With so many oils and extracts on the market how do you know what your'e buying and what will work for you?
Let me break it down for you..
Hemp seed oil
Made from pressed hemp seeds, sold all over the US in beauty products as well as health food stores as a superfood because it contains high levels of omega 3’s and nutrients commonly found in seeds. This doesn't contain THC or CBD, and though it is healthy for skin, hair, and nails it is not considered medicinal.
Hemp extracts
Made from the industrial hemp plant itself, this will contain CBD that is molecularly the same to what is derived from the sativa plant. The product difference is that legally hemp must contain less than .3% THC. This is sold all over the US as well and can even be found online at Amazon. The problem with hemp is that it takes significantly larger amounts to make the same amount of oil as a Sativa plant. Because both species leech impurities from the soil their in there's a greater likelihood of the oil being contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals. There is also a noticeable difference of smell and color because hemp will lack the terpenes of marijuana. Yes, the compounds that give marijuana its scent are in themselves medicinal, for the same reasons lemon is antibacterial, or frankincense is relaxing. Because it is a mostly unregulated market the quality of the oils being sold vary greatly, there is no testing standard to abide by, so its hard to really know what your getting. In most cases the labels are just trying to get you to hop on the CBD train and buy what they're selling..
Cannabis oils sold in California from CBD rich marijuana plants are going to be labeled as ratios CBD to THC such as 1:1. These products must contain more than .3% THC which actually makes a more effective product because the two compounds work synergistically along with the terpenes to help with pain, inflammation, and stress relief. Since the industry is regulated in California the oils are tested for purity to ensure they are suitable for internal use, which is the best way to take CBD. Think of what is being sold where marijuana is legal as being the top of the line for cultivation standards, from full spectrum extractions to testing for molds and mildews.
If you’re concerned with feeling the high of THC you can easily find oils that are at a ratio 18:1 and even higher, as well as topical salves among a variety of products to introduce you to CBD.
Currently the state can not sell a THC free product such as edibles or tinctures without falling under the category of hemp which is not regulated by the FDA for human consumption. This is why there are no longer "CBD infused drinks" available at restaurants or CBD only edibles at dispensaries. Strange I know, but these are the laws right now. But don't forget, if you live in a legal state, the best way to ensure the quality of a product is to grow it yourself and make your own simple tinctures or extractions.
Looking for CBD products?
CBD.org