What is CBD Oil? You probably recently heard of it and are asking yourself this exact question, aren’t you?

Maybe you spotted that recent social media ad? Seen commercials? Heard of it on the news? Your cousins are talking of it maybe?

Either way, even if this is your first day with the word “CBD Oil”, you’ll be a Wikipedia on the topic by the end of this piece.

Just so you know, CBD Oil doesn’t get you “high”. It’s not even completely illegal. It just has an extensive number of health-benefits (allegedly) and hence the world is going gaga over it.

In this in-depth CBD Oil guide, I’ll be answering the following questions:

Our mission with this CBD Oil guide is to explain things to you in the language you’d understand. No complicated medical or chemical terms. Pure and common man’s English, period.

 What is CBD Oil?

CBD is the abbreviation for “Cannabidiol”. CBD Oil is a compound extracted from the Cannabis or Hemp plants. The Cannabis plant has many other chemicals, over 400 if you need a rough figure.

The flowers on the plant have mushroom-shaped trichomes. This is mostly where the oil is extracted from.

Now, both the Cannabis and the Hemp plants are very similar, yet not identical to each other.  Here’s something I created to explain things better:

CBD Oil extracted from Hemp plants contains less than 0.3% THC. THC stands for “delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol”.

In simpler words, THC is what makes people “high”. Hence, Hemp-extracted CBD Oil doesn’t make you high. This is one of the reasons why it’s legal almost everywhere (scroll down to the  CBD legality section for details).

The CBD contained in Hemp plants is also comparatively more than that available in the Cannabis plant (>20%).

On the other hand, CBD Oil extracted from the Cannabis plant contains more than 0.3% THC and less than 10% CBD. This plant is what falls under the traditional idea of “drug” and is commonly known as “marijuana”. It’s mostly illegal.

Now, CBD Oil allegedly has a number of health benefits (scroll down to the “CBD Oil benefits” section for details.) However, the benefits do not change depending on the source or the plant-type.

Another major characteristic of CBD is that it’s not psychoactive. Meaning, you wouldn’t get hooked (addicted) to it.

Fun fact: CBD Oil isn’t “new”. As far back as 2737 B.C, Cannabis was used by the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung for treating various diseases and even problems in the female reproductive systems. (source).

What are the different types of CBD Oil?

The four most common types of CBD are:

  • Isolate CBD
  • Full-spectrum CBD
  • And Broad-spectrum CBD.

The differentiation isn’t as complicated as the terms make it sound like.

“Isolate CBD”, as the name hints, is “isolated” from the other compounds. It’s the purest form of CBD with the least bit of Terpenes, waxes or other cannabinoids. It also is one of the most expensive and complicated CBD types to extract.

The full-spectrum CBD is also called the “whole plant CBD”. This is due to the fact that during extraction, the entire plant which includes its roots, stems, leaves and everything else is used. It does contain THC but still in very negligible amounts.

The Broad-spectrum CBD on the other hand is basically the full-spectrum CBD minus THC. The ingredients and extraction process is almost identical for both the types. However, the Broad-spectrum CBD is later refined to remove all THC traces.

In short, if you need “less pure CBD than Isolate CBD, but without THC, you go with Broad-spectrum CBD”.

There are some other technical differences between the different CBD types. E.g. you must consume a “minimum” amount of Isolate CBD for it to take effect. There’s also a “maximum” amount you can consume in a given time-frame.

Such limitations do not exist with the full-spectrum CBD.

What are the benefits of CBD Oil?

Now that you know what CBD Oil is, and what are its types, let’s see what does CBD Oil do?

The primary reason why CBD Oil is in the talks is because it seems to be the “miracle cure” for over 50 different diseases and symptoms.

CBD Oil primarily interacts with the Endocannabinoid system.  The system controls a number of functions and “features” of our body, sleep, pain, stress, immunity to name just a few.

Some of its primary benefits include:

  • Pain relief

CBD interacts with “anandamide” which is a molecule in our body. This molecule is responsible to a major extent for pain, as well as the happiness (or, the feeling of it).

