There is a high possibility that you have heard of natural CBD and all of the products that have CBD in their names. What is CBD? How are these products made? CBD is so versatile and in many different products, how can it be safe? These are great questions and we here at Nature Blend are here to answer these questions. CBD has become extremely popular in the holistic health world and for good reason, at least we think. With technology rising everywhere you look it is nice to know that it is doing work in the world of natural wellness products. This is where CBD comes in full front. There are so many new natural products that you have likely seen but, how do we know those products are safe? Of course, as a CBD company we like to think that we are experts in CBD. But, with that being said we want our customers to be experts too so that you can choose the right products for you. Let’s get the basics out first, then help you understand what a quality CBD product is.  

Where does CBD come from?  

CBD, or cannabidiol, comes from a plant family called Cannabis sativa. Cannabis sativa comes in a variety of different forms. All of the Cannabis sativa plants contain CBD, but they contain CBD and other chemical compounds called cannabinoids in different percentages. Take hemp for instance, hemp is a family member in the Cannabis sativa family. Hemp contains a higher percentage of CBD than other types of Cannabis sativa. Hemp contains another familiar cannabinoid called THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the cannabinoid that causes the ‘high’ or psychoactive effect that many are familiar with. It is important to indicate that THC and CBD are not the same thing. This is a common misconception. Another common misconception is that hemp and marijuana are the same thing. Hemp and marijuana contain all of the cannabinoids. However, hemp contains at or lower than 0.3% of the psychoactive compound THC and like we stated before high amounts of CBD. Marijuana contains high levels of THC and lower levels of CBD. Therefore, the two are different. Hemp cannot get you ‘high’ because the levels of THC are so low. Marijuana on the other hand can get users ‘high’. This distinction is important because it will help you choose the right product for you.  

How are CBD products made?  

Most CBD products are made from the hemp plant. Before they get into a product the CBD must go through a process called extraction. This means that the CBD is taken away from the hemp plant. There are several different ways to do this, but here are some of the more popular ways that we are aware of: 

• Carbon Dioxide Extraction: Carbon dioxide can be used to extract the CBD from the plant (hemp or marijuana) by using “supercritical,” which, in simple terms, means using both carbon dioxide liquid and gas properties to remove. This is why this type of extraction is often known as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). At the start of the extraction, there are two different pressurized chambers that are used. One full of carbon dioxide, while the other holds the plant. The chamber filled with carbon dioxide is pushed into the second chamber that holds the plant, breaking down the plant and separating it from the CBD extraction. The mixture is then pushed into a third chamber where the carbon dioxide is evaporated, leaving the CBD unaccompanied. 

• Steam Distillation: During this process, the steam separates the CBD from the plant. The plant is placed in a separate chamber while a boiler that is full of water beneath the plant. Once boiling, the steam from the water moves upward to extract the CBD oil vapors from the hemp plant. The moisture from the plant is then trapped in a chamber and added to carrier oil/water. After it is collected, the oil is extracted from the water/oil to make a CBD oil.  

• Solvent Extraction: This process is like the steam distillation extraction method. However, in this process, they would use solvent rather than water. The solvent and CBD are combined, and then the solvent is taken away, leaving the CBD behind. There are two types of solvents that can be used: hydrocarbons and natural solvents. This is the least preferred type of extraction because it has been found to leave unwanted elements after the solvents have been extracted. These elements could be including naphtha, petroleum, butane, or propane for hydrocarbon extraction. 

These are just a few of the ways that CBD is taken from a Cannabis sativa plant. After it is taken it can be added to any type of CBD product. To ensure that your CBD product is quality make sure that the company you purchase from explains their extraction process. High quality CBD always has a list of ingredients to show that their CBD contains natural ingredients.  

Is CBD safe?  

High quality CBD will always be safe to use. Purchasing CBD from a reputable company is of high importance. Most companies will explain where their CBD comes from and how it is extracted. There are several different types of CBD as well. Some contain a small amount of THC some are 100% THC free. There are also many different CBD products that range from CBD tincture to CBD edibles. We suggest reading reviews before purchasing a product to ensure that you are getting what you want. There are many products that just do not hit a high bar of standards. We suggest speaking with a healthcare professional before taking CBD. Some CBD products may not work along with medications that you are taking. We also recommend starting with a small dose of CBD and slowly increasing it until you feel the effects you were seeking. The world of CBD is just beginning, and we think it will keep growing and we’ll know more and more about it. We hope that this article will help you start your CBD journey on the right foot.   It can even be used for CBD pain relief!

Cannabidiol, a substance present in the marijuana plant, is gaining more and more popularity in the United States. It is basically found in the Cannabis Sativa plant and is commonly known as CBD. If extracted successfully, it offers several health benefits and doesn’t cause any euphoric sensation or other side effects. From treating epilepsy to reducing anxiety, it is known for improving mental and physical wellbeing.   

