When it comes to the health and wellness industry there are many different fads that come around. Some are popular for a small amount of time while others thrive for centuries. So, which one will cannabidiol (CBD) oil follow? We here at Nature Blend think and have seen that CBD is here to stay. Sure, we may be a bit biased, but this article will explain why CBD is the new fad that will stick around. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. We’ll start at the root of the subject. What is CBD?
What is CBD?
CBD is one the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plants. The Cannabis sativa plant is a naturally found plant. This plant comes in a few different variations you may or may not be familiar with. The more popular of variations is the marijuana plant. This is because marijuana is more well-known for its psychoactive effects. Why does the marijuana plant get users ‘high’? This is because of another cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plants, THC. THC is found in all Cannabis sativa plants but has different percentages. The THC found in the marijuana plant is much higher than in the hemp plant. The hemp plant is another variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. The hemp plant has lower amounts of THC and therefore has become federally legal since 2018 because of the Farm Bill. CBD is the non-psychoactive component found in all variations of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD products must have at or less than 0.3% of THC to be deemed a CBD product. No, CBD cannot get you high and the products made from the hemp plant are legal! So, what is CBD oil?
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is a type of CBD product. This particular CBD product is quite popular because of the ways that it can be used. How is CBD oil processed? This processing method is called extraction. There are many different types of extraction processes. The following are three popular ones to keep in mind as you look at different companies.
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.
What other products are there?
Besides CBD oil, (which, by the way, is often called a tincture) what products are there that are made with CBD? Here is a list of popular CBD products.
- 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.
- Topicals: A CBD topical is a type of CBD that does not get into the bloodstream as it comes in forms of salves, lotions, creams, etc. These are used to improve the skin. To use a topical to its full benefits, make sure to use it often and in the same area.
- Vapes: Vapes are CBD oil in a vapor form. Once inhaled the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream from the lungs.
- 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. We sell cherry flavored gummies. Like softgels, after swallowing the edible breaks down in the stomach and the CBD is absorbed from there.
Is CBD Oil a fad that will fade or is it here to stay? You know what we think, but what do you think? Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding our CBD or our extraction process. CBD? Yes!