Everywhere you look you see CBD.
It’s one of the hottest health trends out there and for a good reason.
CBD is natural, versatile, and people are continually discovering its incredible benefits.
Although CBD products seem to be the long-awaited answer many people have been searching for, there is a lot of confusion still surrounding the subject.
How do people use CBD? Is it legal? What is CBD anyway?
These burning questions are important. It is vital to know about the sources you trust to keep you at your best.
Let us shine some light on them so you can put your mind at ease and start taking advantage of CBD.
#1. What is CBD and Where Does it Come From?
CBD is also known as Cannabidiol.
Cannabidiol is a type of Cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.
There are over a hundred cannabinoids that have been discovered, but CBD is unique.
You might be apprehensive of the fact that CBD comes from the cannabis plant.
But before you decide against CBD because of it, you should know that cannabis is a family of plants with multiple varieties.
Discover: Cannaflower CBD Products
Hemp and marijuana are both from the cannabis family but they have crucial differences.
The non-psychoactive CBD products that people are raving about contain CBD extracted from hemp plants.
CBD has been around for a long time. It is believed that centuries ago our ancestors took advantage of the many benefits it has to offer.
Now, the natural chemical compound takes on many forms.
People use CBD topically or consume CBD in oils, edibles, and a variety of other ways.
The source of CBD is the hemp plant. When looking for quality CBD products, you have to look to the source.
It is best to find companies that grow organic hemp without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
2#. What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is also a natural chemical compound.
THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants.
There are many differences between THC and CBD, but the most crucial difference is that one will get you “high” and the other will not.
When most people think of cannabis, they think of mind-altering effects and their favorite snack.
But those are effects of THC, not CBD. Marijuana contains high amounts of THC. Hemp can be bred and grown to contain less THC.
CBD products made from hemp must contain less than .3% THC which does not produce the same “high” effect associated with marijuana.
For example, marijuana is known for its psychoactive effects and well, the munchies.
On the other hand, hemp is known for producing non-psychoactive CBD products.
#3. Does it Matter if CBD is Extracted from the Marijuana Plant or the Hemp Plant?
The marijuana plant and the hemp plant have similarities, but they are still very different.
This fact can’t be stressed enough.
Even though they are both from the same plant family, it makes a huge difference whether or not your CBD product contains CBD extracted from hemp or marijuana.
CBD extracted from hemp plants give you incredible benefits without the effects of THC.
This means no mind-altering effects. CBD extracted from marijuana plants generally contain higher amounts of THC.
You may experience psychoactive effects from these kinds of CBD products.
Knowing which plant your CBD product was sourced from could mean the difference between purchasing a legal product or an illegal one.
#4. How is CBD Extracted?
The purpose of extraction is to separate CBD and create a concentrated form of it.
When the extraction process is done correctly, the THC is left out. So, how is CBD extracted?
Well, there are three common methods of extraction used.
Liquid Solvent
This involves running a liquid solvent like ethanol, butane, alcohol, or isopropyl through the plant material.
This process strips the plant of the cannabinoids which are then transferred to the liquid.
The liquid is evaporated leaving concentrated cannabinoids in the form of an oil.
Olive Oil
With this process, the plant material is first decarboxylated.
This means you have to heat the plant for a given time and at a specified temperature to activate the plant’s chemicals.
Some people recommend heating at 248 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes and others suggest heating to 284 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
After that, the plant material is added to the olive oil and heated again to approximately 212 degrees for up to 2 hours.
This process results in the extraction of the cannabinoids, and ultimately you should be left with oil possessing the CBD content you desire.
The oil is not evaporated in this process making it less potent and also perishable.
CO2
CO2 extraction is the latest and most advanced method.
It is also considered to produce the highest quality product out of the three methods.
It is a safe process that offers a potent product if done correctly.
However, it is a much more complicated process involving a machine called a “closed loop extractor”.
The closed loop extractor has three different chambers that require a different temperature and pressure in each chamber.
This unique process takes vast knowledge to ensure the best results.
#5. Is CBD Legal?
Some people consider CBD products to be little miracles. However, there is a lot of controversy over these little miracles.
Although CBD may be effective, the question remains, is CBD legal in all 50 states?
The answer is that it’s complicated.
The main difference between what makes a CBD product legal or illegal is the amount of THC it has.
A CBD product extracted from hemp containing less than .3% THC is legal in all 50 states.
A CBD product extracted from marijuana is a trickier situation because of its higher THC levels.
These products are legal states only with recreational or medical marijuana programs.
#6. What’s the Difference Between CBD Isolate, CBD Distillate, and Full Spectrum CBD?
Searching for CBD products can be confusing. It is important to find the right option that works for you.
