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CBD Buyer’s Guide

CBD is a Compound in Cannabis Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a chemical compound found primarily in the cannabis plant. Interest in CBD has piqued recently due to a growing number of studies that suggest a great range of therapeutic benefits. It’s important to distinguish CBD from the other 100+ compounds, collectively known as cannabinoids, found in cannabis and other plants.

The only cannabinoid known to cause intoxicating (”high”) effects is THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are considered non-intoxicating.

In hemp varieties of cannabis, there’s 0.3% or less THC, which is not nearly enough to cause an intoxicating effect.

 

Source of CBD Oil

Made by Hemp CBD oil is extracted from the aerial plant parts of hemp, such as the stalks and flowers. While hemp seed oil is popular for its nutritional value, it doesn’t contain CBD. You can consume CBD oil in its raw form, typically called a “concentrate”, or infused into a wellness product.

CBD-Related Terminology

  • Cannabidiol: A non-psychotropic cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. Also referred to as CBD.

  • Cannabinoid: A class of chemical compounds that react with our cannabinoid receptors

  • Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa species.

  • Cannabis: A genus (group) of flowering plants that include three different species:

  • Concentrate: A concentrated form of hemp oil. Concentrates are oils extracted right from the hemp plant without additives.

  • Concentration: The amount of a substance contained within a solution or in a particular volume of space.

  • Decarboxylation: A chemical reaction that requires heat to remove a carboxyl group and release carbon dioxide. The decarboxylation of CBDa (the precursor of CBD) to CBD “activates” the CBD. This allows us to experience the full benefits of CBD.

  • Edibles: Food infused with CBD, such as chocolate or gummies.

  • Extraction: The action of removing the cannabinoids and flavors of hemp from the plant parts.

  • Hemp Oil: Oil extracted from high-CBD, low-THC hemp. Hemp oil contains trace amounts of THC and is therefore non-psychoactive.

  • Hemp: A variety of the cannabis plant species that is grown specifically for industrial uses. Hemp has low levels of THC and high levels of CBD and thus does not have psychoactive properties.

  • Infusion: The introduction hemp into another substance, such as food or skincare.

  • Intoxicating: A chemical substance that changes the function of the brain and creates an alteration in perception, mood, or consciousness.

  • Phytocannabinoid: A cannabinoid that is derived from a plant, namely, cannabis.

  • Potency: The strength of a solution. In this case, how much CBD is in a product.

  • Sublingual: A solution applied underneath the tongue.

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol: The psychoactive cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. Also referred to as THC. Hemp contains 0.3% or less THC, which is not enough to cause an intoxicating effect.

  • Tincture: A CBD-infused liquid for sublingual use.

  • Topical: Products applied directly to the body, such as lotion or salve.

  • Vape: Vaporizing the active ingredients of plant material for inhalation.



How to Find Quality CBD Oil

Look for hemp oil sourced from hemp that is grown free of any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. it’s important to confirm that the place you’re purchasing from is reputable. As the market for CBD grows, as does the number of illegitimate businesses. 

Hemp must be grown in the right conditions and with the proper care. Hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it pulls from the soil. While this has benefits, it also means that the plant pulls up any chemicals that are used in the growing process. The experience of the hemp farmers should also be considered. Many reputable brands source from Europe, where farmers have had years of experience growing hemp in their climate. While European countries have different standards for growing hemp, the overall standard is high, which often leads to a more quality product.

As the number of hemp farms grows in the United States, we predict to see more domestic sourcing of hemp; however, as of now, Europe has set the standard for hemp quality.

Extraction.

Hemp oil can be extracted a number of ways, but not all are equal. The highest standard of extraction is the CO2 method, where hemp is put under high pressure and low temperatures. This process eliminates the need for using harsh chemicals. While this is a complex method, it is the cleanest and safest method of extraction and ensures a pure CBD product.

In contrast, some hemp oil producers use solvents such as butane or ethanol to extract hemp oil. While an effective method of extraction, this method strips the oil of plant waxes that Made By Hemp finds to be beneficial to the overall product.

 

Quality Control

Testing hemp oil must be performed periodically in order to confirm potency and check for impurities. These tests ensure that the amount of CBD on the label is what is in the product. They also confirm that the legal level of THC (0.3%) is not exceeded.

Proper testing shows the company’s transparency in their practice. The results of these tests can be found in the form of a COA, or a certificate of analysis. A reputable source will test consistently and should have a recent COA available to anyone who asks.

Ways to Take CBD

CBD oil is a versatile ingredient and can be taken as is or can be infused into a variety of products. The method that you choose is determined by a number of preferences including the route of delivery, the speed of delivery, and the CBD base.

The base of a CBD product will be either a whole plant hemp extract or a CBD isolate.

A whole plant hemp extract contains the full spectrum of the plant’s cannabinoids while a CBD isolate contains only CBD.

