What is CBD?

CBD oil can be made from either hemp or marijuana, both of which are Cannabis plants.  Cannabis contains a variety of different compounds called Cannabinoids, the most dominant and well known are CBD and THC.

Hemp-based CBD oils are the ones that you’ll see for sale online and in grocery stores and contains a very high concentration of CBD, and a very low concentration of THC (0.3% or less). Marijuana also contains CBD but is abundant in THC (15 % - 40%) and can give a ‘head-high’ which is why marijuana-based CBD oils are only available in legal cannabis dispensaries. 

First of all, neither of the types is better than the other. Every individual has different needs, and this determines which type of CBD is best-suited for their unique conditions.

Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains trace amounts (0.3 percent) of THC and other compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. The full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils extracted from the plant work together to magnify the therapeutic benefits of each individual cannabinoid. This is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect“.

In scientific terms, an isolate is the purest form of a compound, which is produced by singularly extracting that compound from its environment and isolating it from all other compounds.  CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD, which is produced by removing all other compounds found in the plant including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids.

When deciding between Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBD Oil made from Isolate the most important difference is THC content. Full Spectrum Oil may show up on a drug test and in most cases will have a strong natural odor and flavor. CBD Isolate is odorless and tasteless, which can be important when used daily. CBD Isolate is also perfect for individuals who were recommended to specifically take high doses of CBD or individuals with sensitivity to THC or other cannabinoids.

When looking at a CBD product it is important that it states the mg (milligram) on the label. This is an indication of how much CBD is in the full container. 

An example: 1500mg – 30ml bottle (1500mg = 50mg CBD per 1 ml)

It is common to see multiple options such as 500mg / 1500mg – both in 30ml (2oz) bottle

When using this product it is safe to assume that 1 drop of the 1500mg is equal to 3 drops of the 500mg

It is also possible to see 500mg / 1500mg – both in a 15ml (1oz) bottle (1500mg = 100mg CBD per 1 ml) - In this case we know that there is more CBD per ml.

The average dosage when using CBD is 20mg – 50mg.   

One drop is approximately 0.05 ml resulting in 20 drops per ml.

1500mg 30ml – 20 drops = 50mg  500mg 30ml – 60 drops = 50mg  

1500mg 15ml – 10 drops = 50mg  500mg 15ml – 30 drops = 50mg

Therefore, it is not always best to buy according to container size, but rather with a comparison of CBD content per product.

One of the biggest things separating high and low-quality CBD oil is the extraction method. Ensuring you know about the most common (and efficient) extraction methods can save you so much money — and trouble!

During our brand research we always look out for the extraction method that was used to make the CBD oil. This gives us the biggest indicator of the manufacturer’s quality and ethics. 

Listed below are some of the most common extraction methods that are currently being used (though pretty much all top brands use CO2 extraction):

CO2 extraction - By far the best method out there, this is an expensive but surefire way of producing pure, potent, safe CBD oil

Olive Oil extraction method - This is less technical than CO2 extraction and more of a DIY technique that can be done at home. It is a safe method, but it costs little and delivers lower yields

Dry Ice extraction - This is a popular method as it is easy, clean, and produces a decent yield. However, you are likely to only produce low-quality CBD oil

Solvent-based extraction - Potentially harmful and dangerous, this method uses harsh chemicals like hexane and butane (lighter fluid) to extract the CBD

Any reputable manufacturer will not only clearly state their production methods, but they will also display their lab testing results. Displaying test results is an incredibly important thing for any manufacturer, as it is usually a clear indication of a genuinely well-made product.

If you’ve ever felt worse after taking a CBD product, it could be due to the presence of some toxic ingredients in it. This, in turn, results from a poorly sourced hemp used to produce your CBD oil.

One of the most common mistakes CBD newbies make is not paying attention to where their hemp comes from. This is the most important information, as hemp is rather loosely regulated in most countries. Harmful chemicals can show up in the plant material and oil if grown in polluted soils. Lead, cadmium, and arsenic are all problematic heavy metals that can accumulate in the cannabis plant. This is particularly important given the fact that hemp farmers in certain countries use hazardous pesticides to cultivate their plants — often containing toxic compounds and heavy metal contaminants.

We always make sure that the company we’re buying CBD products from sources its hemp from North America or Western Europe (especially in Dutch and Scandinavian regions). The most common source for hemp in our experience is Colorado.   

It’s very important to avoid hemp grown in China and other areas of Asia, where the use of pesticides is widely practiced, and soils are notoriously contaminated with things like lead and arsenic.

If the company doesn’t list the hemp’s country of origin on their products, check its website for details. If you can’t find it there, you can contact the company yourself through their customer service.

It is not uncommon for a new user of CBD the expect to feel something and notice how the CBD is working. Our best advice is to not look for how it makes you feel, but rather to look for what feelings it takes away. We carry a lot of pain, stress and anxiety with us without knowing it and CBD can help relieve that. When using CBD, the result is calming for body, and focus for the mind.

As a daily supplement, CBD oil is second-to-none when it comes to improving one’s well-being. It’s also been proven by many studies to be able to treat many conditions that affect millions of patients across the world.

But then again, CBD is not a magic elixir and sometimes, you won’t always experience the benefits of CBD oil immediately. In some cases, it may take several weeks or even months for the CBD oil to regulate the chemical imbalance in our bodies.

Of course, CBD oil may calm your nerves and curb anxiety within a matter of minutes, but chronic conditions are a different pair of shoes.

Here’s what CBD oil can do:

• Relieve pain symptoms

• Reduce inflammation

• Help with mood swings

• Relieve anxiety

• Regulate immune function

• Reduce muscle cramping and tension

With all that said, you can’t expect CBD oil to cure cancer, defeat depression, and take away all your pain. You can, however, use CBD to support your treatment and bring your system back into balance.

While we’re not going to deny the importance of CBD oil’s potency, going for the highest strength right from the beginning is basically wrong.

If you’re new to CBD, your system will be very sensitive to its effects. In other words, you won’t need much CBD oil to feel relief unless the condition is serious.

On the other hand, if you’re suffering from chronic illnesses, your recommended dose may be higher than the average. But then again, it is advised to gradually work your way up to the point where CBD effectively reduces your symptoms, rather than rushing it from the first day.

As mentioned, CBD may need some time to bring the chemical balance back to your body, so starting at maximum doses leaves you with no room for adjustments, not to mention that you’re just flushing your hard-earned money down the drain.

Despite being considered non-toxic and safe for human consumption, CBD can produce a number of mild side effects that are dosage-dependent.

The Side Effects of Too Much CBD Include:

• Dryness in the mouth

• Dizziness

• Lower heart rate

• Diarrhea

• Insomnia

With all the information above we are sure that you have everything you need to make an informed decision when buying a CBD product, as well as the knowledge about how to use the products for optimal results.

If you have any questions about the products and how they are made, please check out the manufacturer's website or contact us and if needed we will get the information and get back to you as soon as possible!