From Extraction To Concentration: Four Reasons Why Not All CBD Is Created Equal
As we learn more about the various health and wellness benefits of regular CBD consumption, one thing quickly becomes clear — there are now an almost unlimited variety of CBD product types, concentrations and purities available on the market. And while we can all appreciate that choice is a good thing, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming, especially to those who are new to the world of CBD.
In this article, we’ll take a look at four important variables you should look out for when buying CBD products, along with things to consider and avoid.
Extraction Methods
There are currently several different methods of extracting CBD from the hemp plant. These can dramatically affect the quality, flavour and health benefits of the end product, which is why it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each method before choosing the type that is right for you.
Solvent extraction is a method that is commonly used in lower-priced CBD products. Hemp plants are washed in ethanol, butane or propane, drawing out the cannabinoids and terpenes needed for CBD products before being further refined and purified. While solvents are an undoubtedly efficient and low-cost option for producers, without very careful management there can often be traces of these unwanted chemicals left in the end product.
Olive oil extraction adopts a similar method to solvent extraction, without the harsh chemicals. Raw hemp is heated to a specific temperature before being added to olive oil and heated again to extract the beneficial ingredients. While this method is easy enough, the addition of olive oil serves to dilute the potency of the final CBD extract, meaning that you would need to consume significantly more of the product to experience any effects.
Steam extraction uses distillation to capture essential CBD compounds from the hemp plant. This is a more natural but less precise method, making it hard to guarantee the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product. It also runs the risk of damaging key compounds through too much heat.
CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for superior CBD products. While it is more expensive than solvent extraction, the use of pressurised liquid CO2 results in a highly-concentrated, terpene-rich CBD extract. It is also a safe and environmentally-friendly way to process hemp, making it ideal for those who wish to consume their CBD in a more conscious way.
Organic Certification
Put simply, organic CBD is better quality CBD.
By their nature, hemp plants are incredibly efficient at absorbing nutrients from the soil; however, this also means that they’ll absorb pretty much anything else present in the soil, be that pesticides, heavy metals or any other toxins. This can result in CBD extracts that are hazardous to your health.
For a CBD product to be labelled organic, the hemp plants used in its production must be grown without pesticides. Not only that, but the FDA insist upon several other criteria to issue their much-coveted approval, focusing on soil quality and heavy metal absorption to ensure that the product is safe, pure and beneficial to your health.
Needless to say, Gentle Bro products are made from 100% organic, FDA-approved CBD, giving you reassurance that you can rely on.
Concentration
As we have mentioned in the past, the ideal CBD dosage varies by individual. With that said, products that contain a very low concentration of CBD may not offer significant health and wellness benefits or may require you to take a higher dose to experience any effect at all. While these products may initially seem like a bargain, they’ll probably work out more expensive in the long run as the amount that you need to consume will be greater.
This is why, after significant research, Gentle Bro developed a range of products that can easily be tailored to offer your optimal daily dose. Simply click on our handy dosage calculator and follow the instructions to learn how much CBD is right for you.
Third-Party Tested
Naturally, we think that our products are great, but don’t just take our word for it!
All Gentle Bro products go through a series of rigorous testing by third-party labs to guarantee the purity and correct concentration of cannabinoids. This testing ensures that our products are always totally free of THC, as well as any other potentially harmful contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and residual solvents.
By choosing only third-party-tested products, you are making an informed decision about the safety and efficacy of your CBD, giving you the best results and optimal safety every single time.
Got more questions about CBD? Please feel free to browse our extensive CBD FAQ section – or get in touch with us direct here.
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Four Reasons Why Not All CBD Is Created Equal
From Extraction To Concentration: Four Reasons Why Not All CBD Is Created Equal
As we learn more about the various health and wellness benefits of regular CBD consumption, one thing quickly becomes clear — there are now an almost unlimited variety of CBD product types, concentrations and purities available on the market. And while we can all appreciate that choice is a good thing, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming, especially to those who are new to the world of CBD.
In this article, we’ll take a look at four important variables you should look out for when buying CBD products, along with things to consider and avoid.
Extraction Methods
There are currently several different methods of extracting CBD from the hemp plant. These can dramatically affect the quality, flavour and health benefits of the end product, which is why it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each method before choosing the type that is right for you.
Solvent extraction is a method that is commonly used in lower-priced CBD products. Hemp plants are washed in ethanol, butane or propane, drawing out the cannabinoids and terpenes needed for CBD products before being further refined and purified. While solvents are an undoubtedly efficient and low-cost option for producers, without very careful management there can often be traces of these unwanted chemicals left in the end product.
Olive oil extraction adopts a similar method to solvent extraction, without the harsh chemicals. Raw hemp is heated to a specific temperature before being added to olive oil and heated again to extract the beneficial ingredients. While this method is easy enough, the addition of olive oil serves to dilute the potency of the final CBD extract, meaning that you would need to consume significantly more of the product to experience any effects.
Steam extraction uses distillation to capture essential CBD compounds from the hemp plant. This is a more natural but less precise method, making it hard to guarantee the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes in the final product. It also runs the risk of damaging key compounds through too much heat.
CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for superior CBD products. While it is more expensive than solvent extraction, the use of pressurised liquid CO2 results in a highly-concentrated, terpene-rich CBD extract. It is also a safe and environmentally-friendly way to process hemp, making it ideal for those who wish to consume their CBD in a more conscious way.
Organic Certification
Put simply, organic CBD is better quality CBD.
By their nature, hemp plants are incredibly efficient at absorbing nutrients from the soil; however, this also means that they’ll absorb pretty much anything else present in the soil, be that pesticides, heavy metals or any other toxins. This can result in CBD extracts that are hazardous to your health.
For a CBD product to be labelled organic, the hemp plants used in its production must be grown without pesticides. Not only that, but the FDA insist upon several other criteria to issue their much-coveted approval, focusing on soil quality and heavy metal absorption to ensure that the product is safe, pure and beneficial to your health.
Needless to say, Gentle Bro products are made from 100% organic, FDA-approved CBD, giving you reassurance that you can rely on.
Concentration
As we have mentioned in the past, the ideal CBD dosage varies by individual. With that said, products that contain a very low concentration of CBD may not offer significant health and wellness benefits or may require you to take a higher dose to experience any effect at all. While these products may initially seem like a bargain, they’ll probably work out more expensive in the long run as the amount that you need to consume will be greater.
This is why, after significant research, Gentle Bro developed a range of products that can easily be tailored to offer your optimal daily dose. Simply click on our handy dosage calculator and follow the instructions to learn how much CBD is right for you.
Third-Party Tested
Naturally, we think that our products are great, but don’t just take our word for it!
All Gentle Bro products go through a series of rigorous testing by third-party labs to guarantee the purity and correct concentration of cannabinoids. This testing ensures that our products are always totally free of THC, as well as any other potentially harmful contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and residual solvents.
By choosing only third-party-tested products, you are making an informed decision about the safety and efficacy of your CBD, giving you the best results and optimal safety every single time.
Got more questions about CBD? Please feel free to browse our extensive CBD FAQ section – or get in touch with us direct here.