CBD 101

15 Facts About CBD Oil

How much do you know about CBD oil?

In this article, we are going to break down some key facts about this product derived from the cannabis plant. If you’ve been hearing about CBD oil from friends and want to find out more, this is the perfect article for you to read. With so much information online about this product, the purpose of this article is to provide you with some clarity on key facts about CBD oil.

After reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of what CBD oil is and why people are using it. Today, we will be providing you with answers to the following questions:

  • What is CBD oil?
  • Where does CBD oil come from?
  • Will CBD oil get you high?
  • Is CBD from hemp legal?
  • How many people are using CBD oil?
  • Does CBD oil come with any therapeutic benefits?
  • Are there any CBD consumption guidelines?
  • Who could benefit from taking CBD oil?
  • Is CBD safe?
  • Where is CBD oil being used?
  • Is it legal to fly with hemp-derived CBD oil?
  • Does CBD oil have FDA approval?

Are you ready to learn some key facts about CBD oil? If you don’t have time to read the full article, here are 15 facts about CBD oil you should know:

  1. CBD can be extracted from marijuana and hemp
  2. CBD is just one component of the cannabis plant
  3. CBD is psychoactive, but also non-intoxicating
  4. There are several different types of CBD oil
  5. CBD oil from hemp is legal
  6. CBD oil could have some therapeutic benefits
  7. CBD oil is being used by people around the world
  8. 1 in 7 Americans use some form of CBD (Gallup)
  9. CBD dosing is far from being an exact science
  10. Researchers are actively studying CBD oil
  11. CBD oil has attracted attention in wellness communities
  12. It may be legal to fly with hemp-derived CBD oil
  13. CBD is regarded as generally safe
  14. CBD oil does not have FDA approval
  15. The benefits of CBD are not fully understood

In recent years, this product has been subjected to widespread fascination. If you haven’t heard of CBD oil until now, where have you been? This product has been on the tip of everyone’s tongues. Now, it’s time to establish a few important facts about CBD oil.

1 – CBD can be extracted from marijuana and hemp

CBD can be extracted from marijuana and hemp. This compound can be extracted from a plant in a variety of different ways and some extraction methods are more effective than others. Marijuana and hemp plants can contain different strengths and qualities of CBD.

Marijuana is naturally higher in THC and lower than CBD. Whereas, in hemp, CBD dominates the plant’s chemical profile, and THC only occurs in trace amounts. The larger concentration of CBD in hemp makes it the ideal source of extraction. Typically, hemp strains can grow much faster than marijuana and result in more environmentally friendly CBD products.

Marijuana can also yield high CBD strains too. Even though the vast majority of marijuana strains are high in THC, the plant’s main psychoactive component, there are a few cultivars that contain much higher concentrations of CBD. Growers of marijuana can mix and combine cannabis strains to alter their cannabinoid content, delivering various ratios of CBD to THC.

CBD sourced from marijuana is still likely to carry significant levels of THC. Despite not necessarily being able to produce the distinctive marijuana high, CBD products derived from marijuana are only legal in states that permit the use of recreational marijuana.

2 – CBD is just one component of the cannabis plant

The cannabis plant is made up of several different components. Each of these components are chemical compounds – known as cannabinoids – with their own properties and characteristics. As a collective, cannabinoids represent the chemical profile of cannabis.

Many people make the assumption that all cannabinoids in the cannabis plant are responsible for the plant’s psychoactive properties. Nothing could actually be further from the truth. As we said, every cannabinoid has its own unique set of properties and characteristics. When these cannabinoids are extracted and isolated, they can represent something quite different from the cannabis plant.

CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is just one component of the cannabis plant. Alongside THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is perhaps the most widely recognized compound that stems from the cannabis plant. Outside of CBD and THC, most people will have never heard of the many other cannabinoids that can be found in the plant.

While we won’t be exploring these compounds today, for your own curiosity, here are just a few examples of the many other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant:

  • CBG (cannabigerol)
  • CBN (cannabinol)
  • THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acids)
  • CBC (cannabichromene)
  • THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
  • CBDV (cannabidivarin)
  • Delta8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol)

For the most part, scientists and researchers have been focusing the bulk of their attention on the potential of both CBD and THC. Further down the line, once we know more about how CBD and THC interact with the body, there may come a time when scientists and researchers begin to start looking at the other cannabinoids in greater detail.

