What is cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol better known by the abbreviation CBD—is currently experiencing a real boom. CBD is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. As a result, hemp has been valued for thousands of years for its health-promoting ingredients. The areas of application are very diverse. Meanwhile, science has also dealt extensively with the plant and its active ingredients. But what is CBD, and how to use it? The experts from the new site JustBob, bringing legal CBD products with the best quality and certifications to American users, tell us more about CBD oil and CBD in general.

CBD oil vs. hemp oil

Both CBD and hemp oil are extracted from the hemp plant. However, despite this similarity, the two oils differ significantly from one another. While CBD oil is used in the medical field, hemp oil is usually used in the kitchen or cosmetics. Hemp oil can also act as a carrier oil in CBD supplements. The difference between the two oils is that they are obtained from different hemp plant parts.

Hemp oil is obtained from the plant’s seeds—these contain only negligible amounts of cannabinoids. On the other hand, CBD is obtained from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, which contain all the essential cannabinoids. It’s also worth mentioning that CBD oils are a mixture of CBD extracts and carrier oils. The most significant difference between the two oils lies in their chemical composition. While CBD oil has a high proportion of cannabidiol, ordinary hemp oil, on the other hand, contains very few cannabinoids. However, hemp oil contains valuable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Buying CBD oil … what to look for?

1. Opt for full-spectrum CBD oils

Both full-spectrum extracts and CBD isolates are available on the market. While a CBD isolate only contains the isolated compound CBD, and other cannabinoids are searched in vain, full-spectrum extracts contain the concentrated power of plants. Those who opt for a full-spectrum extract benefit from the so-called entourage effect. It describes a synergetic interaction that is triggered by chemical plant components.

2. Prefer CO2 extraction

The production of CBD products is complex. Some manufacturers, therefore, use harsh solvents to save. These solvents can leave chemical residues in the preparation. Carbon dioxide can be used to avoid contamination during the extraction process.

Experts call this process “CO2 extraction”. The ingredient CBD is pressed out of the plant components at low temperatures and under high pressure. CO2 extraction is advantageous because the preparation does not contain any harmful substances. In addition, this manufacturing process also protects sensitive ingredients such as flavonoids or terpenes. Read more about CBD oil Australia, All necessary details you should know.

3. Pay attention to the origin

The hemp plant can pull heavy metals and toxins out of the soil. However, what is a good thing for the floor can be fatal for the user. In any case, pay attention to the origin of the raw materials to not use inferior quality products. It is best to opt for European cultivation of certified industrial hemp.

4. Question the CBD content

It is often difficult for end customers to understand how much cannabidiol is in a product. For example, a 2015 study by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that out of 24 CBD products, only 2 contained the stated amount.

However, you have the option of asking the manufacturer about any laboratory tests that have been carried out. The results of laboratory tests clearly show how much CBD a specific preparation contains. Serious dealers will be happy to give you more information about their products.

5. Price-performance ratio

A preparation that is too cheap may not have the best effect. But even an expensive product is no guarantee of effectiveness.

The price alone is not a good quality feature. Of course, some criteria can affect the price. For example, gentle CO2 extraction naturally makes the product more expensive. On the other hand, chemical extraction processes are often used regarding cheaper preparations.

Effects of CBD on the body:

Many people ask themselves whether the active ingredient has an intoxicating effect in connection with CBD. After all, CBD is closely related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC for short, also commonly known as “weed or marijuana”), which induces a feeling of intoxication. THC and CBD are those components of cannabis that are best studied in science. However, research into CBD is still in its infancy.

However, one thing has been scientifically proven: CBD has no psychoactive properties and therefore cannot cause intoxication. Therefore, anyone who consumes CBD does not experience a “high feeling.” It is because CBD impacts receptors in the human body differently than THC. As a result, many people today want to benefit from the health-promoting properties of the hemp plant, without being intoxicated and without becoming dependent. With CBD, you can.

What is CBD not suitable for?

First, you should read some informative blogs and product descriptions you will find at JusBob.net. Besides, if you are taking medication such as anticoagulants, neuroleptics, or pain relievers, you should discuss the use of CBD with your doctor beforehand. Children and pregnant women should also refrain from taking it. In the latter, CBD oil can increase the permeability of the placenta.

