Humanity has known the properties of cannabis since ancient times. This plant has been used as a panacea for many ailments. The secret of its potential therapeutic properties lies in over a hundred cannabinoids, of which we know CBD the best so far.
What is CBD and how does it work? Is it suitable for everyone? How to use it to get the best results? Here is some basic information.
CBD and its potential therapeutic properties
CBD is one of many compounds belonging to the cannabinoid group found in hemp. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties and does not cause intoxicating effects.
Plant cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids, have the ability to regulate the endocannabinoid system, which may have great therapeutic potential in the treatment of many different diseases, including pain, depression, dementia, anxiety disorders and insomnia.
Some believe that CBD also has anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties, but more research and scientific evidence are needed to confirm these claims.
It is worth emphasizing that CBD is considered a relatively safe substance, available in various forms, such as oils, capsules, cosmetics and even food products. It can be purchased legally in an increasing number of countries. However, it is always worth consulting a doctor before starting its use, especially in the case of people with serious medical conditions or taking other medications.
CBD extraction methods
To enjoy its beneficial properties, it is necessary to effectively obtain CBD from hemp plants. Here are the three most popular CBD extraction methods:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction, also called “supercritical extraction”: This method is currently the most popular way to extract CBD from the hemp plant. During this process, the so-called “supercritical” carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a gas, but under the influence of high pressure it begins to behave like a liquid. The CO2 in this form is then used to remove CBD from the hemp plant. In most cases, the whole plant is used. One of the biggest advantages of CO2 extraction is that the plant is not heated. CO2 extraction therefore guarantees that almost all components of the plant remain intact.
- Oil Extraction: This method involves cooking hemp plants in an oil such as olive oil or coconut oil to extract the CBD. In the next stage, the product is filtered to obtain pure CBD oil. Unlike CO2 extraction, this method uses only the tops of the plant, which are heated. Due to this, most of the remaining components of the plant are lost. This production method is popular for producing CBD isolates.
- Solvent Extraction: This method involves using organic solvents such as ethanol, butane, or propane to extract CBD from the plant. This method is effective, but may leave trace amounts of solvents in the final product. Compared to other extraction methods, this is quite a cheap and simple solution. The alcoholic method usually uses only the tops of the cannabis plant. They are then soaked in alcohol in which the CBD is dissolved. The alcohol is then evaporated. The disadvantage of this method is that the whole process is very slow. Moreover, many active ingredients are lost during this process.
Of course, each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
The most popular CBD extraction method today is carbon dioxide extraction. This method allows you to obtain pure and natural CBD oil, retaining the full spectrum of plant ingredients.
Extraction methods using solvents may leave undesirable chemicals in the final product. It is therefore worth checking how a given CBD oil was obtained and whether safe extraction methods were used.
Methods of using CBD
To get the best results, there are several different methods of using natural CBD. One popular method is to orally apply CBD oil or paste under the tongue. This method allows for precise dose adjustment and provides a quick effect that can be felt within a few minutes.
Another method is to use CBD capsules or gummies, which guarantee convenience and a precisely measured dose.
Inhalation of herbs or CBD crystals using special devices such as inhalers and vaporizers is also an effective method that allows for the rapid absorption of cannabinoids.
It is also possible to apply cosmetics containing CBD to the skin and use rectal suppositories. Each of these methods has its advantages and can be adapted to the user’s individual needs and preferences.
CBD Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum – what are the differences?
The most popular form of using CBD is consuming it in the form of oil. The effect of CBD oils depends largely on their chemical profile. In this respect, we can distinguish three types:
CBD Full Spectrum – is an oil containing raw, low-temperature hemp extract. It has the broadest chemical profile because it contains not only cannabinoids (CBD, CBA, CBG, CBN…), also trace amounts of THC (at a concentration of less than 0.2%), but also flavonoids, terpenes, omega-3, – 6 fatty acids , – 9, phenols and other compounds.
This is the full range of phytochemicals found in hemp that can lead to increased effectiveness of all active ingredients working in synergy (entourage effect).
