This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.
Last Updated on February 8, 2024
CBD oil is now legal in 46 U.S. states. It’s all the rage and everyone’s talking about it (even grandma has had something to say about it). But what is it exactly and should you use it?
There’s so much confusion over CBD oil that Diamond CBD even created a CBD education center, which will become the official online database for factual, up-to-date information about CBD.
If you’re feeling a tad confused yourself, we’re going to answer your questions in this CBD oil buying guide. Join us as we take a look at exactly what CBD oil is, how it’s different to cannabis (learn more in this guide to edibles)- and why you should use it.
CBD Oil and Cannabis – What’s the Difference?
CBD oil’s exact name is cannabidiol. Thanks to its easy availability online and at many health shops, more and more people are starting to use CBD products. Whereas previously it was only the seriously sick that used CBD oil, it’s growing in popularity with a broader demographic. People use it to treat depression, anxiety and more.
But what’s the link with cannabis?
CBD oil is derived from the infamous cannabis plant, but it’s just one of 104 total chemical compounds. It occurs totally naturally, and when it’s extracted and mixed with coconut or hemp seed oil, it turns into CBD oil.
One of the biggest concerns a first-time user might have is that, since CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, it might get them high. However, unlike some other chemical compounds extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD isn’t psychoactive because it contains so little THC.
What is TCH? It’s the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Because CBD contains so little (often 0.3% or less), there is 0% chance it will get you high.
So CBD Oil Is Legal, Then?
Most of the cannabinoids that are derived from the cannabis plant are, of course, illegal in many parts of the world. While Canada has legalised marijuana, many U.S. states haven’t, and neither have many European countries, including the UK.
However, CBD oil is totally legal for medicinal purposes in some places. That said, there are conditions. For CBD oil to be legal in Europe, for example, it needs to be derived from an EU-approved industrial hemp strain.
Moreover, there are numerous restrictions placed on CBD oil’s THC content. In the UK, for example, legal CBD oil can contain no more than 0.2% of THC.
In the U.S., meanwhile, CBD oil is 100% legal if it’s derived from hemp. On the other hand, if CBD oil is derived from marijuana – which is a psychoactive compound – , it’s not legal in four U.S. states states, including Nebraska and Kansas.
So Why Should I Take CBD Oil?
Just because something is legal, that doesn’t mean you should take it.
However, CBD oil comes with so many awesome health benefits. Here are some of them:
CBD Oil Treats Anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40,000,000 adult Americans now struggle with anxiety, which is 18% of the whole population.
Anxiety is a terrible, debilitating mental illness that can prevent a person from living life to their full potential.
CBD oil has been studied extensively and found to be able to ease symptoms associated with anxiety. According to one 2011 study, a 600mg dosage of CBD oil was enough to significantly reduce generalised social anxiety among a group of people.
CBD Oil Can Ease Pain
Pain of any kind can be really intolerable. It keeps us awake at night. One of the most well-known benefits of CBD oil is that it’s able to relieve pain.
This is thought to be down to the fact that CBD works together with receptors in our immune system and brain to minimise inflammation. In turn, this helps to ease pain.
Studies have also shown that CBD oil is able to reduce inflammation in rodents significantly.
CBD Oil Can Prevent Seizures
Seizures can really disrupt the quality of one’s life. They happen whenever an individual experiences a a significant fluctuation of electrical activity in their brain.
There have been rumours circulating for some time regarding the anti-seizure properties of CBD oil, but it wasn’t until recently that these links were confirmed by science.
Indeed, a study has shown that CBD oil can reduce seizure frequency to just 38.9% among young adults who have a rare type of epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome.
CBD Oil Could Treat Acne
Acne always seems to strike at the worst possible time, and once we’re experiencing a breakout, it’s really hard to eradicate it.
CBD oil is thought to help. This is because it reduces inflammation and it aids our immune system.
A study has even shown that CBD oil can inhibit the production of sebum, a chief cause of acne.
Got It – So How Do I Take CBD Oil?
There are different ways to consume CBD oil and different ways that it’s available. Capsules are popular, as are tinctures that allow you to apply a few drops of the oil under your tongue before swallowing. Tinctures can also be easily added to your smoothies or a glass of water.
Sprays are another popular CBD product, while dosage-wise it makes sense to start small and work your way up. The effects of CBD oil are pretty quick, so you’ll know pretty soon after taking the oil how effective a particular dosage is. That said, it’s really important that you speak to your doctor first before consuming any amount.
And Lastly – Any CBD Oil Side Effects?
It’s unusual for someone to experience nasty CBD oil side effects, but typically when a person does these include dizziness, bloating, nausea and vomiting.
A tiny percentage of CBD oil users, meanwhile, have been treated for suspected liver damage.
However, the risks are small. To minimise your risk even more, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor first.
Hopefully you’re clearer now about CBD oil and what it is. For further information, Diamond CBD recently launched their ‘I Am CBD, I Am THC campaign’ video series that uses humour to explore the facts and myths about both CBD and THC, educating the public on the differences.
