Raw CBD oil is a form of CBD that is extracted and processed through the removal of CO2. The result is raw CBD, full-spectrum, and inclusive of all the beneficial compounds naturally found in the hemp plant. This complete plant extract includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, phytonutrients, and trace amounts of THC. When combined with a carrier oil, raw CBD oil is consumed in its final form. This full-spectrum oil is known to give rise to the entourage effect and is believed to possess potential therapeutic properties.
For this reason, raw CBD oil is one of the most popular forms of CBD amongst consumers and is thought to have greater, more potent effects than purer forms of CBD such as pure CBD isolate. So, is raw CBD oil really the best form of CBD? Let’s explore the topic in more detail to find out!
Recent world events have been an educating experience about the importance of how we take care of our physical and mental health. As a society, these social trends are guiding us towards making more conscious decisions about what we consume and how we spend our time. Within the consumer market, one of the largest shifts has been seen in the health and well-being market. The greater demand for more natural treatments, remedies, and supplements has created a wave in the food supplement market, specifically CBD.
The value placed in natural food supplements has borne witness to the exponential growth in the demand and supply of cannabidiol (CBD) oil. With so much buzz surrounding the world of CBD, we naturally turn to the internet to answer our burning questions. However, as you may already have seen, there are millions of articles written about the various hemp extracts, with more products and brands popping up on the market daily. Despite this, many people still lack the basic understanding of CBD types out there – don’t despair if this applies to you; we’re here for the journey! You may wish to first pop over to our Ultimate CBD Guide. However, if you are familiar with the concept, then stick with us, as today we’ll be shedding light on raw CBD oil. What is it? Why’s everyone talking about it? How does it work? Is it best for me? So many questions, so little time – let’s dive in!
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring compound carefully extracted from the cannabis Sativa plant, predominately of the hemp variety. CBD is amongst over 100 cannabinoids discovered in the hemp plant, which also includes the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main active ingredient in recreational cannabis, and so strict laws target the inclusion of this cannabinoid. Luckily for us, cannabinoids can be isolated and extracted from the hemp plant for targeted use, providing us with plant-based solutions such as CBD oils and CBD isolate.
Since its legalisation in 2018, CBD has been highly-regarded amongst health and well-being enthusiasts for its purported therapeutic properties. It’s even established itself amongst the A-listers, with the likes of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow singing the natural supplements praises. Heck, even music mogul Jay-Z recently launched his own cannabis brand, demonstrating the movement towards more plant-based solutions.
So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, research indicates that CBD potentially contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as anecdotal evidence purporting the ability to increase feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Cannabinoids present can be extracted from every part of the hemp plant, including its stalks, leaves, and buds. Depending on where these cannabinoids are extracted from and indeed which are chosen to be extracted, different forms of CBD are produced.
Extracted CBD can take three forms of oils:
- Full-Spectrum: Raw CBD oil that contains all the naturally-occurring compounds of the hemp plant. This includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC.
- Broad-Spectrum: Contains many of the naturally-occurring compounds of the hemp plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Broad-spectrum CBD is THC-free.
- CBD Isolate: The purest form of CBD at 99.9%. Pure CBD isolate contains no other compounds found in the hemp plant and is free of terpenes, flavonoids, and THC.
There is no definitive answer to what the superior form of CBD is. Instead, it all depends on what the user’s individual needs and preferences are. In this article, we will explore raw CBD oil, also known as full-spectrum CBD oil, including investigating its manufacturing process, uses and benefits, as well as how it compares to pure CBD.
Can CBD Get You High?
If you’re looking to get high, we’re sorry to tell you; you’re in the wrong place! By law, CBD products contain extremely low THC levels (below 0.2-0.3%) and so have no intoxicating properties. In fact, you would need to consume 6-9 litres of CBD oil with a statutory limit of 0.3% THC to experience even mildly intoxicating effects – so if that’s your plan, this really isn’t the quickest route!
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is classed as a food supplement and is legal to be sold and bought in the UK, most of Europe, and come to think of it, many areas of the world! That means you can now easily get your hands on CBD and seamlessly incorporate it into your daily wellness routine.
