There is no denying that CBD is having a moment. Everywhere you look, there are shops with glowing “CBD sold here” signs in the window. But is CBD really what it is promised to be? Although there is a growing body of scientific studies supporting the positive effects of CBD, there is still much that is not known. However, where there are questions, there are answers. So if you want to know more about CBD extract before giving it a try, you have come to the right place.
What is CBD?
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid, is a nonintoxicating compound that comes from Cannabis sativa [1]. In other words, CBD is not delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannot get you high. There are many cannabinoids present in Cannabis sativa, but CBD is second to THC in terms of quantity.
CBD extract refers to the CBD that comes from hemp and is often synonymous with “CBD oil.”
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How is CBD Extracted From Hemp or Cannabis?
There are several ways CBD can be extracted from hemp and other cannabis plants:
- CO2 Extraction – uses supercritical CO2 (-69 degrees F) as a solvent to pull CBD, flavonoids, and terpenes into liquid.
- Ethanol Extraction – alcohol-based extraction.
- Dry Ice Extraction – method of extracting that requires no solvent, thus producing a cleaner extract.
- Vegetable Oil Extraction – used when pulling CBD into fatty oils for use in edibles.
The best method is CO2 extraction, is it preserves the potency and phytochemical profile of the CBD and other components of hemp. Furthermore, CO2 extraction does not bring along water-soluble compounds, such as chlorophyll, into the mix.
Is CBD Extract Legal?
Yes, cannabidiol is legal in the US. In 2018, the Farm Bill was passed, which removed hemp (and hemp-derived substances) from the Controlled Substances Act. However, there are some restrictions. The product must be hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3 percent THC in order for the CBD to be considered federally legal. Any CBD product with more than 0.3 percent THC is still considered federally illegal. However, in some states where recreational weed use is permissible, such products are legal.
What Does Research Say About CBD Extract?
To date, there have been a number of studies about the effects of CBD on the human body. However, one of the most significant findings suggests that cannabidiol can aid with seizure mitigation [2]. It is research such as this that has led to the monumental FDA-approval of Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug for seizures, including some of the rarest, most devastating forms [3].
That said, many studies are small in sample size or use animals instead of people, rendering a lot of research moot. Still, there is a lot of evidence out there, and more research is being encouraged.
For example, a paper from 2020 reviews several studies that look at CBD’s role in improving digestive health [4]. The researchers suggest that CBD may be able to slow digestion, adding in nausea and soothing diarrhea. Preliminary research on CBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has also yielded promising results [5].
Pain Management Research
Many who reach for CBD extract do so to quell pain and inflammation. Research tends to support the belief that CBD may reduce pain. For instance, a study from 2019 looked at individuals who had previously taken opioids for their pain [6]. Participants were given CBD, and 94% of them said that, because of CBD, their lives had improved.
Another study from 2021 that was conducted at Syracuse University looked at the analgesic effects of CBD [7]. In an interview with Dr. De Vita, the team leader, they stated that CBD had potential to change pain channels, “making it a little less unpleasant” [8]. For the 2021 study, “[The team] replicated [previous results] in this study and found that CBD and expectancies didn’t significantly reduce the volume of the pain, but they did make it less unpleasant.” In other words, the participants were not bothered by their pain as much as when they were not using CBD.
CBD and Cancer Research
Due to the purported effects of CBD on the body, science has also started asking the question, “Can CBD extract help with cancer?” The jury is still out on that, but research is optimistic.
In one study from 2019, lab-grown pancreatic cancer cells were treated with CBD. The researchers found that CBD may act as a supplementary treatment for pancreatic cancer patients [9].Another similar study—also from 2019—did the same for glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer [10]. Cells that were treated with CBD were seen emitting less chemicals for cell growth. This may mean that CBD can slow the growth of cancer, but more research is needed to confirm.
How to Use CBD Extract
The FDA does not regulate cannabidiol, and so there is no regulated or scientifically proven dosage for CBD extract. If you are interested in trying CBD for the first time, it is recommended that you speak with a medical professional beforehand. Most individuals have a high tolerance for CBD and experience few to no symptoms, but that does not mean it is right for everyone. For example, much like grapefruit, CBD can interfere with a number of medications, including statins, antidepressants, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants [11].
If a medication comes with a grapefruit warning, avoid cannabidiol.
There are many ways to take cannabidiol, including edibles, tinctures, and topical products. Each product also has a different dosage. The best practice is to read the instructions on the label thoroughly then start with the lowest dose. Monitor yourself for any side effects. If nothing happens, increase the dose the next time you use the product. Avoid taking more than the recommended amount.
Ready to Try CBD Extract?
CBD extract, otherwise known as CBD oil, may be used in a number of ways in your daily life. Research continues to suggest that CBD has many benefits, including the potential to reduce inflammation, pain, and help with diseases like cancer. If you are interested in trying CBD extract, there is no better time than now to start.
Sugar Bottom Hemp has a wide variety of CBD products, including 100% CBD isolate tinctures and edibles. Our CBD is as close to farm to table as it gets and comes fully tested by an independent third-party lab. Why not check out our store?
Bibliography
- Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
- Mascal, M., Hafezi, N., Wang, D., Hu, Y., Serra, G., Dallas, M. L., & Spencer, J. P. E. (2019). Synthetic, non-intoxicating 8,9-dihydrocannabidiol for the mitigation of seizures. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44056-y
- Office of the Commissioner. (2018, June 26). FDA Approves First Drug Comprised of an Active Ingredient Derived from Marijuana to Treat Rare, Severe Forms of Epilepsy. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms
- Martínez, V., Iriondo De-Hond, A., Borrelli, F., Capasso, R., del Castillo, M. D., & Abalo, R. (2020). Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(9), 3067. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21093067
- Brugnatelli, V., Turco, F., Freo, U., & Zanette, G. (2020). Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00371
- Capano, A., Weaver, R., & Burkman, E. (2019). Evaluation of the effects of CBD hemp extract on opioid use and quality of life indicators in chronic pain patients: a prospective cohort study. Postgraduate Medicine, 132(1), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2019.1685298
- De Vita, M. J., Maisto, S. A., Gilmour, C. E., McGuire, L., Tarvin, E., & Moskal, D. (2022). The effects of cannabidiol and analgesic expectancies on experimental pain reactivity in healthy adults: A balanced placebo design trial. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 30(5), 536–546. https://doi.org/10.1037/pha0000465
- Research shows pain relieving effects of CBD. (n.d.). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210423130221.htm
- Sharafi, G., He, H., & Nikfarjam, M. (2019). Potential Use of Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Journal of Pancreatic Cancer, 5(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1089/pancan.2018.0019
- Kosgodage, U. S., Uysal-Onganer, P., MacLatchy, A., Mould, R., Nunn, A. V., Guy, G. W., Kraev, I., Chatterton, N. P., Thomas, E. L., Inal, J. M., Bell, J. D., & Lange, S. (2019). Cannabidiol Affects Extracellular Vesicle Release, miR21 and miR126, and Reduces Prohibitin Protein in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells. Translational Oncology, 12(3), 513–522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2018.12.004
- Bykov, K. P. (2021, January 11). CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
