CBD is the commonly used abbreviation for cannabidiol, the most abundant of more than 100 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in naturally cultivated hemp plants. Once mature hemp crops are harvested, the cannabinoid-rich oil is extracted from the stalks, stems, and flowers. After separating the oil from the unwanted plant components, the extracts are used to make a wide range of products with considerable health and wellness potential. The product most people refer to as CBD oil is a blend of cannabinoid-rich plant extracts and a carrier oil, a tincture.

At CBDistillery®, we make our full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate tinctures with MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, a clear, flavorless oil that helps your body absorb the cannabinoids. Our MCT oil is a purified extraction of coconut oil. Unlike many other types of dietary fat, current research shows many possible benefits, including a favorable impact on metabolic processes, energy levels, immune system function, and cognitive abilities. Several sources suggest MCT oil could also help promote cardiovascular health through its positive impact on cholesterol levels.

As you browse product options, you'll discover that most high-quality CBD oil products fit into one of three main types, full spectrum, broad spectrum, or 0% THC isolate. Of those three main product types, full spectrum extracts are the least processed option. When you add full spectrum CBD oil to your daily routine, you'll not only benefit from the many potentially beneficial cannabinoids like CBDA, CBG, and CBN; you'll also get a boost from the extract's 20 amino acids, essential fats, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals.

But those aren't the only reasons you might want to choose full spectrum CBD over other product types. Many CBD users prefer the effects of full spectrum CBD oil because of the way the combined impact of the plant's many cannabinoids and terpenes enhance the synergistic properties of each plant element, a phenomenon unique to cannabis commonly known as an "entourage effect."

Although full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oil are similar, they are not the same. Full spectrum CBD oil has all the active plant elements as the original plant source, including trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Broad spectrum CBD oil has many of the same additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant-sourced nutrients, but the naturally occurring THC is reduced to non-detectable levels during extraction and processing.

Broad spectrum CBD oil is most often preferred by CBD users intrigued by the possible benefits of an entourage effect who would rather avoid the <0.3% THC in full spectrum products. Even without the THC, many CBD users find the combined impact of the remaining cannabinoids and terpenes in broad spectrum CBD oil more potent than the effects of similar products made with CBD on its own.

The terms CBD oil and hemp oil are often used interchangeably. However, you'll want to keep in mind that there are two potential sources of hemp oil. The cannabinoid-rich oil used to make CBD oil tinctures, topicals, capsules, and gummies is extracted from hemp's aerial plant parts, the flowers, stalks, and stems. Although cold-pressed hemp seed oil is an excellent moisturizer, hemp seeds are not a legitimate source of CBD. Let's say that again. Hemp seed oil has no CBD.

With so many companies attempting to blur the distinctions between cannabinoid-rich hemp extracts and inexpensive hemp seed oil, it's essential to know the source of the hemp oil used to make the products you select. Once you're reasonably sure you found a reputable brand, look for a Certificate of Analysis, the results of the third-party lab testing that helps ensure product safety and overall quality. If you can't find the information you need to verify third-party testing, consider choosing a different brand. Reputable industry leaders like CBDistillery® provide the documentation consumers need to verify the products they select are screened for heavy metals, solvent residue, and microbial contamination.

Current research shows that CBD oil works by interacting with several molecular targets, including the receptors of the largest regulatory system in your body, your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Based on what the research shows so far, CBD mimics the effects of the ECS messengers produced as needed in your body. That reported ability to mimic the impact of chemical messengers helps relay urgent signals to their corresponding receptors. The impact of that interaction seems to depend on which of the many processes regulated by ECS signaling might be restored to balance (homeostasis) through ECS support.

Although most evidence supporting the possible benefits of CBD is based on animal studies, lab results, and a handful of clinical trials, many CBD users responding to our internal survey report using our hemp-derived products for better sleep, discomfort after physical activity, relaxation, and more. While individual results can vary, most of our survey respondents report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use.