WHAT IS CBD?
CBD, also called Cannabidiol, is just one of over 113 compounds known as phytocannabinoids, found in both hemp and marijuana/cannabis plants. These cannabinoids are stored in the plant's crystals (trichomes) and are located mainly in the plant's flowers but are also found in the leaves and stems. CBD is a safe, non-addictive substance with vast therapeutic qualities.
How does it work?
The way CBD interacts with the body is complicated and continues to be researched. The human body naturally produces certain cannabinoids on its own in what is known as the endocannabinoid system or ECS for short. The ECS is responsible for setting the baseline of our immune system and nervous system, which is essential in maintaining our health. In simplistic terms, the ECS is responsible for helping the body maintain homeostasis or stability and general well-being. CBD and the other cannabinoids have been shown to promote optimum health and function of the ECS.
How to Identify High-Quality CBD products?
The choices of CBD products on the market today can be overwhelming. Not all products are created equal therefore quality and effectiveness can vary widely.
5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A HIGH-QUALITY CBD PRODUCT:
1) KNOW HOW THE CBD IS EXTRACTED
CBD is extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant using a variety of methods. The cheapest methods may involve toxic solvents that can be harmful to your health. More reputable companies will use either an ethanol extraction process or a CO2 extraction process. The CO2 extraction process uses sophisticated equipment and a more complex series of refinement steps, ensuring that the final produced CBD oil maintains its purity and efficacy. At AKAI LIFEⓇ, we design and build our own PURE CO2Ⓡ processing systems, which create our full-spectrum CBD rich cannabinoid extracts.
2) KNOW WHERE IT’S GROWN
CBD comes from both hemp (containing under 0.3% THC) and CBD dominant cannabis (containing over 0.3% THC) plants, both members of the Cannabis Sativa family. We create AKAIⓇ products from hemp grown in the U.S on family farms. Not all hemp and cannabis farming practices are equal, and we advise you only to purchase products manufactured from U.S. grown hemp or state regulated CBD cannabis farms. U.S. farmers are required to be certified by state departments with rigorous standards in place. This ensures the plants are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals absorbed by the plant. CBD extracted from hemp may be sold and shipped legally throughout the U.S. In contrast, CBD extracted from cannabis may only be sold within the state it’s grown in and distributed through state-regulated entities.
3) CHECK FOR FULL-SPECTRUM LABELING
Using full-spectrum extracts ensures that the oil contains CBD and the full range of primary and secondary constituents of the hemp plant. These include terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids (e.g., THC, CBC, and CBG ) that work synergistically with CBD enhancing its effectiveness. This synergy is called the entourage effect. Check to ensure the manufacturer uses a full-spectrum or whole-plant CBD.
4) CHECK FOR THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF CBD PRESENT
The amount of hemp extract or hemp oil listed on a package does not equal the amount of CBD present. Hemp extract or hemp oil includes everything extracted from the hemp plant, including other plant matter. The amount of hemp oil and/ or hemp extract listed is sometimes as much as twice the amount of CBD present in the product. Look for manufacturers that list the amount of CBD present in the product and not just hemp extract or oil.
5) CHECK FOR THIRD-PARTY LAB RESULTS
A reputable CBD brand will have recent third-party validated lab results available. These independent labs test manufacturer's products to ensure that the claimed amounts of CBD and other cannabinoids are present. Additionally, they assure that products are free of harmful contaminants, toxins, and impurities. We suggest purchasing your CBD from manufacturers who provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) either on their website or upon request.
