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( vote)We have written this A – Z Guide to Cannabidiol CBD Oil in other to educate both beginners and veterans about CBD oil. To aid your understanding, we have laid out this article in alphabetical order (from A – Z).
Unlike some definitive guides to CBD oil or everything you need to know about CBD oil “articles” online, written in the form of a book.
This A- Z guide to CBD oil takes a different form from the rest. It provides straightforward answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about CBD OIl.
That being said, let get to the nitty-gritty of this article. We will start with the first letter “A” What is CBD Oil?
Table of Contents
A. — What Is CBD Oil?
In layman’s’ terms, CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol, — an active chemical compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. “CBD Oil” is a natural oil derived from Cannabis Sativa leaves and flowers.
B. — Types of CBD Oil
As you know, there are different types of oil i.e. groundnut oil, red oil, olive oil, etc. In the same vein, there are different types of CBD oil extracts.
As it is a newly introduced product in the market, the manufacturers use different techniques in processing thus resulting in different types of CBD. The following are various types of CBD oil.
- Raw CBD Oil
- CBD Concentrates
- CBD from Hemp
- CBD from Marijuana
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
- CBD Rich oil
- CBD Infused Oil
- CBD Isolate
For a more detailed explanation of the different types of CBD oil, we have curated an article for that. See 14 Types of CBD Oil Products.
C. — What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is an extract from the hemp plant that does not have psychotropic effects on the users. It has been used for therapeutic purposes for decades without any problem related to the consumption of marijuana such as addiction and hallucinations.
More and more research studies are being conducted daily to prove the many benefits of CBD oil. For a more detailed explanation of the CBD oil benefits, see our article on Benefits of CBD Oil When taken judiciously.
D. — How Does CBD Oil Work?
Cannabidiol is a phytochemical that makes up to about 40% of the extraction yield from a hemp plant. It is however noted not to have psychoactive properties when taken into the body and may affect the activity of tetrahydrocannabinol when they occur together.
When this compound is taken into the body, it moves through the bloodstream to the endocannabinoid system where its receptors are. When it interacts with the receptors, it can antagonize other receptors such as the CB2, GPR18c, opioid sigma receptors, and the voltage-dependent sodium channels. It can also agonize receptors such as the seratogenic receptors, adenosine A1A receptors, GABA receptors, and the PPAR gamma receptors.
It is through these antagonistic and agonistic activities that it influences the endocannabinoid system in its function in the immune system, cardiovascular system, food intake, fertility, pain, memory, and neuroprotection. (Volkow, 2018)
E. — Is CBD Oil Legal?
The government of the United States legalized medical marijuana when it approved the Agriculture improvement act of 2018. In this act, all the CBD products that were derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol by dry weight. However, the CBD that comes from marijuana is considered illegal under the Controlled Substances act because the Drug Enforcement Administration still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 Drug.
According to the public hearing by the FDA late may and the open public comment held through July 16, the FDA is still in the process of considering giving a go-ahead to the consumption of CBD by approving its safety and effectivity in management of the conditions that it has been claimed to be active on.
Federally, hemp-derived CBD is legal and therefore many states are updating their laws in this regard, these laws may not be in line with the federal laws, unfortunately
F. — Who Should Take CBD Oil?
Due to its potency in managing some of the disorders where it has been proven through extensive research. People with the following conditions can take CBD Oil:
- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic pain due to arthritis or other pain-causing diseases
- Infertility
- Cancer
- Addiction to psychoactive drugs
- Skin acne
- Epilepsy
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
For people who have liver problems, it is recommended that they take low doses to avoid serious side effects. Does CBD oil have side effects?
G. — How Is CBD Oil Made
How to make CBD oil? CBD oil is made by extracting Cannabidiol from the hemp plant and then diluting it in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. The extraction can be done by winterization which is extraction by alcohol then short distillation which is separation due to difference in melting points.
To obtain a high-quality yield of CBD oil, a flower-rich in resin (a thick substance found in the glandular trichomes) is to be used.
Winterization involves the removal of the unwanted parts of the hemp CBD oil extract such as the waxes that are obtained during pressing. It involves mixing the CBD oil extract with alcohol then stirring to completely mix.
The mixture is then stored under cold temperatures for 24 hours after which it is filtered and the alcohol is vaporized. The CBD oil filtrate is passed through a distillation chamber to obtain the cannabidiol at its boiling point, cooled then the condensate is collected.
H. — Can you overdose on CBD?
If you are wondering if CBD oil is safe for consumption or whether you can overdose on CBD oil or other CBD dominant product. The answer to that is Yes, CBD has been proven safe for both human and pet consumption according to.
No, you can’t overdose on CBD oil or other CBD dominant product, even though you take 1500 mg of CBD. There hasn’t been any case of anyone overdosing on CBD and there hasn’t been any report that indicated that CBD caused toxicity in clinical subjects. See our article on Can you overdose on CBD?
