CBD concentrates are a popular form of cannabidiol that are known for their potent effects and versatility. They come in a variety of forms, including wax, shatter, oil, and crystals, and are used by many people for a range of health and wellness benefits. In this article, we'll take a closer look at CBD concentrates, exploring their benefits, how they're made, and how to use them.
What are CBD concentrates?
CBD concentrates are made by extracting the cannabinoid from high-CBD strains of cannabis or hemp. This process usually involves using a solvent, such as butane or CO2, to separate the CBD from other compounds in the plant. The result is a highly concentrated form of CBD that can be used in a variety of ways.
CBD concentrates typically contain anywhere from 50% to 90% CBD, making them much more potent than other forms of CBD, such as tinctures or edibles. This potency makes them ideal for people who need a higher dose of CBD to manage their symptoms or who want to experience the benefits more quickly.
How are CBD concentrates made?
CBD concentrates are made using a variety of extraction methods, including:
- Butane extraction: This involves using butane as a solvent to extract the CBD from the plant material. The resulting concentrate is usually referred to as butane hash oil or BHO.
- CO2 extraction: This method involves using supercritical CO2 to extract the CBD from the plant material. This is considered one of the safest and most efficient methods of extraction.
- Ethanol extraction: Ethanol is used as a solvent to extract the CBD from the plant material. The resulting concentrate is often referred to as RSO or Rick Simpson Oil.
Once the CBD has been extracted, it's usually further purified to remove any remaining solvents or impurities. This can be done using a process called winterization or distillation.
Types of CBD concentrates
There are several different types of CBD concentrates available, each with its own unique characteristics:
- CBD wax: This is a sticky, wax-like substance that's usually smoked or vaporized. It's often referred to as dabbing and is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD concentrates.
- CBD shatter: This is a hard, translucent substance that's often compared to a sheet of glass. It's usually broken into small pieces and vaporized or smoked.
- CBD oil: This is a liquid concentrate that's often used in tinctures or added to food or drinks. It can also be vaporized or smoked.
- CBD crystals: These are pure CBD crystals that can be added to food or drinks or used to make other CBD products, such as tinctures or topicals.
Benefits of CBD concentrates
CBD concentrates are often used by people for a range of health and wellness benefits. Some of the most commonly reported benefits include:
- Pain relief: CBD has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, making it a popular choice for people with chronic pain.
- Anxiety relief: CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, making it a popular choice for people with anxiety disorders.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Neuroprotective properties: CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which can help protect the brain from damage caused by trauma or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
- Anti-seizure properties: CBD has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties, making it a popular choice for people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
- Improved sleep: CBD has been shown to have sedative properties, which can help improve sleep quality and duration.
How to use CBD concentrates
CBD concentrates can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Smoking or vaporizing: CBD wax or shatter can be smoked or vaporized using a dab rig or a vaporizer.
- Tinctures: CBD oil can be added to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to make a tincture that can be taken under the tongue or added to food or drinks.
- Edibles: CBD oil or crystals can be added to food or drinks to make edibles.
- Topicals: CBD oil or crystals can be added to creams or lotions to make topicals that can be applied directly to the skin.
Conclusion
CBD concentrates are a powerful and versatile form of cannabidiol that can be used for a range of health and wellness benefits. They come in several different forms, including wax, shatter, oil, and crystals, and can be used in a variety of ways. While CBD concentrates are generally safe and well-tolerated, it's important to talk to your doctor before using them, especially if you're taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions.
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