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CBD Oils 101

In the past few years, CBD is one of those topics that just seem to get more and more attention.

And when people talk about CBD, CBD oil tends to come up, especially.

CBD oils, or CBD tincture oils, are ubiquitous with their glass bottles and squeezable stoppers, and with options ranging from isolate to full-spectrum, there’s something for everyone’s CBD needs.

But in an ever-growing market of CBD gummies, capsules, and even bath bombs, how do plain-jane CBD oils stay relevant? What are the benefits of CBD oil, and why take CBD oil in the first place?

Let’s talk about CBD oils can grant any CBD user the best in efficacy, freedom, and satisfaction.

What is CBD?

In order to understand CBD oil, let’s first answer the question: what is CBD?

CBD, or “cannabidiol,” is part of a family of unique compounds which are known as cannabinoids, which are found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp.

CBD is related to another cannabinoid, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. And while these two cannabinoids share some similar benefits, there are two major differences:

1.) CBD is more abundant in hemp plants, while THC is more concentrated in marijuana, and
2.) While THC can get the user high, CBD will not.

Consequently, CBD is a substance that is federally legal, which makes it far more accessible than THC.

In the past few years, CBD has gained massive traction for its potential benefits, especially when it comes to pain relief and easing stress.

This might sound a little too good to be true, but researchers theorize that CBD actually has a unique relationship with our bodies.

Specifically, the endocannabinoid system.

CBD & The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a range of receptors and enzymes throughout the body, and it plays many key roles in the way our bodies function. While the endocannabinoid system still needs tons of research, it’s believed that it helps manage pain, emotional responses, and appetite just to name a few.

The receptors in the endocannabinoid system communicates through neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids created by the body.

So where does CBD come in?

Because CBD is a cannabinoid, it’s been inferred that it can actually sway the endocannabinoid system by influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors, along with the COX2 enzymes.

Through this interaction, CBD may be helpful in a number of ways.

Benefits of CBD Oil

So what are the benefits of CBD oil? Why use CBD oil in the first place?

Though we’re still at the dawn of its research, there is evidence that CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system can hold a number of benefits.

Above all, pain relief may be the biggest reason people buy CBD oil, whether it’s for post-workout tension, chronic pain, or acute, inflammatory pain.

Looking back at the endocannabinoid system, CBD is theorized to influence CB1 and CB2 receptors in a way that inhibits the body’s inflammatory response.

CBD oil may also have a future in assisting with mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety.

In a few studies, it’s been observed that CBD may have an effect on the brain’s production of serotonin, although this is still not fully understood.

So, these are some potential benefits of CBD, but what about CBD oil, specifically?

Above all, CBD oil offers the best in versatility.

With CBD oil, you can always choose the easiest option: with your pre-measured dropper, take a few drops under the tongue and leave it to absorb for 30 seconds.

This is the sublingual method, and while it’s certainly one of the easiest ways to take CBD oil, it’s just one of them!

CBD oil is a great option for those who wish to make their very own CBD goodies at home. This can be as simple as adding CBD oil to your coffee, or blending it into a nut butter, or you can even make your own gummies!

What’s the Difference Between CBD Tinctures and CBD Oils?

When shopping CBD oil, it can be easy to get confused, especially when you see both “CBD oils” and “CBD tinctures,” and they both look extremely similar.

So what’s the difference, anyway?

The terms “CBD oil” and “CBD tincture” are often used interchangeably, but they can be very different things.

CBD oils are the more common product, and they might sometimes be called “CBD tinctures” and even “CBD tincture oils.”

But ultimately, you’ll know it’s a CBD oil when it uses an oil as the carrier, typically coconut or hemp seed.

So, what are CBD tinctures, then?

True CBD tinctures are not quite as common, but they will use an alcohol carrier instead of an oil. And while alcohol can give the product a longer shelf life, tinctures don’t use the same kind of processes as CBD oils.

While the best CBD oils use CO2 extraction, CBD tinctures undergo solvent extraction. And the main issue with solvent extraction is that it uses 60-70% distilled alcohol, which is actually quite harsh. So harsh, in fact, that it can actually degrade many of the constituents and terpenes you want in a CBD product. This is especially important for full-spectrum CBD oils, which are meant to include all of hemp’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Shopping for CBD Oil

Whethere you’re shopping for CBD oil near you, or shopping for CBD oil online, always make sure you’re shopping from a reputable brand that puts your interests first.

This means that the company should only use quality hemp, and they should be clear about the sourcing on their website.

Also make sure that their CBD products are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab, and that they offer the certificates of analysis for every batch online.

CBD brands should also be as clear as possible about their product’s ingredients and dosages, so make sure that the bottle is clearly labeled, and it’s a bonus if the stopper is marked with mL measurements.

