Which CBD oil to choose?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the hemp plant with multiple benefits. This cannabinoid has no euphoric effects. As such, it is recognized as a natural remedy. Its sale and consumption are legally authorized in several European countries, including France. CBD is sold in various forms. CBD oil is the most common product. It comes in several varieties to best meet your needs. So which CBD oil should you choose? Find the answers to this question in this dedicated guide.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a 100% natural product made from a vegetable oil base and cannabidiol. The substance is generally sold in bottles of 10 to 30 ml with a graduated dropper cap. You can also find CBD oil in swallowable capsules. This form of CBD is easier to dose. It is the best alternative if the fairly strong taste of cannabidiol oil bothers you.

Which CBD oil should you choose?

The choice of CBD oil depends on your needs and personal preferences. There are several types of CBD oils on the market, each with unique characteristics.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a CBD oil:

1. CBD concentration: Some CBD oils may contain higher concentrations of CBD than others. You should choose a concentration that suits your needs.
2. Extraction method: There are several different extraction methods for obtaining CBD oil. Some methods may be safer and more reliable than others, so it is important to check the extraction method used.
3. Quality: It is important to choose a high-quality CBD oil to ensure maximum effectiveness. Make sure the oil you buy has been laboratory tested to guarantee the purity and quality of the product.
4. Taste and texture: Some CBD oils may have a different taste and texture due to the presence of other ingredients. It is important to choose an oil that you enjoy and that is easy to use.

Ultimately, the choice of CBD oil depends on your individual needs and personal preferences. However, we can guide you in choosing the right concentration and the right composition (broad spectrum, full spectrum, or isolate).

The CBD concentration in the oil

CBD oil can have a molecule concentration ranging from 5 % to 40 %:

• CBD oils 5 % to 10 %: display a low concentration of cannabidiol. These products are suitable for beginners and those who wish to try CBD to treat minor health issues such as stress, anxiety, inflammation, or mild insomnia;
• CBD oils 15 % to 20 %: specialists recommend these products for treating chronic pain;
• CBD oils 30 % to 40 %: have a high concentration of Cannabidiol. This category of product is not suitable for beginners. It is more appropriate for experienced consumers who take a high dose of CBD.

Products with a high Cannabidiol content are more expensive than those with a low CBD level but are more economical. Indeed, the number of drops required is reduced when the Cannabidiol percentage is high. A bottle of high-concentration CBD oil therefore lasts longer than one with a low content.

CBD oils available on the legal market generally have a CBD concentration of 10 %. For information, a 10 ml bottle of Cannabidiol oil at 10 % contains 1 000 mg of CBD. Thus, 1 drop of product is equivalent to approximately 5 mg of Cannabidiol.

The composition of CBD oil

CBD oils can also have different compositions, known as "spectra". In particular, we distinguish:

• CBD isolate: this type of Cannabidiol oil is composed exclusively of vegetable oil and pure CBD. CBD isolate generally has a significant CBD concentration. However, this type of product is not very effective, because it does not benefit from the entourage effect.
• Broad Spectrum CBD oil: this type of product contains all the components of Cannabis Sativa L. except THC. This includes all cannabinoids, Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC), etc... It also contains all flavonoids and terpenes;
• Full Spectrum CBD oil: this Cannabidiol oil contains all the components of Cannabis Sativa L.: cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids. Full spectrum CBD oil differs from other varieties in that it contains THC, at a rate below 0,3 %.

Through the entourage effect, the other components of hemp support the benefits of CBD. Certain cannabinoids such as Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabigerol (CBG) also bring their own therapeutic properties.

Consuming Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD oil therefore allows you to fully enjoy the optimized benefits of CBD while benefiting from the virtues of the other components of the cannabis plant, through the entourage effect. This is why your choice of CBD oil should lean towards a broad spectrum oil or a full spectrum oil.

How to use CBD oil?

Cannabidiol oil is used in different ways. The product is most often administered sublingually. You must place the required number of drops, according to the recommended dose, under your tongue. Let the product act for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing it with a large glass of water. This way, the molecule is directly absorbed by the body through the oral mucous membranes. Its effects are almost immediate.

Furthermore, you can ingest CBD oil by adding the recommended dose to your food. However, be careful not to heat the product, as this risks making all its qualities disappear.

What dosage of cannabidiol oil should be used?

There is no standard recommended dose of CBD to relieve pain, as this depends on several factors such as weight, tolerance, and the severity of the pain. However, here is an approximation based on certain studies and observations:

Note that these figures are estimates, and it is always best to consult a doctor before taking CBD to relieve pain. It is also important to start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the dose that works best for you.

How many mg of CBD per drop of oil?

Here is a table showing the amount of CBD in milligrams per drop for different CBD oil concentrations:

Note that these figures are based on the fact that 20 drops of CBD oil are equivalent to approximately 1 ml, but this may vary slightly depending on the size of the drop and the viscosity of the oil.

The benefits of CBD oil

Several dedicated scientific studies demonstrate the health benefits of cannabidiol. CBD oil is notably said to have the following functions:

• pain-relieving: the Cannabidiol molecule binds to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system to inhibit the perception of pain;
• anti-inflammatory: CBD significantly limits the reactions of immune system cells to external aggressions in order to reduce, or even prevent, inflammation;
• anti-emetic: Cannabidiol regulates the functioning of the digestive system. The product works in particular by calming contractions of the small intestine. It thus combats nausea and vomiting;
• against anxiety and stress: CBD (re)balances the nervous system. It therefore combats psychological disorders. Furthermore, experiments and scientific observations have established that CBD would be effective against convulsions during an epileptic seizure and in the treatment of schizophrenia;
• calming and relaxing: CBD has a regulatory function on the central nervous system. The cannabinoid also acts by stimulating the production of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for relaxation of the body, the mind, and overall well-being. Cannabidiol also promotes the secretion of melatonin: the sleep hormone. Released in large quantities in the body, this substance also helps balance the circadian rhythm, that is, regulate the biological wake/rest cycle.

