CBD

Comparing Natural Products: Kratom & CBD Explained

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Natural substances derived from plant materials are all the rage these days, and that’s for a good reason. Many chemical compounds found in plants have potent effects on the body, and those effects can be safe and easy to bring about this way.

Two of the most commonly seen plant-derived products are Kratom and CBD products. Each of these offers an impressive array of potential effects, and there is a lot of research being done to see what people might use them for.

Are you curious about these natural remedies and how they might benefit you? Learn more about each of them today!

Understanding CBD: An In-Depth Look

Let’s start by talking about CBD.

CBD quickly became a mainstream substance over the last few years. As medical marijuana and CBD products became legalized in many areas of the country, seeing CBD products became more normal for people everywhere. But what exactly is CBD, and why is it so widely accepted?

What Is CBD Derived From?

Cannabis is a plant more commonly known as marijuana and hemp (both types of cannabis plants, distinguished primarily by the percentage of THC – hemp contains trace amounts, while marijuana can contain high percentages). The most commonly known properties of cannabis are the results of the cannabinoids, like THC, found in the plant matter.

CBD is another one of those cannabinoids. Extracted from the plant itself, CBD is a cannabinoid that has been extensively researched for its positive effects on the human body’s physical and mental conditions.

Studies show that CBD oil and other CBD products may have many benefits. Cannabinoids can be very powerful, and CBD is a great example of that. These uses are well-supported by science, but there’s still a lot to learn about CBD and how it can benefit us.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD has specific reactions in the body because of the way that it is shaped.

Like all cannabinoids, CBD is a specific chemical compound with a particular shape. When it enters the body, CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds with specific receptors and sets into motion a chain reaction within the body. That reaction eventually causes the effects that CBD is known to have. 

While other cannabinoids found in cannabis can make you high, CBD does not have any intoxicating effects. The primary cannabinoid found in marijuana is THC; THC binds with CB1 receptors to cause intoxicating effects. CBD actually prevents THC from binding with CB1 as effectively and can taper off the effects of THC in some strains of cannabis.

Is CBD Legal?

Safety rules and regulations about CBD vary from state to state, but most states have made it legal and protected to use CBD products. This is thanks to the impressive amount of research showing the CBD is a non-psychoactive botanical that has proven positive effects.

As with any product, however, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have any health concerns about using it. Additionally, be sure to source your CBD products from a reliable and reputable vendor to reduce any potential risk.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

Understanding Kratom: Beyond The Basics

Kratom’s popularity snowballed in the last five years as well, but that popularity is nothing in comparison to CBD’s growing mainstream appeal. Still, there are many exciting things about Kratom getting noticed. We can expect Kratom to continue becoming a more common feature in botanical products.

What Is Kratom?

Mitragyna speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a tropical tree that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asian or South Pacific areas. Kratom trees grow in large forests in regions where the tropical climate combines with fertile soil for the perfect growing environment. There, these trees soar to great heights, and their leaves are harvested to create great Kratom products.

Kratom leaves are harvested and processed into Kratom products such as Kratom powder and Kratom. A wide variety of strains can be created by altering the harvesting, drying, or processing method. Enthusiasts worldwide have found Kratom to be a hugely beneficial substance that improves their lifestyle.

How Does Kratom Work?

Many plants in the world contain chemical compounds known as alkaloids. Alkaloids have varying effects on the body. It just so happens that the effects caused by mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both found in Kratom leaves, may have great benefits. 

When these compounds enter the body, they bind and react with various receptors in the body. There is no specific set of receptors that they work with; each alkaloid has its own priority system. Caffeine, for example, is an alkaloid that stimulates the body.

Kratom’s alkaloids need to be studied in more detail to understand better what effects they have. Still, early studies suggest very promising results.

Is Kratom Legal?

At this time, Kratom is neither fully legal nor illegal. In fact, Kratom’ status is dependent on what state and locale you are in. 

While the FDA continues to ignore studies that suggest Kratom could be beneficial, states around the country have taken a different approach.

