What is CBD Oil?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, more widely known as “CBD,” is a compound that belongs to a broad group of compounds found in hemp referred to as cannabinoids. CBD is the most abundant occurring cannabinoids in hemp that has been linked with a variety of health benefits. Currently, scientists and doctors have discovered approximately 140 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, so it will not produce the same “high” feeling associated with THC or marijuana, and it is non-habit forming, according to a study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH.)

What is CBD Oil?

As previously mentioned, CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp. But how does CBD turn into CBD oil? There are several methods used to extract CBD from hemp so it can be turned into CBD oil, but the most common method is either CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction. CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide and heat to remove the cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds from the plant. Ethanol extraction or more specifically, cold ethanol extraction, uses ethanol alcohol typically set at temperatures between – 22 degrees and – 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A benefit of cold ethanol extraction is that it coaxes the most compounds out of the hemp plant, referred to as “throughput.” It also requires less energy from the electrical grid than C02 extraction, which is better for Mother Earth. Once the oil is extracted, any remaining ethanol is evaporated from the solution using heat. From there, CBD is typically filtered and then mixed with MCT oil (derived from coconut or palm oil) and/or hempseed oil to finish the process. CBD oil is usually administered under the tongue, where it should be held for at least one minute before swallowing. It takes about 15-25 minutes to enter your system once administered under the tongue.  

Can CBD Oil Get You High?

No. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and it is not habit-forming. Unlike its cousin, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not get you “high,” but it does make you feel relaxed and grounded, and some people confuse that with being high, though it sure would be great if everyone felt relaxed and grounded, I think there is another word for that, Umm, oh yes, normal.

What is CBD Used For?

CBD has been associated with numerous health benefits, but it is most commonly known for its ability to reduce inflammation and to calm anxiety. Some other benefits associated with using CBD are sleep support and focus. The mechanism of action (MOA) that makes the compounds in hemp beneficial to our bodies are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are part of vital system that helps to regulate your body’s internal processes against the outside environment, and it is called the Endocannabinoid System or ECS for short. 

How is CBD Oil Used?

There are many ways to use or administer CBD oil, and the options for different types of products keeps growing. I will list the different “form factors” below in order of how fast the effects take place vs. the slowest “time to onset.” The term “time to onset” refers to how long it takes for the active ingredients to enter your system after you use the product. For each form factor, there are benefits and trade-offs. 
 
Inhalation: this is the quickest way to get CBD into your system. When a person vapes or combusts (meaning, they are using a lighter or torch,) you feel the effects within 1-2 minutes. The therapeutic effects can last from 1-3 hours. 
 
Topical: Topical application is a popular way to try CBD, especially with “Baby Boomers,” (people born between 1946 – 1964.) CBD in the form of a cream, salve, shampoo or conditioner, is applied directly to the effect area to soothe skin and reduce inflammation. Topical forms of CBD do not get into your bloodstream through your skin, unless they are formulated to be transdermal, but that is a topic for another blog discussion. A good topical made from CBD can be felt in as little as 3-5 minutes; however, 5-10 minutes is normal time to onset, with effects last 3 – 6 hours.  
 
Sublingual: the 2nd fastest way to get CBD into your system is by administering it under your tongue in the form of a CBD oil or “tincture.” The proper way to achieve this is by drawing up the desire amount of oil into the dropper, then depositing under your tongue, where you hold it for at least one minute, or more, before swallowing the CBD oil. Putting CBD oil under your tongue allows it to bypass digestion and absorb more rapidly through the mucous membrane in your mouth and through the sublingual duct under your tongue. Within about 15-25 minutes the CBD will be in your system, and the effects can last 3-6 hours. 
 
Ingestion: The 3rd fastest way to get CBD into your system is by eating or ingesting it in the form of a gummy, brownie, cookie, powder (in the form of CBD isolate) ice cream etc… Because CBD goes through the digestion process and is metabolized by the liver, it will take approximately 60-90 minutes for it to get into your system, so be patient if you don’t feel any effects right away. Even though it is the form factor that takes the longest to become systemic, the effects can last from 6 hours onward, so this method is typically good for chronic pain.

When Should I Use CBD Oil?

While it is important to consult your physician if you are taking any medications or if you have a specific condition or symptom and you are thinking about trying CBD, the general medical consensus is that CBD poses a low risk of negative side effects or adverse drug reactions. This opinion is also supported by a study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH.) People seeking the potential effects and benefits of CBD may be looking for a variety of reasons. For starters, if someone is looking to use cannabis for relief of a symptom but they don’t want to get high, then CBD is a great option. People who take sleep medicine, whether it is over the counter (OTC) or prescribe, may do well by introducing some CBD into their nightly regimen. If you or someone you know tend to be anxious, then CBD can help support a more relaxed disposition.

The Future of CBD

If you did a Google search on “CBD” right now, you could read through millions of results, most of them stating something positive about CBD, and in many instances, outright unbelievable about how CBD helped a them or a family member or friend. The demand is strong and growing (no pun intended!) and the popularity of CBD and the various types products will continue to be a trend for years to come. Here are some encouraging numbers for all the hemp entrepreneurs and advocates out there: 
 
 
  • In 2021, cannabidiol (CBD) generated over $5.3 billion USD in product sales revenue through both online and in-store transactions.
  • By 2024, the market is expected to develop exponentially, with estimated sales amounting to $12 billion USD – an increase of $6.7 billion USD from 2021.
  • California sold the most CBD product across the United States in 2021. With sales reaching $24.9 million USD (36% of market share) by May. However, it’s worth noting that sales are declining in California and other states with recreational cannabis.
 
In closing, make sure to seek credible and respected resources when choosing a CBD product, and if you are not sure, perhaps your local pharmacist or your primary care physician (PCP) can recommend a good brand for you. To learn more about our organic and natural cannabinoid therapy products available at Health Synergy, visit our website at www.healthsynergycbd.com.

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