The Supreme Guide to CBD and Hemp
Introduction
The world is revolving and many changes are taking place daily. Moreover, different sicknesses are popping up all over the globe. And, humans are looking for remedy in one way or the other. Most people prefer natural methods of administration to avoid side effects. At such, they now turn to CBD and hemp-derived products.
CBD and hemp are the solutions to many life-threatening ailments. Anyway, most local dispensaries and drug stores are selling them over the counter. But, note that some manufacturers don’t make some of these products the same way. Besides, most of them don’t come from the same plant type.
The focus of this guide is on CBD and hemp and everything you need to know about them. So, read on to get all the answers to your questions.
What are CBD and Hemp?
In short, CBD comes from hemp. It is one of the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant. In other words, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of the 100 unique compounds from hemp. Unlike THC, it is non-psychoactive and doesn’t intoxicate. It comes in many forms ranging from gummies, topical, and vape products. The most popular CBD product is CBD oil. And, we will dwell on it in the course of the article including hemp oil.
Fortunately, cannabinoids promote health and help users adapt to the changes in the environment. Cannabidiol is incredibly safe and has cannabis potential benefits. Yet, they’re still some misconceptions about it due to its popularity.
Hemp, on the other hand, is a strain from the same plant type as CBD. Both cannabidiol and industrial hemp come from cannabis sativa. Yet, they’re different strains with outstanding makeup and uses. And both contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes a high.
Hemp has lower concentrations of THC and higher Cannabidiol concentration. That is why most manufacturers use it in making CBD products. Many companies use hemp in making different products including clothing, paper, textiles, and much more. Also, they use hemp oil to make soaps, lotions, and shampoo.
Difference between hemp oil and CBD oil
Firstly, hemp oil is another way that people call CBD oil. But, many understand hemp seed oil as hemp oil. Another name that many refer to hemp is pot. Bear in mind that hemp seed oil and Cannabidiol oil are not the same. Manufacturers use stalks and leaves of hemp plants to produce CBD oil. Thus, they contain higher concentrations of Cannabidiol. With a unique extraction method like CO2, manufacturers take out rich CBD extracts and other elements. Cannabidiol is a compound with numerous therapeutic benefits.
Hemp oil or hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the cannabis plant. There’re no traces of CBD in the seeds, yet they still contain natures most sought after nutrients. For example, the seeds contain fatty acids and useful bioactive elements that are beneficial to the body.
Meanwhile, understanding the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil is vital. In other words, you’ll be able to choose a safer and right product.
Hemp oil and its uses
Since hemp oil comes from the seeds of the sativa plant, it contains no THC and a little or no CBD. It has omega-6, omega-3 fatty acids, and higher concentrations of vitamin B and D. Also, hemp oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, and other beneficial antioxidants.
Many don’t use hemp oil for recreational purposes. That is because they’re little or no THC and CBD contents thereby making it lack psychoactive properties. Many nutritional medications contain hemp oil.
Effects and benefits
Hemp oil provides an excellent blend of nutrients. That is why it is added to some products like yogurt, bread, and much more. Moreover, it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Also, hemp oil contains essential amino acids.
There’re many benefits of hemp seed oil including:
- Improving skin and gastrointestinal conditions
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Relieving constipation
- Anti-cancer and anti-aging effects
Other benefits are:
Nutrition
The seeds from hemp are rich in essential fatty acids. For example, it contains omega-3 and omega-6. Also, they’re excellent in protein and has vitamin E. Some health-enhancing minerals also come with hemp oil.
Skin disorders
Studies prove that hemp seed oil may reduce symptoms of eczema. That is because of omega-3 and omega-6 in it.
Risk and side effects
In short, hemp oil is safe for consumption. Though some people complain of having digestive problems, it does not apply to all. Hemp oil contains less than 0.3% THC. At such, it does not cause any form of intoxication.
How to choose high-quality hemp oil
Many high-quality hemp seed oils are cold-pressed. Companies use a modern steel press method for it. That is to ensure that the oil maintains its full nutritional value. Also, it will retain the flavor and aroma.
It is ideal to always get your oil from reliable and reputable companies. At such, you’ll get clear information about its standards and practices. You can visit their websites to ask questions and they should be willing to provide answers.