Many states have passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act at the urging of the American Kratom Association and other advocates. These laws set up standards that vendors must follow and ensure consumers can legally buy and consume Kratom. We are working hard to help get this bill passed in our home state of Oregon.

Find It All At Phytoextractum

Whether you’ve found that CBD suits your needs or you are curious about Kratom powders, we carry it all here at Phytoextractum!

From CBD oils and blends to Kratom powders and capsules, you can check out a variety of safe, tested products. We pride ourselves on having a wide array of options for the enthusiast while ensuring that our customers can be safe.

It’s essential to ensure that the vendors you support are doing their part to ensure their products are safe. By having regular third-party testing and putting energy into advocacy as well, we do what we can to create a safe environment for everyone involved.

How Does the Body Absorb CBD?

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Cannabidiol -or CBD as it’s more commonly known- is a major industry booming into the forefront of our collective consciousness. Products such as tinctures and CBD gummies are growing in popularity and the success stories keep streaming in. From its relaxation-inducing effects to its anti-inflammatory properties, people report a host of potential benefits. However, all of these possible benefits are still being studied.

But with all this excitement around this burgeoning industry, some might stop to wonder, how does CBD absorb into the body and what’s most effective? It’s a fair line of questioning. We want to know how the products we take in and apply to our skin affect our bodies and how. 

How Does CBD Absorb in the Body

Depending on how you use CBD, the absorption process will vary. There are four typical methods of use: ingestion, topical application, inhalation, and sublingual. 

Ingestion 

A lot of people trying out CBD for the first time will reach for this method. Some ingestible products include tincture oils, capsules, and even beverages. These are all highly celebrated favorites in the hemp industry.

When CBD is ingested, it is absorbed by the digestive system and metabolized by the liver. From there it will enter the bloodstream to work its magic through the body. But due to the “first-pass effect”, a lot of the ingested CBD is broken down by the digestive enzymes before it has a chance to metabolize in the liver. 

Despite the loss of some of its potency in the digestive process, ingestible products can still be an effective, easy method to enjoy CBD. Remember, it’s important to choose the right dosage for you to assure you’re reaching the full potential benefits of what CBD has to offer. 

If you’re curious about ingestible CBD, try GRON CBD Milk Chocolate Bar 100mg! 

Topical Application

Those with skin issues or sore muscles might reach for a CBD salve, lotion, or ointment. Though human skin has a low permeability rate, cannabidiol can reach receptors under the skin through the pores when applied liberally. 

Our skin naturally blocks most substances from entering the dermis. CBD works by reaching receptors in the epidermis near the application site. Topical CBD products have been observed to improve elasticity, hydration, and a transepidermal water loss in users with and without skin conditions. Many report relief from soreness or inflammation near the application site as well. 

Support healthy skin and find dermal relief with products such as the Bridgetown Botanicals Hemp Extract Topical Creme 500 MG.

Inhalation or Vaping 

Vaping is another popular method to take advantage of the benefits of CBD. This is one of the quickest and most effective vehicles for delivering the compound into the bloodstream. That means the effects can set in at a more rapid pace. 

Vaporized CBD is absorbed through tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It is then diffused directly into the user’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. Since inhaled CBD avoids the digestive system, less of it is broken down before the molecules can make their way to the bloodstream. 

Without a pre-measured tincture or tablet, vaping allows the user to determine how much CBD they want to take in more intentionally. 

Usually, CBD products you can inhale are presented as a cartridge or portable vaporizer pen with a combination of CBD and other types of oil.

Try out the Ambary Gardens CBD Cartridge 250 MG to see if this method is a good fit for you.

Sublingual Method 

To avoid the “first-pass effect” altogether, a CBD user can opt to try the sublingual method. This can be done by holding CBD oil or concentrate under the tongue for roughly 60-90 seconds. The mucus membranes in the mouth can then absorb the active ingredients and speed up the absorption process. 

This is another method that offers quick delivery of CBD to the user so they can take advantage of the benefits more efficiently. Similarly to the inhalation route, the compounds can pass directly into the bloodstream and into our natural endocannabinoid system without breaking down as much. 

