CBD oil is made by extracting Cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp or cannabis plants. The extract is usually an oil that contains CBD and other cannabinoids, compounds, and terpenes.
To make full-spectrum CBD, the extract is refined so that harmful substances are eliminated, leaving behind all other essential oils, terpenes, and cannabinoids, including 0.3% THC.
However, what most people may not know is that when 100% pure CBD is isolated from the extract, it’s often in the form of a white powder. Pure CBD powder and other cannabinoids have low bioavailability and are poorly absorbed into the body.
That is why, when making CBD products, manufacturers have to infuse the pure CBD powder or the full-spectrum CBD into a top-grade essential carrier oil.
Cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, are highly lipophilic, meaning they have a high affinity for the lipids in the carrier oil. When paired with oil, cannabinoids are readily metabolized and absorbed into the body.
Top-quality carrier oils are just one of the crucial ingredients in your product. The manufacturers add beneficial ingredients to the oil to ensure the best and most effective outcome.
Let’s have a quick rundown of the CBD ingredients in your CBD tincture. We’ll also teach you how to read CBD lab reports so you’ll make the best choice for your needs.
The Four Crucial Ingredients In Your CBD Product
While on the market, the safest thing to do is read the CBD label so you’re sure of what’s in your product. Watch out for products with more than 0.3% THC as they may deliver intoxicating and psychoactive effects.
The color of CBD oil can help you distinguish an isolate (clear/colorless) from full-spectrum CBD (green/brown). However, the most accurate thing to do is read your product label to get a complete insight into the ingredients in your tinctures/edibles.
Below are the most popular ingredients in products from a certified CBD brand:
- Cannabichromene
Cannabichromene or CBC is a potent non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating cannabinoid that does not make you high. Clinical studies show that, like CBD and THC, CBC interacts with our body’s receptors to provide relief and soothing benefits. It has also been shown to work synergistically with other essential cannabinoids to provide an entourage effect.
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Tetrahydrocannabivarin, abbreviated a THCV is a close cousin of THC. As its name suggests, its molecular structure is quite similar to that of THC. Hence, THCV provides the same medicinal benefits as THC but without making you high. THCV also moderates other compounds and ensures none overpowers the other, hence providing you with a smooth, well-balanced Product.
- Cannabigerol
Though cannabigerol or CBG is found in small amounts in cannabis plants, it is nonetheless highly beneficial. It occurs in the Cannabis plants in the form of CBGA, which is a parent molecule to CBD, THC, and CBC. CBG is non-psychotropic, meaning it will not make you high or mess with your state of mind.
- Cannabinol
Cannabinol is commonly referred to as CBN. CBN is a non-intoxicating compound obtained by oxidizing THC. It can also occur naturally when THC ages. CBN oil does not deliver any intoxicating or psychoactive effects. It can naturally enter your CBD oil if it sits for some time or is oxidized by air. Please note that it does not harm or make your CBD unsafe.
Reading CBD Lab Results
It’s crucial that you understand how to read CBD third-party lab results. Why? Because it is the only way to know, the product is safe, potent, and contains what the manufacturer claims.
This process is simple as it involves going through the CBD analysis of your product to ensure it contains your most desired cannabinoids with zero traces of contaminants. Besides the ingredients discussed above, other safe compounds that may appear in the report include flavonoids, terpenes, THCA, CBDA, and of course, CBD.
You want to ensure that your product does NOT contain any traces of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals (exceeding the acceptable limits), growth hormones, harmful microbes, or fertilizers. The best CBD quality is entirely free of these potentially harmful contaminants.
Finally, if the report shows the presence of any glycols like propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), keep your distance. These are thinning agents that, when heated, can break down into microscopic polymers that can cause cancer and lung damage.
Please note that third-party CBD certification is not a requirement for brands to sell their products. Yet, legitimate brands committed to providing top quality and building trust with their consumers will avail it anyway.
Note: Experts advise that the best CBD spectrum is full-spectrum CBD oil. That is because it contains all the cannabinoids (including less than 0.03% THC), essential terpenes, and vital compounds to provide all the incredible benefits of the hemp plant.