Luckily, you may find some companies that provide a money-back guarantee. Check the labeling properly as some provide false claims.
The different types of CBD
Firstly, you need to consider the type of CBD in your oil or any of its products. Generally, they’re three different forms of CBD oil spectrum available. That includes full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Though they sound alike, they’re some distinctions between them.
- Full-spectrum CBD: Cannabidiol manufacturers extract this type of spectrum from the cannabis plant. It contains all other compounds including terpenes and essential oils. Since full-spectrum has all other compounds then it contains THC. THC is the compound that causes a high.
Meanwhile, full-spectrum products have several health benefits, but they’re also some negativity. That is because of the THC which causes intoxication thereby resulting in some side effects. Bear in mind that this form of cannabidiol might fail drug tests.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: This type of spectrum is similar to full-spectrum but has its differences. Manufacturers extract this CBD type from the cannabis plant including all other compounds excluding THC. Therefore, it has terpenes and essential oils. Since it contains no THC, it does not intoxicate and will not fail drug tests.
- CBD Isolate: This spectrum is the purest form of CBD and is it comes from the plant. It does not contain any other compounds or cannabinoids. Therefore, it does not have any terpenes or essential oils. Also, it is THC-free and doesn’t have any intoxicating effects. It will not show up on drug tests. They don’t offer the full benefits of hemp that the other two types have.
How does CBD work?
A human system is a self-regulating unit. The body produces sweat anytime you feel the heat to regulate your temperature. Also, any time your blood sugar rises when you finish eating, your system produces insulin to reduce it. And when you’re feeling thirsty, your body passes signals to your brain. Therefore, you’ll know that it is time to drink water and quench the thirst.
As such, your body is starting to keep balanced and healthy, a process refers to homeostasis. Our body maintains homeostasis through the Endocannabinoid system. It helps our body function properly by adjusting to changes around us.
The ECS is a system comprising of CB1 and CB2 receptors. They expand all over the entire body that supervises the most crucial activities of the body. For example, it controls eating, sleeping, comfort, and much more. Also, ECS aids in the body’s general recovery and maintenance. The CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system which comprises of the brain and spinal cord. A large concentration of CB2 receptors is in the peripheral nervous system.
Moreover, our system naturally produces a compound by name endocannabinoids that attach to CB1 and CB2. Therefore, CBD oil now reacts to those receptors to aid in activating the ECS. That is possible because CBD oil is plant-based and also a cannabinoid.
CBD and human health
Studies prove that Cannabidiol tends to benefit the body through its relationship with the ECS. Though more research is still going on, CBD can affect virtually all biological body processes. That is to say, it acts upon CB1 and CB2 receptors. As a result, the body’s natural endocannabinoids will perform effectively.
Many individuals take CBD products to supplement well-being and also address some health challenges. But, the way your body responds depends on the quantity you use. Also, the frequency and length of use play a vital role in how it works. So, check your weight, health status, and metabolism as it determines how it works.
Uses of CBD oil
Many turn to Cannabidiol oil because of the therapeutic benefit it provides. For example, CBD-derived products are useful in the treatment of the following:
Pain and inflammation
After careful research, Cannabidiol proves useful in reducing pain for arthritis patients. It reduces stiffness and inflammation as well. Another study for multiple sclerosis was also promising. Hence, sufferers felt a tremendous improvement in pain reduction. Also, there was a great relief in muscle and walking spasms during the process of Cannabidiol oil administration.
Anxiety and depression
Cannabidiol oil shows promises in helping anxiety and depression patients. It works in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders. Even patients with post-traumatic stress disorder find relief from CBD oil. Cannabidiol has a positive effect on serotonin in the central nervous system. It also improves the emotional state.
Insomnia
Several studies prove that Cannabidiol improves sleep. In other words, it induces deeper REM sleep. Meanwhile, people with Parkinson experienced a reduction in insomnia symptoms when consuming oil.
Alleviating cancer symptoms
Most medications are not useful for some ailments. So, many had to seek alternatives through natural medicine. Cannabidiol oil can help reduce cancer-related symptoms. Therefore, it aids in reducing the side effects associated with its treatment. Besides, it can reduce symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and pain. Combining THC and CBD is more useful than only THC extracts.
