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What is CBD Oil? Everything You Need to Know

Jul 24th 2020

What is CBD Oil? Everything You Need to Know

CBD oil has been in the mainstream market for a while now. Yet there is still a lot of misconception and misinformation about it. What does CBD oil do? Is it good for the body? Is it even legal? Fret not, we’re giving you a rundown of every basic thing you need to know about CBD oil.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. There are over 100 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, identified in this plant.CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid that interacts with our endocannabinoid system or ECS (you’ll know more about this in a bit). Since it’s non-psychoactive, it means that you don’t have to worry about getting high or feeling any kind of euphoria.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil (read on to find out about our CBD process).

What is the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD?

Hemp and marijuana are two different species from the Cannabis Sativa plant. CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana. However, the two produce tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at very different levels. THC is the chemical cannabinoid associated with the plant's psychoactive effect.

Marijuana's most common cannabinoid is THC and its THC levels can reach up to 30%, depending on the strain. On the other hand, hemp’s THC levels are less than 0.3%.

Learn more about the difference between hemp and marijuana.

Is CBD Legal?

The legality of CBD can vary from state to state and federally, but in general, one of the determining factors is whether the CBD is hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. Because of the difference in the levels of THC between hemp and marijuana, their CBD regulations also differ under the law.

Hemp was previously regulated as an illegal substance under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. However, it was removed as an illegal substance under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, making hemp and hemp-derived products, which contain no more than 0.3% THC and which adheres to the regulations set forth in the new Farm Bill, federally legal. Marijuana, on the other hand, is still treated as a controlled substance and is federally illegal under the Controlled Substance Act.

So if you’re planning to buy CBD online or at a shop, it is essential to know if it’s derived from hemp or marijuana and to understand the latest legal status in your state.

Complete Hemp produces hemp-derived CBD. See it all here.

How is CBD oil extracted?

As discussed, CBD can be extracted from marijuana or industrial hemp plants. For legality purposes, many CBD products are extracted from the stalks and stems of industrial hemp plants which are cannabis plants with .3% THC or less so they qualify as Industrial Hemp.

Click here to find out our entire process of producing our CBD hemp products.

How does CBD interact with the body?

The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. CBD has been found to interact with the endocannabinoid receptor activity and therefore affecting some of the body’s functions.

Does CBD really do anything?

There have been several studies showing the possible CBD effects when used orally or topically. You can find some resources to help you better understand CBD from the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.

Do you swallow CBD oil?

Yes, CBD oil, in the form of tinctures can be swallowed directly. However, the most common way to do it is through the sublingual application, in which you simply leave a few drops under the tongue. If you want to mask the taste, you can add CBD oil to your food or drink.Likewise, CBD can be enjoyed through topical products for skincare and beauty. There are also those who like using CBD for pain relief or for alleviating skin irritation.

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