What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol, or better known as CBD- is having a moment. The second most prevalent phytocannabinoid found in (the ever-popular) cannabis plants, CBD consumption does not give you the same effects/ “the high” that consuming the more potent THC does. In 2020, the popularity of CBD has made it a $500 million industry in the US – now consumed in lattes, gummies, chocolates, pet treats- and there’s even a $700 CBD massage! A report from the World Health Organization states that “Human Consumption of CBD shows no effects that indicate an abuse or dependence. To date, there is no evidence of any health issues associated with the use/ consumption of CBD.” Derived from either the marijuana or hemp plant – CBD research mainly focused on CBD’s uses as a treatment for several conditions, such as anxiety, psychosis movement disorders, and epilepsy and seizures. It has been decades since people have used medicinal marijuana to help treat those conditions-but now, here comes CBD- a way to get all those healing benefits without having to get high.
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 Hemp Farming Act made selling hemp and hemp products legal in the US. Growing hemp used to only be allowed for research and the academe-this legislation made all hemp products legal at the federal level. The Hemp farming act was then added into the United States Farm Bill- passing in both the House of Congress and The Senate.
Today, CBD and hemp, in general, remain to be a hot issue between states. Its legal doses and overall legality vary from state to state. The declassification of hemp-based and cannabidiol products, however, comes with a few limitations. Some states have fully legalized the sale of hemp-based CBD oil but have made marijuana-based CBD oil illegal or legal at certain concentrations. This table below details most guidelines according to each states’ laws.
General Description of State Law
States
Hemp-based CBD oil is legal and is available for purchase, possession, and consumption.
Marijuana-based CBD oil is legal and is available for purchase, possession, and for recreational consumption. (exclusive to adults 21 and above)
Alaska, California, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Colorado, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada
States
Hemp-based CBD oil is legal and is available for purchase, possession, and consumption.
Marijuana-based CBD oil is legal and is available for purchase, possession, and for recreational consumption. Available to adults 21 and above, approved minors and approved medical marijuana patients
Arkansas
States
Hemp-based CBD oil is legal and is available for purchase, possession, and consumption.
Marijuana-based CBD oil is illegal for recreational use, and its medical use is limited to certain THC amount restrictions
- Delaware (less than 7% THC)
- Florida (less than 0.8% THC)
- Georgia (less than 5% THC)
- Indiana (less than 0.3% THC)
- Iowa (3% or less THC)
- Kansas (must be 0% THC)
- Missouri (less than 0.3% THC)
- North Carolina (less than 0.3% THC)
- South Carolina (less than 0.9% THC)
- Tennessee (less than 0.9% THC)
- Texas (less than 0.5% THC)
- Utah (less than 0.3% THC)
- Wyoming (less than 0.3% THC)
States
Hemp-based CBD oil is legal and is available for purchase, possession, and consumption.
Marijuana-based CBD oil is illegal for recreational use but is available to users with a state registered ID.
New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
States
The table leaves out the five states that have more complex laws regarding the sale and consumption of hemp- and marijuana-based CBD oils.
- Idaho: marijuana-based CBD oils are illegal for both medicinal or recreational use- unless they meet the following state standards; 0% THC content and must be derived from the specific parts of the cannabis plant: mature stalks, stalk fiber, seeds or achene, oil derived from non-germinating seeds.
- Mississippi: In 2014 through what is called the Harper’s Grace Law– the state made marijuana-based CBD available in very limited circumstances. Legally only available to patients (and their parents and custodians) who suffer from epileptic conditions or other similar ailments. The CBD must also only be administered as an oil.
- Nebraska: Both marijuana-based CBD and hemp-based CBD are illegal for recreational use in the cornhusker state- but is available to patients suffering from epileptic conditions or other similar ailments.
- Kentucky: marijuana-based CBD is illegal unless you are participating in a clinical trial. hemp-based CBD is legal and follows the 2018 Farm Bill standards.
- South Dakota: In 2019, the state passed SB 96– disassociating CBD oil from the definition of marijuana in the state. Making it legal to consume as part of therapy or treatment
Each state’s laws are always subject to changes, and the guide above does not substitute sound legal advice. We suggest that before attempting to buy either marijuana-based CBD oil or hemp-based CBD oil, you review your state’s current legislation and/or contact a legal advisor for more information.
Our Top Picks!
Like we said, there’s a lot out there and we’ve made it a little easier for you to find the best CBD oil that’s suited for your needs.
Mana Artisan Botanics Hemp Oil
A certified organic CBD oil Crafted in Hawaii- Mana Artisans oils are infused in macadamia nut or coconut oil. A highly potent oil with 900mg of phytocannabinoids per ounce- this is recommended for those who want more CBD concentration and a mild flavor preference.
Mana Artisan also makes organic hemp honey, topicals and chocolates.
Penguin CBD
Penguin CBD is known to carry some of the finest quality products available on the market today. Popular for their cookies and cream, mint, citrus and strawberry flavored oils. This pure CBD oil is extracted from Oregon grown hemp and undergoes a tedious CO2 process. This means a perfect formula that tastes great and has smooth effects.