Your choice of CBD base will be determined by which cannabinoids you find most important for consumption. This can be discovered through the research of cannabinoids.

1.  Concentrates : Hemp oil concentrates are fitting for those with serious wellness goals

Hemp oil concentrates are taken sublingually, meaning that they are held under the tongue and then swallowed.

Green Label: Is Also called the “raw” version, the Green hemp oil concentrate is extracted from the plant without the application of heat or filtering. The Green version is a full-spectrum, whole plant hemp oil with various cannabinoids (primarily CBD and CBDa) and terpenes.

Blue hemp oil concentrate is decarboxylated, which activates its cannabinoids; converting all CBDA into CBD.

The Gold hemp oil concentrate is decarboxylated and then filtered to remove any extra plant parts. It provides the highest concentration of CBD of the three versions.

2. CBD Capsules & Softgels

CBD capsules are taken orally and have a familiar method of consumption. They are a hassle-free option that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Many take CBD capsules along with their other daily supplements. Since capsules travel through the digestive system, they have a longer release time than other methods. This is beneficial for those who wish to experience the benefits of CBD over an extended period of time.

As they are swallowed, capsules do not have a hemp aftertaste. Since they are not a liquid, capsules are travel-friendly.

Potency: Med-High

Taste: None

Use: Oral 

 

3.Tinctures

CBD tinctures are a liquid hemp oil supplement. Tinctures are a great fit for those who are looking for a fast-acting supplement that masks the taste of hemp.They have an oil base, such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil, to thin the consistency of the product.

Similar to concentrates, tinctures are taken sublingually being absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.

They come in a bottle with a dropper top or spray top for easy administration. For those who have difficulty taking a traditional pill, tinctures are a great alternative as they are easy to swallow.

Tinctures are available in a variety of flavors, making for an enjoyable experience. 

Potency: Low-High

Taste: Earthy-Delicious

Use: Sublingual 

 

4. Vape Oil CBD

Vaping is a popular method as the act in itself is relaxing. Vaping is one of the fastest acting methods of taking CBD. The vapor travels directly from the lungs and into the bloodstream for immediate results. Vaping is a preferred method for those who would like to see the eect of CBD right away.

Vape oil concentrates are an e-liquid that can be vaporized using a compatible vape pen. Vape oil is available in a variety of products from pre-filled pens to standalone liquid.

Potency: Low-High

Taste: Delicious

Use: Inhale

5. Skincare

CBD Beauty infusions include lotion, salve, and lip balm. that are applied topically and are ideal for addressing localized concerns. Through this method, CBD is absorbed into the skin and does not reach the bloodstream.

CBD beauty infusions are an all-natural alternative to the chemical-heavy skin care on the market. CBD skin care are made with all-natural ingredients that replenish, restore, and protect the skin.

CBD is a good source of antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory. Additionally, hemp oil contains other essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids.

Potency: Low-High

Taste: Don’t eat it

Use: Topical

6. Edibles

CBD edibles are CBD infused treats such as chocolate, gum, and gummies. These products have a lower potency of CBD and are popular with those that are new to CBD. For this reason, CBD edibles make for a fun treat.

Due to their similarity with everyday treats, edibles are a discreet way to take CBD.

Potency: Low-High

Taste: Delicious

Use: Oral

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Unfortunately, there is not a standard amount of CBD that one should take. Based on your body and wellness goals, the serving size will vary. Determining how much CBD oil to take will, at first, be a process of trial and error.

First, you’ll need to consider the potency of CBD in the product you are taking. Potency refers to the concentration of CBD in a product.

After choosing the way you want to take CBD, you’ll need to decide the milligrams of CBD you want to take.

We are not doctors so we cannot prescribe what CBD potency would be best for you. However, this can be discovered with research and a talk with your physician.

If you are looking to begin with a low potency CBD product, edibles or low CBD capsules are a great place to start. These products will lightly introduce CBD into your system.

For a medium potency, tinctures, vape, and capsules are a good fit. These products can be easily built up to create an ideal serving size.

For the highest potency of CBD, oil concentrates are your go-to.

Once you have chosen the potency you’d like to use, we suggest starting with the serving size that is recommended by the manufacturer. This will serve as a starting point for comparison.

Take the recommended amount for a week and then reflect on how you feel. If after a week you are not achieving your desired results, increase the serving size and continue your new routine for another week.

Repeat this process until you feel that your proper serving size has been identified.

Setting a Budget : When deciding which product to take, it is helpful to set a budget. For many, CBD is a recurring purchase. Determining how much you can afford to spend on CBD will help guide you to the product you wish to take.

When setting a budget, it is helpful to compare the price versus the value of a product. A product at a higher price may be a higher value depending on the CBD content.

Budget based on:

How much CBD do I want to take daily.

How many servings does this product provide.

How much will each serving cost me.

As you discover which type of product works best for you, it will become easier to determine which product is the best value.

 

Source:MadeByHemp

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