3 – CBD is psychoactive, but also non-intoxicating

Hemp-derived CBD products are often described as being non-psychoactive – but this isn’t entirely true. While cannabidiol is certainly less psychoactive than tetrahydrocannabinol, it isn’t completely devoid of psychoactive effects altogether. CBD is psychoactive in the sense that it has the potential to affect a person’s mood and cognitive abilities.

The most recognized psychoactive effect of CBD is its potential ability to provide a sense of calm. Many consumers often describe experiencing a sense of calm and therapeutic relief after taking products like CBD oil. This isn’t going to be the case for everyone but certain products containing the compound have demonstrated an ability to deliver these effects.

CBD is psychoactive because it has often had an effect on people’s minds. By definition, the term psychoactive is used to describe something that has an effect on a person’s mind. If CBD is commonly making people feel calmer and more relaxed, this compound comes under the banner of being a psychoactive chemical compound.

While CBD may be psychoactive, this doesn’t also mean it is intoxicating. A compound that is psychoactive is not automatically intoxicating at the same time. CBD is non-intoxicating as it does not produce a high sensation. This is where some people end up getting confused. Many assume that because CBD is non-intoxicating it must also be non-psychoactive – but that is not necessarily the case.

4 – There are several different types of CBD oil

You can purchase a wide variety of different CBD oil products in the marketplace. Not all CBD oil is the same. Principally, there are three categories of CBD:

  • Full spectrum CBD oil contains the full spectrum of CBD, a few minor cannabinoids, cannabis-derived terpenes, and trace amounts of THC found in the plant.
  • Broad spectrum CBD oil contains a full spectrum of extracted cannabinoids and terpenes, without any THC content.
  • CBD isolate is often described as pure CBD. This is when all other cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, have been removed, resulting in a crystalline or powdered form of CBD.

Certain CBD products are likely to be more effective at delivering therapeutic benefits than others. Naturally, in an ever-growing market, this is to be expected. There are always going to be companies that innovate faster than others – but this isn’t about innovation, it’s actually about manipulation. Some CBD companies like to use certain key phrases and buzzwords to falsely represent their products. The authorities have been cracking down on CBD oil labels.

You should be wary of products that have been labeled with names like hemp oil or hemp seed oil. These are unlikely to contain any CBD at all.

5 – CBD oil from hemp is legal (with less than 0.3% THC)

CBD oil is legal but only when it is derived from the hemp plant, not the marijuana plant. After the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, CBD derived from industrial hemp, which is defined as cannabis with less than a THC content of less than 0.3%, is not a controlled substance under federal law. If CBD oil contains more than 0.3% THC, it is illegal on a federal level. It might, however, be legal in certain states where medical cannabis is permitted for use.

We highly recommend checking the laws in your state to ensure you are not breaking any. The laws can vary considerably and it’s important to understand the implications of purchasing certain products. There are some states that still consider CBD to be illegal. You must do your own due diligence to make sure you are abiding by federal and state laws.

You should always check on the product packaging to see exactly what is in each CBD product. The most important thing to do is to check the THC levels. How much THC does the CBD product contain? Does this make the product compliant with both federal and state laws? These are the questions you need to be asking to ensure compliance. The CBD manufacturers will also be able to answer any questions you may have about their products.

The laws surrounding CBD and cannabis have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. It is possible that these laws could be reviewed in the near future. For now, since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the rules and regulations are clear. We will be keeping our eyes peeled for further developments on this issue but there are unlikely to be any substantial changes in the immediate future.

6 – CBD oil could have some therapeutic benefits

CBD oil could potentially have some therapeutic benefits. These seem to vary from person to person. Some have suggested that CBD can have a calming and relaxing effect on the body, while others have experienced different effects after taking products containing CBD. How much CBD oil you take and the strength of the oil can play a role in the therapeutic effects.

7 – CBD oil is being used by people around the world

CBD oil is being used by people around the world from all walks of life. It has been exciting to see so many consumers embrace this product. The consumption of this compound is now becoming part of people’s daily routines. We look forward to seeing more people explore the therapeutic potential of this compound through products like CBD oil.