Another well-known compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which contains psychoactive properties and causes a ‘high.’ Using high-quality CBD products means that there is zero to 0.3% THC in them, and such products are 100% safe to consume. CBD products come in various forms, like pills, oils, creams, and vapors. Sales of CBD items are expected to reach $2 billion by 2021. In this article, we discuss its benefits, side effects, and a lot more. So, let’s have a look together!  

What is CBD?     

It is an active compound of the hemp plant, which doesn’t cause any ‘high’ in its users. It is the most famous cannabinoid out of 113 known compounds of the plant. In the 2018 Farm Bill, the consumption of CBD became legal, and it has been on the rise since then. Although there isn’t enough evidence yet about CBD benefits, scientists and researchers are producing CBD studies.   

The anecdotal evidence shows that it has helped many individuals in improving both physical and mental health. The purest and best quality CBD is the one that is derived through the CO2 extraction method. Also, make sure to look for its products which contain less than 0.3% THC.   

What are the Benefits of CBD?   

May Reduce Anxiety and Depression   

The World Health Organization research shows that more than 300 million people suffer from depression across the world. In fact, it’s a widespread mental ailment, and most individuals don’t even know they have it. A vast population of these people also suffer from anxiety. These two mental disorders can ruin the quality of one’s life. The good news is it has shown to potentially reduce anxiety and depression in people. Not only that, it may also help fighting social and public anxiety. It provides a relaxing and calming effect and improves mood swings.  

May Decrease Chronic Pain   

The most common reason for CBD popularity is its potential ability to reduce pain. From the neuropathic form of Multiple Sclerosis to the physical pain of arthritis, it reduces a wide range of chronic pain conditions. In fact, people with pain caused by an inflammatory disease can also use CBD for reducing its symptoms.   

May Help Prevent Diabetes   

The naturally occurring compounds also could also prevent a condition known as insulitis, which destroys pancreatic beta cells. As insulitis is the main reason for having Type 1 Diabetes, reducing it may also prevent diabetes. Scientists are conducting clinical trials to find out whether CBD actually helps prevent diabetes or not.   

May Fight Insomnia   

Do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night? If yes, then CBD can help you have a peaceful sleep. It fights insomnia and other potential sleeping problems. It is related to CBD’s ability to decrease worries and anxiety that cause people to stay awake.   

May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease  

One of the main reasons for the development of Alzheimer’s disease is neuroinflammation. The good news is that CBD may help decrease and prevent neuroinflammation by protecting neurons from harmful elements, free radicals.   

May Help Maintain Blood Pressure    

Having high blood pressure leads to cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and heart attacks. It has been said that consuming CBD daily may help patients feel better by maintaining blood pressure. It means that individuals will have reduced possibilities of having a stroke or heart attack.   

May Remove and Prevent Acne   

Since CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties, it may help in lowering sebum production in the skin. Sebum is natural oil produced by the skin, and it’s responsible for making one’s skin oily. Also, an excessive amount of sebum leads to acne formation. Consumption of CBD may reduce sebum production, which ultimately results in acne removal and healthier skin.   

Substance Abuse Treatment   

CBD modifies circuits in the brain linked to drug addiction. In a rat study, the naturally occurring compound reduced morphine dependence and heroin-seeking behavior.  

Is It Safe to Consume?   

CBD with zero or up to 0.3% THC is safe to consume because CBD is non-addictive itself. Despite this fact, it is better to watch out for the following side effects:  

• Fatigue   
• Appetite changes   
• Diarrhea   
• Weight gain or loss   

All these side effects are mentioned in a study. Also, you may experience these side effects only in case of a higher dosage or low quality of CBD. Therefore, be sure to consume the best quality of CBD oil.   

Also, there are a few contraindications for consuming these tinctures. People who take medicines that list a grapefruit warning risk the same harmful effects with CBD because of both impact the same metabolic markers, which conclude how a drug passes through the body.    

Other antipsychotic drugs or antidepressants could also interrelate with CBD oil, either affect the benefits of itor result in toxicity for the consumer. So, it’s always essential to talk to your doctor before going for a new supplement, as you never know how CBD’s interaction with other pharmaceuticals may affect your health condition.   

Besides, individuals with fatty livers might notice increased liver inflammation with the use of them. Some of these side effects were only witnessed in animal studies on extremely high doses of CBD. Therefore, more testing needs to be done, and it’s best to first consult your doctor and begin with lower doses.   

Are CBD Products Legal?   

The THC concentration level is essential to know in order to determine whether CBD is legal or not. If a CBD product has less than 0.3% THC, then it’s legal to consume under federal law. If it comes with more than 0.3% THC, its usage is considered illegal. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers these CBD products with over 0.3% to be Schedule 1 controlled substances, meaning they have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.   

