Over the last several years, scientists and medical experts have been placing a great deal of emphasis on cannabidiol and its potential for treating numerous health issues. Though dozens of synthetic medications have hit the market over time, many of them provide little relief if any for the various conditions they’re meant to treat. CBD may be one of the oldest herbal remedies known to mankind, but it continues to be among the safest and most effective options available. That said, not all CBD-based products are created equally. Where they come from and how they’re produced can make a world of difference.
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Exploring the Different Types of CBD Oil
Several CBD oils are available these days, and the list seems to grow with each passing year. Studies show pure cbd oils are the most effective in most cases, but what exactly makes a product like this pure? Quite a few factors come into play here. Understanding those aspects and the impact they have on the final product will go a long way toward helping you choose the right ones for your needs.
Where the CBD Oil Comes From
One of the most crucial aspects to consider is the source of the CBD oil. Those extracted from some strains of marijuana may contain varying levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Though this may be what some people are looking for, others prefer to leave this element out of the mix. Many drug tests look for THC rather than CBD, so inadvertently consuming even trace amounts of THC can cause a wide range of problems.
At the same time, some people tend to have negative physical and emotional reactions to THC. If the product contains CBD as well as THC, the CBD can help combat the potentially unpleasant effects of the THC. Still, since everyone reacts differently to the compound, the mitigating effects of CBD aren’t necessarily guaranteed. CBD oil that’s extracted from hemp, on the other hand, doesn’t contain THC because cannabis strains that are classified as hemp don’t produce this compound.
Extraction Techniques
Manufacturers can use a few techniques to extract CBD oil from the plants that produce it. One of the most popular is a solvent-based method. Using alcohol, butane, or propane, machines soak the plant material to extract the cannabinoids. From there, the liquid is evaporated to leave behind CBD-rich oil. This is the simplest and least expensive option, but it can also leave contaminants in the oil.
CO2 extraction is another favored alternative. It’s also relatively new in comparison to other techniques. While the process works in much the same way as solvent extraction, it’s not as likely to introduce potentially harmful contaminants to the final product. This extraction method also generates a higher-quality product. Of course, it’s the most expensive extraction technique due to the complexity of the machinery.
Olive oil is also used to extract CBD oil from hemp. Since only natural products are used in this extraction process, there’s no risk of contamination. Many people say this method produces a better-tasting product as well. Still, certain downfalls come into play with this method. For one, the plant material must be heated during the extraction process, and this can destroy some of the beneficial compounds. CBD oils extracted using olive oil don’t last as long as those made via other extraction methods, either. This process creates a less concentrated product, so users may need more oil to achieve the desired effects.
It’s also important to understand that many of the possible disadvantages of each extraction technique depend largely on the company behind the product. Concentrated, high-quality, contaminate-free CBD oil can be created through any of these processes as long as the manufacturer uses all the necessary precautions and exercises care in their production methods. As such, the manufacturer matters as much as the source of the product and the extraction method used to produce it.
Additional Components
Yet another factor to consider is the other components available in a given CBD oil. In nature, CBD and THC are accompanied by a variety of additional components. These include flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, all of which affect the flavor, potency, and effectiveness of the end product. Not all CBD oils contain those extra compounds.
When you’re browsing through the various CBD oils on the market, you’ll find a range of options. Some are isolates. That means they contain only CBD, and all the other compounds have been taken out of the mix. For some people, this is the best choice because they require higher doses of CBD itself and wouldn’t benefit from the additional components.
Full-spectrum CBD oils are also available. They contain all the natural components that originally accompanied the CBD in the plant from which it was derived. Many studies show that full-spectrum oils are more effective than other options because of those terpenes and additional compounds. Full-spectrum products are inarguably more flavorful and aromatic. A virtually endless array of alternatives is out there as well due to all the different cannabis strains.
Broad-spectrum oils are likewise offered. They come from marijuana rather than industrial hemp. These oils contain many of their natural cannabinoids, but any THC that may have been part of the mix has been removed. Some people prefer broad-spectrum oils because of their wider range of cannabinoids though certain experts argue that some of the cannabinoids may not be as effective once the THC is eliminated.
Bottom Line
CBD is rapidly gaining popularity because of its diverse range of benefits. Research indicates cannabidiol can help ease anxiety, alleviate inflammation, provide relief from varying types and levels of pain, and prevent or slow the onset of neurodegenerative disorders among other advantages. It’s even spreading into the field of veterinary medicine because of its potential therapeutic benefits for animals.
If you’re interested in experiencing the helpful impacts of CBD, many aspects factor into its effectiveness. Consider extraction methods as well as the company that created the products you’re thinking of purchasing. Think about the different types of oil on the market as well. Full-spectrum hemp products are the preferred options for most people, but some only need CBD isolates to get the effects they want. Either way, the perfect product for you is out there, and you have plenty of options to choose from.
