1. CBD comes from the hemp plant
CBD, in full cannabidiol, is one of the hundreds of compounds that occur naturally in the hemp plant. It is taken out of the plant with cold CO2 extraction and then diluted with a carrier oil, usually hemp seed oil or olive oil. That is how CBD oil is made.
2. The endocannabinoid system
CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors of the body’s own that is involved in a wide range of processes. Every mammal has such a system. What taking CBD means within it exactly is still very much the subject of research.
CBD is a food supplement and not a medicine. There are currently no EU-approved health claims for CBD, and we therefore make no promises about it.
3. It does not get you high
Unlike THC, the constituent known for the “high”, CBD is not psychoactive. Full spectrum products contain traces of THC, always below the legal limit of 0.05%.
4. CBD is legal in the Netherlands
CBD products are legal in the Netherlands, as long as the THC content stays below that limit. That is different from products with more THC, such as cannabis oil or cannabis from the coffee shop: those fall under the Dutch policy of tolerance.
In most other countries within Europe and in North America, possession and use are permitted too. If you are travelling, do read up on what applies in the country of destination, because beyond that it differs a great deal.
5. There are several ways of taking it
The taste of oil is not for everyone, and that is exactly why alternatives exist. Think of CBD patches, gummies and capsules. Absorption differs per form.
Which form suits you can be found in our article about the four ways to take CBD. If you would like to read the other side too, we have a separate article on the drawbacks of CBD oil.
6. There are products for animals too
All vertebrates have an endocannabinoid system, and there are CBD products made especially for animals. These have a lower percentage and a different composition. For dogs and cats, choose an oil without THC and without terpenes, because they are sensitive to those.
If your pet has health complaints, that belongs with the vet and not with a supplement.
Frequently asked questions about CBD oil
Is CBD oil proven to work?
No, and that is why we don’t promise anything about it. CBD is a food supplement and not a medicine, and there are currently no EU-approved health claims for CBD. What you can check is how much CBD the oil contains, whether it is full or broad spectrum and whether there is a lab report for the batch.
What does CBD cannabis oil do?
CBD oil and cannabis oil are not the same thing. CBD oil is made from hemp, contains less than 0.05% THC and is legal in the Netherlands; it does not get you high. Cannabis oil with more THC falls, like cannabis from the coffee shop, under the Dutch policy of tolerance. We don’t say what CBD oil does for you, because there are no approved health claims for it.
What do you feel when you use CBD oil?
It does not get you high, because CBD is not psychoactive. Full spectrum products contain traces of THC, but always below the legal limit of 0.05%. Beyond that, we don’t say what you will notice. CBD can cause side effects, though, such as drowsiness or a dry mouth, so if it makes you drowsy, do not drive.
