From coffee shops to beauty parlors, CBD concentrates are showing up in many unexpected places. As their popularity grows, manufacturers are dreaming up tons of new ways to provide CBD to the world. If you’re on the sidelines wondering just what these concentrates are all about, you need this guide in your life. To help you explore this interesting realm, here’s a look at all the top CBD concentrates on the market today.
What are CBD Concentrates?
Derived from either cannabis or hemp, CBD concentrates feature high levels of the powerful phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol. Unlike THC, however, this active ingredient does not cause the typical high associated with cannabis, although it does still work on the same brain receptors. As it activates the natural endocannabinoid system in the body, it can potentially help relieve inflammation, reduce anxiety, and provide other helpful benefits.
Must-Try CBD Concentrates
Thanks to the innovative of hemp and cannabis product manufacturers, CBD concentrates now come in many forms, such as:
Crystal
Often available in a crystalline or powder, this CBD concentrate features pure CBD isolate. Due to the strict processing standards, it’s completely free of all THC and does not have any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or the like.
Hash
CBD hash is made from the resin of the female hemp flower, just like conventional cannabis hash. Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are produced by the hemp plant in the form of resin, which is a powdery substance. When the powdered substance is treated or crushed into solid bricks, it produces hash.
Shatter
Also made using CBD isolate, shatter is a brittle, glass-like substance that melts under high temperatures. As that happens, it bubbles up and gets quite sticky while releasing its compounds.
Wax
Normally used in vaporizers or dab rigs, CBD wax contains many other compounds from the hemp or cannabis plants. Since it’s not as purified as isolate, there’s at least a small amount of THC in the mix as well.
Crumble
Crumble is similar to wax in its makeup, but it’s a whole lot less sticky. In fact, through the addition of moisture, the substance is downright loose and crumbly, although it’s still suitable for dabs.
Budder
Budder starts out as a wax, and then goes through a final process that lightens up its texture. Through the application of higher processing temps and pressures, it comes out looking and feeling much like butter. Like many other CBD concentrates, it’s best used in vaporizers and dab rigs.
Sauce
CBD sauce is a versatile liquid that works equally well in dab rigs as it does in recipes. It’s often available in many different formulas, including CBD distillate and Delta 8 if you prefer to go the THC route. The distillate contains many different cannabinoids plus terpenes that provide additional effects.
Live Resin
If you want the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, then live resin might be the way to go. This CBD concentrate starts with the flash-freezing of the hemp or cannabis plant matter. Then, it goes through the extraction process to wring out all the major compounds into one concentrate.
With so many different kinds of CBD concentrates available, there’s definitely something for everyone. You just have to try each one to see which formulas speak to you most, and then treat yourself to your favorite products whenever you’d like to sweeten your day.
What Are the Different Types of CBD?
Like any popular product that hits the market, terms evolve as science advances. Companies clarify and diversify product offerings. So it’s no wonder that a market as rapidly growing as CBD would have a lot of terminologies to learn and understand– full-spectrum, Isolate, Broad Spectrum, tincture, concentrate. There are many types of CBD. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol, one of many plant substances called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While you may think of marijuana when we say cannabis, realize that not all cannabis plants can get you high. Some, like hemp cannabis, are much higher in non psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and have only trace amounts of THC, the cannabinoid that causes the “cannabis effect”.
Modern science can separate CBD and other substances from the plant to create the types of CBD. They can then add this CBD into products for different uses. Both anecdotal (based on personal experiences) and some scientific evidence show that CBD may have certain benefits such as:
- Reducing inflammation
- Decreasing anxiety symptoms
- Modulating pain
- Improving sleep
Types of CBD by Composition
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is pure CBD extracted from a cannabis plant using a safe chemical reaction. It usually comes in a flavorless powder, making it ideal for food and drinks where even a subtle cannabis flavor might detract. People also use isolates when they need to take a precise dose of CBD, often for medicinal purposes.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-Spectrum CBD is usually produced using CO2 extraction to remove the beneficial plant substances from the plant matter. This retains many other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and chlorophyll found naturally in the plant. Many of these other plant substances have their own potential health benefits and may enhance the effects of CBD through what is commonly known as the “entourage effect”.
It’s important to note that full-spectrum does retain trace amounts of THC within the federally legal limit and too little to cause any mental effects.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum is full-spectrum without any THC for those who recognize the entourage effect but want to steer clear of THC.
Types of CBD by Product
- CBD concentrates contain very high levels of CBD. Many people use them orally or sublingually for a faster effect when it comes to sleep, pain, or anxiety.
- Edibles are food and drink made with CBD and other food ingredients. Because they pass through the stomach first, the effects are often delayed but may last longer.
- CBD Flowers are the slow-cured buds of CBD-rich hemp cannabis. Many people enjoy smoking them in a pipe or paper for relaxation.
- Tinctures come in various concentrations, typically less than a concentrate. People use tinctures orally, sublingually, and topically.
- Salve is a topical product that combines CBD with beeswax or similar to keep the salve in place on the skin for more prolonged effects. People often massage salves into a painful or inflamed area. But if you want something that completely rubs in, you’re looking for a CBD lotion rather than a salve.
Bottom line: There are many types of CBD, each with various uses. To find the right CBD products for you, it’s important to understand the terminology and types.