What is CBD?

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is one of the cannabinoids (chemical compounds) that are present in the cannabis plant. The plant has hundreds of cannabinoids. The other more popular cannabinoid is – THC. This is the compound that causes high when you consume or smoke cannabis in any form.

But, CBD does not carry any of those psychoactive effects. As a matter of fact, it has garnered a lot of popularity over the years for its myriad therapeutic properties and several mental and physical health benefits. From skincare, healthcare, pain management to mental health – CBD is leaving its mark everywhere.

A large number of people are choosing CBD over medication to manage all sorts of conditions.

Over the years, CBD has been a topic of much controversy. However, all the discussion has only led to an increase in its popularity.

In this post, we cover some of the must-know facts about CBD.

Here we go…

Important facts about CBD:

●    CBD oil is not the same as hemp oil

A lot of people think hemp and CBD oil are the same things. That’s not true. The latter is supposed to carry cannabidiol. It comes from (in other words, extracted from) cannabis plants. Usually, there’s a base oil that is combined with it. It can be MCT, coconut, or olive oil).

Hemp oil, on the other hand, comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. They do not contain cannabidiol. In fact, hemp oil does not carry any cannabinoids for that matter. CBD’s health benefits are different from those of hemp oil.

●    CBD is extracted in two different ways

More often than not, companies would use flowers, stalk, and leaves of the cannabis plant to extract CBD. The process usually combines some kind of solvent for this extraction process. Another way to separate CBD from the plant is via the “heat extraction process”.

The first method would have some kind of solvent to separate the cannabinoid from the rest of the plant material. Usually, CO2 or carbon dioxide would be used as the solvent on the high end. On the lower end, some kind of harsh chemicals such as kerosene, butane, or ethanol is used as a solvent.

The second method or the heat extraction method uses steam to separate the oil from the plant in an effective yet gentle manner.

The choice of the method used has a direct bearing on the quality of the final CBD product that you end up purchasing. If you want to learn more about these methods, go check out Industrial Hemp Farms – the pioneer in CBD and hemp farming.

Hemp is a delicate plant that carries a whole bunch of healing elements. To create high-quality, full-spectrum premium oil, it’s paramount to separate the CBD from other compounds in a way that doesn’t cause damage during the process.

If during the process any of the terpenes or essential cannabinoids are destroyed, the final product would be less effective. It would also need the addition of artificial flavoring to mask the taste.

●    CBD Is safe for medical uses

It’s not uncommon for many naturopaths, nutritionists, and even regular doctors to prescribe CBD. Often it is part of the natural pain management and relaxation. Therefore, if you are concerned about the safety aspect of CBD – then you don’t need to worry.

A lot of studies have been conducted to establish the safety of CBD. And, most of them are promising (such as this one). The users are, however, recommended to be cautious in terms of how much they use; even though higher consumption of CBD shouldn’t adversely affect you.

●    CBD is accessible in many forms

The hype around CBD is only increasing with each passing year. With this kind of increasing popularity, the variety of products and ways to get it inside your system are also increasing. While oil remains the most popular form of CBD product, you can also get it as a tincture, topical cream, cosmetics, cookies, gummy bears, powders, and beverages. Many food establishments have also started incorporating it in stuff like coffees, shakes, and cocktails.

●    CBD is non-habit forming

If you are worried that you may become dependent on CBD if you consume it for long periods, then don’t worry. It’s not habit-forming. While FDA has not released any official statement on this front, the WHO has provided data that makes it abundantly clear that pure CBD is indeed safe for consumption and it’s not habit-forming.

●    CBD is safe for pets

You should have no trouble finding plenty of anecdotal mentions on the internet where pet owners used CBD to calm their pets down. Animals who experience separation anxiety, joint pain, etc. have seen some amazing results post CBD consumption. However, do your research to fully understand its benefits before administering it on your pet.

●    Some places restrict CBD distribution and usage

Even though the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp farming, there are some states, cities, and counties that have restricted CBD distribution and consumption. It’s safe to assume that even in the middle of occasional restrictions, CBD’s popularity will only increase in the coming years.

The bill has surely created a more encouraging environment for both farmers and users.

Projections for the CBD industry seem promising to the point where it is expected to become an independent, robust industry sooner rather than later.

CBD’s legality aspect might be in flux but it’s no question that the market is flourishing. Its growth prospects are exciting even if some places have not fully embraced it yet.

Have you — or a loved one — used CBD yet? 

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

“PIN & SHARE”