In order to obtain this legal status, strict laws were put in place regarding the level of THC in CBD products. In the UK and most of Europe, CBD must be extracted from approved stains of the hemp plant, which contain less than 0.3% THC. The result of this is CBD products that have a THC content below 1 mg total, eradicating any potential for intoxicating, psychoactive effects.
Remember, always check the legality of CBD where you live to avoid disappointment!
What is Raw CBD Oil?
More commonly referred to as full-spectrum CBD, the term ‘raw’ CBD oil refers to the unprocessed extract from hemp that is diluted with a carrier oil.
No heat or solvents are used in the manufacturing process of raw CBD oil. Instead, it is created by removing carbon dioxide (CO2). The method of CO2 extraction is highly advantageous, as it eliminates the need for heat. Heat damages and removes the presence of beneficial enzymes and vitamins, making it an unsuitable method to create full-spectrum CBD products.
When the CO2 is extracted to make raw CBD, all the naturally-occurring beneficial compounds extracted from the hemp plant remain intact. This results in a complete plant extract with a higher concentration of plant material such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. These include not only CBD but also many other forms of cannabinoids, including CBD-A, CBC, CBG, CBN, and CBV. As well as cannabinoids, raw CBD oil also contains terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients known to be uniquely beneficial in their own right.
Raw CBD oil also naturally contains trace amounts of THC, below the level of 0.2-0.3%. A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence looked into the effects of THC on stress.
Corresponding author, Emma Childs, associate professor of psychiatry at the UIC College of Medicine, stated the study found THC in low doses had the ability to reduce stress. In contrast, the opposite was true of higher THC doses. Therefore, small amounts of THC found in full-spectrum raw CBD oil is believed to be beneficial to its overall effects.
One of the main advantages of consuming raw CBD oil is that it gives rise to the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the term used to refer to the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes and the brain’s receptors. The theory is that these compounds work in synergy, becoming more effective when consumed together than alone. Therefore, the composition of raw CBD oil is the reason for its extensive use, with anecdotal evidence purporting many beneficial uses to improving consumers’ holistic health and well-being.
Raw CBD Carrier Oils
Without the use of a carrier oil, our bodies would struggle to absorb CBD, which takes the form of a paste. Combining CBD with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or MCT oil (derivative of coconuts), takes its final form as a ‘CBD oil’. As CBD is fat-soluble, these fatty oils allow the body to absorb CBD’s active ingredients with a more significant effect. The result is a stronger, more potent effect within the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The Endocannabinoid System Explained
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system in the body found in all mammals. Its purpose is to modulate and regulate biological processes within the body to keep homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the body’s internal state of equilibrium necessary to process energy and survive. Critical for human health, when homeostasis is damaged or dysfunctional, health concerns can ensue, such as inflammation, stress, anxiety, nausea, arthritis, epilepsy, and cancer.
To maintain homeostasis, our ECS contains the body’s largest network of neurotransmitters, in which endocannabinoids communicate cell-to-cell to interact with receptors throughout the body. Amazingly, these endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body, without the need for the hemp plant. Cannabinoids found in full-spectrum, raw CBD oil are believed to interact in similar ways by binding to these receptors for a positive effect. CBD has even been found to promote the production of endocannabinoids and receptors in the ECS when the body is deficient in producing its required levels of cannabinoids.
Our ECS is believed to operate in our brain, organs, glands, connective tissues, and immune cells. CBD is believed to bind to the ECS’ receptors to influence the regulation of several physiological processes, including our:
- Pain perception
- Immune function
- Inflammation symptoms
- Appetite
- Fat and energy metabolism
- Mood
- Memory
- Sleep
CBD has also been linked to receptors outside of the ECS, namely our serotonin receptors. Serotonin is the hormone that influences feelings of happiness and well-being, and so the ability for CBD to influence this hormone helps us to understand the link between CBD and anxiety and sleeplessness.
SUMMARY
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is considered to be one of the body’s most important biological systems, which modulates many physiological processes with the ultimate goal of maintaining homeostasis (the body’s internal state of equilibrium). CBD is known to interact with the ECS by binding with its cannabinoid receptors and helps to promote the body’s production of endocannabinoids when levels are deficient. This compatibility of CBD with the body helps us to understand how CBD works and provides reasoning behind its purported therapeutic uses.
