CBD Hemp Oil: Are You Deficient in it?

Are you experiencing anxiety attacks and sleep issues?  I know how you feel – I’ve been there!  Read my expert review of the CBD industry to find out which CBD hemp oil helped me overcome these health issues.  This blog post is the fruit of an in-depth and time-consuming investigation of numerous CBD tincture brands.  Following my 5-step approach to research, we have looked into the CBD companies mentioned on Instagram by my followers.  As a result, I present you with what are, in my opinion, the worst-bad-better-best hemp extract products on the market today.

When I said, “I know how you feel,” I wasn’t exaggerating.  Indeed, I come from a cancer-affected family (my dad died of it when he was just 57), and I have been diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases.  By now, I have recovered from Hashimoto’s and am on the way to recovery from Addison’s.  But I vividly remember the time in my life when I was almost disabled by anxiety!  I kept noticing “CBD” mentioned in the online forums for non-medicinal cures and in my interviews with people impacted by cancer.  Yet, I never really looked into it until recently, when I encountered severe sleep problems.  I lost my ability to fall asleep, and if I somehow managed to fall asleep, I could not stay asleep!  What rescued me was a CBD hemp oil, namely a full spectrum hemp extract, that restored my sleep and brought me much-desired rest.

What does CBD stand for?

To begin with, CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of several major cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa plants.  Both marijuana and hemp are cannabis sativa plants, and both are rich in cannabidiol (CBD).  However, marijuana also contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is psychoactive and intoxicating and responsible for the “high.”

The good news is that the hemp plant is naturally low in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  That is why a ready-made CBD tincture passes Federal regulation and can be sold online.

Before we discuss hemp extract benefits and some side effects of hemp oil, let’s talk about the legal side of CBD hemp extract.  Additionally, you will learn not only the difference between broad spectrum and full spectrum hemp extract, but also what the CBD hemp oil “entourage effect” means and how it is related to endocannabinoid deficiency.

Legal CBD Oil

At the federal level, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334 (the 2018 Farm Bill), was signed into law in 2018.  Among other things, the law allowed hemp products to be sold legally in stores and online.  The law defined hemp products as “the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”

In other words, cannabis plants and derivatives, such as CBD tinctures, that contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis are no longer controlled substances under federal law and are legal to consume and distribute (source).

Additionally, it is important to note that CBD manufacturers are not supposed to claim any health benefits.  Therefore, if you do not see them on the CBD website, do not be swayed by their absence. 

What does broad spectrum mean?

For starters, let us clear up the terminology.  Is CBD oil an actual oil or an extract?  And is “CBD hemp oil” the same as “hemp oil”?

To answer these questions, we need to look at the derivation processes of hemp oil and hemp extract.

First off, hemp oil is normally made from hemp seeds that contain neither delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) nor cannabidiol (CBD).

Alternatively, hemp extract is made from hemp plants (flowers are the best) that contain cannabidiol (CBD) and a small amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Technically, the product that comes out of hemp plant extraction is a CBD hemp extract.  However, because they add oil to the extract (normally MCT oil), it can be called CBD hemp oil.  

Therefore, in this review, I refer to CBD oil products as CBD hemp oil, CBD hemp extract, and CBD tincture interchangeably. 

Further, there are three types of cannabidiol (CBD):

• CBD isolate
• broad spectrum hemp extract, and
• full spectrum hemp extract. 

First, as its name suggests, CBD isolate contains only cannabidiol (CBD).  Second, broad spectrum hemp extracts include many other compounds found in the hemp plant except THC.  Third, a full spectrum hemp extract contains all compounds, including THC. 

At first, seeking help with sleep, I tried a product with cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) isolates, and it helped me somewhat.  But complete relief only came when I started taking a full spectrum CBD hemp oil.  The secret lay in its “entourage effect.” 

Cannabinoid Entourage Effect

To start with, the idea of the “entourage effect” suggests that when different compounds in cannabis work together, they create uniquely beneficial effects.  Thus, this study suggests that the “entourage effect” of terpenes added to cannabinoids can be especially effective for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.

Following the logic of the “entourage effect,” a CBD tincture with a broad spectrum hemp extract can be more effective than CBD isolates.  In turn, a CBD hemp oil with a full spectrum extract can be more effective than the one with a broad spectrum extract.

Moreover, this theory is tied to the 1988 discovery of ECS, or endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System

Amazingly, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is widely distributed throughout the body, including the brain.  It regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as sleep, memory, emotions, temperature, and pain control, as well as inflammatory and immune responses. 

According to Peter Grinspoon, MD, the ECS consists of a vast network of cellular receptors, chemical signals, and molecules.  The CB1 receptors are found primarily in our brain and spine and play a role in memory, behavior, appetite, motor control, and perception of pain.  The CB2 receptors are located throughout the body, helping to control inflammation and immune response. 

