What is CBD oil? A beginner’s guide to cannabidiol extracts

Education

By Mass Alternative Care
December 12th, 2019

What is CBD oil?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many chemical compounds (also called cannabinoids) produced by cannabis. CBD oil simply refers to an extract of cannabis or hemp that is formulated to contain high levels of CBD, and may capture varying levels of other plant compounds.

Products containing only CBD are non-intoxicating, unlike THC-rich products which cause the high commonly associated with cannabis. This makes CBD a popular remedy among consumers looking for clear-headed relief of their symptoms. (Which symptoms, you ask? More on that below).

“CBD oil” is really a catch-all term used to describe CBD extracts more generally. While shopping for CBD oil, you’re likely to come across many different forms. The following products are some of the most popular forms of CBD oil.

CBD tinctures are liquid extracts that are applied under the tongue, where CBD is absorbed and enters the bloodstream. They typically come in a glass bottle with a dropper for dosing built into the lid.
CBD capsules are filled with oil and swallowed like a traditional supplement. These are packaged like bottles of vitamins or supplements, containing gelcaps filled with a golden oil.
CBD Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) refers to an alcohol-based extract that can be ingested or applied to the skin. It’s commonly packaged in a plastic plunger or applicator.
CBD vape oil may refer to either pre-filled oil cartridges that attach to vape batteries or vape juice used in e-cigarettes.
Dabbable CBD oil includes CBD-rich butane hash oil, live resins, rosin, and other forms used for a somewhat elaborate flash vaporization process known as “dabbing.” We wouldn’t suggest beginners start here, but we mention it so you understand what you are (or aren’t!) shopping for at your next visit to the cannabis shop.

For more information on which forms of CBD most reliably deliver their advertised dose, check out the results of Leafly’s CBD investigation.

What are the effects and benefits of CBD oil?

The first question on your mind right now might be,will CBD oil get me high? The short answer is no, most will not. But that can depend on where you’re buying your CBD oil.

On its own, CBD is a non-impairing compound. Any CBD products you purchase online or at retailers like grocery and drug stores are required to contain less than 0.3% THC; that trace amount of THC will not result in detectable euphoric effects.

By Mass Alternative Care