A great product to try if you’re curious about the sublingual method is the Bridgetown Botanicals Full Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil 250mg!

Which Method is Better?

Each CBD user is after a different goal when they set out to seek the potential of hemp plants. Every product has something a little different to offer:

If you’re after quick results, reach for a vaporizer or sublingual product. 

Those with a desire to start a regular regiment might consider the ease of ingestible CBD. 

And for centralized use for muscles and skin, topicals will be the way to go. For a great additive benefit, purchase a massage table and have your therapist use a CBD lotion or cream during your massage. You may see enhanced outcomes in relaxation and relief from muscle soreness.    

Evaluate what you’re looking for in a CBD product and decide what is best for you and your unique situation. Whatever route you choose, introducing CBD into your arsenal of daily products could be a great step toward finding your homeostasis.

Buy Kratom online at Phytoextractum

What’s The Difference: CBD Isolate And Full-Spectrum Extracts

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The world of CBD products can be both an exciting and overwhelming place. While it is fantastic that there are so many different CBD products available, that also means that there is so much more to look at and learn!

The variety can cause confusion, and we completely understand that. It gets even harder when there are many products with similar names as it becomes difficult to know what one offers that another does not.

We’d like to take some time today to explain the difference between CBD isolate products and full-spectrum products. We often get asked about these substances, so we know that it is a confusion point for many. Let’s get started!

First, Meet CBD:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details about what separates isolate products from full-spectrum products, let’s touch on what CBD is and what it is most frequently used for.

Cannabis, whose varieties include both marijuana and hemp, is known for having many different types of effects. The effects of cannabis are caused by cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis, and CBD is one of those compounds!

How Do Cannabinoids Work?

Every body has an endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of receptors, and those receptors can bind with cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a specific type of chemical compound. Cannabis contains more than 100 different kinds of these substances, along with other compounds called terpenes and flavonoids that give cannabis its distinctive taste and smell.

When a cannabinoid binds with a receptor, a specific effect will begin to happen in the body. The effects can be in the blood, nervous, digestive, or really any other system! The effect depends on where the cannabinoid came from, where it binds, and how well it binds. Based on these attributes, different effects will happen.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids. Cannabidiol, or CBD, in particular, has become very popular because it does not cause any psychoactive effects. This means that you don’t get high when you use CBD products, but you can still feel other effects. CBD products have been on a fast-track to full legalization in the United States.

CBD is available in a lot of different products, but the products are often marketed as either full (or broad-)-spectrum or isolate. So what’s the difference?

All About CBD Isolate

CBD oil marketed as a CBD isolate is a form of pure CBD. Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids, but CBD isolate products contain the cannabinoid CBD and nothing else. The extraction is very pure as the other components are removed through a complex process, usually involving CO2 or other solvents.

Since CBD has been widely researched (compared to other components of cannabis) and there are many studies supporting the effects that it has on the body, CBD isolates have been a very popular choice for medicinal use. In fact, the FDA recently approved a CBD-isolate pharmaceutical called Epidiolex.

As there are no other cannabinoids in isolate products, the results and effects are more predictable. Many even believe that this is the safest and smartest way to use CBD.

Understanding The Power of Full-Spectrum CBD Extract

The other type of CBD oil that you might hear about from time to time is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extract. Sometimes, this extract is abbreviated as FSO. In FSO, there are more cannabinoids in the final product than just CBD because it has not been as extracted as isolated CBD oil.

In broad-spectrum oil, there are more active plant and chemical compounds than just CBD itself. Cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBDa, CBCVA and more might all be in a full-spectrum oil in varying amounts depending on the precise product composition. Additionally, broad spectrum products contain terpenes and flavonoids extracted from the plant along with cannabinoids.

When all of these different cannabinoids work together, some users find that the effects are more powerful or effective for their needs. This is often referred to as the “entourage effect” because the combination of numerous cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids create specific unique effects.

Full-spectrum extract users sometimes mention that they get a bigger boost from it, or that they can notice its effects more.

The Risk of THC

Because THC is the cannabinoid that causes users to feel “high”, compliant CBD products cannot contain high amounts of THC. While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

While each state has different rules about THC levels, depending on their cannabis laws, CBD is currently legal for interstate commerce only when it is extracted from hemp, not marijuana. There is a legal limit of .3% THC for all hemp-derived CBD products.

Most CBD products are low-THC even when they contain the cannabinoid, however, because hemp is a low-THC plant. If your vendor is reputable, they will be able to provide certificates of analysis that clearly indicate THC concentrations, so you don’t have to worry about ingesting something you don’t want to.

Which CBD Product Is Right For You?

Ultimately, the decision about which of these two products is right for you is going to be up to you, but we can help you make that choice if you want!

It was thought for many years that CBD isolate was the superior product because it was cleaner and more straightforward. In more recent years as more research has come in, it has become clear that full spectrum products have their own benefits. 

It’s now believed that in many cases broad-spectrum products may have more powerful effects because the cannabinoids balance and boost each other in positive ways. The interactions between different chemicals and their receptors lead to special effects that you might not see with a CBD isolate. 

We believe that both products have their place. If you’ve never tried any full-spectrum products, however, we do think that it is time for you to see what time of synergy you can discover when you use a product containing a range of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Still, many people prefer to use CBD isolate because they trust the studies done by pharmaceutical companies or they worry about the presence of other compounds. If you would prefer to stick to something that is tried-and-true, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using CBD isolate!

How CBD Can Be Taken: 4 Different Delivery Methods

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CBD is a hot product, and we’re thrilled to see how much it is changing people’s lives around the world. As it grows in popularity, however, we’ve noticed that users and non-users both are often confused about how it should be taken.

In fact, many do not realize how many different CBD-based products there are or how many different ways CBD can be consumed! There might even be some options out there that might work better for you than how you are using CBD now.

Today, we’re going to break down the top four CBD consumption methods so that everyone reading can have a complete understanding of their options, the pros, and the cons. Let’s get started!

Method #1: Orally

The first way that CBD can be taken, and one of the most common consumption methods, is to take it by mouth. Taking CBD orally is very popular, so there are a lot of different products out there to allow for it.

Directly consuming CBD can be one of the least-effective absorption rates if it is not done properly. Why is that?

Oral Absorption Rate

CBD is full of molecules that can easily dissolve in fats, but they don’t dissolve in water very well. Due to how digestion works, this means that taking CBD directly has a low absorption rate. This can be slightly improved by mixing CBD into a carrier:

  • • Gummies
  • • Oils
  • • Edible food items
  • • Capsules with oil in them

The oil helps the CBD make it into the body more effectively, raising the absorption rate to between 6% and 20%. The final absorption amount will depend on how much your body takes away from the product during digestion and filtration.

Timing & More

When using CBD orally, it takes up to 2 hours to feel the effects. This is because the CBD must travel through the metabolic process before hitting the bloodstream and then being absorbed by the body.

Once the effects start, however, they tend to last much longer than other consumption methods. For this reason, many people prefer to use CBD orally as they are looking for long-term relief.

Method #2: Sublingually

Another way that CBD can be consumed is by putting it under the tongue. This delivery method, also known as taking CBD sublingually, isn’t as popular as oral consumption. 

How Is CBD Taken Sublingually?

One common way of extract CBD is to mix it into an alcohol-based extraction known as a tincture. Tinctures are very strong in their concentration, so you only need to take a few drops at a time for it to be effective. The user simply places a few drops under their tongue, and then the CBD will begin to enter the bloodstream.

Is Sublingual Consumption Effective?

When CBD is taken this way, it doesn’t need to make its way through the bloodstream. Instead, it is directly absorbed. Similar to tinctures, CBD sprays can also be sprayed straight into the mouth and be absorbed quickly.

CBD taken sublingually absorbs into the body much more effectively than taking it orally because it does not need to go through the metabolic system. This means that it encounters no enzymes the liver that would usually breakdown the CBD. 

