If you are curious about the world of cannabidiol (CBD), you have probably heard much talk about the benefits of pure CBD over other kinds of CBD. It has probably left you wondering what the difference is, and if pure CBD really is all that much better. Well, here at Panacea Life Sciences, we are all about make sure that people understand everything there is to know about CBD. So, let’s talk about what makes a CBD oil pure and whether or not it is better than other kinds.
A quick definition of CBD
We should probably cover what CBD even is before we can dive into the different kinds. Afterall, a base layer of knowledge is always a good thing to have.
CBD is a chemical compound that is found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. It is classified as a specific kind of chemical compound known as a cannabinoid. There are over 113 different cannabinoids found in cannabis plants and there are still more to be found, classified, and named. While CBD is definitely one of the most well-known cannabinoids, there is one that is even more famous. That would be tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
It is likely that you had heard of THC before you had ever heard of CBD. This is because THC is the cannabinoid that is psychoactive. That means that it causes the inebriation (more normally referred to as a “high”) that so commonly associated with cannabis plants.
Because they are both cannabinoids and both found in cannabis plants, CBD and THC are often thought to be very similar if not exactly the same. However, this is not true. CBD and THC have very different effects in the body. One of the starkest differences is that CBD is not psychoactive. It does not create any sort of high or inebriation, instead may help you achieve a greater sense of calm.
CBD is normally extracted from the hemp variation of cannabis, rather than marijuana. It is easy to think that hemp and marijuana are actually the same plants, but they are actually different kinds of cannabis. The differences between them lie primarily in their concentrations of CBD and THC. Marijuana has high levels of THC and lower levels of CBD. Hemp is the opposite, with high levels of CBD and a concentration of less than 0.3% of THC. This ratio makes the extraction of CBD much easier in hemp than in marijuana.
This difference between hemp and marijuana has also helped determine the legal status of the two plants. Hemp was legalized in the United States in 2018 as a result of that year’s Farm Bill. This bill determines what farmers in the country can or cannot grow and sell. in 2018 the bill included a provision that officially legalized hemp because of its low THC content. However, marijuana is still federally illegal. A handful of states have legalized it on some level (some only medically, others recreationally).
There has been much research done on the potential benefits that CBD offers. For example, this study found that CBD could help those facing a stressful situation go into with a greater sense of calm. Another study found that CBD was greatly able to help reduce inflammation caused by oxidative stress. This study looked at CBD’s effect on acne and found it was able to stem the production of acne-causing oils. These are just a few examples. Research on CBD and its effects is ongoing and growing. There is still a lot about the cannabinoid that we are learning.
There is another piece of information that is important to know. It is that there is more than one kind of CBD extract. Some of the kinds are purer than others. Let’s talk about what they are.
What different kinds of CBD are there?
CBD extract does not just come in only one version. There are three different kinds of the extract. One of which may be considered pure. But before we can talk about it, we should go over what makes each of them pure or not.
Full spectrum
When CBD is extracted from the hemp, other compounds and cannabinoids often come with it. When all of these other cannabinoids and compounds are left in the extract when it is used in a product, it is known a full spectrum CBD product. These products also include some THC. As discussed above, it is not more than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to cause a high in anyone.
Broad spectrum
Despite the fact that the THC in full spectrum CBD is not enough to make anyone high, it is still enough to turn some people away from the product. That is where broad spectrum comes in. It is like full spectrum, in that most of the other compounds and cannabinoids that come with the CBD during extraction are left in the extract. But there is one very important distinction, there is no THC. The THC is completely filtered out, leaving CBD and the other compounds.
CBD isolate
This is the form of CBD extract that may be considered pure. It is CBD without any of the other cannabinoids. Everything else that may have come with the CBD in the extraction process is filtered out, leaving only the CBD. It has no THC, no other compounds, and no other cannabinoids.
You should be able to find any CBD product made with which ever version of CBD extract that you prefer.
Is pure CBD better?
When it comes down to it, whether or not CBD isolate is better depends on what sort of effect you are looking for. CBD products that are made with full or broad spectrums may be able to offer what is known as the entourage effect. This is when multiple compounds build on each other to create a stronger effect.