FAB CBD oil
NuLeaf Naturals
Based in Colorado, NuLeaf Naturals uses whole plants that are grown through organic and sustainable methods. Really one of the more straightforward brands in the field- they only offer oils in one flavor and bottle sizes vary between 240mg and 4,850mg.
A light tasting oil that makes a great addition to your meals, coffee and smoothies.
PureKana
Green Roads
Developed by a pharmacist who ensured that not a single drop of your oil goes to waste and that your body absorbs it as quickly as possible! They’ve got loads of favors and doses so we recommend using the product finder on-site to figure out exactly what you need.
What we love the most is the free device that replaces the usual dropper that comes with most oils. Their CBD indulgence line is also worth a look- bath bombs and other care products are available.
Hemplucid
We admire this brand for being a loud staunch supporter of the vitality of the hemp industry- HempLucid is made for the serious one, they make water-soluble and MCT oil versions of CBD oil as well as a full array of quality products for you to try!
Their products are the result of 10 years of selective breeding- you’re sure to get only the best!
SabaiDee
Good Vibes, Super Good Vibes and Mega Good Vibes! This company certainly knows how to name their CBD oils. SabaiDee is all about transparency, trust and quality- everything you need to know, as well as a full lab report is available on site. Their CBD oils come from Colorado-grown hemp and are fortified with the highest quality Cannabidiol (CBD) and other phytocannabinoids, omega fatty acids, terpenes, and essential vitamins.
Each dropper has 33.5mg of broad spectrum CBD oil.
cbdMD
For a brand that prides itself on its creativity, cbdMD definitely has the formula down pat. They offer oils in 300-7,500 mg dosages. Natural, Berry, Orange and Mint flavors are available for all dosages except the 5,000 mg, which comes in only Natural and Berry. Utilizing a base of MCT oil, this tincture is created from simple ingredients, but packs a serious punch. Although their pricing can get expensive, at up to $339.99 per bottle, cbdMD also offers some of the most powerful dosages on the market. Give them a shot if you’re looking for something extra potent and are doing a deep dive into the effects of CBD.
The benefits of CBD for sleep, pain, and anxiety
To fully grasp CBD’s effects on sleep, we have to know what causes poor sleep. Studies by the Mayo Clinic state that insomnia and poor sleep quality can be caused by:
- mental health ailments like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (better known as PTSD)
- chronic pain
- the consumption of caffeine
- your environment (uncomfortable sleeping quarters or a stressful home)
CBD is allegedly a natural aid in helping ease physical pain and anxiety and with some users reporting that their CBD oil use has led to longer sleep- more rest each night. While marijuana itself is not recommended for those who have existing mental health disorders since THC can lead to increased symptoms. CBD research is proving to be on the positive side of the situation- a suggested alternative approach to treating sleeping problems, physical pain, and anxiety.
With research on CBD oil still on-going, it is important to note that while many sing praises to CBD’s benefits, we still advise that you speak to your medical practitioner and remain informed on the latest trials and research.
Where to buy CBD oil?
Since the purchase and use of CBD oil are legal in the USA because it has no THC, it is then imperative that we ask the right questions. In states where the recreational and medical use of marijuana is allowed, the purity of CBD is not too closely regulated. We recommend purchasing from manufacturers (ideally, a local one), vetted online retailers, physical stores, and dispensaries.
When looking for high-quality CBD oil, the price may sometimes be an indicator, but considering the following ensures the oil you select is of the best quality.
Where the hemp is sourced: Buy local! Try and always be sure that the hemp used is from the United States. The standards set by the Farm Bill of 2018 heavily regulate hemp farming. The environment it’s grown in also plays a big part in the CBD quality too. Best to go with what and where you know the conditions – learn about the farms and ensure that ground/ soils are free of harmful minerals.
Extraction: The method a company employs to extract CBD is very important. Due to the infancy of CBD research and use- some companies may use low-cost methods to extract the oil. Using toxic solvents like propane, butane, and hexane. (More commonly found in gas stoves in homes across America.) Safe processing methods use either ethanol to remove harmful toxins from the hemp plant, or carbon dioxide extraction which removes toxins from the plant by changing the carbon dioxide temperature and pressure settings.
Third-Party Testing: Once manufactured, the CBD product is always sent to a third-party lab. Some laboratories might find positive results while some actually fail these tests. The purpose of sending these to independent labs is to make sure the oils are everything they say they are, passing state standards and are THC free. These details should be included on the brand website or on the packaging itself. While all the “science-speak” may be hard to understand- brands that publish these results are better than those who do not.
To Sum It Up
When it comes to CBD oil reviews, don’t discount your peers! With hundreds of brands out there- it always stands to ask for the experience of someone who is already using it. While effects vary depending on several factors, a personal recommendation always eases the process.
Need more help in choosing the best CBD oil for you? Contact our team today! We’d love to hear from you.