Specialists also state that CBD would have antibacterial and antifungal actions. The cannabinoid would also help inhibit the development of tumors and cancers.

The different types of Cannabidiol oil

CBD oil is available in various forms in specialized stores. The product can notably have different compositions and a highly variable Cannabidiol concentration.

The concentration of CBD in the oil

CBD oil can have a molecule concentration ranging from 5 % to 40 %:

• CBD oils 5 % to 10 %: have a low concentration of Cannabidiol. These products are suitable for beginners and those who want to try CBD to treat minor health issues such as stress, anxiety, inflammation, or mild insomnia;
• CBD oils 15 % to 20 %: specialists recommend these products for treating chronic pain;
• CBD oils 30 % to 40 %: have a high concentration of Cannabidiol. This category of product is not suitable for beginners. It is more appropriate for experienced consumers who take a high dose of CBD.

Products with a high Cannabidiol content are more expensive than those with a low CBD level but are more economical. Indeed, the number of drops required is reduced when the Cannabidiol percentage is high. A bottle of high-concentration CBD oil therefore lasts longer than one with a low content.

CBD oils available on the legal market generally have a CBD concentration of 10 %. For information, a 10 ml bottle of Cannabidiol oil at 10 % contains 1 000 mg of CBD. Thus, 1 drops of product are equivalent to 5 mg of Cannabidiol.

The composition of CBD oil

CBD oils can also have different compositions, known as "spectrums". In particular, we distinguish:

• CBD isolate: this type of Cannabidiol oil is composed exclusively of vegetable oil and pure CBD. CBD isolate generally has a significant CBD concentration;
• Broad Spectrum CBD oil: this type of product contains all the components of Cannabis Sativa L. except THC. This includes all the cannabinoids (Cannabinol – CBN, Cannabigerol – CBG, Cannabichromene – CBC, etc.), flavonoids, and terpenes;
• Full Spectrum CBD oil: this Cannabidiol oil contains all the components of Cannabis Sativa L.: cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids. Full Spectrum CBD oil differs from other varieties in that it contains THC, at a rate below 0,3 %.

According to the entourage effect, the other components of hemp support the benefits of CBD. Certain cannabinoids such as Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabigerol (CBG) also bring their own therapeutic virtues. Consuming Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD oil therefore allows you to fully enjoy the optimized benefits of CBD while benefiting from the virtues of the other components of the cannabis plant, through the entourage effect.

The criteria to consider for choosing CBD oil well

Choosing CBD oil from among the different existing varieties is a real challenge for novices. Refer to these few important criteria to make your selection:

The origin of the hemp plants

First, check where the cannabis plants from which the CBD is extracted come from. The commercial brand should communicate this information. Favor CBD from hemp plants from organic farming, ideally cultivated in France. This cultivation method guarantees the quality of the product and the absence of side effects related to its use.

Furthermore, knowing the origin of the hemp plants allows you to assess the quality of the product. Indeed, each country has its own regulations. In addition, each soil has its specific properties.

The CBD extraction method

Cannabidiol is extracted from the hemp plant. There are different extraction processes. The quality of the CBD obtained can vary considerably depending on the method adopted. The producer can notably use the extraction method:

Supercritical or subcritical CO2

According to specialists, this process is the safest. It keeps the plant and the product at suitable temperatures throughout the extraction process. This technique has the advantages of preserving the properties of the CBD molecule and the natural virtues of all the other components of hemp. The finished product then presents the best quality that can be found. However, carrying out this extraction technique requires a significant financial investment. This affects the price of the finished product;

With vegetable oil

Producers can use food-grade vegetable oil (olive, hemp, etc.) to extract the Cannabidiol molecule from the CBD plant. Organic, high-quality oil allows good quality CBD to be collected. Nevertheless, the quality of the CBD obtained by oil extraction does not equal that of the CBD harvested by supercritical CO2 extraction;

By solvents

Solvents are formulated with chemical components, which are not natural. The CBD obtained by this extraction method therefore shows traces of chemicals. This alters the quality of the finished product. The Cannabidiol can even expose the user to significant health risks. This extraction technique offers significant advantages in terms of production costs. The price of CBD obtained by solvent extraction is therefore very affordable. However, we absolutely advise against the consumption and use of CBD obtained by this extraction method due to the health risks.

CBD retail brands should indicate the CBD extraction method. This information constitutes an important sales argument for the best Cannabidiol product brands. The mention is therefore proudly displayed in product descriptions or on labels. The absence of information regarding the extraction method can alert you to the compliance of the methods used and therefore to the quality of the finished product.

Accreditations issued by specialized laboratories

Brands offering high-quality CBD oils generally use the services of dedicated laboratories. These are responsible for carrying out specific tests to highlight the properties and strengths of CBD oils.

At the end of the control, the products obtain one or more accreditations. These indications attest to the product's compliance with the quality and safety standards in force.

The choice of CBD oil is based essentially on your needs, your preferences, but also and above all on your budget.

Where to find the best CBD oils?

You can find a whole range of premium quality CBD oils at dedicated retailers. In addition to the many varieties of cannabidiol oils, the shops also offer other forms of products such as capsules, resin (hash or pollen), a wide range of infusions based on CBD flowers, natural CBD flowers sold by the gram, confectionery, a whole range of everyday food products (honey, coffee capsules, syrup, culinary oil, etc.) and CBD e-liquids. You can even get CBD products for animals without THC on the specialized website.