Your Complete Guide to CBD Oil​

You've probably seen the buzz around CBD and its many uses. Our goal is to give you both premium, lab-tested CBD products and the knowledge to make informed choices about what you put into your body. If you want to go deeper, our blog has extensive educational material and is updated weekly.

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CBD has been used for thousands of years, and its versatility makes hemp one of the most useful plants on the planet. Our CBD comes from a specific strain of industrial hemp. CBD is the second most prominent cannabinoid in the hemp plant, and it interacts with the body's natural endocannabinoid system — the system that helps your body maintain balance (homeostasis).

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Key takeaways

• CBD is a non-intoxicating compound from the hemp plant — it won't get you high.

• Hemp is legally defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC.

• The three main types are isolate, full spectrum (contains trace THC under 0.3%), and broad spectrum (THC-free).

• There's no one-size-fits-all dose — most people start around 20–30 mg daily and adjust.

• Always buy from a brand that publishes third-party lab results.

 

Introduction: Your Guide to CBD Oil

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a compound produced by the cannabis plant family. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD has surged in popularity and moved toward mainstream acceptance. It now appears in everything from edibles to tinctures to topicals — and it's increasingly popular with pet owners too. Let's dive in.

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Table of Contents

(In Wix, link each item to an anchor on the matching section heading so these jump down the page.)

1. CBD Oil Basics

2. CBD Oil & Your Body

3. Research on CBD Oil

4. How to Use CBD Effectively

5. How to Navigate the CBD Marketplace

6. Getting Started With CBD

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Think of this guide as the blueprint of a house — the foundation. The blog posts linked throughout are the individual rooms that go deeper on specific topics.

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Section 1 — CBD Oil Basics

In this section we'll lay the foundation: what CBD oil is, where it comes from, how it's made, and answers to the questions new users ask most.

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What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a natural extract taken from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It can be used in many ways for many purposes.

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Broad spectrum CBD oil contains CBD plus a range of other active compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. When these compounds are present together, they work in conjunction for a richer effect. Depending on the formulation, a product may also contain beneficial compounds like omega fatty acids, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins.

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Getting to Know the Cannabis Plant

There are two main species of the cannabis plant cultivated for human use: cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Sativa plants are taller and produce more fiber, so they're the species used for hemp cultivation. Indica plants are shorter and bushier, and are typically used to produce marijuana.

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Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?

Although marijuana and hemp come from the same plant family, they differ in more than appearance. Marijuana has elevated levels of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the intoxicating compound associated with a "high."

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Because of those intoxicating properties, marijuana is produced for both medicinal and recreational use, and its federal legal status has been the subject of ongoing review. Many states have passed their own legislation regulating marijuana, and some allow recreational use.

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Hemp is not marijuana. While hemp does contain cannabinoids, it has only minimal THC — by federal definition, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC to be legally cultivated. Hemp has been grown for thousands of years for fiber and textiles, but industrial fiber hemp contains little to no CBD and isn't a good source of CBD oil.

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At GoGreen Hemp, we use hemp that's naturally high in CBD. Our full spectrum products keep THC under the federal 0.3% limit, and our broad spectrum products have the THC removed entirely — so you can choose what's right for you. You can confirm the exact cannabinoid content of any product in our third-party lab results.

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The Different Types of CBD Oil

Since 2016, the CBD industry has evolved tremendously. Here's how the main types compare.

A quick note on source: oil can be extracted from marijuana the same way it's extracted from hemp. Oil from marijuana (often called cannabis oil) tends to be high in THC and remains a federally controlled substance. This guide focuses only on CBD oil produced from hemp.

 

CBD Isolate

Hemp-derived CBD isolate is CBD in its purest form. It's made by isolating CBD and refining it into a single, highly concentrated compound, usually in a crystalline form. The trade-off: isolate misses out on the benefits the other plant compounds provide, and because there are no other cannabinoids to work alongside it, dosing has to be more precise to get the desired effect.

 

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full spectrum CBD — also called whole-plant CBD — contains everything that naturally occurs in the hemp plant: terpenes, flavonoids, phytocannabinoids (CBD, trace THC under 0.3%, CBN, CBG, THCA, CBDA, and more), vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and other phytonutrients. When the natural terpenes are present along with trace THC, the product is considered full spectrum.

 

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum is essentially full spectrum without the THC. It goes through an additional extraction step that removes the THC while preserving the other natural cannabinoids and terpenes, so it contains no THC. You still get the benefits of the "entourage effect" without the intoxicating effects of THC. (Keep in mind that no brand can guarantee drug-test results, so use caution if you're subject to testing.)

