The CBD industry is expanding and flourishing exponentially. New research keeps surfacing regularly, supporting or disputing the potential benefits users have been claiming for years. Since CBD extract and oils are added to many food, toiletries, sprays, etc., we decided to give an overview of what they are before you begin consuming them.
CBD extract is a natural compound found in hemp plants, alternatively known as hemp extract. The extract is derived from concentrated hemp plant components, such as leaves, flowers, and stems. And the product contains cannabinoids, terpenes, plant sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids, and essential vitamins and nutrients.
While Hemp Seed Oil is also made from hemp plants, it has little to no CBD content. It is made by cold-pressing the hemp seeds into omega-rich cooking oil and does not have any medicinal value.
On the other hand, CBD extract is usually concentrated and made by extricating CBD from the aerial parts of industrial hemp plants. They contain 0.3% or less THC. Hemp extract interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote balance and homeostasis.
CBD extract can be divided into three types, based on the extraction process:
Full Spectrum hemp extract is made from the whole plant. The concentrate contains all components, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, plant sterols, fatty acids, flavonoids, and essential vitamins and nutrients. Besides CBD, the product also has varying amounts of Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabinol (CBN). All of these compounds work together to create the entourage effect.
If extracted from marijuana, CBD extract may contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Usually, the THC content is very low and so it does not produce a euphoric high. However, it might still show up on a drug test.
Broad-spectrum Hemp extract is similar to a full-spectrum extract but with the THC molecule removed. It might also be made from a special strain of cannabis that contains no THC. It is done by taking CBD isolates and adding other phyto-components (except for the THC) back in.
Broad-spectrum products are best suited for people who want to get the benefits of CBD oil without experiencing any psychoactive effects, do not want to fail any drug test or cannot consume full-spectrum products for any reason.
Isolate CBD extract is the purest form of CBD (99%), and is usually found in a crystalline powder form. The derivation process is extremely detailed as it goes through an additional process of cleaning. All traces of plant material, waxes, and all components left behind during the initial extraction are removed then.
CBD isolate has no odour or taste. So, it can be used in a wide range of products like smoothies or supplements, or mixed with other ingredients to create products such as balms, topicals, and other skin-care products. CBD isolates might also be more expensive than other variants.
There are no exact dosage recommendations for consuming CBD extract as it depends on your weight, age, and health conditions. However, it is highly recommended to start slow and then build up.
Begin with 5-10 mg per day, and then increase the dosage by 5-10 mg every week. Do this until you reach the desired effect. If you have any pre-existing conditions or take medications, make sure to consult with your doctor beforehand.
There are different methods of using CBD extract, be it through tinctures, topicals, capsules, etc. And the type you use should depend on your preferences and the results you want to achieve. However, it is extremely important that you start slow, remain consistent, and monitor the results to adjust accordingly.
To learn more about the benefits of CBD oil, make sure to check out Altmed’s Podcasts and blogs.
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