Potential Benefits of Raw CBD Oil
As CBD was only made legally available in 2018, scientists have some catching up to do on the studies of the substance. Nevertheless, research so far conducted shows the discovery of CBD’s cellular, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Anecdotal evidence also purports CBD has the potential to give rise to feelings of relaxation, positively impacting users’ mental health and physical well-being.
Consuming raw CBD oil should be done so with the intention of benefiting your lifestyle holistically in order to receive the best chance of forging a successful, long-lasting relationship with high-quality CBD. To do so, raw CBD oil should be treated as a natural supplement.
Whilst findings so far on the use of CBD oil show some extremely promising possibilities for its future use, it is crucial to understand that CBD should not be used to treat symptoms. Claims of over-the-counter CBD helping to treat medical conditions lack scientific evidence to support its efficacy and are taken very seriously within the industry. Unlike medical cannabis, which contains potent levels of both CBD and THC, which has been approved for use to help supplement the treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy.
For this reason, any newbies to CBD who are hoping to self-medicate symptoms with CBD should seek the advice of a medical professional to receive a diagnosis and proper medical treatment.
The legalisation of CBD means barriers to exploring the substance further has been removed. Hopes include emerging evidence on the use and benefits of CBD oil, as well as discovering the further potential of medicinal cannabis.
Uses of Raw CBD Oil
The hemp plant is no longer making noise for its recreational use. Instead, the entourage effect of full-spectrum raw CBD oil is now the extract creating curiosity.
The potential therapeutic effects of raw CBD oil has led to its most common uses, including:
CBD For Anxiety
Mental health has been a rising crisis for a number of years now, with concern over the increase in demand for mental health services. This means its more important than ever to look after your mental health, finding ways that suit your needs and lifestyle to promote holistic health and well-being.
Reducing stress and anxiety is one of the most commonly purported benefits of CBD oil. The science behind the claims is that CBD is believed to interact with the CB1 and CB2 nervous system receptors in the body’s ECS, helping to reduce the physiological effects of anxiety.
CBD is also believed to have the ability to regulate serotonin levels in the body for potential antidepressant effect. Serotonin is a hormone known to stabilise mood and influence feelings of happiness and well-being, appetite, digestion, and sleep.
Furthermore, CBD’s interaction with the body’s ECS is also reported to lower cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone). As stress is one of the leading causes of sleep issues, such as insomnia, CBD is also believed to improve sleep quality.
SUMMARY
CBD is believed to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body’s ECS to modulate serotonin and cortisol levels. For this reason, full-spectrum raw CBD is considered to potentially have an antidepressant effect. Therefore, there is positive anecdotal evidence collected on the use of CBD for anxiety and stress, showing great potential to improve the user’s holistic well-being and emotional state.
CBD For Pain
As CBD has been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties, it has become a popular natural supplement amongst those suffering from pain, discomfort, and inflammation. The combination of CBD and THC in full-spectrum raw CBD oil has been found to be effective in aiding general pain management and inhibiting neuropathic pain caused by arthritis.
CBD Oil For Migraines
The potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD have also been linked to easing the symptoms of neurological pain, such as migraines, as well as its purported ability to relieve feelings of nausea and reported pain relief.
SUMMARY
Full-spectrum raw CBD, which contains trace amounts of THC, is reported by anecdotal evidence to alleviate symptoms of pain, discomfort and inflammation.
CBD has quickly become the new must-have oil amongst health and wellness enthusiasts, spilling over to the skincare aisles in which it dominates with reported unique natural abilities. Whether used directly to the skin as a face oil or through the use of infused topical products, CBD has become a sought-after extract for its purported properties.
One of the biggest skincare issues we tirelessly search for solutions for is acne – and we may just have the answer!
