Frequently Asked Questions About CBD
What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
Hemp oil generally refers to hemp SEED oil. Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, including Omega 3 and 6. Hemp seed oil is also a good source of high-quality protein. It's a great option for vegans who may be looking for an alternative to fish oil. Hemp seed oil has a pleasant nutty smell, deep green color, and absorbs well into the skin.
While hemp seed oil offers good nutritional value and the essential amino acids necessary for health and wellness, it does not contain CBD.
Unfortunately, Amazon has been flooded with hemp seed oil that is marketed as CBD oil or "cannabis oil." (Update: some manufacturers have listed CBD products on Amazon without disclosing CBD as an ingredient. This may make it difficult for consumers to distinguish products that contain only hemp seed oil and products that contain CBD in other carrier oil.)
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What is the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD?
CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD is CBD, whether it's extracted from industrial cannabis (hemp) or recreational or medical cannabis it is the same compound. The difference between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived extract is the amount of THC in the extract (hemp must contain no more than 0.3% THC) and the overall cannabinoid profile.
While most recreational and medical cannabis cultivators focus on high-THC, low-CBD chemovars (strains), hemp can be grown to reach high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Therefore, raw CBD hemp plant extract is likely to yield a higher concentration of CBD than recreational cannabis extract while having lower concentrations of THC.
Hemp Plant
What is the difference between Full Spectrum CBD oil and THC-free CBD oil?
This boils down to the method of extraction and refinement. CBD is generally extracted in a raw form from CBD-rich hemp plants via ethanol (high-grade alcohol) or sometimes via supercritical CO2.
Raw full spectrum hemp oil, ethanol extracted
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CO2 extraction
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"Full spectrum" CBD oil refers to the raw extract that features ALL of the phytocannabinoids found in the original hemp plant. The cannabinoid profile or makeup of full spectrum oil is closest to that of the original plant. This can also be referred to as "whole plant extract."
Hemp "biomass" or ground hemp flower prepared for extraction
Cannabis contains more than 480 chemical compounds, and more than 100 are classified as cannabinoids, the most well-known being CBD, THC, CBC, CBG, and CBN. It also contains terpenes, including Myrcene, Limonene, Alpha & Beta -pinene, Linalool, B-caryophyllene, Caryophyllene oxide, Humulene, Nerolidol, and Phytol.
This means that full spectrum oil does contain THC. This is especially important to understand if you are concerned about drug testing. Full spectrum oil from hemp plants contains less than 0.3% THC and will not make you high; however, if you consume full spectrum CBD oil, it is possible to test positive for THC in a drug test.
Raw CO2 extract being processed through a rotovap to evaporate ethanol after being "winterized" to remove fats and waxes
CBD must be isolated from the raw, full spectrum, whole plant extract to create THC-free CBD oil. Once THC is removed from the extract, the extract should no longer be considered "full spectrum." Although CBD has been shown to work especially well when coupled with a small amount of THC, it can also be consumed on its own for those who prefer a THC-free product.
Is CBD safe?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a Critical Review Report of CBD. Among other findings, it concluded that CBD has a good safety profile and that there is no evidence to date of any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.
Will I fail a drug test if I take CBD?
No. If the drug test is testing for THC, and you consume a CBD product that is THC-free and ONLY has CBD, you will not fail the drug test. However, if the CBD oil has THC--even less than 0.3% THC--, you may fail the drug test (see explanation of full spectrum CBD oil above).
Will CBD get me high?
No. Unlike THC, CBD does not have intoxicating effects and will not get you high. Even when consuming full spectrum oils, with less than 0.3% THC, you will not get high.