April 06th, 2023

CBD oil has gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits. However, with the rise in demand, there has also been an increase in the number of CBD products available in the market, making it challenging for consumers to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore how CBD oil is made and what to look for when buying CBD oil.

Extraction Methods

The first step in making CBD oil is extracting the cannabinoid from the hemp plant. There are various methods of extraction, but the most common ones are:

• CO2 Extraction

This method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to extract CBD. It is considered the safest and most efficient method.

• Ethanol Extraction

 This method uses ethanol to extract CBD from the hemp plant. It is less expensive than CO2 extraction but can result in a lower quality of CBD oil.

• Olive Oil Extraction

This method involves heating the hemp plant in olive oil to extract CBD. It is a simple and safe method but is not as efficient as other methods.

Types of CBD

After the extraction process, the CBD is in its raw form and needs to be processed further. There are three types of CBD:

• Full-spectrum CBD

This type of CBD contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. However, the THC content in full-spectrum CBD is less than 0.3%, which is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects.

• Broad-spectrum CBD

This type of CBD contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant except for THC.

• CBD isolate

This type of CBD is pure CBD and does not contain any other compounds found in the hemp plant.

• Third-Party Testing

When buying CBD oil, it's essential to look for products that have undergone third-party testing. Third-party testing ensures that the CBD oil's potency and purity match what the manufacturer claims. It also verifies that the CBD oil is free from harmful contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals.

• Source of Hemp

It's essential to know where the hemp used to make the CBD oil comes from. Hemp plants are bioaccumulators, which means they can absorb everything from the soil they grow in. If the soil has high levels of contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals, the hemp plant will also absorb them. Therefore, it's important to choose CBD oil made from hemp grown in clean soil.

• Extraction Method

The method used to extract CBD from the hemp plant can affect the quality of the CBD oil. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard, but some manufacturers use cheaper methods such as ethanol extraction. Ethanol extraction can leave behind harmful residues, making it important to look for CBD oil that has been extracted using CO2.

• Full-spectrum vs. isolate

CBD oil comes in two main types: full-spectrum and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including THC (in trace amounts), while isolate contains only CBD. Consumers should choose the type that best suits their needs and preferences.

• Understanding dosage

CBD oil dosage can vary based on a number of factors, including body weight, the severity of the condition being treated, and the concentration of CBD in the product. It's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved.

• Storage and shelf life

CBD oil should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation. It also has a shelf life of about 1-2 years, so it's important to check the expiration date before using it.

• Quality of the source plant

CBD oil is only as good as the hemp plant it comes from. Consumers should look for products made from organically grown hemp plants that are free from pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CBD oil is a natural and potentially beneficial product that can be incorporated into your wellness routine. When buying CBD oil, it's crucial to choose a high-quality product that has undergone third-party testing, is made from hemp grown in clean soil, and has been extracted using a safe and efficient method. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your CBD oil and maximizing its potential health benefits.