CBD Oil basically targets alpha-3 glycine receptors. This in turn suppresses pain. (A lot actually happens in the background, but hey, let’s keep it simple, eh?)

In a nutshell, CBD Oil has been proven to relieve pain, period. (Source: National Centre for Biotechnical Information -NCBI).

  • Epilepsy

In 2017, The Journal of Epilepsy Research published a report which claimed that CBD may help fight Epilepsy, spinal injuries, brain injuries etc. (Source: NCBI)

And then, the next year in 2018 the FDA approved Epidolex CBD oral solution. This was done so that CBD could be used in the treatment of Epilepsy.

  • Anxiety

Another page on the NCBI website also mentions Cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential solution for anxiety.

In fact, this report from Consumer Reports found that majority of CBD users use it for anxiety, and with positive results!

While Marijuana is counterproductive for those with Anxiety, CBD Oil is actually helpful due to its <0.3% THC concentration.

  • Addiction

What we commonly know as addiction almost  always requires a trigger. A trigger that takes place in the brain and results in our cravings for the addiction. E.g. Cocaine, Opiates, Tobacco and so on.

CBD Oil reduces  the use of amygdala. This results in minimization of the cravings. There are multiple researches supporting the fact that CBD Oil indeed helps with controlling addictions.

However, it also depends on the substance a person is addicted to. E.g. it may be very effective when controlling Cocaine addiction while may not be as effective for some other addiction.

  • HIV Treatment

This is a big one! There are some who claim CBD Oil can also treat HIV infections. Well, it’s only natural given how CBD Oil does seem to boost immunity in general.

Lack of immunity is basically what HIV is, isn’t it? Hence, if CBD Oil boosts immunity, it’s only natural that it may potentially cure, or at least control HIV.

However, no solid surveys/tests or studies have been conducted so far establishing the same.

  • Other benefits of CBD Oil

CBD Oil has a number of other benefits, some of its other benefits include:

  • Helps with Insomnia
  • Reduces stress
  • Helps increase brain functions
  • Reduces diabetes-risk
  • Helps with Lupus
  • Fights against skin diseases/symptoms
  • Helps with bone problems
  • Migraines
  • Acne
  • Betters digestion
  • Helps with Alzheimer’s
  • Has antioxidant properties and a lot more.

This piece is intended to be a guide on CBD Oil, hence I’ve not explained these benefits individually. However, you may take a look at our  detailed guide on the benefits of CBD Oil for a much longer, more detailed list.

Note that most of the benefits of CBD Oil are speculative. Meaning, it sure works, but, will it work for anyone and everyone? That’s still to be decided.

What are the side-effects of CBD Oil?

Whenever it comes to any health-product, side-effects are generally assumed. Also, side-effects are mostly subjective.

Meaning, if you wish to cure anxiety and you take CBD Oil, the anxiety may sure be cured. But, it also messes your brain and deprives you of anxiety, which is a natural reaction humans need.

Or, if you try to cure Insomnia and you become extra sleepy, even this is a side-effect, isn’t it?

Some of the possible and more common CBD Oil side-effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness/sedation
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Dried mouth
  • Change in weight
  • Change in appetite
  • Diarrheal etc.

Note that none of these side effects are guaranteed. In fact, you may not suffer from any of these. However, in certain cases and for specific individuals these side effects may show up.

These effects majorly depend on each individual’s physical condition. Hence, it’s best you consult a doctor, explain your physical condition and the desire to use CBD Oil before actually using it.

What’s the right CBD Oil dosage?

Note that the conditions CBD Oil cures aren’t exactly “diseases”. Hence, there’s no universal dosage CBD Oil confirms to.

It’s different for each individual. However, a number of factors can be considered when deciding the dosage:

  • Body weight
  • Diet
  • Metabolism
  • Symptom/problem you’re trying to cure
  • Mode of intake (tablet/capsules/ vapes/ flowers/ cream)

Majority of the studies suggests that it’s best if you start your CBD Oil intake at a much lower dosage, and gradually increase it to fit your body.

