Is CBD considered an essential oil?

CBD has been praised for its healing properties for a variety of ailments. Once a taboo form of medication, CBD is now taken seriously by many physicians as a viable medical resource. However, there is still much to discover about CBD and all it can provide. Often, CBD is coupled with all the other essential oils on the market today. However, CBD oil is substantially different from other essential oil varieties, so it makes one wonder – is CBD considered an essential oil? To answer this, we will examine what CBD is and its many properties.

What is CBD?

We’re all hearing a lot about CBD these days, so it can be easy to just go by what we hear and not truly understand what CBD oil is. CBD is an extract of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Traditionally, Cannabis Sativa comes from eastern Asian countries, but this adaptive plant has been cultivated in practically every country throughout the world. What makes Cannabis Sativa so special is the fact that the plant, as a whole, maintains over 104 chemical compounds called Cannabinoids. Among these cannabinoids, the most common compounds produced from the plant is THC and CBD. 

THC – This cannabinoid is what has made marijuana so popular for its intoxication attributes. 

CBD – Although CBD is derived from Cannabis, it’s not psychoactive, so it will not make you feel “high”. 

Cultivated Much Like Essential Oils

What makes CBD considered an essential oil by many is the way it’s cultivated. Cultivation practices for CBD oil vary drastically across the globe, and factors like weather, moisture content, and the season of harvest can have vast effects on attributes of the CBD oil. This is primarily why CBD levels among various brands can be drastically different. Essential oils are harvested in much the same way with some brands maintaining more potency than others. 

Extraction Process

One of the differences between CBD oil extraction and the extraction of essential oils is CO2 extraction vs. steam distillation. Steam distillation is utilized by essential oil extractions, but residue is left from the extraction process. However, CBD oil is extracted through CO2 extraction. Through this specialized product in which the plant is submerged in alcohol, pure CBD oil is extracted without leaving behind any residue. 

Benefits of CBD Oil

Like essential oils, CBD oil maintains many viable benefits. The benefits of CBD oil can be many and with this amazing substance, the user often won’t feel the same negative side effects that are associated with pharmaceuticals. Some of the benefits of CBD oil include pain relief, stress management, anxiety relief, and blood pressure regulation.

To conclude, CBD oil can sometimes be lumped into the same category as every other essential oil. In one sense it’s the same thing, but it can also be considered in its own class since CBD oil is extracted and utilized differently than other essential oils. Regardless of whether you consider CBD oil to be an essential oil or not, it’s among the best natural remedies for a range of ailments. For those who are interested in exploring CBD oil use further, it;s recommended that you discuss your intentions with your physician and get their feedback before starting a CBD oil regimen.