There’s a lot of misconception around CBD and how it can help within a balanced wellness routine, especially where CBD comes from and how it is extracted. 

CBD stands for Cannabidiol which is extracted from the Cannabis plant. However, what you may not know, is that there are different types of Cannabis plant, these are the marijuana plant and the hemp plant. Both of which are part of the Cannabis sativa plant family. 

When it comes to CBD oil, the CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, rather than the marijuana plant, due to hemp’s very low levels of THC. This low level of THC means that we can extract all the goodness from the Cannabis plant, without any of the side effects or highs that accompany THC. 

THE PERFECT EXTRACTION PROCESS

Extracting CBD from the hemp plant is a process that can’t be rushed and needs careful consideration. The quality of the end result relies heavily on the extraction process used, with some processes causing more risk of contamination than others. Some of the most common ways to extract CBD are: 

• Alcohol extraction
• CO2 extraction
• Oil extraction
• Butane extraction
• Rosin extraction

We always suggest avoiding oils that have been extracted using the butane and alcohol methods, as they have a higher risk of causing contamination. However, CO2 and oil extraction offer the best results and help to result in a clean and high quality CBD oil. 

HOW IS CBD OIL EXTRACTED FROM HEMP? 

Once the hemp plant has been carefully dried and treated, it can then move onto the extraction process. This is where we see some of the above extraction methods in action. 

Once it has been extracted, the oil is then tested for quality. You should always make sure that the CBD oil you are purchasing has a certificate of analysis, to show you that it is safe and of a high quality. 

In order to create the different CBD strengths, the oil is diluted with another consumable oil and then bottled up ready for customers to enjoy all the amazing benefits it offers. 

BREAKING DOWN THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

If you’ve been doing your research around the effectiveness of CBD oil, you may have come across something called the Entourage Effect. This is a theory that the benefits of CBD oil can be enhanced when accompanied by the rest of the hemp plant. There have been studies that show that because of hemp’s low THC levels, using the whole plant could provide an even more effective type of oil.

For now though, you can find the best dosage of CBD oil for you, by slowly increasing the strength of the oil you use, until you find a dose that works best with your symptoms. If you are new to CBD oil, this is the best method to help you get started and our Titration Pack is the perfect gift for those new to the world of CBD oil.