CBD Basics: All About CBD Oil
It’s currently being touted as the next big thing in alternative medicine, but what is CBD oil and is it even legal where you live? Here are the CBD basics you need to know:
What Is CBD Oil?
Also called cannabidiol, CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its fellow cannabis compound THC, CBD does not have the psychoactive effects associated with weed.
Many researchers and alternative medicine practitioners believe using CBD oil can improve overall health.
Is CBD marijuana? Most CBD used for health purposes comes from hemp rather than marijuana, though both come from the cannabis plant. CBD oil can be rubbed on the skin, taken orally or vaped.
How Is It Made?
Depending on the manufacturer, the whole cannabis plant is used. Here’s one method: (1, 2)
- Plant naturally high in CBD
- Cultivated
- Dried
- Soaked in solvent, like ethanol
- Ethanol filtered out
- Remaining liquid heated to remove any trace alcohol
What Does It Do?
The human body produces its own cannabinoids naturally, and though the science isn’t totally understood, it’s believed that CBD oil stimulates cannabinoid production within the body.
Purported uses for CBD oil: (3)
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Smoking cessation
- Anxiety relief
- Sleep aid
- Acne relief
Is It Legal Where I Live?
That’s a good question, and depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get a different answer. According to the federal government, no cannabis extracts are legal, but with a handful of states decriminalizing recreational weed use and even more allowing medical marijuana, the current status is a bit of a patchwork of laws. (4)
State: CBD allowed?
Alabama: Limited medical
Alaska: Yes
Arizona: Medical
Arkansas: Medical
California: Yes
Colorado: Yes
Connecticut: Medical
Delaware: Medical
District of Columbia: Yes
Florida: Medical
Georgia: Limited medical
Hawaii: Medical
Idaho: No
Illinois: Medical
Indiana: Limited medical
Iowa: Limited medical
Kansas: No
Kentucky: Limited medical
Louisiana: Medical
Maine: Yes
Maryland: Medical
Massachusetts: Yes
Michigan: Medical
Minnesota: Medical
Mississippi: Limited medical
Missouri: Limited medical
Montana: Medical
Nebraska: No
Nevada: Yes
New Hampshire: Medical
New Jersey: Medical
New Mexico: Medical
New York: Medical
North Carolina: Limited medical
North Dakota: Medical
Ohio: Medical
Oklahoma: Limited medical
Oregon: Yes
Pennsylvania: Medical
Rhode Island: Medical
South Carolina: Limited medical
South Dakota: No
Tennessee: Limited medical
Texas: Limited medical
Utah: Limited medical
Vermont: Medical
Virginia: Limited medical
Washington: Yes
West Virginia: Medical
Wisconsin: Limited medical
Wyoming: Limited medical
SOURCES
2. https://www.fortheageless.com/blogs/cbd-oil-uk-blog/how-is-cannabidiol-made/
3. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php
4. http://www.cannabislawnow.com/2017/05/the-states-of-marijuana/
