How is CBD made?

Cannabidiol, better known by the acronym CBD, is a product from the cannabinoid family found in the composition of hemp. This natural substance concentrates most of cannabis's health benefits. CBD is available in various forms in dedicated retail outlets. In this dedicated article, you will learn how CBD is made?

The Specifics of CBD

CBD is a cannabinoid, just like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the two components of the hemp plant differ in that THC is a narcotic that can lead to cannabis addiction. This is not the case with CBD.

Cannabidiol has beneficial properties for health. Various scientific studies notably demonstrate several of its therapeutic benefits. Among the proven virtues of CBD, we can cite its effects:

• analgesic: CBD acts on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system to reduce the sensation of pain;
• anti-inflammatory: the CBD molecule inhibits the reactions of immune cells to external attacks to limit, or even avoid, the symptoms of inflammation;
• anti-stress and anxiety : cannabidiol may have the potential to stimulate the production of serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. These substances are responsible for well-being, relaxation, and sleep;
• antiemetic: CBD acts on the digestive system by fighting nausea and vomiting. The cannabinoid also soothes contractions in the small intestine. It regulates the general functioning of the digestive system;
• on the central nervous system: cannabidiol would also act by rebalancing the central nervous system to combat psychological disorders;
• neuroprotective: CBD may be effective in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Specific scientific research has also established CBD's potential to inhibit the growth of cancers and tumors. Observations and experiments conducted by specialists are continuing to reveal other properties of CBD.

The Different Forms of CBD Available on the Dedicated Market

CBD is sold in various forms in specialized stores. Each format is more suited to a specific use and allows you to benefit from particular virtues of cannabidiol. You can notably choose between:

CBD Oil

This form of CBD is the most common and the most practical for consumption. It is a natural vegetable oil enriched with CBD molecules. Some varieties of CBD oil contain, in addition, other components derived from the hemp plant. You can notably find CBD oils:

• Full Spectrum: containing all the components of hemp, namely: terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids including THC at a regulated level, below 0,3%;
• Broad Spectrum: composed of all the flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids present in the hemp composition but without any trace of THC;
• Isolate: this is a pure CBD oil consisting of a vegetable oil base and CBD molecules without other ingredients.

Choosing full or broad spectrum CBD oils allows you to benefit from the entourage effect. This natural mechanism is characterized by the optimization of CBD's effects thanks to the similar actions of the other hemp components. Furthermore, other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, as well as flavonoids and terpenes, also have their own virtues.

CBD oil also comes in various percentages ranging from 5% to 40%. This rate indicates the concentration of cannabidiol in the product.

CBD Infusions

CBD infusions are made from dry or fresh CBD hemp extracts (leaves, flowers, fruits), packaged in a sealed pack or sachet. Consumers must prepare their CBD herbal teas and teas before consuming them. As CBD is a fat-soluble product, CBD extracts must be infused in boiling water and fat (ideally butter and milk) for approximately 15 minutes. A CBD infusion takes about 2 hours to produce its effects on the body.

CBD Resin (hash, pollen)

Resin is the existing product form with the highest concentration of CBD. You can consume cannabidiol resin by ingestion, in infusions, by inhalation diluted in e-liquid, or by vaporization.

Everyday CBD Food Products

You can get CBD candies as well as everyday food products like honey, coffee capsules, food syrup, culinary oils, etc. These products are used like their classic versions, with the only difference being that they offer numerous benefits for the body.

CBD E-liquids

Cannabidiol e-liquids are used with an electronic cigarette like classic e-liquids. This product form allows vapers to enjoy the therapeutic virtues of CBD on a daily basis.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are capsules of CBD reduced to a very fine powder. This type of product is particularly easy to use. Indeed, dosing is simple. Just make sure of the weight of one capsule and swallow the required number of capsules according to the recommended CBD dose for the treatment.

CBD Cream

CBD-enriched cream is intended for topical use. This CBD format allows for targeted and effective treatment. Producers of CBD products also offer balms, gel, and other forms of products for topical use with cannabidiol.

CBD Cosmetics

CBD also has proven cosmetic virtues. The product derived from the hemp plant notably incorporates nourishing, moisturizing, fortifying, softening, and antioxidant actions. Cannabidiol cosmetic products are used in a basic way for your daily beauty care routine. In addition to their basic effects, the products allow you to benefit from the benefits of cannabidiol.

CBD Products for Animals

Our little 4-legged companions can also benefit from the virtues of CBD. Indeed, different types of CBD products are available from specialized retailers. You can notably buy oils, shampoos, and CBD balms for animals from dedicated stores. Attention! CBD products for dogs and cats must not contain any trace of THC.

CBD Cultivation Methods

CBD comes from the hemp plant, more specifically from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. The cultivation method of hemp plants significantly influences the quality of the CBD. We notably distinguish the following CBD cultivation methods:

Outdoor

Outdoor cultivation is the classic method of growing CBD hemp. CBD plants growing in the open air benefit from 100% natural contributions of light, temperature, and humidity. The nutrients naturally present in the soil help optimize the quality of the cannabidiol.

Outdoor CBD cultivation does not require significant financial investment. However, the crops are exposed to all the vagaries of the outdoors: climate changes, natural disasters, pests, invaders, etc. Thus, the producer who opts for this CBD cultivation method risks losing their entire harvest completely.

Indoor

Indoor cultivation requires the use of various, often expensive, equipment. The producer must notably invest in devices for:

• artificial lighting,
• ventilation,
• temperature control,
• regulating humidity levels, pH, and CO2 supply,
• etc.

Not to mention fertilizers and other necessities to create a favorable environment for the growth of hemp plants. Benefiting from the best growing conditions, the cannabis offers extracts and CBD of superior quality. Furthermore, the crops are protected from external hazards. As a result, the grower can achieve several higher quality harvests in a single year.

Greenhouse

CBD can be grown in a greenhouse. Greenhouse CBD cultivation combines all the advantages of Indoor and Outdoor cultivation. Indeed, CBD plants benefit from natural sunlight, humidity, and temperature conditions, guaranteeing superior quality. The various factors that influence the growth of hemp plants can be adjusted using specific equipment. This considerably improves yield. Moreover, the crops are effectively protected against external hazards.

Greenhouse cultivation also requires a fairly high financial investment.

CBD Extraction Methods

CBD is one of the main components of the hemp plant. CBD producers can use different extraction methods. The most used techniques are:

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Supercritical CO2 extraction involves subjecting the hemp plant to very high or very low temperatures to extract the CBD molecule. This technique preserves all the qualities of the cannabidiol. However, implementing this method requires a significant financial investment. Thus, CBD obtained by supercritical CO2 is sold at a considerable price on the dedicated market.

Extraction Using Food-Grade Vegetable Oil

Producers can also use food-grade vegetable oil to extract CBD from the hemp plant. The product obtained is of average quality. CBD obtained by extraction with food-grade vegetable oil is therefore available at an average price.

Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction requires the use of products containing components that can be harmful. Producers who use this CBD extraction method generally use alcohol. This product leaves chemical residues that alter the properties of the cannabidiol in the finished product. As much as possible, avoid CBD obtained by solvent extraction.

The cultivation method of the hemp plant and the CBD extraction method are generally mentioned in the descriptions or on product labels. Attesting to the quality of the cannabidiol, this information constitutes, in fact, convincing selling points. The absence of these indications may reflect the poor quality of the product.