Although, I wouldn’t leave you completely hanging. If your body weight is 100lbs, you may start with 10mg if you’re trying to cure Nausea or basic symptoms.

For 100lbs weight, and more serious symptoms such as pain, anxiety or Insomnia, 30-55mg /day should suffice.

The best part is, you can’t “overdose” on CBD Oil! Well yes, it’s not a “drug” (not in the traditional sense anyway). Researchers have tested over 1500mg/day CBD Oil and even that was tolerated without any adverse affects. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/)

That gets you an idea, doesn’t it? If you need more weight: dosage ratios for different diseases, go through our detailed CBD Dosage guide.

How to make CBD Oil?

Finally, down to one of the most important sections on this CBD Oil guide. How does one make CBD Oil?

Now, there are many ways it can be achieved. However, I’ll stick to the methods possible at home, without a thousand dollar budget and expensive equipments.

Because hey, if you’re reading this CBD Oil guide, you probably do not own those equipments anyway.

For starters, you need to be choose the raw-product, i.e. the plant strain you’ll be using. It’s recommended to use those strains which contain low levels of THC and high levels of CBD.  You could try Harlequin, ACDC, Harle-Tsu etc.

Let’s get to the steps then?

Method #1 of CBD Extraction – Alchohol method

This is one of the simplest, easiest and most basic ways to make CBD Oil at home.

What you’ll need:

  • The plant (obviously)
  • Alcohol
  • Bowl
  • Sieve
  • Oven
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sauce Pan + Bowl (Or a double boiler).

The process:

Step 1-> You first need to Decarboxylate your plant. This is a must for almost any method of making CBD Oil. It’s a simple process of grinding up your plant, and then placing it in the oven at 220°F- 225°F for about 1.5hours (use the parchment paper to line the over tray). This basically turns the CBDA into CBD and THCA into THC.

Step 2-> Take out the Decarboxylated plant > place it in a bowl > pour in alcohol (so that the plant is completely submerged).

Step 3-> Use a wooden spoon to stir the alcohol + plant mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 4 -> Take the contents out of the bowl > pass it through a sieve so that the liquid can be obtained separately and the solid plant remains above the sieve.

Step 4 -> Pour the remaining plant material back in the bowl > repeat step 2 & 3 until the alcohol you obtain via the sieve turns “less green”. (Or, skip this step if you’re rich and don’t care about extracting the most out of your plant).

Step 5-> Take a sauce pan > fill it with water > place a bowl in the sauce pan (without letting it touch the bottom) > pour in all the obtained alcohol in this bowl inside the sauce pan. (Or, again, if you’re rich you can just use a double boiler).

Step 6 -> Turn on the burner at very low flame. The goal here is to evaporate all of the alcohol. Keep stirring the mixer while it’s being heated (not boiled). Keep it doing for about 20-25 minutes. Wait till the mixture become thicker and gains some resemblance to tar.

Step 7 -> You have your CBD Oil. Store it in a bottle or a syringe.

 Method #2 – Carrier oil

This method too is pretty simple and doesn’t require any industry-grade appliances. It tastes better, but, more importantly, doesn’t contain unwanted chemicals.

What you’ll need:

  • Plant-based edible oil (coconut/olive oil/hemp seed oil)
  • Sauce pan + bowl (Or a double boiler).
  • Oven
  • Bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Sieve

The process:

Step 1-> Decarboxylate your plant. You can copy the step #1 mentioned in the method above.

Step 2-> Take the ground up weed and place it in a bowl. Add the oil of your choice (quantity will depend on how strong you want your concentration to be).

Step 3-> Place the oil+ flowers in a double boiler. Use a Sauce Pan + bowl to create a double boiler if you don’t have one.

Step 4-> Boil the mixture at 150 ºC -200 ºC for about 2.5-3 hours and then turn the gas off.

Step 5-> Let the prepared solution rest for 3 hours > then, pour it out. Use a sieve to filter the flower-remains/solids out of the liquid solution.

This liquid is your CBD Oil. Make sure you store it in a cool and dry place.