Knowing the differences between the different types of CBD may help.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is as simple as it sounds. It is isolated cannabidiol. CBD isolate is as pure as it gets.
It is CBD in its purest form. When extracted, everything is removed from the hemp plant except for CBD.
That means CBD isolates do not have any additives, contaminants, or organic matter.
Because everything is stripped away, CBD isolates should have no taste or smell.
CBD Distillate
CBD distillates are not pure like isolates are.
However, they can be further refined to become a CBD isolate. CBD distillates contain different cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant materials.
The THC is not typically removed from CBD distillates, giving it a high THC content.
This makes CBD distillates illegal in some states.
CBD distillates are more commonly sourced from marijuana plants, whereas CBD isolates are sourced from hemp plants.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD contains all of the benefits of the whole hemp plant. However, unlike CBD distillates, full spectrum CBD does not contain THC.
Full spectrum CBD contains many different cannabinoids as well as vitamins and terpenes that may be beneficial to the body, but full spectrum CBD will not produce psychoactive effects.
This type of CBD also contains negligible amounts of THC making it legal in all 50 states.
#7. How Do People Use CBD for Health?
People all over the world are finding the relief they need thanks to CBD. From insomnia to epilepsy, CBD may help.
Life can be stressful, and anxiety can seem consuming at times.
Many people are turning to CBD to help melt away potentially dangerous stress and anxiety.
People are also seeking out CBD for chronic pain relief, relief from arthritis, reducing vomiting, and even to stop seizures.
People have also found that CBD can be great for their pet’s health as well.
Countless people are finding it to be an incredible alternative to treating their pet’s ailments.
Please note that your individual experience with CBD may vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug.
Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
#8. How Do People Use CBD for Beauty?
CBD is not just made to be consumed.
Beauty and skincare products are emerging that contain CBD. CBD can have many benefits for your hair, skin, and nails.
Beauty products containing CBD may be the natural solution you’ve been looking for.
When applied topically, people are finding that it can help with stubborn acne and may help tighten pores.
It also may help strengthen nails, moisturize hair, and prevent signs of aging.
You can already find CBD in beauty products like:
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Body Wash
- Lip Balm
- Lotion
- Soap
- Facial Cleanser
- Sunscreen
#9. What Are the Different Ways to Use CBD?
Many people are embracing CBD and all it has to offer.
More products are also being made that contain CBD. CBD is no longer difficult to find.
There are a variety of different ways to get the benefits of CBD depending on your preference.
Oils
CBD oil is most commonly used medicinally. CBD oil is simple, easy, and potent.
Some people do not like the taste of CBD oil but there are flavored options to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Edibles
There are many different kinds of CBD edibles on the market.
You can find CBD gummy bears, chocolate, and even cake pops just to name a few.
This is a fun and tasty way to take CBD but be careful. In most cases, only half of a gummy bear can give you the benefits you’re looking for.
Capsules
CBD capsules are usually made from CBD isolate.
This is an easy way to consume the purest form of CBD. Just take it like you would any other supplement and enjoy the benefits.
This is a great option if you do not like the taste or smell of CBD because CBD isolates do not have a taste or smell.
Topical
CBD can be found in creams and lotions to be used topically for pain relief.
You can also find it in different beauty products because of its wide array of benefits for hair, skin, and nails.
#10. Where to Buy CBD Products?
When trying to find where to buy CBD products, it’s important to find a company you trust.
Find a company that is open about the products they are offering.
Look for in-depth product descriptions to make sure you are getting the right product for your needs.
Read product reviews to see if and how the product has helped other people.
Look for products that are sourced from hemp grown without harsh additives or pesticides.
Also, make sure the CBD content is clearly written on the label. You deserve a quality product. Here are a few places you can find one.
Online Distributor
CBD oil derived from hemp can be sold and shipped nationwide online. This gives buyers a great advantage.
You can look around and read product reviews to make sure you find the right product for you.
CBD Dispensary
A CBD dispensary is a CBD retail store that is government regulated.
Medical dispensaries are only an option for those who have a medical marijuana card prescribed by a doctor.
Recreational dispensaries may also be an option depending on which state you live in.
At a recreational dispensary, you do not need a medical marijuana card, but you do have to be over 21 years old.
CBD Head Shop and Specialty Store
CBD head shops and specialty stores are very similar to dispensaries.
The difference is that they are not regulated by the government. This means that you could end up with a lower quality product.
It may also contain additives that could potentially be dangerous to your health.
Conclusion
Many people are turning to CBD for its multitude of benefits.
They have found a natural alternative to potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals.
It is important to have all relevant information when trusting a new product.
Hopefully this article has answered those questions so you or your loved one can start embracing all the potential benefits CBD has to offer.
