Since my column “Easing My Pain With CBD Oil” was published a few weeks ago, I’ve received a lot of emails and comments with questions about this mystical oil. I thought it best to write another column to provide information and resources. But just one post won’t do this subject the justice. So, this is the first of two columns explaining CBD oil in more detail. I hope I am able to provide you with enough data to help get you started.

First, let’s begin by explaining exactly what CBD, or cannabidiol, is. It is “a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel ‘stoned’ and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC,” according to Project CBD, a nonprofit educational news service. Cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interact with receptors in the body to produce a wide range of effects that can include the feeling of getting stoned or high. Technically, according to the CBD Project, it “acts through various receptor-independent channels — for example, by delaying the ‘re-uptake’ of endogenous neurotransmitters (such as anandamide and adenosine) and by enhancing or inhibiting the binding action of certain G-coupled protein receptors.” I am not going to go into depth regarding the science and how it works in our bodies, but for a very good explanation, please visit the LeafScience website.

Purchasing CBD oil for the first time can be a little intimidating. First, you need to know the difference between isolate and full spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD includes all the cannabinoids that are present in the hemp plant. This can also include small amounts of THC. Isolate means that the CBD has been separated from the other cannabinoid compounds and it is in its purest form. Keep in mind that you may test positive for THC if you consume full-spectrum CBD products. If you work in an industry that conducts drug tests, you might want to stick with an isolate. You may also want to use an isolate if you’ve had problems with THC in the past or if you are in a medical program that doesn’t allow you to use narcotics. I personally use full spectrum, but I don’t have to worry about drug tests.

Now we need to figure out what form of CBD to buy. You can get CBD in edible form, suppositories, powder, topicals, oil, spray, gum, and capsules. The oil, or tinctures, is the main method I use, but I’ve also tried a topical that worked wonders. Some prefer the capsule form, as the taste of the tinctures can be quite awful, especially if you buy pure hemp oil. If you aren’t sure what form is best for you, purchase samples in a few different forms to help you decide. If you avoid added sugars, like I do, you will want to stay away from most gummies and some of the other edibles. Label reading is required with CBD oil, too!

One thing to be very wary of are the many scams out there. If you see an offer for “free” samples (with or without a small shipping fee), beware, because there is usually a catch in the small print that signs up you up for a subscription. You will start seeing a monthly charge on your credit card statement. You won’t be able to get through to customer service and you will probably receive a poor-quality product to boot. There are very few CBD companies, if any, that will give out a high-quality sample for free.

In my next post, I will go over dosing instructions, review some of the many brands and their differences, as well as discuss discounts that some companies offer for low-income and disabled customers.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to read more about CBD oil, please check out the website All CBD Oil Benefits. Aaron has done a great deal of research and has tested many brands of CBD products. I think you will find his website a great resource, especially for those new to CBD oil.

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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.