CBD Oil and Cannabis Oil Explained
CBD oil is available just about everywhere. You’ll find it in medical marijuana and recreational dispensaries, of course. But, you might see it in drug stores, farmers’ markets, spas, hair dressers, and even bars. There are few quality standards, and the labeling can be confusing. What you need to know is that not all CBD oil is the same nor what it’s cracked up to be. The world of CBD oil and cannabis oil explained here should help you shop wisely.
The anatomy of CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids in plants belonging to the ruderalis family. These cannabinoids map over to the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) with varying effects.
THC (∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the more famous cannabinoid because it triggers psychoactive events from low energy to euphoria edging towards paranoia. CBD, on the other hand, soothes and calms.
Various strains of cannabis contain differing rations of THC and CBD. However, the cannabis strains used for medical and recreational benefits belong to a larger botanical group called Hemp, a ruderalis strains known for its ability to grow and survive in hostile environments. People have grown hemp for eons as a source of food and fiber.
CBD Oil is extracted from Hemp and from cannabis strains. Because hemp-derived CBD Oil has minimal traces of THC, it is available throughout the United States. Because cannabis-derived CBD Oil may contain THC, it is marketed under legislative restraints.
THC is known to bind to neuro cells to agitate the nerve system and/or to restore its proper transmission of messages to the brain. CBD does not bind to neurotransmitters, but its mechanism of action is not clear. Evidence indicates CBD runs interference to prevent attacks on that neuro-system. For example, it fights inflammation and reduces spasms.
CBD Oil extraction
Producers extract oil by flushing away all other plant components. They use various solvents to do this: butane, ethanol, methanol, CO2, and others. Except for CO2, these solvents can present risk in processing and may leave toxins in the final product.
Many veteran users extract oil for personal use, but this is not recommended because of the difficulty and risk. Customers should read labels carefully to determine processing and purity.
The benefit of hemp-derived CBD oil
Most CBD oils available come from hemp. They have the benefit of serving the market for some time. Long considered and sold as natural food supplements, they serve a ready market.
As competition has increased, some manufacturers have made claims bordering on misrepresentation. These providers have spurred attention by the FDA which is not good for the hemp or cannabis industry. Nonetheless, user have found hemp-based CBD oil beneficial and therapeutic.
Spruce
Product: 2,400mg of full spectrum CBD in hemp seed oil
Ingredients: Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Full Spectrum CBD Oil
User highlights: This is a high-potency (80mg/1ml dropper), vegan and gluten-free CBD oil with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. It is 100% natural, lab grade, and third-party tested. However, at its high price, you may want to shop some more.
FABCBD
Product: Labeled as “dietary supplement,” FABCBD oil comes in four strengths and a variety of flavors.
Ingredients: Organically grown hemp extract, full-spectrum cannabinoid blend, with natural flavoring sources. Mint, vanilla, berry, and citrus are sourced in terpenes and medium chain triglycerides.
User highlights: Users compliment the taste and effectiveness pointing out the value for its low price. Pure CBD oil may be able to provide reduce daily stress, help recovery from strenuous exercise, and clear mental focus.
Charlotte’s Web
Product: Stanley Brothers’ Charlotte’s Web is a small batch process with 50mg/ml CBD.
Ingredients: Charlotte’s Web contains 100% naturally occurring phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and more with no additives.
User highlights: Charlotte’s Web is renowned for its ability to reduce neuro- and muscular spasms. This is not the compassionate care Charlotte’s Web distributed in accordance with medical prescriptions for the treatment of recalcitrant epilepsy, the epilepsy that does not respond to standard remedies. However, user report it helps relieve anxiety and stress, reduce exercise-related inflammation, and support natural sleep cycles.
These leading hemp-based CBD oils lead the field of hundreds of brands out there. Each meets the limited standards on 3rd-party testing and full labeling.
The benefits of cannabis-derived CBD Oil
Producers make cannabis-derived CBD Oil in much the same way they make hemp CBD Oil. However, the oil is extracted from cannabis strains with various loads of CBD and THC. While users typically take hemp oil sublingually, cannabis CBD Oil may also be used in recipes, beverages, and candies.
While cannabis oil will include more THC than the >3% trace tested in hemp, the THC may be more or less potent. Many prefer to ingest cannabis oil than to smoke it or use in bongs, dabs, and other devices.
Leef’s Cheese Quake CO2 Oil
Product: This product originates in Indica strains and bottles with 19% THC and 1.5% CBD.
Ingredients: Cheese Quake crosses Cheese and Querkle strains for a lightly grape flavor and funky smell.
User highlights: This oil will produce a cerebral high, a tingling that will last a long time. The CBD count offsets the THC influence to some extent, so experiences report a good daytime use with an uplifting euphoria and a clear focus.
Bloom Farms PAX Era Pods
Product: Bloom Farms markets a line of oils in vaping pods extracted through a solvent and petroleum-free CO2 extraction process.
Ingredients: Third-party testing puts this blend of Sativa strains at 60% to 90% THC.
User highlights: The taste and aroma mix citrus and earth for mental energy and stimulation. Hit it heavy, and it will floor you. But four or five hits should set you up for hours.
Caliva’s G Pen GIO Bods
Product: These pods are meant for Caliva’s handsome G Pen Gio device. This pen has no temp control, so it should be used according to instructions.
Ingredients: Caliva produce CBD Oil pods, but the THC version provides a smooth flavor despite its 80% THC.
User highlights: Caliva is a San Jose brick-and-mortar location dedicated to creating their own lines from in-house seeds and strains. That limits the product’s accessibility but increases respect for the store and its outputs.
An oily takeaway
Thousands of ailing people swear by hemp-derived CBD Oil. They rely on it for the calm it brings to anxiety and stress, the relief it provides for inflammatory pain, its help in correcting sleep disorders, and the calm it brings to spastic events.
Cannabis Oil extracted from Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis strains can produce light to potent psychoactive events. Users are advised to use it in moderation before titrating to higher potency oils or more frequent dosage. THC Oil can benefit those with mood disorders, PTSD, chronic anxiety or depression, ADHD, and more. However, it remains illegal and unavailable in states where recreational marijuana has yet to be legislated favorably.
New users should know what they want, what they are looking for, and what the label discloses.
