CBD Oil Ingredients

What Is In CBD Oil?

CBD’s popularity knows no bounds and has resulted in an industry that’s packed with competing brands, unclear statements of efficacy, and a plethora of unique formulas with creative marketing to back them. Many shoppers cannot be bothered to take a closer look at the products and are simply concerned with 3 basic questions:

• Is it safe?
• Does It work?
• Is it affordable?

If a product checks the necessary boxes, then there are no more questions required.

But sometimes these three basic questions aren’t enough, and if you’re a concerned shopper who wants a more in-depth explanation, then you’ve landed on the right article.

What’s In Your CBD Oil?

Companies spend a lot of time and effort tinkering with their formulas. Because of this, the content of a product can vary substantially from one company to the next. You may buy a full spectrum oil on one website and find completely different formulas somewhere else. However, the basics of all CBD formulas is cannabidiol. You can find the exact ingredients in your product by reading its lab results.

Cannabinoids

CBD

So, what is cannabidiol? This natural plant compound is found in cannabis plants — industrial hemp and marijuana. While cannabidiol (CBD) exists in both marijuana and hemp, it’s only legal in all 50 US states if cultivated and extracted from industrial hemp.

The reason for this stipulation is that industrial hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, and the low concentration cannot produce any feelings associated with a marijuana high. Not every formula will contain 0.3% THC and the actual compounds present in the products depends on the type of formula used.

CBN

Cannabinol — not to be confused with cannabidiol — is a minor cannabinoid that’s noted for its sleep supporting capabilities. CBN is created through the oxidation of THC, but it doesn’t have any psychoactive effects.

CBG

The CBG compound amplifies the effects of other minor cannabinoids, and it may have benefits all its own. Research into its individual effects are ongoing, but it’s thought to help with inflammation, stress, and sleep.

CBC

CBC works in conjunction with other cannabinoids as part of the entourage effect. Though its complete effects remain undiscovered, many people sing the praises of CBC for pain relief and managing depression.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol is the active ingredient in marijuana that makes people high. It affects the body and mind in numerous ways and has many potential therapeutic benefits. In CBD oils, THC is a minor ingredient, capped at 0.3% so as not to produce any unwanted sensations.

THCV

Tetrahydrocannabivarin has similar properties to Tetrahydrocannabinol, except that it’s not psychoactive in any way. THCV functions as a balancing force in CBD oils, keeping the molecules in check and allowing them to work together.

Types of CBD formulas

Full Spectrum

Think whole plant compounds. Full spectrum products utilize all of the natural compounds contained in industrial hemp; minor cannabinoids, CBD, plant terpenes and flavonoids, and 0.3% THC. This formula has the highest potential of offering synergistic benefits known as the entourage effect.

Broad Spectrum

Whole plant extract without the THC. Broad spectrum formulas consist of CBD and minor cannabinoids, plant compounds and flavonoids. There’s no active THC in these products.

Isolate

This CBD formula is pure. There’s no additional cannabinoids or THC and all additional plant compounds are removed during the extraction process.  These oils are mixed with a carrier oil for absorption.

Other Ingredients

CBD suppliers make efforts to ensure that their tinctures are created using minimal ingredients, but some ingredients are unavoidable.

Carrier Oils

Companies use carrier oils to suspend the CBD in a tincture. In general, most companies choose 1 of 3 carrier oils for the base of their CBD oil tinctures.

• MCT: Medium-chain triglyceride is created using coconut oil or Palm kernel oil.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is a less popular addition to CBD oil tinctures, but some companies choose this thicker oil as their tincture base. Olive oil tinctures tend to have a stronger natural taste.
• Hemp Seed Oil: As the name suggests, hemp seed oil comes from hemp seeds. It’s not actual CBD because there’s no extraction process involved in creating the oil. This fatty oil may provide additional health benefits.

Takeaway: Read The Packaging

Don’t assume your CBD is pure — read the ingredients for yourself.

The best CBD oils are simply formulated and all natural, but many companies add artificial flavoring and preservatives to their tinctures. The only sure-fire way to know what’s in your CBD is to read the ingredients and the third-party laboratory test results to verify the purity.

Now you know what CBD oil is made of, take a look at our guide to buying CBD oil online.