When the 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD derived from hemp, it opened up a world of possibilities for this fascinating, potentially therapeutic cannabinoid. Since that point, CBD has been incorporated into everything from edible products to topical creams, and 14 percent of American adults use CBD regularly. The most popular product is no doubt CBD oil, even with all the other interesting options.

But there are lots of questions: How do you use CBD oil? What does CBD oil help with? Is CBD oil right for you? Here’s a closer look to help you decide for yourself if CBD oil is worthy of your attention.

First, things first: What is CBD oil?

Technically speaking, CBD oil is a product made by extracting CBD from hemp plants and incorporating it into a carrier oil. CBD oil is a commonly used term, but it is not the best descriptor. Oftentimes, products labeled as CBD oil are actually full spectrum hemp oils. CBD oil is just more widely known and accepted, therefore most commonly used.

With this in mind, “CBD oil” can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or made with an isolated form of CBD. Full spectrum and broad-spectrum oils offer not only CBD, but also other valuable cannabinoids and chemical compounds like terpenes and flavonoids that naturally come from the hemp plant during extraction. Check out our page that covers the different types of hemp oil.

Okay, so what is CBD exactly?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is just one of over 100 chemical compounds found in cannabis (aka hemp) plants. Cannabinoids are naturally present chemical compounds that are mostly found in cannabis plants, but can also be found in cacao, coneflower, black truffles, and more. A few other noteworthy cannabinoids include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBN (cannabinol), and CBG (cannabigerol).

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil simply “carries” the CBD or hemp extracts from the bottle to the body. Carrier oils help your body absorb these natural chemical compounds that we’ve previously mentioned. Carrier oils can vary depending on the product manufacturer. For example, at Vermont Hempicurean, we mainly offer CBD oil made with organic MCT oil and hemp seed oil.

How do you use CBD oil?

In the most general terms, CBD oil is used like any other tincture, which means you take the product orally. You can simply swallow CBD oil, but holding it just under the tongue briefly will allow it to absorb into the bloodstream more effectively. You can also use CBD oil topically (ie. rubbed directly into the skin). People choose to use CBD oil for an array of different reasons, so methods of using the oil can vary.

Can you smoke CBD oil?

No, typically CBD oil that you purchase can not be smoked. CBD flowers and other products formulated for vaping may be different, and you should only smoke products designed for the purpose. In general, the most common types of CBD oil you will find online are not suitable for use as vaping liquids or smoking in any fashion. As mentioned earlier, CBD oils are made with a range of carrier oils, most of which have never been tested for safety when it comes to inhaling.

If you prefer to smoke CBD, you do have good options, however. Hemp flower pre-rolls, raw hemp flower, and CBD vape pens and liquids are available.

What about CBD edibles? How do they compare to CBD oil?

Edibles are likely the second most popular way for people to consume their CBD. CBD edibles are made for convenient dosing, so a precisely measured amount of CBD is incorporated into each edible. Both products have their own advantages. For example, an edible may be more convenient to take on the go, but a CBD oil placed under the tongue may yield faster effects.

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

Early research has shown that CBD has a number of properties that could be beneficial to humans, such as anti-inflammatory properties support general wellness, and so much more.  While CBD is being studied as a potentially effective agent for a litany of health problems, such as gastrointestinal issues, depression, and multiple sclerosis, the facts on the efficacy are yet to be established.

With that being said, many scientists believe the true benefits of hemp come from what’s known as the entourage effect. This is a phenomenon that takes place when multiple components of the hemp plant work together in a synergistic fashion. This is why we recommend full spectrum hemp oil over CBD isolate products, unless you are using CBD for a very specific reason and you can not have other cannabinoids present.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Oil:

Q: How much CBD oil should I take?

The effective dosage level of CBD can vary from person to person, and dosage levels may vary depending on your reason for taking CBD as well. Therefore, it is difficult to offer an exact dosage recommendation. The general guideline is to start with a low dosage of CBD oil and work your way up until you achieve a desirable outcome. Make sure you monitor the effects at each dosage level to accurately determine its true effects for you personally. The good news is, the World Health Organization has dubbed CBD oil as having a “good safety profile” for humans.

Q. How long does it take to feel the effects of CBD oil?

Ingesting CBD oil (just swallowing the oil) may mean it could take an hour or two to feel the effects. The oil must go through the digestive process before it gets into your system. On the other hand, taking the CBD sublingually (letting it sit under the tongue for at least 30 seconds) will speed the process up, allowing you to feel the effects within ~15 minutes.

Q. Does CBD oil make you sleepy?

One of the few listed side effects of CBD is drowsiness or fatigue, which is why many people try CBD for sleep support. However, most people do not feel excessively sleepy after using CBD oil; you may just feel calm and relaxed. This feeling could help you focus at the beginning of the day just the same as it could potentially help you sleep better at night.

Q. How long does CBD oil last?

The general consensus is that the effects of CBD oil will last anywhere from two to six hours. However, it can take between two and five days for the CBD to officially leave your system, and sometimes longer depending on a number of variables.

Start Your CBD Oil Experience with High Quality Products

So many people are growing to know and love CBD oil for its countless potential benefits. If you’re ready to start your own CBD journey, make sure you opt for a high-quality, hemp-derived product for the best experience. At Vermont Hempicurean, we’re passionate about bringing CBD to those who need it, and doing so in a reliable, quality way. Take a look at our quality CBD oil, gummies, and more!

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