The entourage effect is explained as a form of interaction between individual chemical compounds, which is intended to guarantee the best possible impact of these compounds on the body. Preparations based on the whole plant may be more effective than preparations based on an isolated part of the plant.
CBD Broad Spectrum – This is very similar to full spectrum CBD, often referred to as THC-free. Broad-spectrum CBD is especially recommended for people with increased sensitivity to THC, which is present in trace amounts in Broad Spectrum preparations.
CBD isolates are the purest form of cannabidiol currently available on the market. Isolates are created as a result of long-term processing, which is responsible for the removal of remaining cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, as well as fats, lipids and other compounds. Isolates most often occur in the form of white crystals (then processed into a white, colorless and odorless powder) without the characteristic taste and smell of cannabis. CBD isolate is recommended for people with high sensitivity to THC or other cannabinoids.
How to choose the right CBD concentration?
Currently, there are many products available on the market with various CBD concentrations, from 1.5% to even 60%. The percentages given on the packaging strictly correspond to the grammage. For example, 10% CBD oil in a 10 milliliter bottle contains 1000 mg of cannabidiol – so one milliliter of oil contains 10 mg of CBD.
The CBD concentration gives an idea of how many milligrams of the active substance can be found in 1 milliliter of hemp oil. Which CBD oil should you choose?
- 5% – 2% – this oil is especially recommended for animals. It can be used on cats and smaller dogs.
- CBD oil 3% – 5% is a relatively low concentration product, perfect for beginners.
CBD oil 5% is recommended for people who need to support the body in everyday functioning, increase immunity, and reduce stress and irritability caused by a fast lifestyle and a multitude of responsibilities.
This is also an excellent concentration for anyone new to CBD use or for those who want to occasionally relieve inflammation or pain with the oil.
- CBD oil 10% or 20% is a product for experienced consumers who know their body’s reaction to CBD.
10% oils are dedicated to people who need daily body strengthening and want to reduce the effects of stress. This is also the right concentration for people who want to learn about the effects of cannabinoids and those who have already used lower doses and now want to increase the concentration to use fewer drops of CBD oil on a daily basis.
CBD oil with a concentration of 20% is mainly used to relieve severe and chronic ailments, such as pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety disorders and insomnia.
This is also the concentration often chosen by oncology patients who additionally struggle with side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.
- Oils and pastes with a concentration above 30% are products not intended for everyday use and recommended for the treatment of diseases.
Such a high concentration of CBD is most often chosen by people suffering from cancer who struggle with strong and unpleasant side effects of treatment, mainly chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Additionally, the 30% concentration can be used by people who have previously used CBD oils with lower concentrations and need additional help in relieving severe ailments, such as insomnia, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, depression and inflammation.
CBD has a number of potential therapeutic properties that can provide relief from many ailments. If we decide to supplement CBD, remember to buy the highest quality products only from proven manufacturers and seek medical advice.
How to dose CBD oil?
If you are using CBD oil for the first time, start dosing with the minimum dose, i.e. 1 drop 3 times a day. Thanks to this, you will be able to observe the body’s reaction and prepare it for further therapy. It is worth continuing to use CBD oil at a minimum dose for the first 3 days.
It is always worth starting using CBD oil with small doses and, if there are no effects, gradually increase the number of drops taken, e.g. by one drop per day. The first effects of supplementation should appear after just a few days, but most often noticeable effects appear only after a few weeks of use. This involves a gradual increase in the concentration of cannabinoids, so the treatment should last at least 30 days.
If you have experience using hemp products in any form, such as smoking or vaporizing, you can start taking CBD oil with a few drops of the extract taken 3 times a day. Taking CBD regularly every 6-8 hours is very important because after this time, the level of cannabinoids in the body begins to decline.
When selecting the dose of the preparation, it is worth taking into account the body’s individual tolerance to hemp preparations, which depends on many factors, including age, gender, body weight, metabolism and general health. Therefore, it is important to observe your body and adjust the amount of cannabidiol to its needs when dosing CBD. If you have problems choosing a dose, it is worth contacting your doctor or an experienced cannabis therapist.
