You’ve probably heard of cannabidiol (CBD) at this point—spotted near the register at your local health food store or gas station, or brushed past a CBD-infused beverage or ten. It’s kind of everywhere, but…What is it? What’s it used for? Is it even legal? These questions linger.
Whether you’re curious about the CBD hype or are looking to incorporate CBD oil into your wellness routine, our all-inclusive guide to CBD oil for beginners will provide insight and answers to the most common questions.
CBD Oil for Beginners: The Basics
Cannabis plants produce over 100 distinct cannabinoids, including CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While CBD and THC each have their own unique benefits, their effects on the body differ from one another. While THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and may produce a sense of euphoria, CBD typically has more subtle effects. It interacts with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating mood, pain, and your everyday experience, to provide relief from minor aches and pains, common anxiety, and sleeplessness.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products in the United States, making CBD oils and other CBD products widely available. Hemp plants are cannabis plants specially grown to have less than 0.3% THC. In order to be federally legal, CBD oils must contain less than 0.3% THC—however, the exact amount of THC depends on the type of CBD oil.
Common Types and Delivery Systems
CBD oil comes in three common types: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate, all of which have varying benefits.
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Full-spectrum CBD oil retains all naturally-occurring compounds from the hemp plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, and THC. When several cannabis compounds are combined, the effects and benefits may be enhanced. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect, and it suggests that taking multiple cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, and terpenes, together may be more effective than taking any other single cannabinoid by itself (not just CBD or THC).
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Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum CBD oil, but is further refined to remove the THC. This type of CBD may not produce the same degree of benefits as full-spectrum CBD oil but offers an option for those who can’t have THC.
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CBD isolate is pure CBD, meaning it does not contain any additional compounds from the hemp plant and thus will not provide benefits from the entourage effect theory
CBD is available in several different forms, or delivery systems, including tinctures, creams and other topicals, vape juices, capsules, and pills. CBD oils in tincture form are believed to be the most effective and bioavailable delivery system for CBD. Taking CBD oil sublingually, held under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing, improves efficiency and speed of absorption, providing the maximum benefit.
What Is CBD Oil Used For?
Many people use CBD oil to reduce mild anxiety, manage and reduce aches and pains, and improve sleep. While the clinical research on the benefits of CBD oil is slightly limited, current research suggests that the benefits are a result of the interaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system, a system of receptors that plays an important role in the regulation of processes and functions, including sleep, pain, mood, inflammation, and memory.
Determining Your Strength and Dosage
Everyone’s perfect dose is unique as CBD oil affects everyone differently and different amounts of CBD oil have varying effects. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to start with a lower dose and work your way up, making adjustments over time.
Small amounts of CBD can be a stimulant while large amounts of CBD can be a sedative. There’s no exact science to finding the dose that works for you, but here’s what Feals customers reported as the dose that worked for their needs. When looking to help calm an anxious mind, you might start with a smaller dose, like 20 MG. For pain management, doses are likely to be slightly higher, starting around 40 MG. When looking to improve the quality of sleep, typically higher doses around 60 MG can be effective.
CBD oils are available in a variety of strengths, or potenticies, with bottles often ranging from 300 to 500 MG. Potency does matter and paying less money for a lower dose may not be the best route. We recommend looking for strengths between 600-2,400 MG. While a lower strength bottle, such as 600 MG, may be appropriate when seeking relief from mild anxiety or minor aches and pains, higher strengths are typically needed for those looking to improve sleep.
What to Look for When Buying CBD Oil
If you’re looking to incorporate CBD oil into your self-care routine, whether for mild anxiety, the occasional aches and pains, or sleeplessness, there are several things to consider. Despite the hundreds of companies to choose from, not all CBD oils are created equal. Safety and quality are two of the most critical factors to take into account when purchasing CBD oil. Here’s a cheat sheet:
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Safety and Quality: CBD companies should always include third-party testing for safety and quality.
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Extraction Method: the CO2 extraction method, which uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract CBD from the hemp plant, is currently the industry standard.
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Ingredients: always check that the CBD oil is clearly labeled and does not contain added chemicals, fillers, or byproducts.
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Concentration: opt for products with higher concentrations listed by per dose or per bottle. CBD oils with more than 60 MG per dose will provide the greatest benefit.
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Type: full- and broad-spectrum CBD oils offer the greatest range of benefits.
Feals Is Your Premier Source for Full-Spectrum CBD
At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing a simple, healthy, and better way to feel better. We provide thoughtful, high-quality hemp-based CBD products designed to help you keep a clear head and a balanced life while feeling your best. Our rigorous third-party quality and safety testing ensures we’re delivering the purest, cleanest product with only two ingredients—full-spectrum hemp and USDA-certified organic MCT oil.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