As for the ECS molecules produced by our bodies, they are called endocannabinoids and have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant.  That is why, reportedly, ECS activity may be modified by exogenous cannabinoids (e.g., those in CBD oil).  

For instance, this extensive study looked specifically at how clinical endocannabinoid deficiency may be connected to such conditions as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and others currently not addressed by prescription drugs.  Hence, researchers are motivated to discover the healing powers of cannabidiol (CBD) and its products, such as CBD hemp oil and CBD tincture. 

Hemp Oil Health Benefits and Hemp Extract Benefits

Although most evidence of CBD hemp oil and hemp extract benefits is anecdotal, a lot of scientific clinical data has emerged. 

At present, scientists are conducting studies into cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential treatment for a wide range of conditions.  They include Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety.

As I mentioned above, this study has looked into the effectiveness of cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders.  And here are the positive results of a study on using CBD to reduce the anxiety caused by public speaking in social phobia patients.

Next, Peter Grinspoon, MD of Harvard Heath Publishing indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) may help with insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation, and addiction.  This study looked into the cannabinoids effect in patients with cancer-induced pain.  And this large case series showed improvement in sleep and/or anxiety due to CBD.

Furthermore, this study states that cannabis is known to limit or prevent nausea and vomiting from a variety of causes, including chemotherapy.

In addition, American Cancer Society states that, “THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in lab dishes.  Some animal studies also suggest certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer.”

On top of that, cannabidiol (CBD) has been successfully used to treat epilepsy in children.  And recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a purified CBD pharmaceutical called Epidiolex for treating severe pediatric epilepsy. 

Side Effects of Hemp Oil

Again, CBD hemp oil (aka CBD tincture and CBD hemp extract) is not the same as hemp oil.

Because hemp oil is made from hemp seeds, it does not contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD).  Therefore, the chances for it to have any side effects are minimal.

Conversely, CBD hemp oil is made from the hemp plant (preferably from flowers) and is technically an extract.  But due to the addition of oil (often MCT oil) to the extract, it can be referred to as “oil.” 

Hemp flowers contain lots of cannabidiol (CBD) that is normally well-tolerated but may carry some risks, especially if overdosed.  Some side effects may include dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue.  Besides, CBD can interact with other medications taken such as blood thinners. (source)

Personally, I have not had any side effects since I started using a CBD tincture.  Nevertheless, it is important to understand that not only people are different in their reactions to supplements but also CBD hemp oil products are different.  Read on to see what I mean!

Can you use Dr. Bronner’s soap when pregnant?

First of all, the premise for the question is that Dr. Bronner’s soap contains hemp oil as one of its ingredients.  Well, in my opinion, there is no need to worry. 

Normally, hemp oil found in soaps, cosmetics, and other personal care products, including Dr. Bronner’s soap, is not the same as CBD oil.  The hemp oil used in personal care products comes primarily from seeds of the hemp plant.  As we have discussed above, the seeds do not naturally contain THC or CBD.

Further, the hemp seed-derived ingredients that are the subject of the FDA GRAS notices may contain only trace amounts of THC and CBD.  The seeds may pick up those during harvesting and processing when they are in contact with other parts of the plant.  According to the FDA, consumption of these hemp seed-derived ingredients is not capable of making consumers “high.” 

Even if hemp oil in Dr. Bronner’s soap contains trace amounts of THC, the product’s contact with the skin is too brief for the skin to absorb any meaningful amounts.  However, by all means, discuss with your OBGYN whether personal care products with hemp oil are right for you and your baby.  (You can read more about Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and what I think of it here.)

As for the FDA’s opinion on using cannabis-derived products during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the FDA seems to warn against it.

What is the right hemp oil dosage?

To clarify, this question is about the right CBD hemp oil dosage.  As discussed above, CBD hemp oil (aka CBD tincture) and hemp oil are not the same.

First off, I am not a doctor and cannot give you any advice regarding dosage.  So, please, consult a medical professional. 

Alternatively, you can call Leaf411, a nonprofit operating a cannabis-trained nurse guidance line.  They provide education and directional support about the safe use of legal cannabis.  Well, I talked to them, and they suggested starting with a low dose and keeping a journal of a dose and its effect on my body.

Additionally, there is Realm of Caring, a non-profit organization known as the charity of choice for the cannabis industry.  They do research and provide education about cannabinoid therapies “to benefit individuals and families and serve healthcare providers as well as the hemp and cannabis industries.”

How much CBD oil should I take?

Since I am not a doctor, I cannot give you any advice regarding dosage.  So, please, consult a medical professional.  Also, keep in mind that, while CBD hemp oil is getting more popular, clear dosage guidelines have not been set by the medical community yet.

