FAQ
1. What is CBD oil?
2. Where does it come from?
3. What about THC?
4. What can CBD help with?
5. What are terpenes?
6. Full spectrum or isolate?
7. Is Hemp Oil the same as CBD oil?
8. Where can I get some?
1. WHAT IS CBD OIL?
CBD also known as Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound, just one of 113+ cannabinoids that have been identified in Cannabis plants. It has been reported to have many beneficial effects for many different conditions. Some conditions have conclusive scientific evidence of its efficacy. Lots of conditions have plenty of anecdotal reports online with research in early stages.
2. WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
It comes from Cannabis, and more specifically can be sourced from both Hemp as well as Mari-juana which are both in the Cannabis Sativa species. There are other strains/subspecies like Indica and Ruderalis though CBD sourced from these are not as common. Most commercially available CBD comes from Hemp. Pharmaceutical grade CBD is usually derived from mari-jauana as well as hemp. There are constant debates about hemp vs. mari-juana. One is not better than the other. Different strains, chemovars/chemotypes of each have different use cases and their effectiveness depends on the individual and their own endocannabinoid system.
3. WHAT ABOUT THC?
THC is Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the psychoactive compound that makes you feel ‘high’. For some people it causes anxiousness and paranoia. CBD has been shown to mitigate some of those effects though some people still experience them if they are sensitive.
If your CBD is sourced from Hemp, it generally contains less than 0.3% of THC which is mandated by various countries legislation.
If it is sourced from mari-juana, it generally has a high THC content, sometimes as high as 1:20 (CBD:THC) with many different ratios eg: 1:1, 20:1, 10:1, 1:20 etc. This is important to know if you are worried about employment where you are drug tested or drive a lot.
Most hemp is bred for a high CBD content and very low THC. Most mari-juana is bred with a high THC content and low/medium CBD. Whether you choose to get a Hemp based CBD or a Mari-juana based CBD is up to you. Most commercially available CBD oils are nearly always sourced from Hemp unless it is made by a pharmaceutical company.
4. WHAT CAN CBD HELP WITH?
CBD has been known to have plenty of positive benefits for both humans and animals. Below is just a short list of ailments it has reportedly been helpful for (both anecdotal and research based):
Epilepsy, Anxiety, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimers/Dementia, Bipolar Disorder, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic and neuropathic pain, Chemotherapy related (nausea, pain, fatigue, appetite), general mood and well being, sleep/insomnia and many more.
Of course, everyone is different and CBD may not work for you and your condition. There is still a lot of research that needs to be done and its possible use cases are constantly expanding. We encourage you to do your own research.
5. WHAT ARE TERPENES?
Terpenes are organic compounds found in a variety of plants, and contribute to their flavor, scent and colour. Cannabis contains over 200 terpenes that are said to behave synergistically with the different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
Terpenes are not psychoactive. They are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Cannabinoids themselves have no smell, it’s the terpenes that give the Cannabis plant its distinct aroma.
6. FULL SPECTRUM OR ISOLATE?
An isolate is exactly what it sounds like. CBD isolate contains only the CBD/cannabidiol compound and nothing else, usually in a clear liquid form or whitish crystal/powder. CBD isolates can also be used to describe oils that have a carrier such as coconut/MCT oil, olive oil, black seed oil but only has the CBD compound blended in with no terpenes. In addition to this, there are new products called ‘terpsolates’ which are CBD isolates with terpenes infused back into them with no THC.
CBD oils which are described as “full spectrum” or “wide/broad spectrum” generally contain some terpenes and other cannabinoids such as:
THC-acid (THCA)
CBD-acid (CBDA)
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabichromenolic acid (CBCA)
Cannabichromevarin (CBCV)
Cannabichromevarinolic acid (CBCVA)
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Cannabidivarinolic acid (CBDVA)
Cannabinol (CBN)
The various cannabinoids work together in what is known as the ‘entourage effect’ where the therapeutic benefits of the plant and range of cannabinoids are greater together than separately. Which one you choose to use depends on your situation. The general consensus is that full spectrum products are more effective. CBD alone is great but it seems to be more effective along with the other cannabinoids.
7. IS HEMP OIL THE SAME AS CBD OIL?
Hemp oil is usually used to describe Hemp SEED oil. This does not contain any CBD and can be purchased from any retail store. Hemp seed oil only contains oil extracted from hemp seeds. Hemp CBD Oil is extracted from the whole hemp plant, stalks, leaves, buds etc. If you are using a CBD oil sourced from Hemp, make sure you look for a strength indicator such as 1000mg or 20mg/ml. Don't confuse hemp SEED oil with Hemp CBD oil or 'Hemp Extract'.
8. WHERE CAN I GET SOME?
Please do your own research, there are lots of reputable sellers both Australian based and internationally. Have a look at the groups lists and tests. Note that you risk having your orders seized if ordering from overseas. Be aware that a lot of people on FB will claim they are based in Australia but will send you an affiliate link that they collect a commission on for sales. The product is usually shipped from the US and can take while to get to you. Also beware of anyone who private/direct messages you. They are most likely attempting to make a sale and your best interests and health are not their priority. There is also the 'proper' way where you can see doctor for a referral to a canna-bis clinic and getting a script. This will be covered in a separate post in the future.
DISCLAIMER:
This guide has been created from information gathered online. It is not meant to be definitive or provide any medical advice. Any errors or mistakes are not intentional. Please do your own research, cannabinoids and cannabis is a broad world with many different aspects. This guide is to serve as a basic introduction and will be updated as new information and discoveries are made. More sections may be added in the future.