CBD – What is it exactly?

With the discovery of our endocannabinoid system the research into cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa has exploded. Since legalization in 2018 we have seen a rush to produce products with cannabidiol, or CBD.

CBD is one of more than 140 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. As CBD is becoming more recognized in the health and wellness world, skincare, personal care, and pet products, many scientific studies are already confirming there are health benefits related to using CBD. Due to the lack of a ruling by the FDA, we are unable to make claims as to the benefits of CBD but the anecdotal evidence tells us that CBD offers the benefits listed below.

• Enhances Performance
• Nourishes Skin
• Relieves Tension & Stiffness
• Hydrates & Moisturizes Skin
• Promotes a Sense of Calmness
• Aids in a Better Night’s Sleep Promotes Regeneration
• Enhances Hair & Skin Health

Cannabis Sativa (hemp) plants produce the cannabinoids in the flower as the plant matures. A sticky resin is produced in the flower creating trichomes with the various cannabinoids. The cannabinoids are extracted from the plant with a solvent, consumed as flower, smoked or infused into a carrier oil.  Whichever process is used decarboxylation (decarb) is the first step of the process. The acidic form of the cannabinoids are converted into usable cannabinoids by applying heat. 

Processors use the hemp flower to produce an oil. The following are definitions of oil created to different specifications. Each step requires more processing and refinement.

INFUSED CARRIER OIL

Decarboxylated hemp flower is ground and placed in a carrier oil such as MCT, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Hemp Seed Oil or any of a variety of oils. The combination is slowly heated in a double boiler or similar device and then the plant matter is strained out. This process infuses the oil with the cannabinoids and trace amounts of THC, as well as terpenes, nutrients, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and other substances, many of which offer health benefits.

FULL SPECTRUM

Full-spectrum contains all the substances extracted from the cannabis plant alongside CBD. This includes other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and trace amounts of THC, as well as terpenes, nutrients, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and other substances, many of which offer health benefits.

BROAD SPECTRUM

Broad-spectrum CBD tinctures contain all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other substances extracted from the hemp plant, and THC is removed to create a non-detectable THC.

LIPID ENCAPSULATED

A proprietary process that creates micelles in which the CBD is protected by a lipid layer, also known as lipid encapsulated, that protects the cannabinoids as it passes through the stomach acid and releases the cannabinoids once in the intestines, which significantly increases absorption and uptake by the body. Efficacy is based on its ability to form micelles-like particles that enhance absorption and bioavail­ability.

WATER SOLUBLE

There are several types of ways to use water-soluble CBD. Scientists can turn CBD oil into a water-soluble substance and therefore increase its bioavailability in the body by 2-4x. The increase in bioavailability results in more CBD going into the circulatory system, boosting all of the positive effects. Water-soluble tinctures are considered to be beverage tinctures. Simply add the tincture to your favorite non-alcoholic drink and wait a few minutes. No stirring or shaking necessary.

LIPOSOMES METHOD

Liposomes are one of the most common methods used to create water-soluble CBD oil. Tiny capsules measuring anywhere from 40 to 4000 nanometers in size contain the CBD oil in between a water-soluble (hydrophilic) layer and a water-insoluble (hydrophobic) layer.R

Ways to consume CBD or other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN.

Tinctures

Tinctures are created using oil extracted from the hemp plant and a carrier oil, typically MCT oil. (medium-chain triglycerides) Extraction methods vary.

Salves

CBD is infused or combined with other butters and oils to create topical salves. These typically include virgin coconut oil, shea butter, coconut butter and essential oils to create a unique salve. These are safe and easy to make at home with the right ingredients.

Edibles

CBD can be mixed into a variety of recipes. Edibles are not legal for sale due to the lack of FDA guidance.

Topical Cosmetics

A number of formulators are now creating cosmetics with CBD included.

Vaping

Vape cartridges filled with CBD oil are offered as a convenient and quick way to ingest CBD.

Smokable Flower

Craft CBD flower is in demand for smoking and teas. Smoking is the quickest way to get an effect from CBD. Some have used CBD flower as a way to stop smoking cigarettes. Others have found relief from PTSD and or anxiety symptoms.