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What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the 113 identified cannabinoids naturally occurring in hemp plants and it accounts for 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD can, therefore, be extracted from the cannabis plant (also known as marijuana) or from industrially grown hemp.
Many corporations, however, prefer the latter since CBD is the dominant compound in hemp, unlike Marijuana where THC is dominant. CBD oil extracted from hemp will contain limited concentration of the psychoactive THC – about 0.3% while the oil extracted from cannabis, on the other hand, can contain up to 30% THC. There are some major differences between THC and CBD, which should be considered before purchasing a product.
Different types of CBD oil.
CBD oils generally fall under two categories and this comes to be due to the different procedures of preparing the oil. You can choose to cool the oil after extracting it to form a crystalline isolate of CBD only or you can opt for the full spectrum oil.
– Crystalline isolate
This is the more pure form of CBD oil. After you have extracted the oil from the plant, you cool it and during this process, CBD isolates itself from the other components in the oil. The oil forms crystals which are then crushed into powder form for easy use. The oil derived in this method comes in white and twinkly color.
– The Full Spectrum Oil
You can, however, choose not to take your oil through the cooling process. That way, what you produce is full-spectrum oil containing all the other cannabinoids besides CBD. The full-spectrum oil will contain the psychoactive component of THC and thus you may experience the psychoactive effects, especially if you take it in large quantities.
You are also likely to test positive if you undergo a drug test. It is however easy to distinguish this oil with the crystalline isolate as it comes as a yellow translucent liquid. There is a popular study from Depression Alliance which notes more information about how effective Full Spectrum CBD actually is.
How is the oil consumed?
The many types of CBD oil can be consumed by:
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Vape Juice – Vaping where CBD is heated, and the vapor, or vape juice, inhaled. Popular with e-cigarette users, CBD eliquid is available in different flavours and strengths.
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Creams and edibles – The most popular method of consumption of both CBD and THC oils. The oil is infused in edibles while preparing them and consumed orally. Since the oil is absorbed through digestion, the effects last longer. With everything from gummy bears, to chocolate. There are an increasing amount of products on the market.
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Drinks – Similar to edibles, you can also choose to add CBD oil to drinks such as tea and coffee which are most commonly used. Most recently, Birmingham City Football Club became sponsor, to a CBD drinks brand which shows the clear direction of the market.
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Capsule – This is mostly the case with pharmaceutical grades of CBD which are manufactured as capsules. Such capsules can be purchased at pharmacies in states where medical cannabis is legalized. An advantage with capsules is that the concentration of CBD is clearly indicated on the capsule so you will be aware of the amount you are consuming.
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Topical – This is directly applied on the skin just like lotion and you will get the effects as the oil is absorbed into your body. There has been a number of CBD endorsements from celebrities using topical CBD cream and oil.
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Tincture – This is also a popular form of CBD oil sold in dropper bottles. You can use it as a food additive or place a few drops beneath your tongue for a few minutes to experience the effects. Most commonly sold as CBD or Hemp Oil which can be used throughout the day, with little or no side effects.
Is there a different grade of CBD oil?
Yes. The various types of CBD oil available come in different grades depending on their concentration and the expected effects. If you are purchasing your CBD oil from a pharmacy, the doctor is likely to tell you the best grade for your use depending on the effect you are looking for.
As we said before, some types of CBD oils may also contain some concentration of THC and this will also reflect on the grade of the oil. Higher grades will have a higher concentration and their effects are therefore more potent – sometimes even psychoactive.
What are the components of CBD?
There are many components naturally found in the cannabis plant and research on the effects of each are still being conducted. The differences between the various components are determined by the extent to which they are psychoactive. The classes cannabinoids are separated into are as follows.
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Cannabigerols (CBG)
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Cannabichromenes (CBC)
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Cannabidiols (CBD)
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Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC)
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Cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL)
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And minor cannabinoids such as cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabitriol (CBT)