After the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, most manufacturers don’t have to prove whether their CBD products are effective or safe to consume before selling them. Since the government has not enforced restrictions on marketing, it helps explain why there has recently been a surge in products with hemp based CBD.   

Where to Buy CBD?  

If you are looking for the best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.   

When trying anything new, it is important to understand the safety aspects of it. Safety should be of the uppermost importance to you while doing research on something new you’re trying or something that has been re-invented. So, what about cannabidiol (CBD)? How can a chemical compound found in a plant be made unsafe? The processes which CBD is extracted from its original source can happen in different ways, but if done incorrectly, the CBD could lack and not work to its full capability. Before diving into the extraction processes, let’s start with the beginning. What is CBD?

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plants. CBD is less well known than its sister component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These chemical compounds are found in all of the varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. One of these varieties is the Hemp plant. As of 2018 the hemp plant is legal to grow and sell throughout the United States. Why is this you may ask? This is because the hemp plant contains high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC. THC is the more well-known cannabinoid because of the psychoactive component. This is the component that gets users high and is the reason that the marijuana plant is not federally legal. The marijuana plant contains high amounts of THC. The marijuana plant is legal in a handful of states for recreational as well as medicinal purposes. So, how is CBD extracted from the marijuana or the hemp plant? Read on to find out!

The Extraction Processes

The way that companies get their CBD from the Cannabis sativa plant is important because if the CBD is extracted incorrectly the quality may not be up to par. Here are some of the most popular extractions processes.

• Carbon Dioxide Extraction: Carbon dioxide is used to extract the CBD from the plant by using “supercritical” which, in simple terms means, using both carbon dioxide liquid and gas properties to extract. This is why carbon dioxide extraction is often known as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). In the beginning of the extraction, two different pressurized chambers are used. One, with the carbon dioxide, while the other contains the hemp plant. Then the chamber filled with carbon dioxide is pumped into the second chamber containing the hemp, where it breaks down the hemp plant and separates it from the CBD oil. The mixture is then pumped into a third chamber where the carbon dioxide is evaporated, leaving the CBD oil unaccompanied.
• Steam Distillation: In this process, the steam separates the CBD oil from the plant itself. The hemp is placed in a separate container while a boiler is full of water beneath the hemp. Once boiling, the steam from the water travels upward to extract the CBD oil vapors from the hemp plant. The vapor from the plant is then trapped in a tube and added to oil or water. After this is collected, the oil is extracted from the water to make an oil. This process works well but requires a lot of the hemp plant and if the steam gets too hot it may damage the CBD oil extract.
• Solvent Extraction (Hydrocarbons and Natural Solvents): This process is similar to the Steam Distillation extraction method. But, in this process one would use a type of solvent rather than water. The solvent and CBD oil are combined and then the solvent is extracted leaving the CBD behind. There are two types of solvents used: hydrocarbons and natural solvents. This is the least preferred type of extraction because it has been found to leave unwanted elements after the solvents have been extracted. These elements could be including naphtha, petroleum, butane, or propane for hydrocarbon extraction.

It is important to understand these processes so that you may choose which is right for you and therefore choosing which companies’ products will work best for you. These extraction processes should also be followed with multiple different tests to ensure quality. If the company you are purchasing from does not explain which process they use, it is likely that they are not a reliable source.

Types of CBD products

Now that you understand the process in which CBD is extracted. What products are out there for you to choose from?

Tablets: This type of CBD is very easy to use. You just place it in your mouth, let it dissolve and you are done! After being dissolved the CBD reaches the bloodstream through the mouth. This is a very quick way to get CBD into your bloodstream. Our CBD tablets come in 35 mg and 75 mg. We also provide equine tablets as well.

Tinctures: The way that a tincture gets into the bloodstream is similar to the way a tablet does. But, instead of a dissolvable tablet a tincture is an oil like substance. With the dropper, place the wanted amount of CBD into the mouth and let it sit there until dissolved. This also gets in the bloodstream quickly.

Softgels: Softgel CBD is a great way to get CBD into your routine. Our soft capsules are taken like any type of pill. Swallow and go! The capsule is full of CBD. Once it reaches the stomach through the digestive tract it breaks down and is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach. These take a bit longer to feel but, some have described to last a bit longer.

Edibles: Edibles and Softgels are similar but a bit different. So, instead of swallowing a capsule, edibles come in a variety of different yummy types. Like softgels, after swallowing the edible breaks down in the stomach and the CBD is absorbed from there.

Vapes: After the CBD is inhaled it is absorbed through the lungs and then on into the bloodstream. This works quickly but can have negative effects for the lungs.

The most important thing to note is that when CBD is processed safely, it may be able to enhance your health and wellness. If the CBD is made unsafely, it could be detrimental. Keep this in mind as you start your CBD journey.