As a point of reference, Dr. Robert Rountree, a CBD oil pioneer and expert, recommends 10 milligrams a day for treating anxiety and pain.  Be aware, though, that your dosage will vary based on what you are treating.  Ideally, your doctor can help you determine which dosage and form (e.g., CBD tincture) is best for you.

How to Choose the Best CBD

To begin with, I would like to emphasize that it is very important to buy CBD oil from reputable and trusted companies.

Indeed, many CBD hemp oil products are mislabeled.  Thus, a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that 26% of the researched products contained less CBD than labeled.  The problem with that is it could negate the desired outcome.  Conversely, 18 of the 84 tested samples (21.4%) contained more than 0.3% of THC (0.3% is the limit set by the 2018 federal law). 

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog post, a while ago, I started having trouble falling asleep.  Going around without a good night’s sleep is hard on anyone, but those with an autoimmune condition called Addison’s (which I am recovering from) suffer from it immensely!  Talk about anxiety and exhaustion!

Anyway, since I had to find a solution sooner than later, I tried two CBD tincture products.  The first one helped me somewhat, and I was almost ready to say that CBD did not work for me.  However, the second CBD hemp oil product I tried relieved me of my sleep issue completely!

It was then that the idea of doing a thorough research of the CBD industry occurred to me.  So, I asked my Instagram followers to give me brand names of CBD oil products they were using or wanted to try.  After numerous hours of research, this “worst-bad-better-best” CBD hemp extract list was born. 

I used a 5-step approach to investigate the CBD industry.

Although I was already using a CBD tincture that worked well for me, I was interested in seeing whether it was really the best.  So, my team and I devoted time to take the following steps (as we usually do with any kind of product):

1. We surveyed the CBD industry.
2. We studied the manufacturing processes.
3. We researched the ingredients.
4. We contacted manufacturers by email, phone, and Zoom.
5. We tried some products.

Each of these steps required strict and detailed documentation.  So, I hope you can appreciate the amount of time invested in this project.  I Read Labels For You is always driven by the desire to provide you with as much knowledge as possible so that you could make informed decisions about products.

As a result of this thorough investigation, I have come up with four criteria for the best CBD hemp oil.  In other words, if a CBD tincture company meets all four main standards, it falls in the “best” category.  The rest of the researched brands fall in the “better,” “bad,” and “worst” categories depending on how many of those criteria they meet.

According to my criteria, this is what the best CBD oil product should be like.

1. The “best” CBD hemp extract should not be just organically grown, but should also carry the actual USDA Organic seal.
2. The company should provide independent 3^rd party test reports for heavy metals, pesticides, and composition, including the amount of THC.
3. The “best” and high-quality CBD hemp oil should use hemp flower extract (not branches or leaves), CO2 extraction, and no solvents.
4. The company that sells the CBD products should have an excellent level of control over production processes from seed to growing to extraction to packaging. 

Based on my Instagram followers’ requests, we looked into 21 brands, but only 16 of them carried CBD tinctures.  Using the described above four main criteria for the “best” CBD oil, we grouped the researched products in the following way.  (Please, bear in mind that these are our opinions only, and you are welcome to do your own research.)

“Worst” CBD Hemp Extract

Brand	Description
Q Sciences	– Not organic – The test reports have no information about pesticides and heavy metals – Uses preservatives (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate) – Uses limonene, natural flavors (undisclosed ingredients), and other ingredients that are not necessary in a CBD hemp oil – Describes itself as a “full spectrum hemp oil extract” but has no THC

To clarify, the flavoring ingredients in “natural flavors” come from a plant or animal source, whereas artificial flavors are synthetic.  However, other ingredients in a “natural flavor,” such as preservatives, emulsifiers, solvents, and incidental additives, can still be synthetic.  That is why I avoid products with natural flavors.  

“Bad” CBD Tincture Products

The main reason the brands presented in the table below are in the “bad” category is that they are not USDA certified organic.  In my opinion, it is necessary for CBD hemp oil to be certified organic.  Otherwise, it is likely to be contaminated with various pesticides and heavy metals. 

In addition to having no USDA organic seal, some of these brands have other concerns.  If you are interested in buying any of these products, I encourage you to contact the company and get your questions answered. 

Importantly, we have also looked at the price-potency ratios for these CBD hemp extracts.  However, we are not publishing the results because we do not recommend these products in the first place.

Note that most of these brands offer affiliate programs and fine commissions.  However, I decided not to affiliate with them because they do not meet my standards.