8 – 1 in 7 Americans use some form of CBD (Gallup)

According to a 2019 survey from Gallup, 1 in 7 Americans, or 14%, use some form of CBD. People are naturally curious about the potential of this compound and this curiosity has made them open to trying a variety of products. A product like CBD oil isn’t going to be to everyone’s liking. Fortunately, there are many other CBD products on the market for people to explore.

With 1 in 7 Americans using some form of CBD, we expect the use of CBD to only continue to grow. While positive benefits are far from guaranteed, a significant amount of people taking CBD products are experiencing positive benefits. These can range from feeling calm and relaxed to other more profound benefits that are still being explored by scientists in trials.

9 – CBD consumption is far from being an exact science

If you’ve had a look at consumption guidelines on the product packaging of CBD oils, you will know these guidelines dramatically vary. CBD consumption if far from being an exact science. There is no precise measurement or universal guideline that is going to be effective for everyone. This is because CBD oil products can come in different strengths and quantities.

The best thing you can do is follow the guidelines on the product packaging for each CBD oil product you take. If you have any concerns or queries about the consumption guidelines stated on the product packaging, it would be advisable to contact the CBD manufacturer or seller who will be able to answer any questions you may have about their products.

10 – Researchers are actively studying CBD oil

In recent years, a tremendous amount of research has taken place exploring the potential of CBD oil. With increasing consumer interest, scientific researchers have stepped up their game to explore CBD through the lens of several different use cases. They want to know exactly what this compound can and cannot achieve. This will help to provide consumers with clarity.

There have been many studies into the use of CBD for several different purposes. While some promising results have come from these studies, more research still needs to be done to substantiate these claims. There have been claims that CBD oil may be able to help people with a variety of different conditions but none of this has been fully substantiated.

11 – CBD oil has attracted attention in wellness communities

CBD oil has attracted attention in wellness communities across the globe. As more people start to use the product, more anecdotal evidence of potential therapeutic benefits is coming to the surface. The increasing attention on CBD oil has led to the rise of many claims about the product. With more people using CBD oil, you can expect to hear more anecdotal evidence about its potential benefits.

When you hear anecdotal evidence about CBD oil, it’s important to take bold claims with a pinch of salt. This is a wellness product that has not been approved for use as a medicine. CBD is regarded as being generally safe with a favorable safety profile. There has been evidence to suggest that CBD products could interfere with prescription medication. Before taking CBD oil, it’s best to check to see if you can take it alongside any prescription medication.

12 – It may be legal to fly with hemp-derived CBD oil

Even though hemp-derived CBD oil is legal under federal law, if you are going on domestic or international flights, there may be stricter laws. CBD oil products derived from marijuana, along with CBD oil with a THC content higher than 0.3%, are not allowed on domestic or international flights. We would strongly recommend you seek professional advice on flying with hemp-derived CBD oil before arriving at the airport.

Please note: At Spero CBD, we are not attorneys. We do not provide legal advice. Every effort has been made to provide useful and accurate information. Regardless, this information should not be relied upon in place of consultation with appropriate legal advisors in your jurisdiction. These questions and answers may not be correct at the time of reading.

13 – CBD is regarded as generally safe

Clinicians have described CBD as having a favorable safety profile because it is not known to alter or change major factors in the human body. It has been proven that taking a dose of up to 1,500 milligrams of CBD per day is well tolerated, even when taken on a regular basis over long periods of time. There have been some reported side effects of CBD, including sleepiness and fatigue. This answer may not be correct at the time of reading.

14 – CBD oil does not have FDA approval

It is important to note that CBD oil does not have FDA approval. The FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug product to treat two rare, severe forms of epilepsy. The FDA will continue to update the public as it learns more about CBD

15 – The benefits of CBD are not fully understood

The benefits of CBD and what it is capable of are still not fully understood. Despite having been around for thousands of years, more research still needs to be conducted into the potential benefits of CBD.

Dr. Jordan Talley

Dr. Talley is a Physician Anesthesiologist who completed his medical residency at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Physiology & Biophysics from Georgetown University. He completed his medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM - Bradenton Campus). During his Anesthesiology training at Johns Hopkins he completed rotations in Chronic Pain Management and continues to manage acute and peri-operative pain for his patient as a private practice anesthesiologist in Virginia.