The modern marijuana era is a far cry from the old days when you had to walk down a rather seedy alleyway to get your hands on some weed. No, now we’re in the new age, where walking into a dispensary gives you just about as many options as a supermarket. For some of us it’s really exciting to be presented with so many different cannabis options. For others, it’s kind of terrifying.
The same is true even when we’re talking strictly about CBD. When CBD first became an endeavour in the cannabis industry, it was available predominantly as an oil. But as more and more people jumped on board, the CBD market expanded into a myriad of different products. Now, shelves are full of CBD oils, CBD tinctures, CBD salves, CBD lotions, waxes and CBD isolates. Choosing can be tough sometimes, but each product has its purpose and pace. So let’s have a look at them, what they are, and when it’s suitable to use different kinds of products.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis. The old school marijuana community is much more accustomed to hearing about THC. However, unlike THC, CBD does not get a person high. A lot of time and money has been invested into researching CBD and its medicinal benefits especially for the fact that it is not psychoactive. CBD offers people the opportunity to use cannabis for its remedial effects without the necessity of the stoned effect.
When it comes to extraction, there are a number of methods used. For the most part, however, CO2 extraction is the method of choice. This method uses carbon dioxide as the solvent. It dissolves cannabinoids well and can be removed entirely from the final product. The result is a pure extraction of CBD that can then be infused into an oil, lotion, salve or tincture.
Sometimes CBD is extracted into a tincture. This usually uses a food-grade proof alcohol to dissolve the cannabinoids. The final solution is usually consumed as it is. This is why CO2 extraction is preferred, as a number of different products can be made from the product of carbon dioxide extraction.
CBD Oil
Oil is the first and most popular form of CBD. It is usually taken sublingually or is dropped into food or smoothies for oral consumption. When it is taken sublingually, it is fast acting and the dropper bottle makes it easy enough to administer the correct dosage.
CBD oil can be used by anyone for just about any complaint. For some people, it is just used as a nutritional supplement for overall well being. The only thing that deters some people from using the oil is the taste. Most people are OK with the taste of cannabis, but those who have an aversion to the taste often choose other ways to use CBD.
Sometimes the oil is put into a capsule so that it can be swallowed. This functions more like a CBD edible than a sublingual oil, but it also solves the problem of taste for those who don’t like it.
CBD Wax
CBD wax is a lesser known form of CBD. It looks a lot like the wax or shatter that is high in THC and used for dabbing, but contains virtually no THC. This form of CBD is also most often used for dabbing and looks like a resinous, buttery material.
Those who choose to dab CBD do so because it provides an instant and strong hit. This is ideal for those who suffer from chronic pain and need instant relief. It takes effect almost immediately and is one of the purest, strongest hits of CBD available on the market.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is a relatively new product on the market. It is pure CBD. There is no solvent, almost no other botanical material and definitely no other cannabinoids. Sometimes CBD isolate is used to create other CBD products, such as oils, tinctures and edibles. It is easily dissolvable and very, vey versatile.
A consumer might buy CBD isolate to make their own products at home or simply to eat or consume. It can also provide a very strong and effective hit of CBD if taken sublingually. CBD isolate is usually expensive because it is pure. It makes dosing pretty easy, because in 1 gram of CBD isolate there is exactly 1 gram of CBD. It simply needs to be weighed out into doses to be consumed.
CBD tincture
There are many CBD tinctures available in dispensaries. Cannabinoids are extracted into alcohol which can then be taken sublingually. Again, the taste is nothing to rave about. Cannabis mixed with a full proof alcohol isn’t the most delicious thing in the world. However, it is absorbed easily and quickly into the system.
When it comes to using CBD tincture, it’s almost the same as using a CBD oil. It just boils down to the preference of the consumer whether they prefer the alcohol or oil extraction.
CBD salves and lotions
For more localized relief, salves and lotions are the way to go. They contain varying levels of CBD, depending on what is required by the person. When CBD is applied topically, it provides instant pain relief and an anti-inflammatory effect directly on the site that requires it. There’s no need for CBD to bypass the digestive system when it is used topically.
Salves are usually used by those who have skin conditions or those who experience muscle soreness, such as athletes. Relief is quick and localized and certain salves contain other herbs or mineral salts which encourage the quick recovery of strained muscles.
CBD Edibles
Of course, there is always the possibility of CBD edibles! Edibles are usually made by combining a CBD extract into whichever edible is being produced. For example, in the case of brownies, CBD oil can be mixed into the brownie mix and cooked, and it can then be consumed.
CBD edibles are suitable for those who really can’t stand the taste of oils and tinctures. They want relief and want to consume it, but the flavour of weed needs to be covered up essentially. Edibles are also suitable for those who have gastrointestinal problems, as CBD will be forced to bypass this system of the body and hopefully provide some medical relief from symptoms. CBD edibles also make dosing extremely easy, as the edible itself usually serves as a single dose.
CBD Suppositories
Finally, the most unlikely way that someone would probably want to use CBD. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an extremely effective way to use CBD. Think about it. If the medical complaint is in or around the area of genitals or the gastrointestinal tract, suppositories can provide very quick relief directly to the site of discomfort.
In fact, for women with severe menstrual cramping or for anybody with stomach or intestinal issues, suppositories are a great way to administer CBD. The cannabinoids and terpenoids are dissolved in coconut oil and shaped into a suppository which is easily inserted vaginally or rectally.
Well, there is a huge variety of ways that someone can use CBD. It doesn’t really matter what the complaint is, there is a CBD product that is perfectly suited. The modern marijuana movement has really opened up a lot of doors for those who want to use CBD medically. No matter who you are, there is a CBD product designed for what you need!
