What is CBD Distillate and What is It Used For?
Having more options isn’t always better. In fact, scientists say that the more options you’re presented with, the harder it is to make a final decision. So, it should be no wonder people have such a hard time choosing the right CBD products.
CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, CBD distillate, and the list goes on. Today, you’re in luck because we’re helping you learn about CBD distillate.
If you’re wondering: what is CBD distillate and why does the difference matter? Then you better check out this article because we’re telling you everything you need to know.
What Is CBD Distillate?
After extracting cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial plant components from legal hemp, these raw materials go through purification.
The first step of purification typically removes the THC. It leaves behind other plant materials like terpenes, cannabinoids other than THC, beneficial fatty acids, and a whole host of nutrients. This is what’s called a CBD distillate.
How Is CBD Distillate Different from CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD you can find. To make isolates, labs purify hemp plant raw materials twice instead of once. The first purification removes all traces of THC; the second purification eliminates any other plant materials.
The big difference between distillates and isolates? Distillates may still offer the entourage effect while isolates do not.
The Entourage Effect
When you ingest natural cannabis, each terpene, cannabinoid, and nutrient has a different benefit to your body. These compounds don’t just interact with your body, though. They also interact with each other.
According to some research, the benefits of one cannabinoid or terpene can be greatly increased (or decreased) by other plant materials. This is what we refer to as the entourage effect.
Here’s an example: scientists have discovered a unique interaction between CBD and THC. THC, taken alone, causes a buzz or a “high”, which may be undesirable for some CBD users. Yet, when taken alongside CBD, many people report feeling less high.
This is one instance of the entourage effect but it isn’t the only one. Terpenes like linalool are also known to interact with CBD in beneficial ways.
What about Full- and Broad-Spectrum CBD?
By now you may be wondering: but what about full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD? How are those products related to distillates?
Broad-spectrum CBD is just another term for a distillate. That’s because broad-spectrum CBD contains all the hemp plant materials, excepting THC.
Meanwhile, full-spectrum CBD is the most unpurified form of CBD you can find on the market. It does contain THC but, by law, the amount must be less than 0.3% THC in states where cannabis isn’t legal.
Full-spectrum hemp extracts offer you the best opportunity to harness the entourage effect. Still, if you’re concerned about drug testing or hate feeling high, you’ll want to stick with broad-spectrum CBD distillate.
How Much Does CBD Distillate Cost?
The cost of a THC-free distillate differs depending on the percentage of cannabinoids present. For example, distillates with 70%–80% cannabinoids are much less expensive than distillates with 80%–90% cannabinoids.
Products with higher cannabinoid concentrations tend to cost around $25 per gram. Lower concentrations tend to start at $20 per gram.
Of course, some distillates are only available for wholesale purchase. To learn more, check out this guide to crystal resistant CBD distillate wholesale price.
The Benefits of CBD Distillate
So, why do people use CBD distillate? Aside from the entourage effect, most people want to take advantage of the benefits of each individual compound found in distillates.
Beneficial Terpenes
If you’ve never heard of terpenes, maybe you know them by a different M.O. They’re the smell-good compounds we add to essential oils, perfumes, and even candy.
Terpenes are found in the majority of plants and flowers in nature. The hemp flower is no exception. In fact, hemp contains more than 100 known terpenes that offer benefits to people who use CBD distillate.
For example, pinene is a well-known terpene found in hemp, orange rinds, basil, and parsley. In addition to its bright scent, pinene is also known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and bronchodilation (it opens your airways) effects.
Myrcene is the terpene you probably associate with the pungent smell of hemp flower. After all, it constitutes about 50% of the total terpenes found in the plant. Researchers are highly interested in this terpene’s antibiotic, analgesic, and relaxing benefits.
Beneficial Cannabinoids
THC and CBD may get most of the attention these days, but their cannabinoid siblings are just as awesome.
Consider cannabigerol AKA CBG. Like CBD, CBG won’t make you feel high. What it may do is offer relief from anxiety, pain, and even depression.
Cannabinol (CBN) is another cannabinoid that doesn’t receive as much attention as it deserves. CBN is thought to be responsible for the relaxing effects of natural hemp and may help with issues such as insomnia.
Beneficial Hemp Plant Nutrients
Last but not least, CBD distillate is chocked full of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. It should be no wonder, then, that humans have been using hemp as a source of food for thousands of years.
“Good” polyunsaturated fats and especially omega-3 fatty acids are extremely difficult for people to get into their diets. Yet, this nutrient is absolutely essential to our health. The good news is CBD distillate can help— it contains high amounts of omega-3s.
Hemp seeds particularly are also excellent sources of vitamins E and B as well as magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and more.
Even if you don’t plan to take CBD distillate for its nutritional value, CBD oil is an excellent addition to any well-rounded diet.
CBD Distillate: The Bottom Line
If you were wondering what is CBD distillate, you have your answer now. Next time you head to your favorite CBD store or browse your favorite brand online, make sure to have this guide handy.
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