Can effectively treat epilepsy
However, most epilepsy is not useful for the condition. At such, the risk of premature death was gradually increasing. Through studies and laboratory reports CBD could help manage seizures. Moreover, the addition of Cannabidiol oil to an existing prescribed product might be able to work for many.
Luckily, Epidiolex has FDA approval for treating epilepsy. It is a pure plant-derived CBD product.
Side effects of CBD oil
Generally, CBD-derived products are safe. However, they have fewer adverse effects. And more information on the safety of various oils is lacking. There were no adverse effects on people who took 300mg of Cannabidiol oil each day for six months. Through studies, individuals that took 1,500mg of the oil daily for a month had no adverse effects.
A comprehensive study on Epidiolex, a CBD drug for epileptic patients had some side effects. These include:
- Diarrhea
- Decrease in appetite
- Fatigue
Researchers advise users of CBD-derived products to get them from trusted brands. That is to ensure safety as improper labeling can be risky. Also, any manufacturing process that goes wrong may cause exposure to contaminants or THC. So, you need to check the spectrum you’re buying.
Further, CBD is not safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
Possible ways to use CBD oil and hemp oil
It is very crucial to understand how to use a particular product. That is because it ensures safety and efficiency always. Sometimes, people include their Cannabidiol oil in foods while cooking. You can also use it through beverages. Put the desired quantity in your tea or juice and drink. But it might reduce the bioavailability of the oil. That is because the oil must travel through the digestive tract.
Another way is to ingest the oil orally as it engages the sublingual glands. Thus, your body will absorb the oil very fast. It is also safe and more accessible.
What to look for in high-quality CBD oil
Method of extraction
Most reputable brands extract their Cannabidiol oil using C02. That is because is the safest method of extraction. Meanwhile, it ensures a safe extract that is additive-free. Also, the oil will be free of additional chemicals, unlike other extraction processes.
Any oil that comes from using chemicals such as propane or butane is not good. That is because they could contain dangerous contaminants.
Source of hemp
The source of hemp determines the quality of the oil. In other words, the compound readily absorbs all the things that the soil contains. Sometimes, it can absorb good vitamins and minerals. However, some may contain lead, petroleum, or toxic chemicals that are bad to health.
Most quality Cannabidiol oil grows in US soils with certifications from government. The oil undergoes ISO testing from accredited laboratories. Thus, they’re free of heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.
CBD concentration
Most manufacturers state the amount of CBD in their labels. So, check for the concentration of Cannabidiol in the oil. Any oil that has a higher CBD concentration is quite potent. For it to be more useful, they have to be 250-1000mg per 30ml container. Anything less than that might not be highly effective.
Third-party lab tests
Look out for companies that submit their oil for verifiable tests. Trusted brands are transparent enough to make the results public. Some may give information on the bottle label. If it is not there, then check their website. Moreover, the results should be easily accessible. However, if you can’t find the information you seek, ask questions.
Meanwhile, test reports are very vital when choosing a product. it will allow you to know the concentrations of THC and Cannabidiol in each oil.
Levels of THC
Cannabidiol oil from hemp has less than 0.3% THC. But, it is too small to cause intoxication. Also, some processing methods can boost THC levels thereby causing a high. So, check the label properly to ensure the safety of your oil.
The legality of CBD and hemp oil
Hemp-derived products are generally safe as long as they contain 0.3% THC. Cannabidiol oil is legal but under specific requirements. Besides, its legality varies from state to state. But, the CBD must come from the pot, not marijuana. That is because marijuana contains THC, the compound with psychoactive properties. Pot delivers below 0.3% THC, unlike marijuana, which produces more.
Besides, the Cannabidiol oil from hemp is legal if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Many reputable and reliable brands offer Cannabidiol oil from pot. Thus, they have a license and are safe to consume. Most companies use hemp oil for different purposes since it is legal.
Conclusion
Both CBD oil and hemp oil come from the same source. Manufacturers extract Cannabidiol oil from flowers and leaves. Meanwhile, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the cannabis plant.
Products that contain oil from the two compounds are not psychoactive. That is because they contain little or no THC. The oil from these compounds has several health benefits. But, more research on its efficacy is still going on. Besides, the benefit of CBD and its oil is massive according to users.
Finally, consult with your health care provider before taking CBD. That is because CBD can interact with other medications that you’re currently taking.