.
One study showed that CBD oil was able to significantly lower blood pressure in rats. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Addiction Treatment
According to scientific references, CBD oil may help reduce drug dependency for people with substance abuse problems. The study included a review of studies examining CBD’s effects on animals and humans. Researchers found that CBD products significantly affect people with cocaine and opioid disorders.
The review revealed that CBD products reduce the anxiety and cues related to relapses from drug dependency. Moreover, CBD interacts with the brain, which controls drug cravings and other related behaviors triggered by substance use disorders.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry shows the possibility of CBD reducing heroin drug cravings. The study sampled men and women undergoing addiction recovery from heroin use disorder. Participants were divided into three groups depending on dosage; 400 mg, 800 mg, and placebo. The participants then watched two videos, one on nature scenes and the other on drug-related activities. Participants who took CBD reported fewer drug cravings than the placebo group.
Sleep Disorders
According to 2014 research, CBD can impact sleep cycles and reduce sleep disorders. The study sampled patients with Parkinson’s disease who received doses of CBD products. The patients later experienced improved sleep with fewer instances of REM sleep behavior disorder without side effects.
Further research in 2017 revealed that CBD could cure RBD and excessive sleepiness during the day.
Furthermore, CBD can cure symptoms of insomnia much better than THC can. If you experience problems sleeping through the night or other sleep disorders, you should discuss with a health professional if CBD is suitable for you.
Seizures
Medical marijuana has been used for centuries as a treatment for seizures with remarkable results. However, it is not clear how CBD prevents seizures.
Your body regulates certain functions, such as sleep, pain, and appetite, using the endocannabinoid system. The human nervous system comprises receptors and neurotransmitters that interact with CBD to alter these functions by reducing neuron excitability.
In 2016, a study sampled 214 participants with epilepsy who took oral CBD daily. After a 12-week period, participants reported 36.5% fewer seizures each month.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Epidiolex as a treatment option for seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex. Eidolex is an oral solution containing CBD used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet Syndrome.
These rare and severe forms of genetic disorders tend to affect children under two years, leading to seizures that last a lifetime.
Neuroprotective
Neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, over time, cause the deterioration of the brain and nerves. Researchers are looking into the possible use of CBD to treat these ailments.
The studies reveal that CBD can effectively reduce inflammation, which may worsen the disorder’s symptoms. However, more research is required to fully ascertain the effect of CBD oil in curing these ailments.
Anti Acne Treatment
Acne is a nuisance that most people wish to live without. Various products in the therapeutic industry claim to reduce the onset of acne and its spread. Acne is caused by the excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands.
CBD works by altering its production and reducing body inflammation. This significantly proves that CBD can be used in acne management. However, more human studies are needed to assess the risks and benefits. Before considering CBD oil as a cure for acne, it is best to consult your dermatologist.
Risks and Side Effects of CBD Oil
CBD oil has its fair share of risks despite its acclaimed health benefits. So far, research does not conclusively reveal the effects of cannabidiol CBD when alleviating certain health issues.
While some products have FDA approval, many are still in clinical trials. Therefore, before choosing to use CBD oil, it is crucial to be wary of the side effects. Although it has proved to be effective in combating inflammatory and neuropathic pain, you should see a healthcare provider first for advice.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, a cause of concern when using CBD products is that they may increase levels of prescribed medications in the body and cause blood thinning- a similar effect that grapefruit delivers.
Moreover, prolonged use of CBD may result in liver disease by increasing liver enzymes that cause liver inflammation. If you opt for CBD oil use, it is advisable to have a healthcare provider regularly check your liver for any issues.
Doctors also advise against using CBD for people with eye problems such as glaucoma. Eye pressure increases in the eyes, which may aggravate eye conditions or cause dry eyes. Other common side effects of CBD oil use include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal Problems
Is CBD Legal?
Yes, CBD is legal in the United States. Under the Controlled Substances Act in the 2018 farm bill, CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are permitted at the federal level. So, since CBD falls in this category it was removed from the controlled substances list. However, this may vary with various state laws.
What is the Right CBD Dose?
Aside from Epidolex, most CBD products remain unregulated and are considered illegal. However, you may find CBD as dietary supplement or food in the market. Several factors can determine the proper dosage for you, including :
- Body weight
- Your endocannabinoid system
- Condition or ailment you’re treating
- CND concentration
Generally, doctors advise starting with small doses and gradually increasing as you monitor changes in your body. Self-medication can be detrimental to your health, especially if you have any of the conditions mentioned under the risks category.