To go deeper on the different types and which might suit you, read our blog post on the different types of CBD.

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CBD-Infused Products

"CBD-infused" can describe a product made with CBD isolate or one made with full or broad spectrum oil. A properly labeled product specifies which type of CBD it uses in the ingredients. If the ingredients list CBD isolate, it isn't full or broad spectrum. Knowing the difference matters, because the types can produce different effects.

To summarize, here are the products you'll encounter:

• Hemp Seed Oil — Often found on Amazon, made from hemp seeds only and contains no CBD. (Learn more.)

• CBD Isolate — Purified CBD only, without the other naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes. Typically cheaper.

• Full Spectrum CBD — Rich in CBD plus the other cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC below 0.3%.

• Broad Spectrum CBD — Rich in CBD plus the other cannabinoids and terpenes, without THC.

 

Beginner FAQs

The CBD marketplace can be confusing — there's a lot of misinformation out there. Here are the questions new users ask most.

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Does CBD oil get you high?

No. Properly produced CBD won't get you high — it doesn't contain THC in high enough concentrations to be intoxicating. Some manufacturers' CBD can contain trace THC; our broad spectrum products use a double-extraction process to remove THC entirely, while our full spectrum products retain the natural profile with THC under 0.3%.

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Do I need a medical marijuana card or prescription to buy CBD oil?

No. Hemp-derived CBD is available to purchase without a card or prescription, and can be found everywhere from pharmacies to local health food stores.

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How much CBD should I take per day?

It varies from person to person. Many people start around 20–30 mg daily, with a typical range of roughly 5–50 mg. Talk to your doctor for guidance specific to you.

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Can you overdose on CBD?

CBD is generally well tolerated, and there are no documented reports of a fatal CBD overdose. Start low, and talk to your doctor — especially if you take other medications.

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Can I give my pet CBD oil?

Pets like dogs, cats, and horses have an endocannabinoid system too, so they can respond to cannabinoids. Dosing differs from humans and doesn't scale simply with size, so talk to a veterinarian familiar with CBD first. Options include CBD dog chews, CBD oil tinctures for pets, and CBD horse products.

A note on CBD and your health: CBD isn't a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting CBD, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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Section 2 — CBD Oil & Your Body

CBD and Other Cannabinoids

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many molecules called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant family. Cannabinoids are active compounds responsible for many of the plant's reported effects. Technically called phytocannabinoids, they're similar to — and in many ways mimic — the endocannabinoids that occur naturally in all mammals with an endocannabinoid system. When those natural endocannabinoids run low, plant cannabinoids like CBD can help fill the gap.

 

What Are Endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids are signaling molecules produced naturally in our bodies. They're also called neurotransmitters. Produced in the nervous system in response to what's happening inside and around the body, they interact with receptors on the surface of cells and instruct those cells to adjust their activity.

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Here's an analogy. The brain doesn't connect directly with every cell in your body, just as a driver can't connect directly to every function in a car. The car relies on signals and warnings — those are like neurotransmitters. When a system is out of balance, your nervous system produces neurotransmitters that travel through the bloodstream and interact with cell receptors, signaling that an adjustment is needed — much like a car's "change oil" or "low tire" indicator alerting the driver to act.

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The Human Endocannabinoid System

Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made of three parts: cannabinoid receptors, metabolic enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Often called the body's "master system," the ECS works to keep your other systems running smoothly. Unlike systems with one narrow job (like digestion), its main goal is homeostasis — helping your body regulate itself at an optimal level no matter what's going on around it.

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The ECS is also considered adaptogenic, meaning it plays a role in how your body responds to things like stress, and it communicates closely with the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. In short, it's a key part of your body's overall balance and is found throughout your body.

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To learn more, visit our endocannabinoid system blog post.

 

CBD Isn't the Only Cannabinoid

Here are the cannabinoids you'll find in the cannabis plant family:

• CBD — The second most prominent cannabinoid; non-intoxicating.

• THC — The most prominent cannabinoid; intoxicating (the compound associated with marijuana).

• CBC — Non-intoxicating; limited research points to promising results for mood and joint function.

• CBN — Limited research points to promising results for rest and joint function.

• CBG — Non-intoxicating; limited research points to promising results for mood and joint function.

• THCV — Less intoxicating than THC.

• Terpenes — Aromatic oils that give cannabis varieties their distinctive colors and flavors and can influence the effects of different strains. Common terpenes include myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, limonene, and terpinolene.

 

What Is the Entourage Effect?

