Even if you’re not into cannabis products, there is a good chance you’ve heard about the term “hemp extract.” This is one of the most commonly used phrases among cannabis users.
Perhaps the biggest issue with this term is how some people use it. There are a lot of misconceptions within the industry, and the majority of consumers are not aware of the small nuances. This is why the Airmid Hemp Extracts team always suggests that you get acquainted with the terminology before making any purchase.
In this article, we will explain this phrase, as well as what to expect from hemp extracts. Read on!
What is a hemp extract?
As the name implies, this is a substance that we get from the hemp plant. To be more precise, these are oils we can get from leaves, stems, and buds. Most people call this product “CBD oil.”
Some companies try to trick consumers by labeling hemp seed oil as a hemp extract. While this designation is true in the widest sense, people simply don’t use the phrase that way. Keep in mind that hemp seed oil is cheaper, and it doesn’t have the same cannabinoids and terpenes as CBD oil. Still, some businesses try to pass it as the more expensive CBD oil.
The oil can be extracted by few different methods: CO2 extraction, solvent extraction, steam extraction, etc. Most companies prefer utilizing the CO2 procedure as it gives us the cleanest, safest substance.
When a company extracts CBD hemp oil, it will be in the form of “full-spectrum CBD oil.” This is a product that has retained all of the chemicals from the hemp plant. It will have the same terpene, flavonoid, and cannabinoid profile as the underlying strain. Depending on the strain that was used, you can get a product of different potency.
Through further processing, you can get broad-spectrum CBD oil, or CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum CBD will be very similar to full-spectrum oil. The main difference is that it won’t have an intoxicating substance known as THC. On the other hand, CBD isolate will only have one chemical, and that is cannabidiol.
How do we use hemp extracts?
These products are the basis upon which all other hemp items are made. Companies will take these oils and infuse them into creams, edibles, and other substances. That way, they can fine-tune potential benefits and chemical composition.
When a person wants to administer a CBD oil, there are a few ways to do it. The most popular one is sublingual administration, where a person will put the liquid under the tongue and wait for the sublingual gland to dissolve it.
The less popular method is topical application. When used in such a manner, the oil will produce the same effects as any other hemp topical. However, most CBD users prefer going with specialized topical products instead.
Lastly, some people will use the oil orally by swallowing it directly. After oral administration, it will take some time for the substance to reach your bloodstream, but the effects will also be much longer.
What are the potential benefits of hemp extracts?
There is a lot of debate as to what hemp extract can and what it can’t do. A lot of hemp companies tend to exaggerate their beneficial effects in an attempt to make more money. But the truth is, we have very limited data about their potential benefits.
Based on what we know so far, these chemical compounds might affect your cannabinoid receptors that are a part of the endocannabinoid system. By doing so, CBD oil can bring about a state of homeostasis where all your internal functions are working at their optimal level.
Here are some of the things CBD oil can help you with based on anecdotal evidence and limited research data:
- Increase in energy
- Better sleep
- Improved focus and alertness
- Reduced inflammation and soreness
- Improved skin
- Better appetite, etc.
What are the potential side effects of hemp extracts?
When you buy hemp extracts from a reputable store, you are less likely to experience side effects. These drawbacks are usually mild in nature, and will dissipate as soon as the substance leaves your body.
CBD users have complained about side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, change in appetite, change in blood pressure, etc. The chance of drawbacks increases as you increase the quantity of the product. However, most people will never encounter any of these issues when administering hemp extracts.
About the author: Nikolay Stoyanov is an experienced cannabis SEO content writer with more than 10 years of CBD experience. Nikolay is the founder of CBD Advertising Agency – an elite cannabis SEO company in the US.
