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January 21, 2020

CBD Oil Basics

The 2018 Farm Bill has opened up new doors for cannabis cultivators and CBD manufacturers nationwide, which means more products and incredible benefits for all. Whether you’re looking for CBD-infused goods for wellness or just want to try out something new — having all of the knowledge you need to make an informed decision is crucial. With so many new goods circulating the CBD marketplace, it can be difficult to decipher which option is best for you.

You may have come across CBD products like:

  • • Vaporizers
  • • Edibles
  • • Beverages
  • • Oils
  • • Skincare
  • • Lotions
  • • And more

One of the most popular forms of CBD products is oils. If you were to peruse your local CBD shop, these products are everywhere. We’re going to dive a little deeper into what you should know about CBD oils so that you can get the best possible results.

CBD Oil 101

Of all the forms CBD can come in, CBD oil tops the chart when it comes to potency. By extracting oils from flowers and stalks of a hemp plant — cultivators can harness some incredible CBD goodness. CBD oil is full of cannabinoids, fatty acids, nutrients, proteins, and essential vitamins that can positively benefit your endocannabinoid system.

What’s in CBD Oil?

CBD oils take advantage of carrier oils or base oils that help dilute the cannabidiol — allowing for easier absorption into the body. Typically, these carrier oils consist of:

  • • MCT oil
  • • Coconut oil
  • • Vegetable glycerine base
  • • Hemp seed oil 

CBD Oil Pros and Cons

Pros: CBD Oil

  • Typically, CBD oil utilizes C02 extraction for a more potent and purer product — so you’re getting what you’re paying for.
  • It’s extremely versatile, and manufacturers can use it for a wide range of products like capsules and vape additives (when thinning agents are added)
  • CBD oil suspends in an inert oil, which means it’s unaffected after digestion.

*Note: Do not vape CBD oil that does not say vape juice, e-liquid, or e-juice on the label — ask your CBD manufacturer to be sure. 

Cons: CBD Oil 

  • If unflavored, full spectrum oil may be too earthy or grassy in flavor for some.
  • It may interact with certain prescription medications.

How Much Should You Take?

Figuring out how much CBD is right for you takes a little experimentation, but we always recommend sticking with the dosage recommended on the bottle and make adjustments from there. However, everyone has a unique endocannabinoid system, so there’s not necessarily a “one size fits all” dosage. Luckily, both CBD oils come in simple droppers, giving individuals the ability to choose exactly how much they want to take at any given time.

It’s never a bad idea to start off with a lower dose and work your way up. Fortunately, CBD oil is generally  well tolerated and negative side effects are far and few between. Some side effects could be sleepiness, dry mouth, and potentially nausea. If you’re on prescription medication, just be certain that you’re consulting with your medical professional to ensure that there aren’t any possible interactions.

Storing Your CBD Oils

If you’ve spent your hard-earned money on CBD oils, you’ll want to keep them fresh so that you can enjoy their benefits for as long as possible. So, what’s the best way to store your CBD products? 

Well, there are a few elemental enemies of cannabinoids and CBD-related products. Taking every precaution to avoid or reduce these will keep your oils potent and effective.

  • • Avoid direct light
  • • Keep them away from heat
  • • Restrict air exposure

These three elements are public enemy #1 when it comes to CBD shelf life. So, here are some helpful tips for storing your CBD oils.

Keep them in their original bottle as these will be amber glass, offering effective UV protection.

Make sure the bottle is sealed when storing, as air seeping in can degrade its effectiveness over time.

Store in moderate temperatures like a cabinet or drawer. Make sure it’s not too close to direct heat sources.

Don’t store on window sills to reduce light and heat exposure from the sun.

Now You Know

Hopefully, you’re a little more informed now than you were yesterday regarding CBD oils. It can be difficult to choose the right CBD-infused product for you, especially if you’re new to the cannabidiol world. The recent CBD craze has caused a surge of new CBD companies, products, and exciting new trends.

Next time you’re sifting through your local CBD shop or perusing the internet for a CBD product that works for you — you’ll be an expert in CBD oils.

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