What is CBD oil used for? Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of CBD or you’re looking for specific benefits, this guide will give you all you need to know.
More than 25 percent of US adults have tried CBD. Of that group, one in seven use CBD products every single day.
You may have heard all about the CBD hype that’s making waves in the US and beyond. Yet, you may still wonder: what exactly is CBD? And what is CBD oil used for?
CBD is such a new product that you certainly aren’t the only one with questions. That’s why we’re bringing you this guide to CBD— what it is, what it’s not, and the benefits you can expect after using it.
Are you ready to find out if you need to add CBD to your daily health and wellness routine? Then keep reading for everything you need to know.
What Exactly Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it’s one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. These naturally-occurring compounds are similar to compounds made by the human body, called endocannabinoids. That’s why CBD and other cannabinoids from hemp affect your health.
As of 2018, the US federal government defines legal hemp as any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3 percent THC. As of 2019, CBD is completely legal in all 50 US states.
Does CBD Get You High?
Why did the US federal government decide to make CBD legal? Among other reasons, CBD is completely non-psychotoxic, which means it won’t make you feel high.
Will CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?
Though CBD doesn’t make you feel high, it may still show up on a drug test. For example, if a drug test only tests for cannabinoids but doesn’t differentiate between CBD vs. THC, you may receive a positive test result. Similarly, using full-spectrum CBD products (see below) may lead to a failed test.
CBD Buying Guide: Types Of CBD Products
When you head into your local CBD store or browse a shop online, you may feel overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar terminology.
CBD vape juice? What’s that? And is there really a difference between full- and broad-spectrum CBD oils?
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CBD Topicals
Whether you’re in a CBD store or not, there are thousands of CBD topical products on the market today. You can find CBD hair products and CBD face oil. You can even pick up CBD topical creams to rub into sore muscles (check out this review of Spruce CBD for an example).
CBD topicals are best for people who need skin or muscle relief. Topicals work locally, which means that when you rub CBD cream into your knee, you’re not going to feel the effects in your face. We recommend trying out a topical if you want to try CBD for post-workout muscle recovery.
CBD Vape Cartridges
Though there is controversy about whether or not vaping is safe, that hasn’t stopped many companies from hopping onto this trend with CBD. You can find CBD vape cartridges (AKA vape juice) for a mid-day pick me up.
CBD Edibles
Another controversial product, CBD edibles are highly potent ways to consume your daily serving of CBD. Find everything from CBD gummies to the more traditional CBD baked goods. Always proceed with caution when consuming edible CBD, though, as it’s easy to eat more than you need.
CBD Oils: Full-Spectrum Vs. Broad-Spectrum Vs. CBD Isolate
CBD oil is the most popular CBD product on the market today. It’s a discreet and convenient way to take your daily serving of CBD. All you have to do is take a dropper-full by mouth or mix it into your morning coffee or tea.
When you’re browsing through CBD oils, here are the three different types you’ll come across:
- Full-Spectrum: Full-spectrum CBD contains CBD, plant materials (e.g., terpenes), and all the other cannabinoids found in legal hemp. That’s right: that means full-spectrum CBD does contain 0.3 percent or less THC.
- Broad-Spectrum: Broad-spectrum CBD is exactly the same as full-spectrum CBD, barring one difference. Broad-spectrum CBD does not contain THC, 0.3 percent or otherwise.
- CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is 100 percent pure CBD. That means it doesn’t contain any terpenes or other plant materials and is completely THC-free.
Depending on whether you want to take advantage of the entourage effect, you can choose your CBD oil accordingly. Of course, keep in mind that only broad-spectrum oils and CBD isolates are the only products guaranteed to be THC-free.
What Is CBD Oil Used For?
In a 2019 cross-sectional study of CBD users, researchers found that people use CBD primarily for three conditions:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
While there is some evidence that CBD can alleviate pain associated with some conditions, there’s little proof that it can help with anxiety and depression.
Which of CBD’s many touted benefits are supported by research? So far, commercial CBD products have been shown only to influence appetite, pleasure, and sleep.
CBD For Appetite
In a 2019 study of a commercially-available CBD product, participants reported CBD’s appetite-suppressing effects.
The 65 participants were overweight but otherwise healthy and took 15 mg of CBD per day for six weeks or a placebo. At the end of the six weeks, researchers found significant reductions in appetite for those in the CBD group.
CBD For General Well-Being
General well-being is thought to be a good signifier of positive mental health and coping skills. It’s promising, then, that the same 2019 study found significantly increased self-reports of pleasure from life after six weeks of taking CBD.
CBD For Sleep
In the same study, participants reported improved sleep after taking CBD oil for six weeks. Surprisingly, it wasn’t just that these participants slept better. They also slept for significantly more hours during the night.
This may mean something as simple as adding CBD to your pre-bedtime routine can change how well and how much you sleep.
The Bottom Line On CBD Oil
CBD oil is a natural supplement with a promising profile of potential benefits. So far, we know it may help reduce appetite, improve general well-being, and help you sleep better for more hours. Since it’s been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in humans, too, what do you have to lose?
As researchers continue to study CBD, they’ll uncover more and more benefits of this natural compound. So, when you’re wondering what is CBD oil used for in the future, make sure to check back here for the latest updates!