I. How to take CBD Oil?
CBD oil can be administered in various ways including inhalation, sublingual, through ingesting when infused in foods, and topical. The amount that is taken depends on the prescription by a medical professional or personal medication.
When done according to personal preference, the person can take any amount ranging from 5 mg to 1500 mg at once.
J. — How Much CBD Oil Should You Take?
How many drops to take of CBD oil? Depending on the various factors that play a role in the pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of drugs in the body.
The dosage of CBD oil can vary from person to person. It is worth noting that there is no standard dosage that has been established through research that can be reliably stated.
Some of the factors that affect dosage include existing liver conditions, bodyweight concentration of CBD on the form in which it is taken and the related body chemistry. These forms include pills, drops or gummy.
It is however recommended that one consumes CBD oil on doctor’s prescription. If this is not the case, one should start from a smaller dosage then gradually increase it, while monitoring response.
For instance, one could start with 20 milligrams a day then increase by 5 milligrams every week. Again, this depends on the factors previously mentioned.
K. — What Is The Best Form To Take CBD Oil?
There is no such thing as the best form for taking CBD oil. That being said, the various modes CBD can be administered have proven effective in terms of the benefits it brings to the body which largely depends on the body characteristics of the individual i.e. weight, that affects their response to drugs and the condition to be treated. Some of the proven ways that could increase effectivity include:
Topical application
This involves application on the skin informs of rubbing oil or lotion. It is possibly the easiest way to consume CBD oil. It is best for muscle pain, migraines and skin conditions such as acne.
Inhalation
This is where one smokes or vapes the oil and it gets into the bloodstream through the lungs. This process can aid in the consumption of large amounts of CBD without so much effort. However, it requires vaping tools or rolling of marijuana highly concentrated with CBD. The latter will lead to consumption of THC which can make you high though.
Sublingual tinctures
Here the oil is delivered as drops under the tongue and through the numerous capillaries under the tongue, it is absorbed into the blood. To aid in absorption, some tinctures are supplemented with alcohol
Ingestion
This is where the CBD oil is taken into the body through edibles such as gum or added manually to food or drinks. There exist finished foods with CBD oil in them or one can cook their own. It provides the longest-lasting effects compared to the other means of consumption.
L. — Can CBD Oil Be Combined With Orthodox Medicine?
Is it good to combine CBD Oil with other medication? The effect of CBD on other drugs has rally not be examined deeply, but working with the data that is available, it is also metabolized by the same enzymes that metabolize other drugs in the liver. Some researchers found that CBD has an inhibitory effect on enzymes such as Cytochrome P450 which plays a major role in metabolizing other drugs.
When its functionality is inhibited by the consumption of CBD oil, then these drugs are not regulated by the hepatocytes and thus can be inactive or toxic to the body.
For example, when CBD oil is taken with benzodiazepines which are also used to treat anxiety, it can result in amplified side effects such as increased drowsiness and sedation, and in rare cases, it can result in toxicity or even interference with breathing system of the victim. It is very important to consult your doctor first before combining CBD oil with other medications.
M. — What Are the Best CBD Oil Products?
Depending on the manufacturer, the quality of the CBD oil products in the market vary. Some of the highly spoken of products include:
- Conner Cannabis oral tinctures
- Manna Artisan Botanics Hemp Oil
- Lazarus natural high potency CBD Tincture
- Sisters of the Valley CBD infused Oil
- Charlotte’s Web Full Strength CBD Oil
- Eureka Effects Full Spectrum CBD
- Zion Medicinals Organic Spagyric Full Spectrum Hemp
N. — Where to Buy CBD Oil?
Looking to purchase a CBD oil but don’t know how? If you are connected to the internet, the first and best way to start your search is by looking up the term “where to buy CBD oil on Google”.
That being said, CBD oil can be bought online or offline from retailers or the processors who are consumers verified. Some of the locations to purchase are offered through websites. Beware, as there are Fake CBD oils out there that can pose a risk to your health.
We have curated an article on ” list of accredited CBD oil products”. It is a must-read if you are looking to buy a CBD oil.
O. — Is CBD oil addictive?
There are many research studies that suggest that the probability of getting addicted to CBD oil is very low if not zero. A research in 2018 conducted by Greenwich Research LTD to access the abuse potential of CBD showed little or no signal for abuse potential. You will find details of the results here.
On the contrast, CBD can help to fight addiction. A research report published in 2013 shows that CBD helped in the treatment of cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
P. — How To Differentiate Between Fake And Original CBD Oil
Some of the factors to look for in other to determine the legitimacy of a Cannabidiol (CBD) oil product include:
- The origin of the product as indicated in the labels
- The certificate of analysis which is normally included in the package. It tells you about the results of independent laboratory testing that validates things like potency and contaminations.