Brand	Description
Blue Sky	– Unclear where they grow and manufacture – Offers only CBD and CBN isolates
CBDMD	– Unclear where they grow and manufacture – Natural flavors
City and Sea	– Unclear where they manufacture
Cureganics	no additional concerns
Earthley Wellness	– Includes other herbs so it is not a true CBD product
Highline Wellness	– Unclear where they grow – Contains melatonin
Koi	– Unclear where they manufacture
Mett Naturals	no additional concerns
Nuleaf Naturals	no additional concerns
Purium	– Unclear where they manufacture – Contains flavors
Soul CBD	– Unclear where they grow and manufacture – Natural flavors
Veritas Farms	– Contains additional herbs

“Better” CBD Hemp Oil (H3)

Brand	Description
Charlotte’s Web	– Organic – Provides test reports – The minus of their CBD tincture products is that they contain “natural flavor,” and there are no unflavored options. – By the way, they have an affiliate program, but I made a conscious decision not to affiliate with them because they use “natural flavor.” Ideally, I would avoid products with natural flavors.

“Best” CBD Oil

Fortunately, I have found two brands that meet my strict standards:

• Aspen Green and
• Green Compass. 

I researched them in -depth and contacted them via email, phone, and Zoom with lots of questions.

Aspen Green CBD Hemp Oil

It was Aspen Green CBD tincture that helped me with my sleep issues. 

To begin, the owners of the company are very knowledgeable and passionate about doing things the right way and delivering the highest quality CBD oils.  For this, they grow and manufacture hemp in Colorado that seems to have a perfect climate for it.  Plus, they use the CO2 method for extraction without any solvents from the best part of the plant – flowers.  

In addition, every batch has 3^rd party test reports.  Even though they are USDA-organic certified, they test for numerous pesticides, just in case.   They also test for the right compositions and numerous toxins, such as heavy metals and mold. In fact, their test reports are the most comprehensive I have seen in a long time.  

Importantly, Aspen Green CBD hemp extract products do not contain any flavors other than those coming from organic essential oils.  They also offer unflavored CBD hemp oil formulations without any essential oils.  After testing all of them, I am happy to report that the ones flavored with essential oils are mild and not overpowering at all.  So, if you are not up to the pure herbal taste, get the ones flavored with organic orange or peppermint essential oils.  Personally, I use an unflavored CBD tincture.

To visit the Aspen Green website, click here.  Be sure to use my IREAD20 code to get 20% off on the first non-subscription purchase.

Green Compass CBD Oil

First, they grow and manufacture their organic hemp in North Carolina.  Just like Aspen Green, they extract via the CO2 method without any solvents from the best part of the cannabis plant – flowers. Every batch has 3^rd party test reports that are also posted on the website and/or can be accessed by scanning the packaging. The most recent reports show testing for the right composition only. Since they own their organic hemp growing fields and manufacturing facilities, testing every batch for heavy metals might not be very important.  

Unlike Aspen Green, they offer a variety of CBD hemp oil product options: full spectrum hemp extract, broad spectrum hemp extract, and isolates.

Personally, I had the best results with a full spectrum hemp extract.  But it is not for you if you want to do nothing with THC (even the residues), especially if you are pregnant or nursing.  Therefore, I Read Labels For You is all about helping you make your own purchasing decisions.

Another piece of good news is that Green Compass carries both flavored (with organic essential oils and sometimes with organic stevia) and unflavored CBD tincture options. 

Note that Green Compass jellies contain natural flavor.  However, since their products are USDA-certified organic, their natural flavor should be the safest possible of natural flavors.  Also, I have not seen any unflavored jellies or gummies.  On the other hand, I have seen gummies with synthetic petroleum dyes that I do not recommend applying even topically.

I’m in the process of trying various Green Compass products. I can now report that the Fresh Mint Flavored Hemp Flower Full Spectrum Extract’s taste is mild and pleasant.

To visit the Green Compass website, click here.

All in all, in my opinion, both Aspen Green and Green Compass are excellent options and the best choices for you.

Summary of the CBD Hemp Extract Products Post

To sum up, cannabidiol (CBD) is known for a great many healing and calming properties.  Some people may have concerns about cannabidiol (CBD) since it is sometimes derived from marijuana that creates the “high” effect.  However, CBD from hemp is different because it has no delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is responsible for this effect.

When I recently developed insomnia, CBD hemp oil proved to be very effective in helping me maintain a normal, productive life.  If it works for me in this context, it may be very helpful to others in treating various disorders.  So, I set out to find what are, in my opinion, the very best CBD tincture options. 

After looking into 21 brands, I have narrowed it down to just two CBD oil brands that I consider the best based on my strict criteria.  They are Aspen Green (IREAD20 code for 20% off on the first non-subscription purchase) and Green Compass.  Indeed, both brands:

• are USDA-certified organic
• have their products tested by independent 3^rd parties and post their test reports on their websites
• use flowers only (not branches or leaves)
• apply the CO2 extraction method without any solvents, and
• have an excellent level of control over production processes from seed to growing to extraction to packaging.   

I wish all of you well in your journey toward health and hope that this post will assist you in making decisions!