How To Buy CBD Oil

If you're looking for a buying guide for the best and safest CBD oils, you're at the right spot. This article explores CBD oil, what to consider while purchasing it, its benefits, potential side effects, and FAQs about CBD oil

Cannabis plants contain a substance known as cannabidiol (CBD). Its legal status differs in states in the US. While CBD is lawful in some jurisdictions, it is only permitted for specific medical uses in others, like the UK. It's crucial to research local regulations before utilizing CBD. It's also important to keep in mind that the legal status of CBD is subject to change, so it's a good idea to be informed of any new developments. While purchasing CBD oil, you need to consider various factors that would ascertain the product's quality, thus minimizing any possible side effects.

Understanding Cannabidiol

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the several cannabinoids included in the cannabis plant known as hemp. It is well known for its possible health advantages, such as relieving epileptic symptoms, reducing pain and inflammation, and relieving higher anxiety levels. Unlike THC, another cannabinoid included in cannabis, CBD has no psychoactive effects, which means it doesn't make you "high" or alter your mood. The study on CBD's potential health benefits is still in its infancy. However, additional research is necessary to completely comprehend its functions and safety profile.

Cannabidiol is available in several forms, including gummies, oils, tinctures, capsules, and vapes. CBD oils can be consumed sublingually and orally (ingestion), depending on your preferred bioavailability.

How to buy CBD oil

Purchasing CBD oil requires precision, which helps you purchase higher-quality products since they have minimal side effects. The source information explains the hemp source, extraction method, presence of impurities such as moulds, and whether the product has undergone thorough independent lab tests.

The following are factors to consider while purchasing CBD oils:

Extraction method

It is imperative to confirm the extraction method used to obtain cannabidiol oil since it determines the product's quality. Most companies use Butane Hash Oil or CO2 extraction.

Butane Hash Oil extraction involves using butane as a 'solvent' for pulling out other chemical compounds from cannabidiol, including terpenes and flavonoids. Although it is an economical extraction method, it may leave behind solvent residues in the extract, thus reducing its quality and efficacy.

Most companies highly prefer CO2 extraction since it maintains CBD extract's higher purity and potency levels. The process involves using CO2 to pull out other chemical compounds from CBD, such as terpenes.

Third-party tests

Ensure the CBD product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. Thorough third-party tests are necessary to determine the product's potency, purity, and efficacy.

Confirm the Hemp source

Before purchasing CBD oil, ensure it's obtained from organically grown hemp plants. Inorganic substances such as moulds and pesticides may interfere with the product's purity levels and cause side effects such as diarrhoea, fatigue, and vomiting.

Looking for gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan CBD oil would be best. Non-GMO CBD oils are obtained from hemp plants that aren't genetically modified, while gluten-free CBD oil is obtained from hemp plants cultivated around crops containing certain amounts of gluten.

Read the product label

It is necessary to check the product label to ensure no allergic products such as gluten are in the soil. Furthermore, reading the product label helps you identify the CBD dosage indicated, how to consume the oil, and whether the oil contains inorganic substances.

CBD oil is often mixed with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or jojoba oil. Furthermore, full-spectrum CBD is often infused with other organic cannabinoids and chemical compounds, including CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), flavonoids, THC, and terpenes. However, THC levels are low to prevent any psychoactive effects.

Check for the brand's certificate of Analysis (COA)

The certificate of Analysis details the product's purity and potency levels. If you shop for CBD oils locally or online, check the company's website for the COA. You can also request a copy if it's unavailable on the company's website.

It's often advisable to avoid companies that do not provide their COA under any circumstance since the brand may fail to test for the safety of their cannabidiol products.

The COA indicates the concentration of cannabis in the product and the levels of inorganic substances such as moulds, pesticides, and heavy metals like mercury and lead.

How does CBD work?

Chye et al. (2019) stated that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex system of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that maintain the body's homeostatic state. CBD contains cannabinoids that mimic the natural endocannabinoids in our bodies.

CBD binds indirectly with CB2 receptors, which are abundant in the peripheral nervous system. This interaction leads to the transmission of impulses to pain receptors, thus reducing inflammation and muscle aches.

CBD also enhances the activity of 5-HTP receptors, which can easily be converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that reduces higher stress and anxiety levels.

In addition, CBD improves sleep quality by enhancing the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that regulates the sleep cycle. CBD also increases melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that alerts the brain to sleep at night, and higher levels of anandamide and melatonin induce the brain to fall into a deep sleep.

Medical benefits of CBD oil

McFadden et al. (2021) stated that CBD oil has anti-anxiety properties that relieve higher anxiety and stress levels.

Jastrząb et al. (2021) stated that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that induce pain and inflammation relief.

Dawidowicz et al. (2021) stated that CBD has anti-oxidant properties that remove free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the muscles and tissues.

CBD has anti-convulsant properties that relieve epileptic symptoms and rare epileptic conditions in children below the age of two. These epileptic conditions include Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

FAQs

Is CBD oil different from hemp seed oil?

CBD oil and hemp seed oil are distinct products from various portions of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil is produced from the seeds of the plant, whereas CBD oil is produced from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance found in high concentrations in CBD oil and is thought to provide several possible health advantages, including easing pain and inflammation. Contrarily, hemp seed oil, primarily consumed for its nutritional properties, does not contain substantial CBD. It is abundant in beneficial fatty acids and has been demonstrated to have various possible health advantages, such as enhancing heart health and fostering good skin and hair.

How does taking CBD oil make you feel?

Although many people use CBD for its possible health advantages, the effects can change depending on the individual and how it is used. While some people feel relaxed after ingesting CBD, others might not experience any obvious effects. It is crucial to remember that CBD has not yet undergone a thorough analysis and has not received FDA approval for any medical application. Before using any new dietary supplement, including CBD, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.

Summary

CBD oil is obtained from the hemp plant's leaves, stalk, and roots. It is a non-psychoactive chemical compound known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties. While purchasing CBD, you need to consider the hemp source, extraction method, and whether the product has undergone third-party testing. Remember that most companies prefer CO2 extraction and that buying a CBD product is risky without checking for the Certificate of Analysis.

Before consuming CBD oil, ensure you seek medical advice concerning the right dosage to consume. CBD oil infused with inorganic products such as heavy metals and moulds may cause unprecedented side effects such as fatigue, diarrhoea, and vomiting. CBD oil differs from hemp seed oil since the latter is obtained from hemp plant seeds.

References

Chye, Y., Christensen, E., Solowij, N., & Yücel, M. (2019). The endocannabinoid system and cannabidiol's promise for the treatment of substance use disorder. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 63.

McFadden, B. R., & Malone, T. (2021). Homegrown perceptions about the medical use and potential abuse of CBD and THC. Addictive behaviors, 115, 106799.

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol contributes to the decreased lipid peroxidation of keratinocytes of rat skin exposed to UV radiation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as anti-oxidant agents and their intervention abilities in anti-oxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.