Note that there are other methods to make CBD Oil. E.g. Steam distillation, CO2 extraction, solvent extraction etc.

But, these aren’t possible in regular homes (unless, you’re Walter White from Breaking Bad) and hence I’m avoiding the details.

Feel free to check my detailed guide on How to make CBD Oil using those industry-grade, more expensive but more effective CBD extraction methods.

How to Use CBD Oil?

By “use” I mean “administer”. How does one administer CBD Oil? Well, there are quite a few methods and modes to do that.

In fact, the dosage as mentioned above also depends on your mode of intake. Here are some of the popular ways CBD Oil is consumed/administered to a human body:

  • Tinctures
  • Gummy bears
  • Capsules
  • Joints/flowers
  • Vapes
  • Cream/lotions etc.
  • Inhalers etc.

That should be all for this CBD Oil guide. Let me try and answer of the most frequently asked questions about CBD Oil then?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I myself had these exact questions in mind when I first heard of CBD Oil. I’m sure you have too? Even if not, I hope they’ll be informative nonetheless.

  • Is CBD Oil legal?

Obviously, the first and probably the most common question associated with CBD Oil is its legality. Rightly so, considering how it’s almost the cousin of Marijuana.

But, CBD Oil isn’t Marijuana. As mentioned earlier on this CBD Oil guide, it contains less than 0.3% THC which makes it legal in most, if not all the places on the world.

Now, it’s legal under the U.S Federal law. But, is CBD Oil legal in all 50 states? No, it’s not. Also, the “purpose” of use further dictates its legality.

The U.S states where CBD (and hence, also CBD Oil) is legal are California, Alaska, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Maine, Colorado, and Massachusetts.

If you need a much more detailed list on CBD Oil legality, check the official NCSL page out which also is the source for the image above.

Now, when talking globally, the legality will majorly depend on your country and state. I’ve created a map showing the countries (in green) where CBD Oil is legal:

It’s best if you check the legality manually for your country before placing an order.

  • Does CBD Oil need a doctor’s prescription?

No. You do not need a prescription. The primary reason is CBD Oil contains <0.3% THC which is legal almost everywhere.

You can buy CBD Oil on your own, online, in minutes!  However, getting a prescription helps you control your dosage and avoid any CBD Oil side-effects.

  • Is CBD Oil safe?

Absolutely. As I’ve also mentioned earlier in this CBD Oil guide, you can’t “overdose” on CBD Oil.

  • How long does CBD Oil stay in your body?

The average duration is 2-5 days. However, depending on your dosage and physical factors the duration may be heavily impacted.

  • Does CBD Oil get you high?

No, because it contains less than 0.3%  THC, CBD Oil doesn’t get you high. It may cause sensations of happiness, but no “high”.

  • Will CBD Oil fail a drug test?

In the most common scenarios, CBD Oil doesn’t show up on drug tests.  However, technically, yes, it’s possible. But, it’ll depend on the exact type of CBD Oil you’ve administered.

E.g. if your CBD Oil constituted of high amounts of THC, it’ll definitely test positive.

Disclaimer:

The information on this page is purely for educational purposes. It may not always be medically or legally correct.

By using any information on this page in any way, you agree that you’re at least 18 years of age. Also, the information on this page is not to be interpreted as medical/legal advise or treatment.

You’re must contact your doctor/healthcare before taking any decision, which in any way is influenced by this piece.

Well, 14% of Americans have already accepted using CBD. So, you may be new but you definitely aren’t the first.

Final Words – CBD Oil Guide

Let’s sum up everything we’ve discussed so far on this CBD Oil guide? So, hemp-derived CBD oil is what’s legal and should be used.

Secondly, there are hundreds of studies which do prove the physical and therapeutic benefits of CBD Oil.

Because CBD Oil doesn’t get you high, it doesn’t need a prescription, and can be ordered online. Even though it’s not 100% legal globally, it mostly is.

And with that, I take your leave. That’ll be all for this CBD Oil guide folks. Still not sure? Do check the other articles we’ve published on the trending plant if you need in-depth knowledge on CBD Oil.