One of the easiest ways to check out a CBD oil brand’s legitimacy is by checking out reviews—not only from the CBD publications, but the individual reviews on forums, as well

Side Effects of CBD Oil

With the increased use of CBD oil, there have been few reports of side effects, and CBD oil is generally well-tolerated among most individuals.

But as with any substance, a small amount of the population may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrea, drowsiness, and dry mouth. When trying CBD oil for the first time, make sure to start with as low a dose as possible.

CBD may also interact with some other medications, including but not limited to antidepressants, seizure medications, and anticonvulsants. If you’re taking any kid of medication, discuss with your physician about trying CBD oil.

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CBD Cream 101

It’s no secret that CBD has some helpful properties, especially when it comes to easing inflammation.

It’s no surprise then, that CBD skincare’s making a serious splash, especially in the case of CBD creams and lotions.

Since the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products have become far more accessible in recent years. And with this growing market, CBD topicals have made a massive debut.

Ranging from hydrating lotions to cooling balms, CBD topicals are here to help soothe your skin and provide relief to sore muscles.

And without further ado, this article is here to answer your questions about CBD topicals.

What is CBD Cream?

CBD topicals are quite straightforward to understand, because they incorporate CBD into products that many of us use every day.

CBD topicals are simply any kind of cream or gel-based topical with the addition of CBD. If a lotion or cream is a high-quality one, it’s going to make moisture a priority. After all, what’s the point of a CBD lotion if it’s just going to leave your skin dry?

Benefits of CBD Lotion

Studies have pointed to the possibility that CBD possesses a number of therapeutic benefits, but this is normally when talking about edibles or sublingual tincture oils. How does this apply to CBD cream and other topicals?

First of all, CBD creams are usually hydrating on the skin, which means you’re in for a burst of hydration whenever you use CBD creams.

And as an anti-inflammatory ingredient, CBD has the potential to alleviate irritation in the skin and muscles, such as acne, muscle strains, and itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

While there is very little research on the effectiveness of CBD for eczema, there are a few studies indicating that CBD can help clear rashes related to eczema, and that CBD may be just as effective as antibiotics for preventing staph infections.

And according to experts, CBD may also help fade scarring on the skin and improve elasticity. This means that CBD creams may also be useful for stretch marks, acne scars, and burns.

CBD creams may be especially popular for the purpose of soothing muscles that are sore, tense, and strained. By boosting the amount of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system, it’s possible that CBD can help prevent spasms in the muscles and loosen the tissue. And this is even more relieving when CBD pain creams are made with ingredients that have a cooling or warming effect on the skin.

How to Use CBD Cream

CBD topicals can offer a number of benefits to users, but perhaps its ease of use is one of the best features.

When the user determines where they’re experiencing the most discomfort, all they have to do is target that area on their body with the CBD cream.

And while it’s very similar to lotions you’ve used in the past, remember that CBD lotions aren’t quite the same. That’s why when using CBD lotion, it’s important to keep in mind how much CBD you’re using.

Make sure you know how much CBD is in the lotion you’re choosing. And if you’re new to CBD topicals, starting with a low dosage is always your best bet.

Also be patient with CBD cream as it takes effect on your skin. While some CBD products can hit the endocannabinoid system in minutes, CBD topicals can take as long as an hour.

Where to Get CBD Cream

CBD lotion can be found both online and in-store. If you’re not sure where to find CBD topicals in your area, searching “CBD lotions near me” or “CBD creams near me” is sure to give you a bunch of results.

When shopping for CBD topicals, it really comes down to finding a product that’s truly worth your time and money.

First, keep an eye out for brands with clear quality control. CBD brands that fit the standard will display the results from their third-party testing, and they should offer a certificate of analysis for every batch of product.

Also check the hemp source. A reliable, potent CBD lotion is going to use reliable, potent hemp. Whenever possible, stick with vendors that use USA-grown hemp that’s treated with as few chemicals as possible.

And while hemp is a key ingredient in CBD lotion, a good formula relies on several quality ingredients. Keep an eye out for CBD lotions that use additional ingredients for nourishing your skin, like aloe, sunflower oil, vitamin E, and rose water.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to check out a CBD lotion brand, though, is to check out its reputation online.

Side Effects of CBD Cream

People often wonder if CBD products can cause side effects, and the same questions are
asked about CBD topicals:

“Does CBD cream have any side effects?”
“Can CBD cream cause nausea?”
“Can CBD cream make you fail a drug test?”

Studies observing small groups have found that in rare cases, CBD may cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, reduced appetite, dry mouth, and diahrreah.

However, these studies exclusively focused on CBD products that are meant to be digested, like CBD edibles and sublingual oils.

With that in mind, there’s a deep lack of evidence that topical CBD products like lotions and creams can cause such side effects.

And typically, users should not have to worry about failing a drug test when using CBD topicals, especially if the product is using a CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD.