CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that may help relieve pain and anxiety as well as sleep issues, although prior to using it it’s essential to seek medical advice first.
CBD oil is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, which also produces hemp and marijuana. Both species contain THC; however, hemp plants tend to contain much lower levels, making them the safer option for both consumers and manufacturers alike.
Legality
CBD has quickly become a widely utilized wellness ingredient, appearing in beverages to beauty products. While derived from cannabis, it does not contain intoxicating THC; moreover, CBD can also be combined with adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola to help build stress resilience and promote overall well-being.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation, making its use in CBD-related products legal in most states; however, local laws may limit how often this ingredient can be used.
Though CBD molecules from either marijuana or hemp contain identical molecules, the source of cannabis plant affects how much THC it contains and its legality. As such, some states have passed stricter regulations pertaining to hemp-derived CBD that could create obstacles for manufacturers and consumers.
Health benefits
CBD shows great promise as a therapy in treating several neurological conditions. CBD interacts with various CNS targets and has antiepileptic, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Furthermore, it can reduce inflammation response in gastrointestinal disorders while improving quality of life for those living with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Studies have proven CBD’s efficacy against seizure disorders, with FDA approval of an oral CBD pharmaceutical to treat two rare and severe epileptic conditions – Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes – with remarkable effectiveness; even improving autistic behaviors among children living with these diseases in some instances.
Studies have demonstrated that CBD can effectively ease chronic pain and lower anxiety, while helping control neuropathic pain associated with diabetes and fibromyalgia. Furthermore, it may reduce opiate cravings in addiction patients.
Extraction
Hemp-derived CBD is made by using a chemical process to isolate hemp and cannabis plant compounds. Once created, this CBD can be used in various products like tinctures and CBD gummies that include carrier oils for absorption as well as flavorful terpenes to add a unique touch. These products also may include vitamins and minerals.
Supercritical CO2 extraction is the go-to choice when it comes to cannabis extraction, using pressurized carbon dioxide gas to separate cannabinoids, waxes, and fats from plant materials. Furthermore, experts can control temperature and pressure during this process for improved product quality.
Ethanol extraction is another popular extraction technique. Here, the hemp plant is mixed with ethanol – a polar solvent. When heated, some of the ethanol evaporates off leaving behind cannabinoid oils.
Purification
CBD is the second-most abundant active component in cannabis and is widely recognized for its health-boosting benefits. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, THC, which causes intoxication, CBD does not induce it.
Many extraction methods exist for creating hemp-derived CBD. One such approach, the sCO2 extraction process has proven itself as being highly effective at producing high-grade extracts with minimal solvent residue – however this energy-intensive and not scalable process cannot meet demand on an industrial scale.
Ethanol-based hot reflux extraction (HRE) method offers another viable option. Using heated ethanol, this technique increases phenolic compounds’ solubilization capacity, thus increasing CBD extract yield [52]. Furthermore, hemp seed proteins contain abundant amounts of amino acids methionine and cysteine which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels in humans while serving as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids [53].
Formulation
Hemp-derived CBD can be found in many functional foods and beverages. These products commonly combine hemp extract with adaptogens such as ashwagandha and rhodiola for maximum stress reduction and increased resilience; in addition, hemp-derived CBD products offer healthier alternatives than conventional offerings like olive oil or nut oils.
Decarboxylation of raw cannabis plants is the cornerstone of hemp-derived CBD production. This process transforms CBDA to CBD. Decarboxylation may be achieved using heat, but supercritical CO2 extraction provides superior results for producing hemp-derived CBD products.
Chemical solvents are another popular method for extracting cannabinoids from hemp. FDA has recognized these substances as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), making them safe to be used in small batches for making tinctures or direct uses.
