Where Does CBD Come From?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an herbal remedy used to reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Although it’s becoming increasingly popular, there are still many misconceptions about this substance. HodgeTwins Wellness Developing awareness of where CBD comes from and how it’s made can help you determine whether it’s an ideal solution for your needs.

Where does CBD come from?

CBD is an extract taken from the hemp plant. CBD is legal when it comes from the hemp plant, which is cannabis that contains less than 0.3 percent THC. THC is the substance in cannabis that causes mind-altering sensations, or the “high” associated with marijuana.

While CBD provides health benefits such as calming anxiety and soothing aches and pains, it doesn’t cause the distorted thinking associated with marijuana. Also, CBD won’t make an individual fail a drug test as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.

How are CBD oils and extracts made?

CBD oils are extracted from the hemp plant. Two of the most popular methods of creating CBD oil are CO2 (carbon dioxide) extraction and alcohol extraction. CO2 extraction allows the ability to collect substances with high concentrations of CBD and other beneficial compounds including cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG). Like CBD, these cannabinoids aren’t psychoactive and have helpful benefits without causing a high like THC. 

Another extraction method uses isopropyl alcohol (IPA) extraction to target the removal of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the hemp plant. Charlotte’s Web uses IPA extraction in its original formula CBD oil since it provides the greatest amount of entourage effect benefits, meaning the cannabinoids work together to optimize each other’s effects.

What are the benefits of CBD?

People often prefer using CBD as an herbal remedy for common ailments instead of manufactured pharmaceuticals. CBD is an anti-inflammatory and reduces joint and muscle aches and pains. It can also reduce anxiety and depression. CBD has been shown to treat some cancer symptoms. Pet owners might even give CBD to dogs to alleviate anxiety, seizures, aches and pains, and other ailments.

CBD oil can be taken orally via drops put under the tongue or it can be mixed with food or in drinks. CBD oil or salves can also be applied directly to the skin to alleviate joint or muscle soreness.  CBD comes in other forms as well, such as gummies or capsules.

Are there side effects to CBD usage?

Most people have no side effects from using CBD oil. However, it might cause drowsiness and it may interact with prescription medication. However, since CBD has minimal or no THC in it, it doesn’t cause the high or intoxication that THC gives. It also doesn’t show up on drug tests. CBD is safe enough for parents to give CBD to children to help with symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and autism.CBD extract can be a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals for relieving symptoms of anxiety, aches and pains, and depression, without causing negative side effects.