A leading cause of acne is the overproduction of the skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Sebum is produced in the skin’s sebaceous glands, and when combined with dead skin cells, creates clogged pores leading to breakouts. CBD has quickly become the new must-have oil amongst health and wellness enthusiasts, spilling over to the skincare aisles in which it dominates with reported unique natural abilities. Whether used directly to the skin as a face oil or through the use of infused topical products, CBD has become a sought-after extract for its purported properties.
CBD is reported to modulate the skin’s sebum production, with a potential anti-inflammatory effect, helping to prevent future breakouts and reducing the effects of acne and inflamed skin. However, acne can also be caused by several other factors, including genetics and bacteria, so it’s advised you speak to a dermatologist first to discover the true source of your acne.
As well as helping to manage the symptoms of acne, CBD’s reported anti-inflammatory properties is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of other inflammatory skin conditions, such as red and inflamed skin. For example, there is also positive anecdotal evidence for the soothing effect CBD has to help treat the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.
SUMMARY
CBD has been found to modulate the skin’s production of sebum, its natural oil, to help treat and prevent acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also believed to help soothe and reduce redness of other inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
CBD For Cardiovascular Health
Interestingly, there is preliminary evidence to suggest a positive relationship between CBD and cardiovascular health, alongside a healthy diet and exercise. This is supported by findings that CBD may help to potentially lower blood pressure.
Through the possible ability to lower blood pressure and stress levels, CBD is believed to potentially help reduce the risk of hypertensive heart disease. Furthermore, it is also thought to possibly help increase cerebral blood flow, which aids in the recovery by boosting brain function in those who have suffered a stroke due to heart disease.
It’s important to remember that CBD is a food supplement and should not be used to treat medical conditions. Instead, this evidence suggests incorporating full-spectrum CBD oil into your diet may complement and support your holistic wellness. Any other claims require further scientific research to prove their efficacy and provide conclusive evidence on its use.
SUMMARY
CBD is purported to help maintain good cardiovascular health alongside a healthy diet and exercise. Incorporating CBD into your diet as a food supplement may help lower blood pressure, helping to prevent heart disease and damage by improving your overall wellness.
The Most Effective Ways to Consume Raw CBD Oil
CBD can be taken in many forms. In fact, new innovative ways of consuming CBD are entering the market at a mind-blowing pace. However, when it comes to raw CBD oil, how do we really make the most of every drop? To answer this, we must first touch on bioavailability.
Bioavailability is the quantity and rate at which a substance enters the bloodstream. Therefore, when discussing the most effective ways of consuming CBD, the bioavailability of its delivery method dictates how much and when its active ingredients will reach the bloodstream for active effects to take place.
The most popular forms of CBD delivery are:
- Sublingual
- Oral
- Topical
- Vaping
When it comes to raw CBD oil, sublingual and oral delivery methods are those that will give us the best chance of success. So let’s take a look to decide which may be most appropriate for your needs and lifestyle.
Consuming Raw CBD Oil Sublingually
Consuming raw CBD oil via sublingual administration is the most commonly used methods when using CBD tinctures. Sublingual consumption requires placing a few drops of raw CBD oil under your tongue, making it believed to be one of the most simple and effective ways of retaining a high bioavailability rate.
When raw CBD oil is placed under the tongue, it allows the natural compounds to be absorbed through the mouth’s sublingual glands (belonging to the mouth’s salivary glands), where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This method allows the raw CBD oil to bypass the liver, avoiding degrading its potency and achieves bioavailability of up to 35%.
Another popular method of consuming raw CBD oil is through oral consumption, such as edible CBD products like CBD gummies. The rising demand for CBD products has meant brands have had to get creative to differentiate their products and find delicious ways to incorporate CBD into their consumers’ lives. Oral consumption in the form of edibles is often the preferred method for those who find the natural, earthy taste of raw CBD unpalatable. For this reason, edibles are often an excellent option for CBD newbies, offering edibles to suit every taste!
Capsules are another popular way of consuming raw CBD oil orally, allowing you to incorporate consumption effortlessly into your daily routine as a natural food supplement. As CBD is fat-soluble, capsules are best consumed alongside a high-fat snack or meal, enabling the body to successfully absorb the compounds to give rise to potential active effects.
