What Are CBD Oils?

• Published January 30, 2026

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The source of CBD oils is the hemp plant, a type of cannabis plant. The hemp plant is rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, and other compounds. Numerous past and ongoing clinical studies have found that CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps maintain balance. Studies also show that CBD oil may offer many benefits and few to no side effects.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):

CBD oils are made from hemp plant extracts. They are available in three different spectrums called full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.

Products are designed to deliver different benefits, such as improved sleep quality and relaxation, and most people experience no CBD oil side effects. Choosing the best-quality CBD oil to meet personal needs depends on factors such as potency and lab-test results.

What Are CBD Oils?

CBD oils are hemp-derived wellness products made by extracting cannabidiol (CBD) from the flowers and aerial parts of the hemp plant and blending the extract with a carrier oil to increase its bioavailability. Common carrier oils include MCT oil, olive oil, and hemp seed oil, all of which contain essential fats. CBD is fat-soluble, so it needs fats for absorption by the body’s tissues.

CBD Oil, CBD Tincture, CBD Oil Drops: What Are the Differences Between Them?

People use the terms CBD oil, oil tincture, and oil drops as if they mean the same thing. However, there are differences.

➥ CBD oil is a CBD extract that has been suspended in a carrier oil. It can be taken orally (by swallowing) or sublingually (under the tongue).

➥ CBD oil tinctures originally referred to alcohol-based CBD. Today, most are oil-based. The tinctures are formulated and packaged for sublingual consumption. The oil is placed under the tongue via a dropper and held there for up to a minute to promote rapid absorption.

➥ CBD oil drops describe a delivery method using a dropper. It is not a unique formulation.

CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil

Hemp plant extracts are the source of both CBD oil and hemp oil. However, extracts come from different plant parts and have different compositions.

The hemp plant’s flowers and aerial parts (parts above ground) are used to obtain CBD oil. The extract contains CBD and other cannabinoids.

Hemp oil is obtained from pressed hemp seeds. Rich in omega fatty acids, it has little or no CBD. Because of this, hemp oil does not provide the same benefits that CBD oil provides.

Hemp Oil Vs. CBD Oil: What’s The Difference?

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CBD Oil Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits

There are now numerous clinical studies and consumer reports that CBD oil supports general wellness. The following are a few of the benefits.

1. Relaxation

Multiple clinical trials have found that CBD is effective in promoting calm and relaxation. One study had participants who reported high day-to-day tension follow a 30- or 60-day regimen. They took 1,000 mg of isolate CBD as needed for 15 or 30 days, then switched to broad spectrum CBD for the remainder of the program. The results showed that both CBD spectrums were highly effective at reducing feelings of tension.

2. Sleep support

There is clinical evidence that CBD alone or with a small amount of THC, like in full spectrum CBD, may help people fall asleep faster and remain asleep longer, helping people experiencing sleep difficulties.

3. General well-being

CBD may deliver multiple benefits that promote general well-being. By providing these benefits, supporting endocannabinoid system balance, and promoting better sleep and reducing tension, well-being improves.

Potential Side Effects

There have been a few reported side effects, but every compound consumed carries some risk. Potential side effects and cautions related to CBD oil include the following.

• CBD oil interactions with some prescription medications are reported, i.e., blood thinners, heart medicines, thyroid medication, liver drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, sedatives, etc.
• Liver damage
• Changes in appetite
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Diarrhea
• Mood changes

Pregnant women should not use CBD oil until more research is conducted. The same is true for women who are breastfeeding.

Types of CBD Oils by Spectrum

There are three types of CBD oil spectrums.

1. Full spectrum CBD oils

Full spectrum CBD oil contains CBD, THC up to 0.3%, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. It is believed that this type of CBD oil may enable the “entourage effect,” in which all the compounds deliver greater benefit through their interactions than they would individually.

2. Broad spectrum CBD oils

Broad spectrum CBD oils contain the same compounds as full spectrum CBD oils, with one difference. THC is removed during processing. Only a trace may remain. This spectrum is a popular choice for those who do not want to consume THC due to its potential to show up on drug tests or for personal reasons.

3. Isolate CBD oil

Isolate CBD oil only contains CBD. It does not contain other cannabinoids or compounds. It is chosen by people who want precise CBD dosing or want to avoid THC completely.

CBD Oil Formats

Format	What it refers to	Dosing and Use	Notes
CBD oil drops (CBD drops, dropper oils)	CBD oil drops in dropper bottles	Very precise sublingual or oral dosing	—
CBD sprays	Liquid CBD formulations in a pump-style bottle	Fast and precise dosing. Spray under the tongue for sublingual use, or into the mouth for oral use	Discrete administration
CBD syringes	A syringe with highly concentrated CBD oil	Exact amount of premeasured CBD oil	Less common. Mostly chosen by experienced users

How to Use CBD Oil?

There are two main methods of administration for CBD oil.

➥ Sublingual

CBD oil is placed under the tongue and held there for up to a minute. This allows the CBD to be absorbed by the membranes and enter the bloodstream directly. Any remaining oil in the mouth is swallowed.

➥ Oral

Taking CBD oil orally refers to placing the CBD drops in the mouth and swallowing. When CBD oil is swallowed, it must go through the digestive system to reach the bloodstream. This reduces bioavailability and increases the time it takes to experience the desired effects. However, the effects may last longer because of the slower process.

Choosing a CBD Oil Dosage

There is no standard dosage recommendation. Factors such as metabolism and body weight will affect the optimal dosage, which is unique to each person. It may take some experimentation. Also, you can experiment with the time of day you take the CBD oil and how you take the dose. For example, if you take 20 mg of CBD oil each day, you could take one dose or split it into two doses.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for You?

You will want to consider all the factors discussed. For example, if a beginning user starts with a low-potency CBD oil. If you want to avoid taking THC, then choose a broad spectrum or isolate CBD oil.

If you want to experience the effects of CBD oil as quickly as possible, purchase a tincture. If you want convenience, choose a CBD spray.

Always look for a COA, a Certificate of Analysis, which tells you the potency of various cannabinoids and whether any contaminants are present. The product label will also provide a lot of information, such as the total amount of CBD in the bottle and the recommended daily dosage. You also want to review the full ingredient list to make sure there are no ingredients you may be allergic to.

High Quality CBD Oil Supports Wellness

CBD oil is helping many people enjoy wellness. As a plant-based product, it is safe and suitable for people who prefer natural products. The line of CBD oil products continues to expand in response to market demand, and clinical studies continue to affirm its positive effects on wellness. The important thing to remember in an unregulated market is that consumers must be informed shoppers.

Sources

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3. Lavender I, McGregor IS, Suraev A, Grunstein RR, Hoyos CM. Cannabinoids and Other Sleep Disorders. Chest. 2022;162(2):452–465. Published August 2022 (Epub May 7, 2022). doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.04.151. PMID: 35537535.
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About the Author

Michael Levin

Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.

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