CBD is one of the most interesting innovations of today’s health world. It has taken the health market by storm boasting its potential overwhelming health benefits. While not everyone is ready for the power of the plant, many people are opening their minds to all that hemp and CBD has to offer.
Even though the fascination around hemp and CBD continues to grow, people still have many questions about it. For those who are still not ready for hemp or may be skeptical, it may be due to simply misunderstanding what hemp really is and what it does.
At Intrinsic Hemp, we want to clear up as many misunderstandings as possible. Our goal is to answer as many questions as we can, so more people can get the benefits they need from hemp and CBD. Let’s dive into what CBD is, what it does, and what the many forms of it are.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD is a natural organic chemical that comes from cannabis plants. This natural compound has shown to have many different benefits from relieving anxiety to helping those with epilepsy. CBD works by activating receptors found all over the body that are apart of the body’s endocannabinoid system.
There are two different types of plants that contain CBD, and they both belong to the cannabis plant family. These plants are marijuana and hemp. Although these plants look almost identical and have many other similarities, they have one crucial difference.
The main difference is in the THC content. THC is also a natural chemical compound found in cannabis plants. THC is what makes people feel high. It can produce psychoactive effects and is not legal in all 50 states.
Marijuana contains high amounts of THC where hemp contains very low amounts of THC. To remain legal, industrial hemp plants must contain less than .3% THC. This is not enough to get a person high. While CBD does have beneficial effects on the body and mind, it will not get a person high.
CBD has rare and mild side effects. Side effects might include, diarrhea, changes in appetite and fatigue. Unlike THC, CBD is not addictive, and people rarely become tolerant to it. No fatal overdoses due to CBD have been reported.
How is CBD Made?
Cannabis plants naturally produce CBD. Hemp plants are naturally cultivated to contain high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC. Cannabis plants like industrial hemp produce many beneficial compounds like vitamins, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and fatty acids.
When it comes to extracting CBD so it can be used in various CBD products, there are two popular methods used. There is the liquid solvent method and the CO2 extraction method. The concentration, purity, and quality of a CBD product can depend on what extraction process is used
Liquid Solvent Extraction
This method requires a liquid solvent like a low-grade alcohol to separate and collect the compounds. The solvent is run through the plant materials taking the cannabinoids out of the plant. The liquid solvent is then evaporated, leaving the compounds in oil form. While effective the method can leave impurities.
CO2 Extraction
This method is believed by experts to be the superior extraction method. It produces quality pure CBD that is free of contaminants. Essentially, this method uses a machine called a “closed loop extractor” that uses controlled heat and pressure to put CO2 through its three states of matter—liquid, solid, and gas to remove the CBD. In the last step, the CO2 is turned to gas in a chamber with the plant material inside. The plant oils remain at the bottom of the chamber.
Is CBD Legal?
The legality of CBD can be confusing. Industrial hemp containing less than .3% THC is legal in all 50 states according to the federal government. CBD products must be made from industrial hemp and contain less than .3% THC to remain legal in all 50 states.
CBD products extracted from marijuana and contain more than .3% THC are legal in some states but not all states. Even though CBD products with less than .3% THC are legal nationwide, each state is allowed to regulate hemp. This means certain restrictions concerning hemp and CBD products will change from state to state. Check out this article for a rundown of the legality of CBD in each state.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
CBD is rich with compounds that benefit the entire body. While some people use CBD products to potentially alleviate various ailments, others use CBD to help prevent them. Its therapeutic and medicinal properties make it a healthy and natural alternative to pharmaceuticals with long lists of side effects.
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, anti-bacterial properties, and has been used for patients suffering from pain or nausea related to cancer or cancer treatments. The FDA has even approved its first cannabis-derived drug. The drug “Epidiolex” helps treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy in children.
CBD has the potential to relieve mild to severe conditions like:
• Nausea
• Chronic pain associated with inflammation
• Acne
• Eczema
• Epilepsy
What is the Difference Between Full Spectrum and Isolate?
Before we get into the different forms of CBD, it is essential to understand the difference between full spectrum CBD products and CBD isolates. While both of these products can be derived from marijuana or hemp, it is important to make sure you are getting a product that is derived from industrial hemp to ensure it is legal and will not get you high.
What is CBD Full Spectrum?
Full spectrum CBD means that the CBD product contains many different beneficial parts of the hemp plant, not just CBD. If derived from industrial hemp, full spectrum CBD products will contain different cannabinoids including CBD, but it will not contain more than .3% THC. It will also contain different flavonoids and other beneficial plant matter. Some people believe that full spectrum CBD products work better because of all the different effective compounds working together. This is called the ‘entourage effect’ or ‘whole plant health’.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is isolated CBD. To get a CBD isolate, during the extraction process only the cannabinoid CBD will be extracted—nothing else. CBD products made with a CBD isolate will have CBD, but they will not have any other cannabinoids or plant matter. CBD isolates are as pure as it gets. Isolates also allow for more accurate dosing. They are also great for people who do not like the taste or smell of full spectrum CBD because CBD isolates have no taste or smell.
