We have come to the last blog of our CBD series. Throughout the course of the month, we’ve discussed the myths about CBD. We’ve also covered the physical and mental benefits of this chemical powerhouse. To conclude this series, we want to dive into CBD formulation. This way you know what to look out for when buying CBD products.

A Few Extraction Methods

 There are a few different ways CBD is extruded from its parent plant. And while one isn’t necessarily “better” than the other, it’s always good to be informed.

Ethanol Extraction:

There are many forms of ethanol extraction. One method is scientific ethanol extraction utilizing lab equipment. A more primitive version of this would be to submerge the plant in large drums of ethanol. This method uses a harsh solvent. Some remnants of the ethanol remain – even after the cleaning process. It is the cheapest form of extraction, which is why this method is so popular.

Hydrocarbon Extraction:

During Hydrocarbon extraction, butane (a flammable hydrocarbon gas) is “blasted” through the hemp. Like an ethanol extraction, this method also uses a harsh solvent. This is a very delicate process. Extreme care must be used in order to make sure the plant isn’t destroyed in the process.

Isolate Extraction:

Once again, harsh solvents are used in this process. Isolate extraction is commonly used on hemp that has been exposed to mold or pesticides. During the process, the chemical bonds of the extracted CBD may change. Some have claimed that due to the high force nature of this process, the resulting CBD may not even be very effective.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Of any and all extraction methods, this one is your safest bet. Supercritical CO2 extraction is the only form of extraction with no harsh solvents. Liquid CO2’s pressure and the temperature is increased to reach a supercritical state. It is then able to pass through hemp like a gas. But it draws out the extract like a liquid!

This method is beneficial because there is no possibility of residue from the solvents. CO2 is “tune-able”. Meaning changes in temperature and pressure can affect what it extracts. This gives more control to the extractor.

How Do You Know You’re Getting a Good Product?

Being a consumer in today’s world is a little tricky. Marketing and advertising often use key and buzz words to draw consumers in. They also try to create a sense of calm and healing in their imagery. Here are some things to keep an eye out for.

USDA Certified Organic:

Currently, there is no USDA certification for hemp. However, some companies like to market their product as if it does. Because of this, the consumer can be tricked into thinking he or she is consuming something certified organic. Some companies will use a loophole. <95% of the product is USDA organic (like MCT Oil) then they can call the product organic.

99.9% Pure:

This is just code for someone that is using an isolate without actually using the word “isolate”. It’s more appealing and tends to imply better quality. But in reality, an isolate is just a CBD powder that has been processed using toxic solvents.

0.00% THC or THC Free:

This is similar to 99.9% pure. The only way CBD is 100% free from THC is to bring it to its isolate form. Some testing will show below trace THC after dilution. But the only way to extract all the THC is by using toxic solvents.

Before You Buy

If a company’s website or product bottle doesn’t explicitly state their extraction method, please be cautious in purchasing their product. Another red flag is if the company doesn’t explicitly state where their hemp is grown. This information should always be readily available. If a website doesn’t show the entire label, that means they are hiding something. Be wary of companies that don’t want to provide you with any information.

Nutritional Frontier: Frontier CBD Formulation

For those wanting to give CBD oil a try, I highly recommend Nutritional Frontier’s Frontier CBD. Supercritical Extraction is used for Frontier CBD. This process gently extracts the ingredient without applying excessive heat and/or chemical solvents.

CBD and Your Wellness Routine

I hope this month’s CBD journey was enlightening for you. The more research and studies we do on CBD, the more we realize how valuable this chemical compound. CBD can truly help with the mental symptoms of many diseases and disorders.

Contact us today to schedule an introductory chiropractic session. I would love to talk to you about CBD products and oils. Especially how they can help you live a more fulfilled and stress-free life. We can discuss your discomfort, symptoms, and needs as part of my initial chiropractic workup!

 

*Please note that Zock Chiropractic does not support the use of illegal marijuana or other drugs. As we stated, CBD is not psychoactive. And that hemp/CBD is legal in many states. This blog is for the purpose of holistic healing, health, and wellness.

* *This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.