The drawback of oral consumption is that raw CBD’s compounds must pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream. This is a long process and can take up to two hours to take effect. During this time, raw CBD potency is degraded, as it contends with digestive acids and enzymes. With a longer period before effects are felt, alongside a loss in potency, oral administration is believed to result in bioavailability levels of around 4-20%.
Although oral consumption of raw CBD oil has a lower rate of bioavailability, it is worth noting that this method has been found to remain in the body longer than any other form of delivery!
A study published in 2019 explored the pharmacokinetics of oral and intravenous cannabidiol and discovered oral consumption resulted in CBD molecules remaining in the body for an average time of 4.2 hours. To put this into context, the intravenous method of delivery, which has 100% bioavailability, was found to remain in the body for an average of 3.3 hours. This knowledge on oral consumption of raw CBD oil is pretty impressive, showing maybe we can have our cake and eat it after all!
SUMMARY
The unfiltered raw CBD oil contents, containing fibres and chlorophyll as naturally stored in the plant, forming a green-tinged substance, produces a sharper, bitter taste than pure CBD oil. Therefore, you may wish to take this into account when deciding upon your delivery method. Whilst sublingual administration is recommended for its high bioavailability levels, some may find oral products in the form of edibles and capsules more palatable.
Pros and Cons of Raw CBD Oil
Let’s weigh up with speed and ease if raw CBD oil is right for you:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Includes all beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes. |
Potential for minor and uncommon side effects. |
|
Carries potential therapeutic properties. |
Natural compounds can carry an earthy, bitter taste. |
|
Creates the entourage effect. |
|
|
Studies support full-spectrum, raw CBD oil is more effective than pure CBD. |
Pure CBD Isolate
With so many forms of CBD available, if you’re a newbie, the difference between raw CBD oil and pure CBD can be a minefield to navigate. Both deriving from the same plant, the difference between raw CBD oil and pure CBD lies in the extraction process, which creates two very different forms of CBD for different needs. Here, we will clarify these differences to help you choose whether raw CBD oil really is the most appropriate for you.
In contrast to full-spectrum raw CBD oil, pure CBD contains only cannabidiol and is extracted solely from the hemp plant’s top shoots, where the highest, purest concentration of CBD is found. This makes pure CBD much more costly to produce than raw CBD oil which is extracted from the entire hemp plant.
To manufacture pure CBD, it undergoes an intense purification process, where all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and waxes in the extract are removed. The result is isolated CBD in the form of a tasteless, odourless, crystallised powder with 99.9% CBD purity. Whilst this produces the purest levels of CBD, it does create a trade-off between other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant.
However, THC is also eradicated in this process, making it a popular option for those who have a low tolerance or are subject to regular drug testing. Furthermore, pure CBD is well-known for its versatility, as its powder form can be incorporated into a range of edibles for use in CBD vaping and also infused topical products.
One of the important considerations is that pure CBD oil does not have the ability to produce the entourage effect, as it eradicates all other beneficial compounds during its purification process. This has led to studies questioning the effectiveness of pure CBD in comparison to full-spectrum raw CBD oil.
Raw CBD Oil vs Pure CBD
Now we know what Raw and Pure CBD both entail, let’s examine how they compare:
|
Raw CBD Oil |
Pure CBD |
|
Compounds are extracted from the entire hemp plant. |
Compounds are extracted from the hemp plant’s buds. |
|
The manufacturing process involves the extraction of CO2. |
The manufacturing process uses heat. |
|
Contains all the natural and beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes. |
No other compounds but CBD are present, producing CBD in its purest form with up to 99.9% purity. |
|
Produces the entourage effect. |
No entourage effect produced. |
|
Uses a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil and MCT oil. |
Takes the form of crystallised powder. |
|
Often considered to have a bitter taste. |
Tasteless and odourless. |
|
Less expensive to produce than pure CBD. |
More expensive to produce than raw CBD oil. |
Despite their differences, these two forms of CBD, which derive from the hemp plant, both possess no ability to cause intoxicating effects. Instead, they equally possess their own set of unique benefits and uses for consumers looking to explore the hemp plant’s elements to improve their holistic health and well-being.
Which is Best? Raw CBD oil or Pure CBD?