What are the Different Forms of CBD?
The three main types of CBD you can find on store shelves or online are CBD oils, CBD isolates, and CBD wax. These types of CBD can be used or consumed on their own, or they are also used to make other CBD products. You can find many different types of CBD from sublingual sprays, gels, patches, and even animal treats. Each different type can affect the body in a different way because the concentration, dosage, and benefits vary by product. Here we will explain a few of the most popular forms of CBD to help you understand what may be the most effective product for you.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil may be one of the most popular forms of CBD, especially for medical use. It is widely available on the market. You can find full-spectrum CBD oils or isolate CBD oils, and they can come in a variety of flavors. CBD in oil form can also be added to edibles or topicals. CBD oil is typically ingested using a dropper under the tongue. It is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the tongue. Taking CBD oil sublingually provides fast and effective results.
What are CBD Edibles?
CBD edibles are growing in popularity, especially CBD gummies. They are the fun, easy, and tasty way to enjoy CBD. CBD edibles are different food or drink products with either full spectrum or isolate CBD blended in. While still effective, edibles do take longer to produce effects because it has to go through the digestive system and circulate through the liver.
What are CBD Topicals?
CBD topicals are great for irritated skin or people with troublesome skin conditions. CBD topicals can be applied directly to the skin. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors in the skin to start taking immediate effect. CBD topicals are made with either full spectrum CBD or CBD isolate blended into other carrier oils or ingredients.
What are CBD Pills?
CBD pills are typically made with pure CBD isolate. This is an easy and inconspicuous way to take CBD. It could even be added to your other daily supplements in a pill box. This is effective for many different ailments but may also take longer to produce effects in the body compared to an oil. However, if you prefer an isolate or don’t care for the taste of full spectrum CBD, this could be an excellent option for you.
What is CBD Wax?
CBD wax is a very potent form of CBD and should be used with caution. People may also refer to CBD wax as CBD shatter wax, live resin, crumble or budder. Full spectrum CBD wax is essentially solidified or crystalized CBD extract. The CBD is typically extracted using a CO2 extraction process. After the oil is extracted, it is processed into a wax. This is a highly concentrated form of CBD. While it can be used for many different ailments, it is especially great for pain relief. CBD wax is typically full spectrum.
Many people choose to use CBD wax via dabbing. Dabbing is a method of inhaling using a dabbing pen or a “CBD wax pen.”. The method has become very popular in recent years. The method should be used with caution, but it is said to provide almost instant relief. When first dabbing it is recommended to start small and increase dosage if needed. People also use the dabbing method when using medical marijuana. It is the same process but with CBD which has negligible traces of THC.
What are CBD Crystals?
CBD crystals are pure CBD isolates made into crystals. Crystal CBD gives you the freedom to decide how you want to ingest it. You can use CBD crystals to create your own CBD products like edibles and creams. CBD crystals can also be used for dabbing to provide quick relief. CBD isolate crystals are all natural and highly purified. They do not contain any other plant material from the hemp plant other than the isolated cannabinoid CBD.
Pure CBD crystals are made by heating CBD rich extract and then cooling it, separating it continuously. During the final process, a seed blanket is inserted into the solution, it is placed in a cool dark place, and a vacuum pump is used to remove any contaminants. Then the crystals begin to grow. The final process produces CBD crystals that are 98 to 99 percent pure isolated CBD. CBD crystals are tasteless, odorless, and very versatile.
Choosing the Right CBD
There are many forms of CBD. But, don’t let that overwhelm or discourage you. CBD is very versatile, and almost any form you choose can help with a variety of health ailments. However, knowing about each form, what they are and how they work can help you make a more informed decision. And hopefully, will help you get a product that is more applicable to your specific needs.
Now that you understand a little bit more about CBD products, how to know when they are legal, their benefits, and uses, you should be able to find the perfect product for you without any problems. CBD products can be easily found nationwide in stores or online at intrisichemp.com.
Always be sure to read product descriptions and reviews along with reviews of the company you are purchasing your CBD products from. At Intrinsic Hemp, we work hard to be a company you can trust. Our hemp is organically grown in Kentucky without pesticides or herbicides. We use the Supercritical CO2 extraction method to ensure you get the highest quality product. All of our CBD products are natural, and our isolates are 99.8% pure. Try one of our products risk-free with our 30-day money back guarantee and always keep your eye out for new products.
Due to FDA Regulations, we recommend that you do your own research on CBD products. We also suggest that you read the reviews on our website, where our customers record their real-world results of using our products.
