Heard About CBD Products, But Not Sure What They Are?
There’s no doubt that CBD oil is gaining popularity.
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In 2021, the CBD market in the U.S. was $5.18 billion. That number is expected to grow to $6.36 billion by 2022.
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CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa, the Latin name for cannabis or hemp, and is one of the most abundant compounds found in the plant.
What Are Cannabinoids?
In brief, they are the natural chemical constituents of cannabis and hemp. CBD is one of the most well-known and well-researched cannabinoids. Others you may have heard of include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol, (CBN).
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Each cannabinoid has unique properties. Many times the ratio of CBD to other cannabinoids can enhance or moderate its effects. CBD oil is the most popular formulation commercially available.
What Is CBD Oil Compared To Marijuana Oil?
By botanical standards, marijuana and hemp are both cannabis. In common terms, marijuana is the cannabis plant containing THC. Hemp is the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC by weight. ​
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Marijuana oil contains THC, while CBD oil is made from hemp and will contain no more than the legal THC limit (0.3%).
How Is CBD Oil Made?
The two most common ways to make CBD oil are alcohol extraction and CO2 extraction.
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Alcohol extraction involves soaking the hemp plant in a solvent such as ethanol. The solvent leeches out the CBD and other cannabinoids from the plant. The alcohol solution is then heated, which causes evaporation. The heat doesn’t damage the cannabinoids. So, the residue after evaporation is an oil rich in cannabinoids.
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The CO2 method involves forcing carbon dioxide (CO2) through the hemp plant. This action, done through temperature and pressure changes within chambers of specialized equipment. The CO2 causes the cannabinoids to separated from the plant and allow collection in the various chambers of the equipment.
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Both methods can produce high-quality CBD oil. But some people believe the CO2 method can improve purity because of the way different cannabinoids are capture in separate chambers. That, in turn, makes it easier to control the ratio of CBD to other cannabinoids.
What should I look for when buying CBD oil?
Consider the following questions:
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Where is the hemp grown or sourced from?
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Is the oil full spectrum or isolate?
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What other ingredients are in the oil?
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Is it 3rd party tested? -- 3rd party testing is important because that means the product has been tested for purity and potency.
Does CBD Oil Get You high?
No. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive "high" that marijuana can produce.
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CBD oil has <0.3% THC, and it will not produce a high. We carry both Full Spectrum (<0.3% THC) and Isolate (0% THC) product.
So, How Should I Take It?
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Everyone should start low and titrate higher based on the patient individual need. We recommend starting with 10mg of tincture or one 15 mg capsule. Take it 1-2 hours before bedtime with a meal for 3 days consecutively.
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For the sublingual oil, place the drops underneath your tongue and/or between your cheeks, hold in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow for sublingual absorption. Drink water or juice to help swallow the remaining oil.
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If it doesn’t produce the full therapeutic effects after 5-7 days, increase to either 2 dropper full /capsules (1 in the morning, 1 in the evening). Try this dose for 5-7 days before considering any changes.
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Titrate up or down as needed.
Which Product Is Right For Me?
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The most popular product is the tincture, or CBD drops. They are used sublingually and have no additives, so they have a very herby, lemon flavor.
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If you do not like the smell or flavor, the capsules would be the best option for you.
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The salve is best used for people with localized pain that is specific to a certain area of the body.
Are There Any Side Effects?
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Known side effects include drowsiness (which is why we recommend starting it in the evening), light headedness, dry mouth (take with a glass of water), and heartburn.
Is It Legal?
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Yes, any CBD products we sell are compliant with our state law, and come from hemp that does not contain more than 0.3% THC.
These products are 100% legal and do not "get you high". Instead of buying CBD products online or in a smoke shop, come to us and our pharmacist can make sure it's right for you and that it doesn't interfere with any medicine you are taking.