Breaking Down the Basics of CBD
Over the past few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has made quite a name for itself (finally). Very few really understand the basics of CBD, such as terminology, stages of extraction, and the different types. When you have a better comprehension of CBD, you can appreciate and feel confident about the products you consume or give to your furry friends.
— Cannabis Sativa v. Hemp v. Marijuana —
Both hemp and marijuana belong to the same species, Cannabis sativa L, and the two plants look very similar. Marijuana plants are given greater amounts of sunlight, air, water, and space so they can sprout more flowering tops aka buds. The Psychoactive elements are found within the buds. The hemp plant, however, has stronger fibers for manufacturing + more seeds. These seeds and fibers are primarily harvested from the stalks.
— Hemp Oil v. Hemp Seed Oil —
One of the most common mistakes in the CBD industry is confusing hemp oil and hemp seed oil. CBD is hemp oil and hemp oil is CBD. Hemp oil must legally contain less than .3% of THC (tetrahydrocannibol) content on a dry-weight basis which is the psychoactive element. Hemp seed oil contains no THC whatsoever and is extracted through cold-pressing from hemp seeds. The nutritional value of hemp seed oil as a carrier oil is its high content of three polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-lenolenic acid. The ratio of its omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid is 3:1 making it very beneficial for pets and humans.
— Extraction Steps —
PLANT BIOMASS > CRUDE > DISTILLATE
Biomass is the initial plant. Various solvents, like CO2 or ethanol, are used to extract the a dark, sticky substance called crude is produced. Distillation removes the solvents, wax, lipids, and undesirable plant matter leaving a more translucent distillate rich in terpenes, flavonoids, and other essential oils.
— Terpenes & Flavonoids —
Colors and flavors are abundant within distillates. Terpenes are responsible for the aromas and flavors of each unique plant strain; they can fill a room and are found in almost every flower, fruit, and herb. Common terpenes include Myrcene, Linool, humulene, Alpha-pinene, and limonene.
The flavonoids are responsible for the colors unique to the plant from which they were extracted. Cannabis-specific flavonoids are also knows as cannaflavins. Rich in antioxidants, cannaflavins protect the body from toxins. Common Cannaflavins include Cannaflavin A, Cannaflavin B, Cannaflavin C, Kaempferol, Quercertin, Orientin, and Sylmarin.
— Full-Spectrum v. Broad-Spectrum v. Isolate —
Last but not least, let’s compare the three types of CBD or hemp oil.
Full-Spectrum CBD, the product of the first pass of distillation, contains traces of THC and all of the phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the crude oil.
Broad-Spectrum CBD or Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil, which is what we use in our Whiskerly products, does not contain any traces of THC and multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are preserved so it can deliver many of the same benefits as the full-spectrum profile.
CBD Isolate is the most isolated form of CBD available. Isolate comes in the form of a powder, and all of the plant compounds are removed except CBD.