As such, the bioavailability or absorption rate of CBD taken sublingually is usually between 12% and 35%.

Timing and More

CBD taken under the tongue works immediately as it enters the bloodstream right away. However, some of it is usually swallowed as well, so you will also have more longterm effects after the CBD makes its way through the metabolic system.

Method #3: Inhalation

Have you ever heard of vaping?

Using a vaporizing stick, also known as a vape, to use CBD is becoming very common. All that you need to do is load in a CBD cartridge. These cartridges are available in many different CBD oil percentages, so you can customize the concentration or type of cannabis strain that you want to use.

How Does Vaping Work?

A vape pen heats up the CBD oil without releasing any smoke in a way that vaporizes the oil. The absorption rate of vaping, on average, is around 33%. Still, the absorption rates can reach as high as 56% depending on the cartridge used.

Timing and More

CBD reaches the bloodstream incredibly quickly whenever using a vape. This is because the CBD comes through the respiratory system rather than the metabolic system. The respiratory system is full of very small, thin veins. As such, the absorption efficiency is incredibly high, and the CBD molecules can get into the bloodstream almost immediately.

As mentioned above, this is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD oil. The effects are immediate when used that way. The effect in the end, however, is determined by the strength of CBD cartridge used with the vape pen.

Method #4: Topically

CBD can also have beneficial effects when it is applied to the skin and allowed to absorb, but there are a few things that you should know about using it this way. Primarily, you should remember that the CBD won’t be reaching your metabolic system or bloodstream, so the effect will be quite different.

How Do Topical Products Work?

When topical CBD products are applied to the skin, they spread over the skin, and the CBD will eventually move through some of the skin’s layers. Then, it can bind and interact with cannabinoid system receptors located in the skin.

The CBD itself never gets into the bloodstream when this method is used. All positive effects are caused by the interceptors in the skin, not by more common methods of blood absorption. This typically means that the CBD concentration in all topical products needs to be very high for them to bring effective relief to the user.

Another popular CBD topical product is a transdermal patch. These patches deliver a specific amount of CBD to the body over time. Due to added chemicals that allow CBD molecules to make it into the bloodstream, when delivered via a patch, the CBD will have a higher absorption rate.

Terpenes and Flavonoids: How These Chemicals Affect Cannabis

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Common knowledge about cannabis, CBD, and related products has been rapidly improving over the last few years, but there is still a lot to be learned. It’s awesome to see that there are so many great resources full of information for those that want to learn, and we’re excited to be able to provide that kind of content, too.

Though some people haven’t heard of the word cannabinoid, they have heard of THC and CBD. These are the two most well-known cannabinoids, so there is some level of familiarity with these substances.

Flavonoids and terpenes, on the other hand, remain largely overlooked despite the huge number of these compounds found in cannabis plants! Why is it that these compounds aren’t as talked about? Let’s take some time to understand what they are, and why you should care!

The Basic Differences Between These Compounds

Many familiar with CBD, THC, and other cannabis products don’t know much about these components and how they affect what you experience.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds (such as the well-known CBD and THC) that interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. When the cannabinoid binds with a receptor, it causes a specific reaction in the body.

Flavonoids are nutrients. These nutrients give cannabis plants (and lots of other living things!) their color. There are more than 20 different flavonoids that have been found in cannabis plants, and more research still needs to be done to understand their use. 

Terpenes are aromatic metabolites. They are aromatic compounds that can be found in the oils of all plants. When you smell a basil plant and can recognize what it is based on the smell, that is because of the terpenes! Terpenes help to create the flavor of plants and plant-based products as well.

There are more than 20,000 different terpenes in the world. Cannabis plant strains have more than 100 identified terpenes; most plants contain at least 50 different terpenes.

The Variations of Products

One of the reasons that we find it important to learn about these different parts of cannabis and what can be extracted from the plant is because every strain has different amounts of these items. That is why there are cannabis plants with different levels of all of these things. 

