How to take hemp oil

There are over a dozen forms of CBD oil out there, and not all of them are used the same way. If you find yourself unsure how to take your CBD product, this guide covers specific instructions for many of the different forms of CBD.

Before we get started, it’s worth noting that there’s no “best way” to take CBD oil. In the end, the right CBD product for you is the one that you’ll use; and the amount of CBD you should take may vary.

There are many varietals of the Cannabis sativa plant, all of which contain different amounts of THC (the psychoactive component), CBD (a nonpsychoactive component), and other components. Cannabis sativa varietals that have more than 0.3% THC are commonly referred to as marijuana. Hemp is any varietal of Cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC, and it will not get you high.

Different types of hemp oil.

The only difference between cannabis and hemp is that to be designated as hemp, a Cannabis sativa plant must be comprised of less than 0.3% THC. But what's the difference between all of the hemp and cannabis extracts?

1. Hemp oil extract

Hemp oil extract has been extracted from the stalk and/or seed of a hemp plant, mainly for its beneficial compounds, called phytocannabinoids.* The most well known of these compounds is CBD. However, unlike isolated CBD extracts, hemp oil is a whole-plant extract, so it contains a blend of many different phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, all of which work together, imparting the entourage effect.

In the body, cannabinoids interact with and support the endocannabinoid system—a regulatory system that affects digestive and immune function, brain health, and more.*

2. Hemp seed oil

This is oil that has been extracted from hemp seeds. Unlike hemp oil, hemp seed oil contains little-to-no CBD and is instead extracted for its healthy fatty acid profile. It is typically used for culinary purposes as well as to promote healthy skin, nails, and hair.*

3. CBD oil

CBD oil is an isolated extraction of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol. This means it contains only the phytocannabinoid CBD and will not impart the entourage effect. In states where cannabis is legal, CBD oil can be made from Cannabis sativa or hemp. In states where cannabis is illegal, CBD oil must be made from hemp.

4. Cannabis oil

This oil is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant that can contain both CBD and THC in varying concentrations. The clear drawback of cannabis oil is that it cannot be purchased outside of a state that has not legalized the sale of cannabis. Cannabis oil can also contain higher amounts of THC, which could be problematic for those not looking for THC's psychoactive effects.




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Hemp oil extraction methods:

Hemp oil extract in the United States refers to the oil extracted from the stalk of the hemp plant. The extraction process involves using a solvent to extract the oil from the hemp stalk. There are numerous solvents used commercially, all of which have their own benefits and drawbacks.

1. CO2 extraction

In this extraction method, the hemp is exposed to high-pressure, low-temperature CO2 gas, which helps isolate and preserve the cannabinoids in the oil. The only drawbacks are slow extraction time and high production costs, meaning these products can be on the expensive side.

2. Ethanol extraction

Ethanol extraction is safe and nontoxic in small amounts. The main drawback is that ethanol extraction destroys the plant waxes, which can have health benefits.

3. Olive oil extraction

Olive oil is safe and cost-effective and comes with a slew of its own health benefits, from supporting inflammatory pathways to enhancing immunity. In this method, plant materials are heated with olive oil to extract the cannabinoids.

4. Butane or hexane extraction

These solvents do a great job of extracting the cannabinoids from the hemp plant, but some residues remain after the extraction process, which can be potentially harmful to your lungs.




You'll find 800+ beneficial plants and remedies in "The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies". It includes recipes of tinctures, teas, decoctions, essential oils, syrups, salves, poultices, infusions and many other natural remedies that our grandparents used for centuries. What's also special about this book is that it has between 2 and 4 high definition, color pictures for each plant and detailed identification guidelines to make sure you've got the right plant.

>>> Discover The Forgotten Power of Plants with Nicole Apelian

Take hemp oil extract.

Hemp oil extracts can be consumed orally or applied topically or sublingually (under the tongue). Sublingual application of hemp oil allows for a fast onset of action of the CBD, whereas capsules allow for more controlled and consistent doses over time. Topical hemp oil can be applied directly onto the skin, on areas where you feel pain or inflammation.

Related: Make Your Own Cannabis Tincture

The legality of hemp and cannabis.

Hemp oil extract, which contains less than 0.3 percent of the compound THC, is legal in all 50 states. Cannabis with more than 0.3 percent THC is considered marijuana and can have psychoactive effects. The legality of marijuana varies by state.

How to choose a hemp oil product.


When deciding which hemp oil extract to use, these are the criteria you should look for:

The hemp plants should be 100% organically grown to minimize exposure to pesticides. Look for European Union Certified Organic, which has stricter standards than USDA.
The hemp oil should be extracted using CO2, ethanol, or olive oil. Avoid butane or hexane extraction as it can leave behind harmful residue. If opting for olive oil, make sure you store in a dark, cool place to prevent rancidity.
Ask for a third-party certificate of analysis. This paperwork will show the chemical composition of the hemp oil and also show if there are any unwanted contaminants such as toxic heavy metals.

How much hemp oil should you take?

There are currently no standard hemp oil dosing guidelines or defined upper limit. However, in studies, long-term use and doses as high as 1,500 mg per day have been well tolerated by humans. But each person has a different genetic and biochemical makeup. This means individuals will respond differently to the same dose of hemp oil, so you will have to experiment to see which dose is best for you.


Learn more: How To Make Cannabis Tincture Fast

Safety and side effects.

Hemp oil extract is generally considered safe. Though very rare, some side effects have been reported in studies including sleepiness, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue.

One thing to note: Since it takes a significantly larger amount of hemp stalks to produce hemp oil extract, there is an increased risk of contamination within the plant. (Hemp is a strong bio-accumulator, meaning it pulls in toxins from the soil it grows in.) You'll want to be sure to look for a brand that tests for purity and is certified organic.

Many hemp oil extracts are also known to lack the full spectrum of terpenes and other cannabinoids that act synergistically with the CBD.* That being said, there are some brands that test rigorously to make sure that the CBD content, as well as the terpenes and other cannabinoids, are up to par. It's a good sign if a brand provides a certificate of analysis, which will tell you exactly what levels of compounds are in the hemp oil.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.


Related: Using Cannabis Tincture

If you are interested in the natural remedy:

You'll find 800+ beneficial plants and remedies in "The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies". It includes recipes of tinctures, teas, decoctions, essential oils, syrups, salves, poultices, infusions and many other natural remedies that our grandparents used for centuries. What's also special about this book is that it has between 2 and 4 high definition, color pictures for each plant and detailed identification guidelines to make sure you've got the right plant.