Now that we understand the difference between raw CBD oil and pure CBD oil, it is time to explore which is most suitable for your needs. As every individual has unique needs and preferences, there is no definitive answer to which form of CBD is best.
For those looking for CBD that is free from THC, with a palatable soft nutty flavour, then pure CBD maybe your best option. However, the trade-off here is that pure CBD does not contain any of the other beneficial compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients, even THC, which has been found to be beneficial in small amounts. For this reason, pure CBD does not give rise to the entourage effect. So, if you are looking to avoid all THC and receive the purest form of CBD available, then pure CBD would be your best bet at success!
However, the majority of consumers will reach for raw CBD oil. This is because the natural ratio of active cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients gives rise to the entourage effect. A study published in 2015 on the bell-shaped dose-response of cannabidiol discovered pure CBD to be generally less effective than that of full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum raw CBD is thought to be more efficient even at lower doses, with higher doses of pure CBD being required to produce the same potential therapeutic effects. Therefore, although raw CBD oil carries a sharper, bitter taste, there’s no questioning the benefits of consuming CBD in its most natural form!
SUMMARY
Raw CBD oil is the best option for those wishing for the greatest chance of receiving CBD’s potential therapeutic effects due to its entourage effect. For those wishing to consume CBD without the presence of THC, pure CBD provides a versatile option with the highest possible CBD purity.
Can you Overdose on CBD?
The simple answer is no. It is not possible to overdose on CBD. It is common knowledge that CBD is harmless, as it is natural, non-intoxicating, with no potential for abuse or dependency. As of today, there have been no official reports of fatal cases linked to a CBD overdose.
A study on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol was published in 2011, which found even 1500 mg of CBD a day is well-tolerated by humans. So, does this mean there is no such thing as too much CBD? No, unfortunately not. High doses of CBD, whilst not intoxicating, can give rise to the potential for adverse side effects. The long-term impact of CBD is also an area of ongoing research, with potential concerns arising over its possibility to cause liver damage.
With all the amazing potential benefits of CBD, it’s easy to see this natural substance through rose-tinted glasses. However, as with any well-being supplement which contains active ingredients, CBD is also accompanied by the potential for side effects. But don’t let this put you off just yet – as these side effects are uncommon and are considered to be minor.
Due to the natural, active nature of CBD, the effects upon the body will be unique and will affect everyone differently. Potential side effects depend on many factors, including the user’s tolerance, health, and dosage amount.
Reported potential side effects include:
- Change in appetite
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in weight
- Sexual dysfunction
If you experience side effects from your CBD intake, you can expect them to cease within 2-4 hours. In the future, we recommend reducing your dosage and, depending on the degree of effects experienced, should consider terminating your CBD consumption.
In order to reduce the risk of experiencing side effects, you should seek medical consultation prior to consumption to assess your health and discuss any medication you are on.
SUMMARY
Depending on your dosage side and other personal variables, you may experience side effects. CBD side effects are believed to be minor and should cease within 2-4 hours of intake. CBD consumption’s most common side effects are tiredness, change in appetite, and a dry mouth. Further human clinical trials are needed to explore these side effects, alongside observations of the possibility of long-term effects of CBD usage.
What is the Correct Dosage of Raw CBD Oil?
What dosage of CBD you administer yourself will significantly impact the effects you may experience – both positively and negatively. As with any supplement with active ingredients, we recommend starting with a small low dose of CBD and increasing gradually whilst monitoring its effect on your body. This will be a vital step in avoiding any unwanted side effects, so don’t be tempted to skip ahead!
We recommend beginning with a small dose of 5 mg CBD per day, which you can gradually increase to two daily doses. Waiting a few weeks between increasing your dose will allow your body time to build your tolerance and develop healthy relations with CBD.
The personal variables that should be taken into consideration when determining your unique dosage of CBD include:
- Physical health
- Age
- Weight
- Height
- Metabolism
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Health Conditions
- CBD format (capsule, tincture, etc.)