Depending on the way that the plant was grown, handled, and processed, the final amount of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids will be different. From there, the balance between the three might be further adjusted while creating any cannabis-based products.

When you choose a product, there is nearly always going to be more to its history than just what its name is! By gaining a better understanding of what can be extracted from the plants, you can also better understand any products that you are using.

All About Flavonoids

As mentioned, flavonoids are nutrients that create color in plants. They can create any color depending on what they are, and cannabis plants contain more than 20 flavonoids on average. Despite how their name sounds like the word “flavor,” these nutrients have no known effect on taste.

Dark purple cannabis strains may be colored by anthoxanthins or anthocyanins. Plants like berries also get their color from anthocyanins, and the specific color will depend on the pH of the plant’s growing environment.

Effects

There are cannaflavins that are found only in cannabis that have also been shown to have pharmacological effects. These flavonoids may have an effect on how things like CBD and THC are formed or function, but more research is still needed to figure this out.

We already know that one flavonoid, quercetin, that can be found in vegetables has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. Catechins, found in cocoa and tea, may support the cardiovascular system.

We still aren’t sure exactly what many of the flavonoids in cannabis do, but we are excited to find out!

All About Terpenes

As mentioned, terpenes help to create the aroma and flavored experienced when perceiving a plant or plant-based product.

You might already be familiar with the effects of some terpenes:

  • • Humulene: Earthy. Found in basil and cloves. Suppresses appetites.
  • • Myrcene: Fruity. Found in basil and lemongrass. In some strains, up to 50% of cannabis’ terpene content is myrcene. Anti-inflammatory.
  • • Terpinolene: Smokey. Found in sage and rosemary. Reduces anxiety.
  • • Linalool: Floral. Found in spices and flowers like lavender. Anti-inflammatory.

While it’s often the most abundant, myrcene isn’t the only terpene found in cannabis. There’s even a terpene that boosts anti-acne effects in cannabis-based skincare products.

Highs and Lows of Terpenes

One of the most interesting ways that terpenes may have a huge effect on the future of cannabis-based products and medicinal usage is because of their ability to bring out the benefits of other chemicals in the product.

There are terpenes which lower the effects of THC, a psychoactive component. This means that a strain with very high concentrations of both CBD and THC could be blended with the terpene in such a way that the powerful potency of the CBD could be harnessed without too much THC causing problems for the user.

There is still much research to be done about possibilities like this in the CBD world, and it will be very exciting to see what is discovered

Full Spectrum Benefits

As you can see, there are a lot of potential benefits that things like flavonoids and terpenes bring to the table when looking at a cannabis plant. That is why some people prefer to use full-spectrum products as they contain higher amounts of all three important items:

  • • Cannabinoids
  • • Flavonoids
  • • Terpenes

If you’re interested in seeing the effects for yourself, trying a full-spectrum product might be a good idea.

Complementary Chemicals

While it’s true that flavonoids and terpenes don’t have as much impact in the world as CBD does right now, that doesn’t mean that these chemical substances don’t have some power. And that power is worth learning about!

As you learn more about the specific components that make up cannabis plants, you can learn more about the possibilities that may be further developed in the future. CBD oil is the most well-known chemical product right now, but other complementary chemicals may get similar products in the future!

How These Carrier Oils Work With CBD

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While most people pay attention to the CBD extract and content when they are considering different CBD oils, they might not realize that they should be paying attention to the carrier oils, too!

Carrier oils are used in many products as a way to suspend the cannabinoid, CBD. Without a carrier oil, it wouldn’t be as straightforward to create easy-to-use CBD products. The carrier oils help to preserve and dilute the CBD in a way that makes it easy to take.

There are a number of different carrier oils that can be used in CBD products, and they each have their own body-boosting benefits. By knowing what carrier oil is being used in your products, you can double down on what type of benefits you see from the oils. Let’s take a closer look!

The Basics of CBD Oil

CBD oil is an extraction made from a cannabis plant. CBD itself is what is known as a cannabinoid. This is a specific chemical substance that can be found in the cannabis plant; there are hundreds of different cannabinoids in various types of cannabis plants.

