Almost everywhere you look, someone is trying to sell you CBD oil. Whether it's the convenience store down the road or your grocery store. But what exactly is CBD oil and how do you use it?
You will learn the key factors for choosing a CBD, including:
- What is CBD oil
- How to use CBD oil
- What to use CBD oil for
- What is the correct dosage for CBD oil
- Is CBD oil safe
- Which CBD oil is right for you
- How to store your CBD oil
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a phytocannabinoid (or plant chemical) found in certain plants, specifically the Cannabis variety of plants, including both industrial hemp and marijuana plants.
Hemp plants tend to have a higher concentration of CBD than marijuana plants, so they are used to make CBD products. This is why many CBD products are labeled as “CBD hemp extract” or just plain “hemp extract”.
CBD oil typically comes in a glass bottle with a dropper to assist in administering the oil orally. The CBD oil is not pure CBD concentrate. It is usually mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil, hemp oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, and others.
This helps dilute the natural taste of the CBD extract. Sometimes you will notice CBD oil comes in different flavors, including spearmint and strawberry. This flavoring helps provide a sweet taste to the oil versus the natural bitter taste.
How to Use CBD Oil Tinctures?
CBD oil is meant to be taken orally. The preferred method is place the drops under your tongue and let it sit there for 60 seconds. This allows the CBD to absorb into your bloodstream. Then swallow the remaining CBD oil.
Tinctures usually come with a dropper to allow for measurement of the CBD oil tincture so that you don't have to count how many drops you are taking.
Lately, people have also been suing CBD oil as a topical due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes, people will take a small amount (such as 1 or 2 drops) and rub it into their face or wherever they have dry skin, such as elbows or knees, to help soften the skin.
What Do You Use CBD Oil For?
Potential uses of CBD include chronic pain, pain relief, relaxation, anxiety relief, depression, mental health disorders, autism, insomnia, acne, and bone health. It can also be used for general health as part of your daily routine.
Most common, however, is the use of CBD oil for chronic pain and anxiety relief. However, none of these uses have been clinically proven. This is why CBD companies cannot make claims that their CBD product will "cure" you, because it has not been validated. While there have been theories and anecdotal evidence, be skeptical of CBD marketing that seems t0o good to be true.
What is the Correct Dosage for CBD Oil?
Photo by Enecta Cannabis extracts on Unsplash
There are no valid dosage recommendations for CBD oil.
Your specific dosage relates to genetics, height, weight, dosage form, and other medications you are taking. Therefore, doses can vary from person to person.
There is no one set dosage that will provide you the desired effect.
There is a popular saying amongst CBD users – “start low and go slow”. This means to start with small doses and gradually increase the dose until you reach the desired effect.
Finding the right dose for you will take time and involves some trial and error. Don't get discouraged. Be patient and stick with it. Consistency is key with CBD.
What exactly is CBD oil and how do you use it?
Are CBD Oils Safe?
Yes, CBD oil tinctures are generally considered safe to use.
- CBD is not considered to have an addictive profile
- CBD does not provide a high, like THC
- CBD does not have a lot of major side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and drowsiness
However, if you are taking prescription medication, there can be a risk of drug interactions. That said, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before taking CBD products.
Lastly, always check the ingredients of the CBD oil and ensure you are not allergic or sensitive to any of the carrier oils in the product.
How Do I Know Which CBD Oil is Right for Me?
With so many CBD oils available, and new brands popping up every day, it is easy to get overwhelmed when trying to buy one. Finding a reputable brand takes some research.
A few things to keep in mind when researching CBD oil:
- Has the product been lab tested?
- What to look for in lab testing
CBD Oil Lab Testing
When researching CBD oil, ask to see the Lab Tests, also known as Certificate of Analysis or COA. Usually these should be done by a third party lab, and not the manufacturer.
What to look for in these lab results?
Lab result can be confusing to read, but there are only a few key items to look out for.
- Confirm that the CBD content on the lab result matches the CBD content on the labeling
- Check that the THC content is less than the federal limit of 0.3%. Usually it will be a percentage or say ND (not detected)
- Confirm there are no pesticides, heavy metals or other harmful ingredients
What are the different CBD oil tinctures available?
Photo by Chelsea Shapouri
What is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum CBD oil includes extracts of the whole plant including terpenes, CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids such as CBG or CBN. Many people prefer a full spectrum oil due to the entourage effect, meaning both CBD and THC.
What is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad spectrum CBD oil are also extracts of the whole plant, but typically does not include THC. Broad spectrum CBD oil is good for consumers who have a THC sensitivity, or do not want THC in their products to avoid an issues during a drug test.
What is Isolate CBD Oil?
Isolate CBD oil are extracts that only contain CBD, and not the other cannabinoids or THC. Isolate CBD oil tends to be cheaper than a full spectrum or a broad spectrum oil.
How Do I Store My CBD Oil Tinctures?
As with most medications and supplements, it is best to store your CBD oil tinctures at room temperature.
What Else Do I Need to Know About CBD Oil?
One hot topic around CBD is regulation. Currently, there is no regulation of CBD products, meaning that it is the company’s responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and only contain what is represented on their labeling.
Final Thoughts on CBD Oil
With more CBD brands entering into the market it is important to educate yourself before buying these CBD products. As a reminder:
- Check that your product has been lab tested
- Confirm with your doctor there are no interactions with CBD and your current medication
- Check out any customer reviews about the brand that you are contemplating
- Be wary of any medical claims, such as CBD oil can "cure" a specific ailment
CBD oils have many potential benefits. That's why we hope this guide helps you find a reputable brand to ensure you can reap the benefits.
Check out our selection of CBD Oils by Koi Naturals and Kore Organics.
Author: Shereen Kassam
Date: October 01, 2019
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Category: CBD Oil TInctures, Koi CBD Oil, Usage of CBD Oil