Many CBD products come in forms that don’t require to measure dosage, as it is written on the labels. Such products include CBD capsules or CBD gummies that state how much CBD is in each serving. If you prefer to consume CBD in the form of an oil, such as raw CBD oil, it is beneficial to purchase a CBD oil that contains a dropper to avoid measurement inconvenience.
SUMMARY
Before consuming CBD for the first time, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider to calculate your unique dosage and discuss any potential risks. Doctor recommendations on the dosage of CBD should be followed, and any adverse effects experienced should be reported. If you are unable to receive a consultation, we recommend starting with a small dosage and slowly increasing until the desired effect is reached.
Although strict laws target the inclusion of THC, the industry remains largely unregulated, with consumer safety too often hanging in the balance. For this reason, always purchase CBD from trusted websites, pharmacies, or stores.
The lack of regulation in the market has been taken advantage of by many brands and manufacturers looking to capitalise on the exponential growth seen in the CBD industry by producing and selling low-quality CBD.
Not only is low-quality CBD believed to harm the bioavailability rate of the CBD, but it is also connected to unsafe content. As brands are not legally required to state the cannabinoid content on CBD goods’ product labels, it often results in consumers being overcharged for products that unknowingly contain minimal amounts of CBD. The concern over the labelling of CBD products also extends to the underreporting of THC content. Lack of THC content transparency is a cause of great concern, as it has been found to be linked to over-the-counter CBD products containing dangerously high, illegal, and intoxicating levels of THC. There are also concerns about the increased risk of chemical contamination, including pesticides and heavy metal content.
Concerns for the Mislabelling of CBD Products
Investigative studies exploring the mislabelling of CBD products have produced startling evidence of the industry’s lack of regulation. A study led by adjunct assistant professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Marcel Bonn-Miller, PhD, uncovered some of the most shocking truths surrounding CBD products’ labelling. Bonn-Miller’s study discovered nearly 70% of online products incorrectly labelled the quantity of CBD. 43% of these products contained less CBD than reported, and 26% of products had higher levels of CBD than reported. Perhaps more importantly, the study found significant THC levels in 1 out of 5 CBD products, posing a serious danger to consumers with the potential for intoxicating effects. Despite common purchase intent for CBD products, Bonn-Miller believed the levels of THC seen had the potential to increase feelings of anxiety amongst other symptoms.
Whilst tighter regulation within the industry is needed; currently, the focus lies on making consumers aware of the dangers of consuming low-quality CBD. Therefore, we urge those looking to explore the use of CBD to purchase these products from trusted brands that provide high-quality CBD and offer transparency of their ingredients.
Shop Safely with Alphagreen
Here at Alphagreen, we believe everyone should have access to the safest, highest-quality CBD available. That is why all our products carry a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
A COA is the most reliable way of being informed of the content of a CBD product. As well as verifying cannabinoid levels and terpene profile, a COA will also reduce the risk of being exposed to products that are contaminated with other chemical content such as pesticides and heavy metal content. This information is lab-tested by a third party to confirm its accuracy in exact quantities.
This commitment to transparency overcomes the industry’s lack of regulation, which too often relies on consumers being responsible for sourcing safe CBD products, allowing you to shop with peace of mind.
A Final Word
Raw CBD oil carries powerful anecdotal evidence for its purported therapeutic benefits alongside the presence of the entourage effect. Maintaining all the beneficial compounds naturally found in the hemp plant, the careful process of manufacturing raw CBD oil delivers this plant extract in its most natural form. Common uses for raw CBD oil include the potential to manage symptoms of pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
The variety of raw CBD products available allows you to choose those most aligned with your needs and preferences to incorporate them into your daily holistic wellness routine. As always, raw CBD oil should be purchased from trusted sources who are transparent with their content. Lastly, before purchase, check the legality of CBD where you live due to the changing global landscape of CBD.
Verified by a Healthcare Professional
Anastasiia Myronenko
Anastasiia Myronenko is a Medical Physicist actively practicing in one of the leading cancer centers in Kyiv, Ukraine. She received her master’s degree in Medical Physics at Karazin Kharkiv National University and completed Biological Physics internship at GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Germany. Anastasiia Myronenko specializes in radiation therapy and is a fellow of Ukrainian Association of Medical Physicists.