When CBD is used in or on the body, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system works much like a nervous system. Whenever the cannabinoid binds with receptors in the body, specific reactions occur. This is why different cannabinoids have such different effects.

THC, for example, is the main cannabinoid found in marijuana, and it is what makes people have a psychoactive high. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause this type of reaction.

Why Do People Take CBD?

CBD is used by lots of different types of people. There isn’t one category of person that uses CBD, and that’s because there are so many different ways that the cannabinoid can interact with your body and create a positive change.

CBD oil supplements have a wide variety of reported effects, which you can easily find with an internet search.

There is scientific research being done about numerous potential benefits and effects of CBD, and we expect to see more and more specialized treatments made from these phytochemicals as we move forward. Remember, though, the FDA does not officially state that CBD oil can treat these symptoms, despite anecdotal and scientific evidence.

Carrier Oils: Why Are They Needed?

Carrier oils are almost always needed when creating a CBD oil product. While CBD is extracted from the plant itself, the oil needs to be suspended and diluted in another carrier oil to be truly effective.

In particular, the carrier oil can help to improve the absorption rate of CBD by the body. It can even affect how potent the CBD is. Bodies process and digest different types of oils in different ways, so it is important to have a well-chosen carrier oil.

Not all CBD oil products have a carrier oil, but the way that you use CBD may require it. If you use oral CBD, you will most likely need a carrier oil.

Common Carrier Oils & Their Benefits

Carrier oils are more than just a diluter and carrier; they have their own benefits as well! By choosing a specific carrier oil that suits your needs, you can improve the function of your CBD products even more than just have straight CBD.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular carrier oils and what types of benefits they may have.

MCT Oil

This is the most common carrier oil in CBD products. MCT — medium-chain triglyceride — oil is an easily digestible oil. MCT oil is used in many types of supplements because of how efficiently it can be processed by the body.

Additionally, MCT oil can carry a large amount of CBD because of its fatty chain structure. This leads to more concentrated serving sizes and better absorption rates.

MCT oil is extracted from many types of products:

  • • Coconut oil
  • • Palm products
  • • Dairy products
  • • Acids

MCT oil found in supplemental products like CBD oil is likely to come from a coconut oil. Some products may contain MCT derived from a combination of sources, but coconut oil is most common. Most Bridgetown Botanicals products contain MCT oil or a combination of MCT and hemp seed oils.

Hemp Seed Oil

Another type of oil used as a carrier oil is hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is not the same as CBD oil even though they are derived and harvested from the same type of plants. Hemp seed oil is extracted from seeds, while CBD oil is extracted from the actual plant matter.

Hemp seeds contain more than 30% oil, so making a carrier oil from them is a very efficient process. The resulting oil is packed with healthy fatty acids, vitamin E, and other amino acids as well. The oil does not contain any CBD.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil, extracted from grape seeds, is another common carrier oil in CBD oil products. This oil has a lot of polyunsaturated fats. Unfortunately, grapeseed oil doesn’t have as many fat bonds, which means that it is a less efficient carrier oil. Still, it is often used in CBD skincare products because it doesn’t contain many skin irritants or much grease.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is often found in CBD tinctures because of its flavor, but isn’t used in many other products because you would taste it too much. Olive oil has lots of antioxidants that can fight infections, but it isn’t as easily digestible as other options because it is composed of very large fat molecules. This could lower the absorption rate of some CBD products. (You can even purchase CBD infused olive oil to add to your favorite salad!)

Look Beyond The CBD

Of course, you’re going to be paying attention to CBD when you are choosing your CBD oil products, but remember that it isn’t the only thing that you should pay attention to. Many products use a carrier oil, and you want to be sure that you choose on that makes sense for you.

Choose a carrier oil that complements your needs. Working on a sore back? Choose something that helps with inflammation. Feeling stressed? Choose an oil with brain-boosting amino acids. By choosing the right carrier oil, you can change the way that the CBD works with you overall.