The ideal way to determine the proper CBD dosage is by consulting your doctor. CBD dosage is a gray area that requires further research to ascertain the safe levels that deliver relief from ailments.
How To Calculate CBD Dosage
Typically, CBD dosing is measured per unit. For example, softgels, gummies, and capsules can be expressed as 50 milligrams each. It is easy to determine the CBD dosage in capsules and gummies since they are pre-measured. The only disadvantage is that you won’t be able to reduce the dosage since it is nearly impossible to split the capsules.
On the other hand, CBD oil and tinctures provide dosage flexibility. These CBD products have similar packaging-small bottles of 30 ml. You can quickly start with a small dose and gradually increase the dosage.
However, you should check the bottle’s label for the concentration of CBD in tinctures since some may have 1500 mg, 3000 mg, or more per milliliter.
Since CBD products remain largely unregulated, determining the proper dosage can be tricky. Tinctures and CBD oil bottles will have a dropper for administering the cannabidiols. Most droppers have a volume of 0.05 milliliters. You can check the bottle to inquire about the exact volume of the dropper from the company.
When calculating the amount of CBD oil in every drop, we will use the example of a 30-milliliter bottle with a 1,5000-milligram concentration of CBD. By dividing the two, you will see that for every milliliter, you will consume 50 mg of CBD. Assuming that every dropper has a volume of 0.05 mL, then a single drop will contain 1.5 mg of CBD.
How to Buy Safe CBD Oil?
With the non-regulation of most CBD products, finding products containing pure CBD may be daunting. Most manufacturers may claim this on their packaging, but you can never be too sure.
Research conducted in 2017 estimated that only 31% of cannabidiol extracts sold online have correct labels. The remaining 69% either had higher levels of CBD than indicated, while others contained THC.
For safe buying practices of CBD products, you should consider the following tips:
Buy Domestic: Purchasing locally made products is considerably safer than buying imports. Most companies in the U.S. subscribe to safe CBD production mechanisms. Moreover, you can easily inquire about the product’s contents or lodge complaints in the case of unsafe products.
Look out for organic tags: The U.S. Department of Agriculture certifies brands using organic raw materials in their process. Products containing such tags are free from pesticides or other compounds that may harm your health.
Check the product label: The product label will contain a list of all the ingredients in the CBD product. Check for unfamiliar ingredients and inquire about what they are. Some manufacturers will provide a list of ingredients on their websites. If you fail to find it, contact the company or inquire at the retail outlet.
Third-Party Testing: Due to a lack of regulations, unscrupulous vendors may take advantage of this gap and sell brands that may pose harm to the individual. Third-party testing is one way to ensure that your CBD oil is safe for consumption. Tested and verified by third-party labs, CBD products are ideal.
Can You Overdose on CBD?
Just like any other thing in life, too much of something can be bad for you. The same applies to CBD product consumption. Too much CBD intake can result in adverse side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, stomach upsets, and drowsiness.
As mentioned earlier, CBD dosage depends on several factors, including your body’s weight. If you exceed the limit, you will likely develop unpleasant side effects. Moreover, CBD can alter the levels of other medications present in the body, particularly blood thinners, seizures, and thyroid medication.
How to Take CBD Oil
Now that you know all about CBD oil, you should also know the various ways to ingest it. However, the different methods vary in CBD concentration. But don’t worry, you are still spoiled for choice; you can decide to place a few drops under your tongue or infuse CBD oil in your workout smoothies. Here are a few ways you can explore them:
Capsules
Capsules are a safe way of consuming CBD oil. However, it may take longer to experience any effects since it is absorbed through your digestive tract. Before opting for capsules, you should research safe options in the market or consider the guide above for safe buying practices.
Sublingual
Sublingual means holding something under your tongue. A popular way for cannabidiol enthusiasts to take CBD oil is by placing a few drops under the tongue and holding for a few seconds.
CBD absorption using this method tends to be faster. This is due to the permeable mucous membranes that absorb CBD directly in the mouth. The longer you hold the oil, the higher the rate of absorption.
Infuse in a Smoothie
A workout routine can lead to severe joint pain and muscle aches. Infusing CBD in your smoothie can help reduce inflammation, and you’ll return to your routine in no time. Also, adding a few drops to your smoothie can help mask the earthy flavor.