The overall effect a person feels from using cannabinoids and terpenes together is known as the entourage effect — the idea that the compounds work in synergy to produce a broader range of effects than any one cannabinoid in isolation. More research is needed to fully understand the role terpenes play, but the current thinking is that cannabinoids and terpenes together produce a richer effect than CBD isolated on its own.

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Section 3 — Research on CBD Oil

After the 2018 Farm Bill passed, CBD's popularity skyrocketed. Four years earlier, the equally important 2014 Farm Bill allowed universities and institutions to research CBD, and those findings helped remove CBD from the controlled-substance list in 2018.

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Many studies on CBD's effects have been published. We recommend Project CBD as a resource to learn more.

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When it comes to specific conditions, we're not permitted to comment on what CBD can treat, due to FDA rules on health claims.

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What We've Learned About CBD

Research suggests CBD may influence mood through its effect on the endocannabinoid anandamide, which is involved in stimulating serotonin — a neurotransmitter associated with overall wellbeing. As with much of CBD science, it comes back to supporting the endocannabinoid system's balance.

 

CBD and Specific Conditions

Because of FDA regulations, no brand is allowed to claim what CBD can do for specific conditions. We strongly urge you to avoid any company that claims CBD is a cure for cancer, anxiety, arthritis, or any other condition. Brands willing to ignore FDA rules for short-term gain may have questionable practices overall.

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Section 4 — How to Use CBD Effectively

In this section we'll cover the ways to take CBD, what affects serving size, and which method fits which situation. Remember: CBD isn't one-size-fits-all — everyone responds differently.

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How Long Does CBD Take to Work?

Several factors affect how quickly CBD takes effect — some related to the product itself, others to how your body's endocannabinoid system responds. Because no two people are alike, things like weight, age, height, and metabolism all play a role. The product type matters too: an edible generally takes longer to kick in than an oil tincture. Treat any timeframe as a general guide. To learn more, read how long does CBD last.

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CBD Serving Suggestions

The ideal serving depends on the product form, the strength of the CBD, and your individual makeup. Most products list a suggested serving size, but those are generalized — your ideal serving depends on why you're using CBD and what you're trying to achieve.

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Finding the right amount takes some trial and error. Too little may not produce the results you want; too much may simply waste product. We typically suggest starting around 20–30 mg of CBD per day and adjusting up or down from there. For product-specific guidance, see our blog post on CBD gummies dosage.

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Bioavailability of CBD

Not all methods of taking CBD are equal. Bioavailability is the percentage of a given serving that ends up available for your body to use. A bioavailability of 100% would mean all of the CBD is absorbed — only possible via direct injection into the bloodstream. Every other method loses some along the way (for example, CBD can get trapped in fatty tissue or be metabolized before reaching the bloodstream). Each method has its own typical bioavailability range.

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Ways to Take CBD Oil

Your lifestyle, your reason for taking CBD, and how quickly you want it to work should all factor into the product you choose.

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CBD Oil Tinctures

CBD tinctures are one of the most popular ways to take CBD. Used morning and night, they come in a range of flavors and strengths. A major perk is easy dose adjustment based on the results you're experiencing. Tinctures made with a carrier like MCT oil can have enhanced effects thanks to the carrier.

 

The downside: they don't travel as easily — the glass bottle can break and they can get a little messy.

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CBD Topicals

CBD topicals include skin creams, balm salves, massage oils, and lip balms. Topicals like CBD balm salves are great for targeting a specific area of discomfort — they deliver CBD directly into the skin where you apply them. Unlike oral or inhaled methods, which circulate through your whole endocannabinoid system, a topical only affects the area where it's applied, not the whole body. The downsides: they take time to apply and can be a little messy. For a mess-free option, we recommend the CBD stick. You can also add CBD to your massage routine — see our blog on CBD massage oil.

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CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are very popular with first-time users — they come in nearly every sweet you can think of. Not all edibles are equal: always make sure yours are infused, never dipped, sprayed, or coated, since coated products make it hard to know how much CBD you're getting per serving. With infused edibles, the dose is consistent every time, and you should still check third-party test results to confirm potency. Edibles are great on the go and for travel, though they shouldn't be left in direct sunlight or heat, since they can melt. One downside: some CBD is lost through digestion, lowering bioavailability.

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Our Tips for Taking CBD

• Choose one product to start. Stick with a single product to learn how your body responds and dial in the right serving size before switching.

• Start low and go up. Begin with a low serving (we typically suggest 20–30 mg daily) and adjust based on your results.

• Increase slowly. If you're seeing results but want more, try increasing your serving and wait a few days to note how you feel.

• Consider your lifestyle. If you're often on the go, tinctures or edibles travel well; if you'd rather not ingest CBD, a topical may suit you.

