Everything You Need to Know About How to Use CBD Oil
When navigating the world of CBD products, it can be difficult to distinguish the differences between them, especially if you have no idea what you are looking for. Here, we will help you out by offering some of the most essential basics surrounding CBD oil, including what it is, the difference between the types, methods of ingestion, and recommended dosing, with facts that are all backed up by valuable and reliable scientific research.
What is CBD?
The definition that can be found at WebMD says that CBD is the short form for cannabidiol which is just one phytocannabinoid that is produced by marijuana plants. It is considered to be one of the two most active cannabinoids with the other being THC. CBD will not produce psychoactive effects, instead, it is used to treat many conditions and disorders such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, movement disorders, chronic pain and sleeping troubles. While it will not provide the same intense feeling as THC does, it can deliver sedative qualities alongside anti-inflammatory properties that are relatively fast-acting with little to no side effects.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a cannabis-derived extract that contains only CBD. Often the CBD is extracted using a solvent that breaks down and removes the chemical compounds, making them easy to harvest. CBD oil will have a thick texture and is often administered via a syringe or taken orally using a dropper bottle. CBD oil is not ever used for recreational purposes, as it has no overwhelming effects like THC. It is only used for medical purposes, most often by those who have found little to no relief from the more traditional pharmaceutical treatments. CBD oil can be used for cooking, it can be taken orally and even smoked, but is generally meant to take in the healthiest way possible for its health benefits. CBD oils tend to contain somewhere between 50% and 70% CBD.
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is very different than CBD oil. It has a consistency that is similar to flour or that of granulated sugar. This form of CBD is made of 99% CBD, making it the purest form of CBD possible. CBD isolate is usually taken orally but rarely swallowed in its whole form. Instead, it is made into drinks, tinctures or edibles to add a massive dose of CBD that is easy to consume. CBD Isolate is nearly impossible to make at home and is rarely available for purchase, as it is incredibly difficult even for the professional to make and isn’t worth nearly as much as the only consumers of CBD are for medical reasons making the consumer base much less appealing for companies.
What is full-spectrum CBD oil?
Full-spectrum CBD oil sounds incredibly fancy and has been around longer than you might think. Full-spectrum means that it contains both active cannabinoids including THC and CBD generally in an evenly divided quantity. This oil can provide the therapeutic effects of CBD alongside a more potent feeling from the THC that can often work even better than just CBD oil particularly for those suffering from more extreme conditions or pain. Full-spectrum oil is made using the same extraction process as CBD oil, with the most significant difference being the plant material base. In the making of pure CBD oil, a plant that only contains high levels of CBD is selected, and for full spectrum plants that produce both cannabinoids in substantial amounts are used instead.
What is pure CBD oil?
Pure CBD oil is an oil, that is not only utilizing plants that only produce CBD, but also ones that contain no harmful residues or chemicals. Often you will find that CBD oils come in various flavors and scents, but those are created using glycerin and other chemicals that are proven carcinogens that take up space for no real reason other than taste. A pure CBD oil will not have any additives and will be made using a clean extraction method such as using CO2.
How to use CBD oil
The very first thing that you will need to decide on before learning how to use CBD oil is a reliable method of ingestion. Preferably one that makes you feel most comfortable which for some including an action similar to smoking, but for others, it is something that is done purely for health reasons, and so the idea of inhaling isn’t optimal. According to Health Link BC, the best ways to use CBD oil and any other cannabinoid products for medicinal purposes is through:
- Smoking the concentrates
- Ingesting CBD oil edibles
- Topically applying CBD lotion, oil, salve or balms
- Sprays including both topical and oral options
- Inhaling the CBD oil through vapors produced by an e-cig or vape pen
CBD oil dosage
According to the experts at Healthline, whether you are using a full-spectrum CBD oil or a pure CBD oil, the general guidelines stays the same. Those who are using CBD for the first time to treat mild symptoms should take the lowest doses for extended periods to gauge the effects. For people seeking immediate relief, such a small amount of CBD may not be a feasible option, but they will still need to proceed with caution as they learn how the effects of the oil will feel for them. Below are guidelines based on user experience, and the severity of symptoms that are a good starting point as you first learn how to use CBD oil.
Beginners/ Mild symptoms
If you are just starting, then the lowest dose possible is always recommended. One drop of a CBD oil, three times a day that contains 50 mg or less CBD should be sufficient.
Some experience/ Moderate symptoms
If you have some prior experience with CBD products or experiencing a more elevated urgency of symptoms, then you will likely benefit more from a slightly higher dose. One drop of CBD oil that contains 100 mg or less of CBD is the ideal starting range.
Regular users/ Severe symptoms
If you have an extensive history with using CBD or THC based products in the past or are suffering from a severe level of pain or other symptoms, then a higher dose of CBD may be required. Use 150 mg or less oil three times a day taking one drop three times per day.
These guidelines can only give you a glimpse into what you can expect from using a CBD oil. Reason being, each person will experience the chemical interaction differently, garnering slightly different results across the board. The starting amount given to each category is a great place to begin, but if after four days of treatment with no changes in how you feel, then increase the dosage by one drop per dose.
Continue for another four days and gauge your felt effect before deciding how to proceed from there. Unfortunately, it may take a little while to find what works for you, but once you do the long-term benefits are astounding and more than worth it, especially when faced with having to consider other potentially harmful pharmaceutical treatments.
CBD oil benefits
Now that you know how to use CBD oil, it is time to go over some of the possible benefits that can be obtained through using this marijuana product as a therapeutic agent. Though there is still very little available for scientific research on the matter, there is enough to solidify the idea that it is incredibly beneficial for humans to be ingesting CBD products. Below you will find a complete list of all symptoms and conditions that CBD can be effective at treating, according to a review that compiled the data from over 70 different research studies by the Journal Neurotherapeutics.
- Acne
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Muscle spasms
- Inflammation
- Addiction
- Parkinson’s
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Epilepsy
- Migraines
- Anorexia
- Pain from injury
- Depression
Where to buy the best CBD oil
If you don’t have the option of making your own CBD oil, then you will need to search for a reputable supplier, as this medicinal treatment only works when the products being used are of the highest quality. The easiest way to ensure that you buy the best CBD oil is to only make purchases through licensed distributors of cannabis or hemp related goods. Most regions require a rigorous level of testing in order to sell CBD oil which means a purer and cleaner product for the consumers.