Add a Twist to your Morning Coffee
Early morning coffee gives you the right kick to start your day. If you’re not a fan of the anxiety that coffee causes, adding a few drops of CBD oil to your cup will fix that. What’s more, if you are on a regular CBD dosage, adding it to your coffee ensures you don’t miss your daily dose.
Furthermore, research proves that you can increase the bioavailability of CBD oil in your body with a fatty meal. You can opt to include unsalted grass-fed butter for a higher uptake.
In Salad Dressings
Another way to enjoy CBD oil is by using it as a salad dressing. You may use it as a supplement to olive oil for a nutritious and healthy salad dressing. You can add two teaspoons of CBD after adding your olive oil. Then squeeze in half a lemon and add salt and pepper to mask the earthy flavor.
Edibles
Do you have a sweet tooth or a knack for baking? Well, edibles are a sure way of enjoying a delicious and healthy meal infused with CBD oil. You can use CBD oil with any recipe except those that require high heat. With baking, there are limitless options to explore with CBD oil. You can bake cakes, cookies, bread, or chocolates.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
Like any other product, CBD oil does expire. Generally, the lifespan of CBD ranges between 12 and 24 months. However, the longevity of life is a function of different factors. How you handle and store your CBD oil can prolong its shelf life. Here are a few pointers to consider:
Quality of CBD Oil
It goes without saying that quality products tend to last longer than counterfeit ones. Quality CBD oil will use high-quality raw materials subjected to particular growing conditions.
Also, additional ingredients in the oil will always be of similar quality. Low-quality products will have a shorter lifespan. What’s more, they may lead to harmful effects on your body.
Extraction Process
Another factor to look for is the extraction method used to produce CBD oil. The holy grail of extraction methods uses carbon to retrieve cannabinoids from the cannabis sativa plant. This method results in stable compounds and maximizes the level of CBD.
Ingredients
The more ingredients the CBD oil has, the less shelf life it has. Just like CBD, the ingredients also have their own shelf lives, which will affect the quality of your oil. In such cases, less is more. Look out for the list of ingredients on the product label or ask the manufacturer for the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Packaging Bottles
When buying CBD oil, you will notice that manufacturers use amber bottles as a common packaging method. The dark color prevents sunlight penetration, which generally deteriorates CBD oil quality. Also, it would be best to look for airtight packaging that prevents the oil’s exposure to air.
Handling
How you handle your CBD oil is also instrumental in stretching its shelf life. Avoid mixing droppers or using a stained one. You may want to clean your dropper after each use. Alternatively, you can use a teaspoon and pour the mixture into a cup to avoid contamination.
Storage
Finally, ensure you store your cannabidiol CBD oil bottle in a cool and dark place. Heat and light can speed up the rate of CBD degradation.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil Near Me In San Antonio, TX?
Artisan Vapor & CBD provides the highest quality CBD oil products online and in our retail stores. For specific health conditions and pain medications, CBD is growing in popularity, and most researchers consider it a safe alternative. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before opting for CBD treatment. Come visit us in our local store, Artisan Vapor & CBD San Antonio l Vape Shop l CBD Store l Smoke Shop | Kratom l Delta 8 THC | Elf Bar | Esco Bars | 3Chi, in San Antonio, TX at 9820 Huebner Rd #103, San Antonio, TX 78240 to buy CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD tinctures, and other CBD products. If you are looking for CBD oil near me in San Antonio, TX, visit us today to find a CBD oil product for you. We are open 7 days a week. Our hours are Sunday 12:00PM-9:00PM and Monday-Saturday 10:00AM-9:00PM.
FAQs
Generally, most CBD products do not contain THC. THC-containing products tend to show up during drug tests. All CBD products are made from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC. Such trace amounts will not easily be detected during a drug test.
The absorption of CBD oil in your body depends on several factors. For instance, CBD oil with a high concentration may deliver faster relief. Also, the method of consumption may affect how fast it works. Oral consumption will take 15 to 45 minutes, whereas topical use may take longer.
CBD is a non-psychoactive ingredient that does not lead to a high effect, unlike THC. Taking the same dose of THC and CBD can result in an entourage effect by complementing each other. This means CBD could lower the high of THC. THC can also intensify the effects of CBD.