Does CBD Oil Actually Work? 5 Expert Tips To Make Sure Yours Does

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August 22, 2021 — 9:05 AM

An oil that’s extracted from the aerial parts (leaves, flowers, and stems) of the almighty hemp plant, hemp oil can help promote calm and relaxation—without the psychoactive effects of marijuana (a totally different plant varietal than hemp).*

If you’ve heard the hype and are ready to dive into the world of hemp oil, here’s a primer on what to look for on a label to make sure you’re getting the purest, most effective product possible:

Phytocannabinoids are the plant compounds that give hemp products their chill factor: They can help support a healthy response to stress and promote feelings of relaxation due to the unique way they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.*

Emerging research is finding that the more types of these phytocannabinoids a product has, the better: “We know that phytocannabinoids are more effective and better tolerated when taken together and in concert with their co-occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals than when they are taken in isolation,”* Jessica Knox, M.D., MPH, co-founder of the American Cannabinoid Clinics and a preventive medicine physician, recently told mbg.

Look for full-spectrum hemp oil that contains the full spectrum of phytocannabinoids to get the most active compounds for your buck.

According to Carl Germano, R.D., CNS, CDN, the author of Road to Ananda: Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System, Hemp Phytocannabinoids/CBD, and Your Health, the use of pesticides, herbicides, and genetic modification is not uncommon in the hemp industry.

The fact that hemp is a bioaccumulator makes this trend concerning. This plant is super efficient at removing pollutants from the air, water, and soil—meaning if it’s not grown carefully, its extracts could contain those accumulated toxins. Also, if not stored and handled diligently, hemp is prone to growing certain kinds of fungi that can produce aflatoxin, a substance that can cause liver damage and other health issues.

All this to say, it’s important to buy your hemp from a trustworthy source. Look for a certified organic, non-GMO product that’s been tested for contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals.

Most reputable hemp oil companies extract the active compounds from a hemp plant using a premium process known as CO₂ extraction, which uses pressurized carbon dioxide to weed out (no pun intended) those beneficial phytocannabinoids.

Germano explains that this tends to be more efficient than other extraction methods like ethanol and olive oil extraction, and cleaner too, as it doesn’t leave any potentially harmful solvents behind on the product.

Any time you’re considering buying hemp oil from a new-to-you brand, Germano says it’s important to dig into their sourcing practices. Since growing industrial hemp in the U.S. was illegal until relatively recently, there isn’t much information in this country about the types of plants that are now being cultivated.

This is why Germano recommends looking for strains that have been deemed safe in the European Union, where growing agricultural hemp has long been legal. That way, you’ll know your product is more established and has been subject to regulation and oversight over the years.

“The E.U. commissions website has certified, validated hemp strains that have been used by humans for decades,” he says. Bonus points if your hemp oil has been DNA-tested and belongs to one of these strains that are validated safe.

Finally, hemp oil—like any other oil—can go rancid if it isn’t stored properly. It should be encapsulated (if a capsule or softgel format) and packaged in a way that shields it from air, heat, and light.

Make sure yours comes in a dark, amber bottle that protects it from the elements, and store your hemp oil with care.