- Methods used in testing the products if they comply with the quality assurance standards.
- The potency indications.
Fake products rarely have these legal documents, or in most cases not well structured and therefore of questionable origin. Such products without the information listed above should be avoided whether the manufacturer did not have or doesn’t want to share with the consumer.
Some other factors to be on the lookout for are
- Unbelievably low prices
- Tall promises of curing all health conditions
- Spices and the ‘free’ scam.
When you come across any of these, it is best to steer clear and do your research on the product and brand well before purchase or consumption.
Q. — Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?
Can CBD oil kill you? CBD cannot kill you, but the commonly noted adverse reactions include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Somnolence
- Euphoria
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Alteration of appetite
R. — Can CBD Oil Make You High?
No, CBD cannot make you high. It does not bind to the Cannabinoid Type 1 (CB1) receptors like THC, thus, cannot activate or produce a “high” (alters the mind, euphoria or intoxication).
On the contrary, CBD inhibits the Cannabinoid Type 1 receptors, in other words, it stops the high and causes the body to make use of its own endocannabinoid system more efficiently.
S. — Does CBD Oil Expire?
There is a lot of variables that can impact the shelf life of CBD oil, and just like any other processed products, it expires, usually within 1 or two years after packaging.
Expiry simply refers to the degradation of the quality of the infusions and extracts where they become less potent over time. Some of the signs of expiry could include unpleasant smells, change in color, cloudiness or a change in original taste.
How to store CBD oil
T. — How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work?
CBD oil, just like any other drug, has a different duration of time when its effect will be felt. For some, it takes a few minutes, while for others, it may take hours, the time it takes for CBD oil to work varies from individual to individual. How long before CBD start working?
One of the factors that determine the effectivity of CBD oil includes the route of administration, for instance,
- If you take it sublingually, it gets into the system within 20-30 minutes,
- Within a few minutes if vaped and
- About two hours if ingested.
Another factor is the state of health of one’s liver, which plays an important role in metabolizing cannabidiol (CBD) before it is released into the body system.
U. — How Long Does CBD Oil Stay in the System?
Under normal circumstances, cannabidiol (CBD) can stay in the system between 3 to 7 days. The normal circumstances include a healthy liver for elimination and infrequent consumption. This goes without saying that daily consumption will result in a long time of CBD staying in your system.
V. — How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel?
Technically, CBD dominant oil is meant to release the pleasure hormones in our body, thus, causing calmness. Many users of CBD oil have reported having experienced a calming effect after taking CBD oil.
CBD interacts with the centers of the nervous system that are connected to anxiety and stress. It does this without altering the state of the mind.
Additionally, people who use it for the first-time also report to have experienced episodes of euphoria but afterward, they build up resistance to it, thus being completely functional throughout the day after consumption.
That being said, if you take CBD oil that has some percentage of THC in it, the feeling you get might be different from what is described above. Why? because THC, when activated, causes euphoria (feeling high).
W. — How does CBD Oil Taste Like?
CBD oil has the same taste and smells like Cannabis. Apparently, because it is produced from the Cannabis plant. However, if taken in the form of edibles, its taste can be altered depending on the flavor of the edible for example, if sugar is added to the CBD dominant product, it will tastes sweet.
X. — What Is the Color of CBD Oil?
Most often, the color of CBD oil is dependent on the carrier oil that is used as well as the added flavor. In its pure form, CBD is a white crystalline isolate that is then dissolved into a carrier oil. However, the full-spectrum CBD oil has various components thus giving it a dark brownish or dark green color
Y. — Can Doctors Prescribe CBD?
Yes, doctors can prescribe CBD as an alternative treatment for certain diseases such as Epilepsy, Arthritis, etc. However, this depends on the country you reside in. In the USA and Canada, you can buy CBD base medicine from the pharmacy in some states and province.
If you are looking to use CBD as alternative medicine, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor first before you purchase one — to ensure you don’t buy fake CBD oil or CBD dominant products.
Z. — Can CBD Oil Be Bought from the Pharmacy?
The National Pharmacy Association (United States) gave stated that it is possible for community pharmacies to receive prescriptions for cannabis products for medicinal use but on tightly controlled inventory. They order from specialist importers following the pharmacy standard operating procedures. And therefore, it is possible to buy CBD oil from a pharmacy if they stock them.
Is CBD Simply A Food Supplement, New Medicine Or Narcotic?
Some Pharmacies in the US have stocked their shelves with CBD oil products such as Salves, Lotions, and Oil. Other pharmacies are holding back on selling CBD oil products due to state laws.
Even though hemp is legal under United States federal laws, some state laws limit the use of marijuana for medical purposes i.e. including CBD oil.
Pharmacies such as Walgreens, Bob’s pharmacy and CVS sell CBD oil and other hemp oil product