This may be an appeal for some. However, others may not like the fact the other cannabinoids and compounds may cloud the CBD experience. CBD isolate may be able to give the user a clearer CBD experience without the potential effects of other cannabinoids.
You should note that because of the lack of the entourage effect, this may mean that some people need to take more to feel an effect from the CBD. This should not be a problem, as long as you are careful and keep track of how much you take.
So, when deciding what kind of CBD to get you need to decide whether or not you would be comfortable with the presence of other cannabinoids, whether or not they are worth the stronger effect.
Different kinds of CBD products
Now that you have a better understanding of what the different kinds of CBD extracts have to offer, let’s talk about what the products that they are made into, so that you can find the right one for you.
Topicals
CBD topicals include any sort of product that you rub onto your skin instead of taking orally like most CBD products. They tend to be things like lotions, salves, cremes, and, more recently, hand sanitizers. Topicals are not likely to give you the overall effect that oral products tend to offer. This is because the CBD in these products never enters the bloodstream. The effect is very localized and stays where the topical is applied. These work best when used often and liberally.
Oils & tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures are one the more common CBD products that you will find. These are CBD extract that has been mixed with some sort of carrier oil, like palm oil for example. You can take tinctures and oils by placing a drop directly under your tongue. This allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream through the thin skin under the tongue.
Tablets & capsules
These are pill-like products that are made with CBD. The tablets are usually sublingual, meaning that you place them under the tongue and allow them to dissolve. Much like the oils and tinctures that you put under your tongue; this lets the CBD enter the system by absorbing through the thin skin there. The capsules are usually soft gels. That means that they are gels that you swallow like a pill and are filled with liquid CBD. This tend to take a little while longer to start working because the capsule needs to digest before the CBD can start working.
Edibles
CBD edibles are probably the most popular kind of CBD product. They are any food or drink that is made with CBD. Their popularity comes from the fact that they taste good and are easy to take. However, like the soft gel capsules, they do take a while to start working. This is because the food needs to digest before the CBD can enter the system.
FDA approved medications
Until 2018 there were no CBD-based medications that were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Epidiolex was the first to be approved by the agency. This medication is aimed at helping sooth and keep epileptic seizures to a minimum. Since then there have been other CBD-based medications that have been approved. Most of them are made to help with the nausea that often comes with cancer treatments.
How much CBD should I take?
This is an interesting question to answer because it changes with each person. Everyone reacts to CBD differently. Some people only have to take a little bit to get the effect that they are looking for. Others require much, much more.
First let’s talk about how you know that too much is too much. While CBD does appear to be safe overall, there are some side effects. They are usually along the lines of fatigue and mild dizziness. While that is not anything life threatening, it certainly is not fun and should be avoided. So, if you feel side effects like that, then you know that you have taken too much of the cannabinoid.
In order to figure out what is the right amount of CBD for you, you will need to do some experimenting. You will need to start with a low amount of the product you want to take. After you take that small amount, you will then need to wait and see how that amount sits with you. If, after a while, you still do not feel the effect you are looking for or any negative side effects, then you can increase the amount you take by a little bit. You should not keep increasing the amount until you feel negative side effects. Once you find the lowest amount that gives you the effect that you are looking for without any negative side effects, then you have found the right among of CBD for you.
You should also note that CBD does not mix well with all medications. Some medications do not work as well or not at all when used with CBD. If you are on medication and would like to start taking CBD, be sure to talk to your doctor before you start using it.
To sum all of this up, whether or not pure CBD is better depends on the person. Some people prefer it, while others prefer having other cannabinoids present. Pure CBD may require more than other kinds of the cannabinoid, but it could also mean a clearer experience. If you are new to CBD, the only way to know which you like better is to try some.
Whether you are new to CBD or have been using it for a while, this is the right site for you. Here on the Panacea Life Sciences website we have everything you could need CBD-wise. We have high-quality CBD products for just about everyone and their dog (literally). We also have articles that answer any question you may have about the cannabinoid. And if the articles do not answer your questions, you can send us any question or concerns that you may have through our contact us page. Or you can email us at [email protected].
