Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of using CBD to help with anxiety and sleep.
One study, in particular, had participants take 25 mg of CBD daily for a month. The results showed that the participants had a better quality of sleep and reduced anxiety, which lasted several months afterward.
CBD is becoming increasingly more popular, and recent studies are beginning to show what was once called a “snake oil” scheme may have more benefits than initially thought.
It is essential to understand the differences in the types of CBD oil available on the market to make sure you are getting the maximum potential out of the product. Keep reading this guide to discover tips on finding high-quality CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is an extracted cannabinoid from the cannabis or hemp plant. It is a naturally occurring compound that is used to make oils and other extracts in the form of pills, tinctures, and vapor.
This oil will not give you the psychoactive effects well known with tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short, which is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis and hemp plants.
CBD oil has been studied for its many natural benefits. Some of the potential benefits that have been considered include:
- Helping to control anxiety
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Relieving depression
- Helping to alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with cancer
- Promoting feelings of calmness and relaxation
Different Types of CBD Oil
CBD is becoming a big industry due to recent studies that have been supporting the potential benefits of the plant extract. The problem with becoming a big industry is that it is hard to regulate and control all of the products, and some products may slip through the cracks.
Many people ask, “are all CBD oils the same?” The short answer is no. When deciding on a CBD oil to purchase, it is vital to keep a few key things in mind to make sure you are getting a high-quality CBD oil.
Manufacturing Process
With so many companies all producing the same product, you would assume they are all equal or close to it. However, this is not the case with CBD. Some manufacturers will try taking shortcuts to sell a cheaper product.
Just because the CBD oil is cheaper than the others, that doesn’t mean you should buy it. To produce cheaper CBD oil, it is likely that they are also using a cheap extraction method. Using a cheap manufacturing process can produce harmful solvent by-products.
Solvent Extraction
One of the cheapest ways to manufacture CBD oil is solvent extraction. This process uses a solvent to separate the CBD from the hemp plant. The solvent will evaporate and leave you with pure CBD oil.
The problem is that some manufacturers use hydrocarbon extraction, which could use petroleum, Butane, or propane as a solvent. These will leave a toxic residue that could produce some unwanted side effects.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is very similar to the solvent extraction method but uses water instead of a solvent to extract the CBD oil. The water is heated and the steam produced helps to separate the CBD into a vapor. The vapor is then condensed into CBD essential oil.
This process is very popular and has been used for many years to produce various essential oils. The only problem with this method is that it is time-consuming and less efficient than other methods. The water can also be too hot, producing steam that can damage the plant.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is the preferred method for extracting CBD for use in CBD products. This process involves using pressurized carbon dioxide to separate the CBD oil from the plant itself. The gas then evaporates, leaving behind a pure CBD oil extract.
This extraction method is the safest and most efficient way of producing high-quality CBD oil. Though it is more expensive, it is worth the cost. Carbon Dioxide extraction allows the manufacturers to be exact and accurate in terms of producing various concentrations.
These extraction methods will produce CBD oil that is considered full-spectrum. To be labeled full-spectrum, the manufacturer must use the full plant instead of isolating the CBD. Full-spectrum CBD oil is deemed to be superior because it contains other cannabinoids and terpenes that are thought to enhance the user’s experience.
Origins
Another critical factor to keep in mind while purchasing different kinds of CBD oil is the origins of the plant and where they were manufactured.
Keeping in mind that since CBD oil comes from a plant and plants grow in the ground, it is critical to choose a manufacturer that uses organic or very rich soil. The plant will absorb whatever is in the soil and will be present in the plant.
You can find the origins of the manufacturer on their website, and many times it is on the back of the product. If you can’t find where the manufacturer is located, try giving them a call, and they should be able to clarify.
Third-Party Testing
Many legitimate CBD oil manufacturers will provide third-party lab results on their extracts. The purpose of these lab tests are to show the consumer there are no harmful impurities, pesticides, or heavy metals present.
Some of the harmful impurities that could be present include:
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Mercury
- Mold
- Bacteria
- Aflatoxins
It is recommended to check with your manufacturer to provide third party testing. Some companies will offer you the information without even having to ask for it.
Helpful Tips
If you are looking for high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil, check out these useful tips to get you started:
- Look for a full-spectrum extract
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extraction is superior to other methods
- Check where and how the plants are grown
- See third party testing for impurities
If you are looking for CBD oil without THC, it should say so on the lab results. It is important to keep in mind that CBD oil derived from hemp is legal as long as the THC content falls below .03 percent. Speaking of CBD oils, you can check out Flowcbd.ca, which are also 100% non-psychoactive.
For More Information on CBD Oil
As you can see, there is a lot more that goes into making CBD oil than meets the eye. There are many types of CBD oil to look out for, and the process behind each one matters.
For more information on CBD oil or anything health and fitness-related, check out our blog today!