CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of the 113 compounds known as “cannabinoids” found in cannabis. The plant itself is probably one of the most stigmatized in the world, making it super hard for scientists and researchers to vouch for its medicinal use, to begin with. Even though the health benefits of cannabis have been used throughout the world since ancient days, not until the middle of the XIX century was it taken seriously by modern medicine.

This happened thanks to a highly controversial study by the Irish researcher William B. O’Shaughnessy, in 1839. His work paved the way for two chemists, a British one called Robert S. Cahn and the American Roger Adams, who in the 1940s identified two of the compounds of cannabis, i.e. CBN and the one that’s of interest to us – CBD.

CBD continued to be studied in a health context but because of its connection to marijuana, it has been the target of various misconceptions. For instance, while people understood that CBD does not induce a high, they still thought it was a psychoactive substance. What people failed to understand is that the cannabis plant contains both THC, or the psychoactive component, and CBD, or the miracle worker component that is believed to improve your immune system and help in curing other diseases.

Where to Start With CBD Oil?

Before we dig deeper into the best places to get your CBD oil from, here are some useful facts to have in mind:

• CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana, and both plants are part of the plant family known as Cannabis. The basic difference between them is that hemp oil contains lower levels of THC than marijuana oil. THC is basically the most popular one – the Tarantino of the cannabinoids, if you will because it is associated with the “high” feeling you experience when taking weed.

• Depending on its origin, CBD is not actually legal across all of the States, for medical or for recreational purposes. Recreational marijuana is now legal in 11 states, medicinal marijuana is legal in 33 and hemp-derived CBD is legal on a federal level. Here’s a list to check all the States accordingly.

CBD Oil on the Market

Today you can find plenty of CBD oils on the market, which makes it all the more important to find a brand that’s worth your trust. You have to keep in mind that everyone responds to CBD oil differently, so be mindful about it and notice both the positive and negative reactions.

California

California was the first state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes back in 1996. Be it San Francisco, Los Angeles or any other area in the state, it’s quite easy to lay your hands on CBD oils with or without a doctor’s prescription. You can get them from state-licensed dispensaries or authorized shops, and even local food stores that offer a great variety. Fab. Cbd, Nuleaf Naturals, and Cbdistillery are some quality brands, all of which have had lab tests conducted by third-party labs.

Colorado

An interesting fact about Colorado is that this state has more marijuana dispensaries than Starbucks and McDonalds put together. Marijuana is legal for both medicinal and recreational purposes. As for CBD oil, R+R Medicinals is a fast-growing company from Colorado in the hemp oil industry, with products ranging from soft gels, oil tinctures to pet products.

Maine

In Maine, you can legally get CBD oil from both hemp and marijuana, regardless of the level of THC.  It’s also one of the easiest places to purchase it from, made possible by the existing laws and the great demand. If you want to support some local businesses, there are many shops and dispensaries across the state. Here are just a few to get you started: Coastal Fog Vapors, Empire Vape Shop, Herbal Tea & Tobacco.

Also, that are many online reviews and guides that will help you find the best CBD oil in Maine per area.

Massachusetts

Medical cannabis has been legal in Massachusetts since 2013, with less restriction coming to force in 2016. The CBD market there is no doubt one of the fastest-growing ones in the country. Our research showed that the Greater Boston Area offers the widest range of oils, but you also have some great options in Natick, Franklin, East Bridgewater, and Georgetown as well.

Illinois

In Illinois, you also have many stores that carry CBD products but the main hub for them is in Chicago. As CBD gains more and more acceptance, other towns and cities might be setting their own shops as well. Until then, Chicago has the lead on the market when it comes to the price and quality of CBD oils. The shops are owned by people who have been long-time advocates of cannabis and have extensive knowledge of the topic. Definitely ask for their help when choosing the right product for you.

It’s always a good idea to make thorough research and check online for the best reviews in order to get an oil with decent quality. Greater demands result in more competition, so choosing the right oil might become trickier.