• Consider your goal. Topicals are best for targeted use; ingestible forms are better for whole-body effects.

• Consider timing. Edibles can take an hour or more; inhaled methods work faster.

• Consider convenience. Softgels make it easy to take a consistent, measured amount; tinctures offer more flexibility.

 

Section 5 — How to Navigate the CBD Marketplace

This section covers where to buy CBD, how to know how much you're getting, and what to watch out for.

 

Where to Buy CBD Oil

You can find CBD oil online, at dispensaries, pharmacies, local food stores, and some chain stores. Be aware that some retailers buy from external extractors without a Certificate of Analysis or lab reports — or don't fully understand what they're selling. Buying directly from companies that share their manufacturing process and third-party lab results is the best way to know you're getting high-quality CBD.

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How to Know How Much CBD You're Getting

Any CBD product should list the total amount of CBD on the front of the bottle, often from 100 mg to 7,000 mg. That's the total in the product — not the amount per serving. To find the per-serving amount, divide the total milligrams by the number of servings in the bottle.

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Equally important is how the product is made. Reputable brands source their oil from domestic farms using organic practices. To learn about our process, visit our CBD process page.

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Buyer Beware: 7 Things to Watch For

The CBD industry is lightly regulated and sometimes called the "Wild West." Before you buy, keep an eye out for these:

1. Amazon "CBD" products — Amazon doesn't allow the sale of hemp-derived CBD. Products there marketed as CBD are often hemp seed oil, which is not CBD oil.

2. "Free trial bottle — just pay shipping" — These are frequently scams that capture your card details and enroll you in recurring charges without consent. Avoid them.

3. Miracle cure claims — Be wary of any brand claiming its products heal or cure conditions. There are no studies proving CBD cures disease, and such claims violate FDA rules.

4. Selling on social media — Products sold through social outlets and some multi-level marketing companies often have little quality assurance.

5. No third-party lab results — Always confirm current third-party lab results are posted publicly so you can verify the exact cannabinoid content and that the product is free of heavy metals.

6. Proper labeling — Every label should list total CBD per bottle, servings per container, serving size, ingredients, a customer service number, and a company name and address. Learn more in our how to read CBD labels post.

7. Customer service — Buy from companies with accessible customer service by phone, email, or chat. If you can't reach them, that's a red flag.

 

Section 6 — Getting Started With CBD

How to Buy Quality CBD

The market is flooded with brands, and not all are transparent. Many cut corners to maximize profit, which can mean lower quality and safety — some "CBD products" contain little or no actual CBD. Like anything you put in or on your body, quality should come first.

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Multiple investigations have found that many CBD products don't contain the amount of CBD listed on the label. A couple of examples:

• Digital Citizens Alliance investigation

• 13 Investigates report

 

How to Identify a Reputable CBD Company

Look at the source of the hemp, the extraction method, nanoemulsion technology, the quality of other ingredients, and overall transparency. A reputable company makes this information publicly available — and if you can't find it, you can ask. If they can't provide it, consider buying elsewhere.

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• Hemp sourcing — Not all hemp is equal. Look for hemp grown in the United States, where quality standards are high, and be cautious about hemp grown overseas in regions with lower standards, which can carry harsh pesticides or heavy metals.

• Quality above all — Quality starts with cultivation but doesn't end there. Look for a CO2 extraction method, which is safe and efficient, and full-panel testing for heavy metals, solvents, microbials, and pesticides. If any levels look unacceptable, choose another source.

• Transparency is a must — Trust comes from transparency. We publicly post our manufacturing standards and all of our third-party test results and full-panel analyses, and we use a batch-testing system so what's on the label matches what's in the bottle.

You can also vet a brand with a quick Google search and by reading their reviews — ideally on sites that only allow reviews from verified customers.

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Synthetic Cannabinoids

You may have seen synthetic cannabinoids in the news. Synthetic CBD is produced in a lab rather than extracted from the hemp plant, and some of these products have made people seriously ill. They can be harmful — learn more here.

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Conclusion: Choose a Reputable Brand and Stick With It

Once you find a trusted brand and product, stay with it long enough to learn how well it works for you — and choose a company that's accessible when you have questions.

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We hope you'll consider GoGreen Hemp as your go-to CBD brand. We use only organically grown U.S. hemp and supercritical CO2 extraction to ensure both potency and purity, and every product goes through rigorous quality assurance to meet our GoGreen Hemp Gold Standard and our commitment to quality, transparency, affordability, and education.

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Explore our online CBD shop to see our full range of full spectrum and broad spectrum (THC-free) products.