There are so many new fads surrounding holistic health now-a-days and some seem unrealistic. This may be how you feel about CBD (cannabidiol). Aalthough we do understand your hesitation, we have got all the knowledge available to that may change your mind. There are many different types of CBD products available. One of the more popular is a CBD edible. What is an edible? Does it taste like the plant it comes from? Who can use edibles? These are all great questions and we have got the answers. If you want to learn more about CBD and edibles that have CBD in them, read on.
What is CBD?
So, what even is CBD? CBD is one the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is a naturally found plant that comes in a variety of variations. One of these varieties is the hemp plant. As of 2018 the hemp plant has been federally approved and it is legal for farmers across the country to grow and sell the hemp plant. The marijuana plant, however, is still federally illegal and considered a controlled substance. has not been legalized in all 50 states. This is because marijuana contains high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and lower amounts of CBD. THC is the competent that is often confused with CBD, but they are two different things. THC gives users a ‘high’ or a psychoactive effect. This is one of the reasons that marijuana is not legal in all states, however it is legal in a handful of states for recreational as well as medicinal purposes. CBD is legal as long as it contains at or less than 0.3% of THC. This percentage cannot get a user ‘high’ as it is too low. So, no, CBD will not get you ‘high’, but it may have other potential positive effects.
Edible? What is that?
An edible is just one of the many types of products that are available to purchase. Edibles come in many different forms. There are gummy candies, chocolates, or even baked goods! There are many ways to get CBD into something that you ingest. We here at Panacea Life Sciences carry CBD Cherry Bomb Gummies! These are an easy way to get CBD into your system every day. Edibles have been described to take a bit longer than other products to feel the effect but tend to last a bit longer. Once you chew a CBD edible it goes through the digestive system to end up in the stomach. From there it is broken down and the CBD is absorbed through the lining in the stomach and then directly into the bloodstream. Other products are processed differently. Here is a list of different products you can use.
- Tinctures: This type of CBD is an oil like substance that is generally placed under the tongue. From there it enters the bloodstream through the mouth. This is an easy way to get a daily amount of CBD into your system. This is also one of the fastest ways.
- Tablets: Tablets are similar to tinctures as to where they are administered. The tablet dissolves in your mouth and then reaches the bloodstream from there.
- Softgels: These are similar to edibles as they go through the same process to get into the bloodstream. But they are swallowed like a pill instead of chewed.
- Vapes: Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate for the use of CBD vapes, but it is an option. One inhaled the CBD is absorbed into the lungs and then into the bloodstream.
- Topicals: CBD in topical forms such as lotions, salves, creams and even hand sanitizer are quite popular. These are best used liberally and often. CBD topical typically do not reach the bloodstream but you are able to reap the benefits because it absorbs into the skin from pores.
Because there are so many different products to choose from you should try out a few to see which works best for you! As a rule of thumb, take a smaller amount of CBD then slowly increase the amount until you feel the desired effects. But why do people use CBD?
Reasons to use CBD
There are many reasons why people choose to use CBD. Maybe one of these reasons is exactly why you are looking for CBD.
- Skin health: Although CBD topicals never reach the bloodstream this does not mean that they cannot assist in skin health. In this study they concluded that those with and without skin conditions had improved skin health after the use of CBD topicals. They used several tests to test before and after the use of a CBD topical. Their evidence was enhanced by photographic evidence.
- Promote a sense of calm: Promoting a sense of calm in those who have feelings of anxiousness may be quite helpful to some. In this study, they used brain imaging to test subjects who have SAD (social anxiety disorder). Those who were given the CBD showed a decrease in their social anxiety disorder via brain scans. Those who did not receive the CBD did not have any decrease.
- FDA approved medications: There are several FDA approved medications that contain CBD. Epidiolex is the most well-known. This medication helps those with two severe types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. There are also a handful of others containing CBD and THC that assist those going through anti-cancer treatments and the nausea it may cause. These are called Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These medications can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD has been researched for the possibility of joint health benefits. Panacea Life Sciences has done our own research regarding this aspect. We looked at dogs who are older and have joint health issues. During this study, we asked pet owners to administer CBD to their dogs two times a day for four consecutive weeks. The owners were to take a weekly test to show if anything had improved. At the end of the four weeks pet owners described their dogs to be more mobile. Therefore, the CBD may have helped with their joint health!
- Antibacterial properties: There has been information coming to the forefront of the potential antibacterial properties of CBD. And this information may be true. In this study they concluded that CBD had the capability to kill certain types of bacteria.
These are just a few reasons that we have found for why people choose to use CBD. It is important to do your own research to find the reason why you would like to try CBD. Something that is equally important is the way in which the CBD is put into the CBD product.
What is Extraction?
Extraction is the process in which companies take the Hemp plant and remove the CBD from it to add into various products. This is important because if the CBD is not properly extracted it may leave harmful substances that you do not want in your product. Here are some popular extraction methods to look for.
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 pressurized and cooled to create liquid CO2. This is then pumped into the second chamber containing the hemp, where it infuses the hemp plant to solubilize the hemp oil allowing separation of the oil from the plant matter. The CO2 hemp oil mixture is then pumped into a third chamber where the carbon dioxide is evaporated, leaving behind pure CBD oil .
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 as a vapor 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.
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. Some solvents that can be used include naphtha, petroleum, butane, or propane for hydrocarbon extraction. Natural extraction will use food-grade ethanol to extract the hemp oil. Following extraction the ethanol is removed by heat leaving a rich solvent- free hemp oil.
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.
Now, this is unlikely the first thing you will look for when purchasing CBD but keep it in mind because it could make or break a CBD product.
Why chews your CBD? Chew it because it is a fun way to get CBD in your system each day and could give you an overall sense of wellbeing. As always, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