What Is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of more than 100 chemicals called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant is also called hemp when it has very low levels of THC, and marijuana when it has higher levels of THC. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the main chemical in cannabis that causes a high. CBD does not cause a high in the way THC does, and it is often described as non-intoxicating.

CBD is found in the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It can be taken from the plant and mixed with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil, to make CBD oil. It is also sold in other forms, such as capsules, creams, and food products. The amount of CBD in these products can differ a lot from one product to the next, and labels are not always accurate.

CBD and THC: What Is the Difference?

FeatureCBDTHC
Effect on the mindNon-intoxicating, does not cause a highIntoxicating, can cause a high
Main sourceHemp and marijuana plantsMainly marijuana plants
Legal statusVaries by country and stateVaries by country and state, often more restricted
Approved medical useOne prescription drug in the United States, Epidiolex, for certain seizure disordersSome prescription drugs in some countries

Both CBD and THC come from the same plant family, but they act in different ways in the body. The human body has a system called the endocannabinoid system, which helps to control sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. Both CBD and THC interact with this system, but they do so in different ways. Scientists are still learning how this system works and how CBD affects it.

What Has the FDA Said About CBD?

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration, known as the FDA, has approved only one CBD product as a prescription drug. That product is called Epidiolex. It is approved to treat seizures in people with three rare conditions: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. The FDA has not approved CBD for any other use.

The FDA has warned that CBD products sold as food, drinks, or dietary supplements are not approved, and that some products have been found to contain more or less CBD than the label states. Some products have also been found to contain THC or other chemicals that were not listed on the label. The FDA has also raised concerns about possible harm to the liver, possible effects on the male reproductive system, and possible interactions with other medicines.

CBD Oil and Hemp Oil: A Clear Difference

CBD oil and hemp oil are not the same product. CBD oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, where cannabinoids are found in higher amounts. Hemp oil, also called hemp seed oil, is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp seeds contain very little CBD, but they do contain fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are also found in many foods.

Because the two oils are different, it is important to read the label. A product that says hemp seed oil is not the same as a product that says CBD oil. A product that lists the amount of CBD in milligrams is clearer than a product that only lists the total amount of hemp oil.

Legal Status of CBD

The legal status of CBD differs from place to place. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC from the list of controlled substances at the federal level. Even so, each state has its own rules, and some states place limits on CBD products. In the United Kingdom and the European Union, CBD products are also subject to rules, and novel food rules apply to CBD in food. In some countries, CBD is not legal at all. Always check the law in your own country and state before you buy or use a CBD product.

Questions to Ask Before You Consider a CBD Product

  • Is it legal where I live? Check the law in your country and state, because rules differ.
  • What does the label say? Look for the amount of CBD, the type of product, and the full list of ingredients.
  • Has it been tested by an independent lab? Some makers publish lab test results, called a certificate of analysis. A lab test can show the amount of CBD and THC in the product, but it does not prove that the product is safe or that it works.
  • Could it affect other medicines? CBD can interact with some medicines. Talk to a doctor or a pharmacist before you use CBD if you take other medicines.
  • What does my doctor say? A doctor can help you weigh the known facts, the limits of the research, and your own health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. It does not cause a high in the way THC does, and it is often described as non-intoxicating.

Is CBD the same as hemp oil?

No. CBD oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is made from the seeds of the hemp plant, which contain very little CBD.

Has the FDA approved CBD?

The FDA has approved only one CBD product as a prescription drug, called Epidiolex, for certain seizure disorders. The FDA has not approved CBD for any other use, and CBD in food, drinks, or supplements is not approved.

Does CBD cause a high?

CBD itself does not cause a high in the way THC does. However, some CBD products have been found to contain THC or other chemicals that were not listed on the label, so the product may not be what it seems.

Is CBD legal everywhere?

No. The law on CBD differs by country and by state. In the United States, hemp with less than 0.3 percent THC is legal at the federal level, but states have their own rules. Check the law where you live.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The FDA has not approved CBD for most uses. CBD can interact with medicines and may cause side effects. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any CBD product, and do not use CBD to treat or diagnose a health condition.

Last Updated: 6 November 2026