What is CBD Oil? Is It Safe?  

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular product in the global market for its potential health benefits for people of all ages. From multiple sclerosis to anxiety to poor heart health – CBD may be able to aid with several different conditions. That is why it has gained massive attraction. However, there are still some who are unsure about its usage and are apprehensive about using it.   

To help those people, we have a list of some of the evidence-based potential benefits of CBD. In this article, we discuss the scientifically studied potential advantages and will look into the question of whether it is safe to use or not. Let’s go through the details together!  

What is CBD?  

The cannabis plant, which has two variations known as marijuana or hemp, has become popular worldwide. It comprises 113 cannabinoids – the two well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. THC is responsible for causing ‘high,’ while CBD is not psychoactive in any way to its consumer. The 2018 Farm Bill has made the hemp production legal in the United States (with exceptions in a few states), and now high-quality CBD is available in most states.   

The best quality CBD is the one that is extracted through the supercritical CO2 procedure. It refines the cannabidiol, which contains almost low to zero THC in it.   

The following are some of the most popular potential health benefits of CBD oil. Let’s go through each one of them!  

Aiding with Depression and Anxiety   

Whether it is a work problem, homework load, or family issue –people are prone to stress. It can be an overwhelming experience. Stress paves the way for anxiety, depression, and other chronic mental illness. On the bright side, research has suggested that CBD may be able to reduce anxiety.   

This study suggests that an adequate dosage of CBD oil through a dropper has more calming effects than taking antidepressants. Serotonin is a hormone that improves your mood, and it is affected by the bonding of CBD compounds to your neurotransmitters.    

This is a primary cause why many people prefer to take CBD tinctures than pharmaceutical antidepressants.   

Potential Neurological Advantages   

Since the CBD oil may help with anxiety, it is already clear that it may have something more for your brain’s health. Individuals suffering from different neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, may benefit themselves from CBD oil.  

In clinical trials, CBD-based sprays with flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids have been indicated to decrease spasms in Multiple Sclerosis patients. They noticed less pain in conjunction with the reduced frequency of contractions. Those who were resistant to medications had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.   

Heart Health Improvement    

Heart health is associated with heart and circulatory malfunction, which leads to heart failure eventually. It is both a symptom and cause of type 2 diabetes, which comes with its own neurological and physical problems.   

According to a study, a dosage of 600 mg doses of full-spectrum CBD provides significantly better results than a placebo at restoring normal body rhythms and maintaining blood pressure.   

It could be a direct result of the compound themselves or the indirect effect of CBD’s stress-relieving properties. Also, inflammation linked with uncontrolled stress has negative impacts on heart health, and CBD is an excellent potential solution.   

With its potential to reduce anxiety and antioxidant properties, CBD could be beneficial for those suffering from heart or diabetes issues. However, more research needs to be conducted on the benefits of CBD for heart health.    

Skin Conditions and Acne Reduction   

As CBD research has suggested that the cannabinoid may help treat inflammation, it could be great for skin problems as well. Although inflammation is one of the reasons for having acne, which also has bacterial and genetic determinants, decreasing inflammation may lower the body’s development of sebum. It is the oil produced by the uppermost layer of the skin that can become trapped and cause your skin to break out.   

According to several studies, inflammatory procedures causing acne may be helped by consuming CBD oil. By lowering the sebum secretion via inflammation-blockers, CBD may be more effective at treating acne than most skin lotions and creams.   

Not only that, but CBD may also reduce the aging signs on your skin, such as dullness, wrinkles, and fine lines. Because CBD is enriched with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, which boost the production of collagen, reduce water loss, and keep skin hydrated – all of which result as a younger-looking skin.   

Is It Safe to Consume?   

CBD with zero or up to 0.3% THC is safe to consume because CBD is non-addictive itself. Despite this fact, it is better to watch out for the following side effects:  

• Fatigue   
• Appetite changes   
• Diarrhea   
• Weight gain or loss   

You may also experience these side effects only in case of too high of a dose or poor quality of CBD. Therefore, be sure to consume the best quality of CBD oil.   

Also, there are a few contraindications for consuming CBD oil tinctures. People who take medicines that list a grapefruit warning risk the same harmful effects with CBD because of both impact the same metabolic markers, which conclude how a drug passes through the body.    

Other antipsychotic drugs or antidepressants could also interrelate with CBD oil, either affect the benefits of CBD or result in toxicity for the consumer. So, it is always essential to talk to your doctor before going for a new supplement. You never know how CBD’s interaction with other pharmaceuticals may affect your health condition.   

Besides, individuals with fatty livers might notice increased liver inflammation with the use of CBD oil. Some of these side effects were only witnessed in animal studies on extremely high doses of CBD. Therefore, more testing needs to be done, and it is best first to consult your doctor and begin with lower doses.