Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Oil

CBD is the fastest growing product trend in health, wellness, and spa products and supplies. With CBD oil topping multiple 2019 reports about spa trends, offering CBD products in your spa or salon is a smart business decision. While it feels like CBD is mentioned everywhere you look, you or your clients may have unanswered questions. To get you the right information, we’ve compiled this FAQ about CBD:

What is CBD?

CBD is one of 113 naturally occurring phytocannabinoids (compounds) found in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are the two most commonly known cannabis compounds. CBD is non-intoxicating, while THC produces psychoactive effects.

CBD oil is often extracted directly from the hemp plant due to its higher levels of CBD.

Is CBD legal?

Yes (under specific circumstances). Whether CBD is legal depends on several things, most importantly the chemical composition of the plant from which it’s derived. Hemp, which is legal everywhere, is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. The federal 2018 Hemp Farming Act legalized the growing of hemp in the US and removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances.

CBD derived from hemp is also known as hemp oil, hemp extract, or hemp-derived cannabidiol. It’s regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA’s rules around CBD shifted in spring 2019 and more changes may be coming, so keep an eye on the FDA’s Cannabis FAQ page.

The FDA has not prohibited or restricted cannabis or cannabis-derived ingredients from being used in cosmetics. However, the FDA must approve any CBD products that claim therapeutic, health, or disease benefits. The FDA doesn’t allow dietary supplements to contain CBD and doesn’t allow CBD to be added to foods. Hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil do not contain CBD. They are considered food ingredients rather than food additives and are therefore allowed in food products.

CBD derived from cannabis with a THC concentration of more than 0.3% is illegal everywhere in the US as federal law classifies it as a controlled substance. State laws that allow recreational or medical use of cannabis conflict with federal law, and this conflict has not been resolved. In states where recreational cannabis use is legal, CBD oil derived from all cannabis plants, regardless of THC levels, is legal under state law. In states that have legalized cannabis for medical purposes, all CBD oil may be legal with a prescription.

Can CBD get you high?

CBD does not cause the “high” commonly associated with recreational cannabis use. The two most well-known phytocannabinoids in cannabis are CBD and THC, and they affect the body differently. THC is responsible for creating the “high” associated with recreational use, while CBD is not psychoactive and therefore doesn’t have intoxicating effects or change a person’s state of mind. CBD oils and extracts from hemp plants do not contain enough THC to cause a high.

How does CBD work?

Ingested CBD enters the bloodstream and binds with endocannabinoid receptors, which are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates critical bodily functions such as appetite, motor control, inflammation, temperature, mood, and pleasure. As part of this system, our bodies produce cannabinoids that bond with receptors throughout our bodies. Externally created cannabinoids, such as CBD, also bind with the body’s ECS receptors and affect the ECS system. Topically applied CBD binds with ECS receptors in the skin to provide localized benefits.

What does the CBD in beauty products do?

CBD is drawing attention for its analgesic (painkilling) and anti-inflammatory effects. Because of this, two backbones of the spa industry, massage therapy and skin care, are seeing tremendous growth in CBD-infused products. CBD massage products help clients relax and reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in joints and muscles.

The benefits of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties also translate to skin care, helping improve skin affected by acne and aging. CBD and hemp seed oils are high in antioxidants and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, making them perfect for moisturizers and an excellent choice for sensitive skin.

What’s the difference between CBD isolate and “whole-plant” or “full spectrum” CBD?

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like—isolated CBD extract without any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or other parts of the plant. CBD isolate is odorless and flavorless. Manufacturers have better control of CBD levels when using CBD isolate instead of whole-plant CBD. CBD isolate products cost less than whole-plant CBD products.

Whole-plant CBD, also called “full spectrum” CBD, contains all 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC. Many researchers think that the cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and fatty acids naturally found in cannabis work together in a synergistic fashion, resulting in what’s called the entourage effect. This means that the benefits of each part of the plant, including CBD, are enhanced by interacting with all the other parts. In short, the whole plant produces greater benefits than its individual parts.

What’s next in the world of “cannabeauty?”

Expect exponential growth in skin care and beauty products containing cannabis. One market research company found that online searches for “CBD beauty” increased 370% in the first two months of 2019, and another found that CBD beauty and skin care product revenues soared 340% since 2015. Market investors predict that CBD beauty products will become a multi-billion-dollar standalone market category by 2027. CBD beauty products are quickly becoming mainstream products, and in the coming years will be available everywhere that sells beauty products.

One area of expected growth is in products made from terpenes. Think of terpenes as the essential oils of the cannabis plant. Just as other essential oils have become a mainstay in spa and beauty products, terpenes are likely to follow suit.

How should I use CBD in my spa?

An important aspect of incorporating CBD into your spa is educating your clients. Build on their knowledge and curiosity to guide them through the maze of product options. Universal Companies is ready to help you successfully incorporate CBD into your business. We offer a selection of CBD products and experts ready to assist you.