I’m sure you’ve seen the increasing number of billboards and newspaper, TV, and radio ads promoting CBD-based products. If you haven’t, you haven’t been paying attention because they’re everywhere and there’s going to be more since the production and distribution of CBD is becoming legal in more states. So you’re probably asking the question, what is CBD oil?

CBD is short for CannaBiDiol
Cannabidiol is the non-intoxicating, chemical compound byproduct found in the flowers and buds of the cannabis plant — largely hemp and marijuana — that is credited with helping with a long list of simple to extreme medial ailments. It comes in such forms as tincture oils, capsules, edibles, drinks, lotions, and more.

CBD oil is an extract
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and can be converted into oil through various methods. This can be accomplished through using carbon dioxide under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to maintain the purity of the oil. There is an olive oil method that is used to extract cannabis oil. A less common method uses high-grade grain alcohol to create high-quality cannabis oil.

CBD oil is non-intoxicating
Most manufacturers of CBD-based products utilize extraction methods to ensure that a safe amount of THC – TetraHydroCannabinol – has been removed from the plant. That’s the psychoactive part that is responsible for the noticeable euphoric effects often associated with cannabis usage: commonly thought of as marijuana’s “high.” Industrial hemp contains .3% or less THC.

CBD interacts naturally with your body’s nervous and peripheral systems
It is believed that CBD affects your health by attaching to receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system – a complex biological system involved in maintaining optimal health. Emerging research is showing that endocannabinoids may play a major role in regulating key body functions.

Hemp-based CBD oil is legal in Texas
Among other things, President Trump’s signing of the 2018 Farm Bill last year legalized commercial hemp farming, making it a new cash crop with a variety of commercial possibilities — although it will undoubtedly be highly regulated. The legislation essentially reclassifies hemp from an illegal drug with high risk of abuse to that of a harmless legal crop. The law requires that all commercial CBD products contain less than .3% THC (the psychoactive agent found in cannabis plants). Some analysts expect CBD-based products to produce as much as $1.91 billion in the U.S. alone by 2022.  

CBD oil has not been approved by the FDA
Because most CBD products have largely been unregulated in the past — largely because of marijuana’s questionable reputation — the FDA has not approved its use yet. That stands to reason since it has been labelled as a controlled substance for decades. And there are no guarantees that consuming CBD-based products is safe and highly beneficial. The definitive science just isn’t in yet but there is a mountain of research that’s currently under way and we’ll know a lot more about the potential of CBD in the near future.

If you’re thinking of using CBD oil to treat a health problem, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider first as to whether he thinks that this is appropriate for you.

CBD-based products are the talk of the town now, a naturally growing substance that has the potential for all sorts of minor and miraculous health benefits. Hopefully now when you run across all those CBD ads you’ll have a more complete answer to the question, what is CBD oil? Maybe you’ll even take a closer look yourself and see if it’s for you.


Read more about the benefits of CBD at ProjectCBD.org