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Cooking Up Something in the Kitchen with CBD

CBD Cooking

As CBD becomes more widely used, it’s not surprising that people are getting creative with their hemp hobby.  To our delight, we’re finding that a lot of our customers are buying CBD oil in order to create culinary masterpieces that are infused with the fascinating compounds native to hemp.  This allows people to enjoy two hobbies at once – CBD, and the culinary arts. 

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous in the kitchen, we suggest that you consider experimenting with CBD.  Cooking with CBD can be a highly rewarding experience as it allows you to enjoy the powers of hemp while also trying out a new type of cuisine.

What to Know About Cooking with CBD

Before you get started, there are some things that you need to know.  For better or worse, there’s a pretty strict science when it comes to cooking with CBD.  But, luckily for you, we’re going to try to explain everything that you need to know in this simple guide below.

It Can’t Be Applied to Any Type of Food

First, you have to know that CBD oil can’t just be poured into any old recipe.  CBD oil is considered a fat, because it’s oil-based.  So, it can only be used in foods that require a certain amount of fat.  For example, CBD oil does not blend well with water, so trying to make a batch of lemon ice pops with CBD oil is not going to work.  However, foods that require an amount of fat can work well, such as cookies, salad dressings and meat marinades.  Basically, you’re replacing a certain amount of fat with CBD oil when cooking with CBD.

Pure CBD Oil or CBD Oil Mixed with a Safe-to-Ingest Carrier Oil is Crucial

You also can’t just add any type of CBD product to a recipe.  It’s important that it’s pure and safe to ingest.  Pure CBD oil is the best as it contains nothing but hemp extract, although it’s okay to use CBD products that consist of hemp oil and a carrier oil that’s safe to consume, such as coconut oil, olive oil or hempseed oil.

Be Wary of the Temperature

CBD contains delicate chemical compounds that must be exposed to the right temperature in order to remain stable.  Too much heat causes those compounds to break down and become basically useless due to a loss of potency.  And, what’s the point of consuming CBD if its compounds are no longer capable of working? 

As a rule of thumb, CBD oil should never be heated beyond 356 degrees Fahrenheit.  Once it surpasses this temperature, it begins to lose potency at a rapid pace, making it basically useless.  So, adjust your recipe if need be so that it stays below this temperature.

Go with Decarboxylated CBD

Decarboxylated CBD is CBD that has already had its compounds activated by way of heat exposure.  This allows the CBD compounds to be quickly and thoroughly bioavailable.  Cooking with CBD that hasn’t been decarboxylated is a lot like cooking with raw cannabis plant material.  If it’s not heated to the right temperature, its compounds won’t really do anything.  So, decarboxylated, in most cases, is the easier way to go as you don’t have to worry about reaching the right temperature in order for its compounds to become activated.

Find Recipes Online

If you’re just getting started, we suggest first looking for recipes online.  This way, you’ll be able to follow someone else’s recipe that’s been proven to be successful, rather than having to play a guessing game.  And, with CBD being as popular as it is, you’ll have no trouble finding a wide variety of exciting recipes to choose from.

Don’t Overcomplicate Things

In the beginning, keep things simple by making recipes that don’t require too much time, effort or ingredients.  This way, you’ll be less likely to end up with a disaster.  If you’re not an experienced cook or baker, try to go with something very basic like a CBD salad dressing, as this only requires a couple of ingredients.

Know How to Dose Your Food Properly

Next, know how to dose each portion properly by using basic math.  Think about how many milligrams of CBD you wish to consume per portion, and then multiply that by the number of portions you plan to make.  The number you end up with is how much CBD you should add to your recipe.

Only Make as Much as You’ll Realistically Consume Within a Few Days

Remember that food products break down fairly quickly, so don’t make more CBD-infused goodies than you can realistically eat in a matter of a couple of days.

Stick with Quality CBD, Always!

Lastly, always go for quality when it comes to CBD oil.  The higher the quality, the better your experience will be, and the better the quality of the finished product will be.  Cheap CBD is cheap for a reason, so always opt for the good stuff.

Cooking with CBD Can Be an Extremely Fulfilling Hobby…

And, may even turn into something lucrative down the road.  Turning your CBD hobby into a culinary passion is a great way to express your creativity while doing your body good.  But, before getting started, read this guide thoroughly in order to go about things in the right manner and end up with a product that satisfies those hemp-related needs.

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Full vs. Broad Spectrum CBD Tinctures – What are Their Effects?

Full or Broad spectrum?

When choosing a CBD tincture at Hemp CBD Oil Store, one must consider a wide variety of factors.  For one thing, they have to decide the proper strength so that they get the right amount of hemp compounds per dose.  They also have to decide on a flavor so that they can satisfy their taste buds while taking their daily dose of CBD.  But, there’s one factor that’s rarely considered, although it’s arguably just as important as the rest.

There are three types of hemp extracts: broad spectrum, full spectrum and CBD isolate.  A CBD tincture can contain any one of these three types of extracts, and which one you go with can largely determine your experience, and whether or not you’re able to accomplish what you want with your new hemp regimen.

Today, we’ll be talking about the two most popular of these three extracts: broad spectrum and full spectrum.  While they’re very similar to each other, the differences are just important enough to be worth diving into.

What Does it Mean?

When we talk about full spectrum and broad spectrum, we’re talking about the ways in which the hemp compounds were extracted from the plant material.  All CBD products start with the hemp plant.  The hemp plant is carefully cultivated before going through an extraction process that usually involves some type of heat and pressure in order to end up with compounds that have been fully separated from the plant material.

Once these compounds have been successfully isolated and extracted from the hemp plant material, they can be chemically composed in a number of ways to produce different kinds of concentrates.  Full spectrum extract and broad spectrum extract are two different types of concentrates, with chemical compositions that differ from each other.

Full Spectrum

Full spectrum extract is hemp extract that contains every chemical compound that naturally occurs in the hemp plant.  The hemp plant naturally contains a very wide variety of compounds.  These compounds include cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN and CBG, as well as terpenes.  Terpenes are plant compounds that exist in essential oils, and they determine the flavor and aroma of a particular plant.  Furthermore, terpenes seem to naturally contain unique properties such as antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.  Terpenes that commonly exist in hemp include myrcene, limonene and linalool. 

Because full spectrum hemp extract contains every compound in hemp, it contains THC.  Now, we know that THC is the psychoactive chemical compound found in marijuana that gives it psychoactive effects, thus making it federally illegal.  However, in the hemp plant, THC is only present in about 0.3 percent of the plant material, and this amount is not nearly high enough to be psychoactive.  Therefore, full spectrum hemp extract cannot get you high.

In fact, THC is a cannabinoid that may be useful in a number of ways when consumed in low doses.  Many studies have shown that THC, like CBD, may have unique properties that can be considered beneficial.

Broad Spectrum

Broad spectrum hemp extract, meanwhile, is a hemp extract that contains every plant compoundfound in hemp except for THC.  So, it allows you to experience a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, only without THC. 

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect refers to the effect on the body when every hemp compound is consumed at once, as nature intended.  This is what occurs when you consume full spectrum hemp extract.  Basically, it’s believed that the entourage effect allows for each plant’s potential benefits to be multiplied, because each compound increases the efficacy of the rest.  The entourage effect is considered ideal as it allows you to potentially get the most benefits out of taking a hemp product.  This is why most people believe that full spectrum CBD is objectively superior.

Using a Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture

If you want to avoid THC altogether, a broad spectrum CBD tincture is the way to go.  Basically, for this type of extract, the THC has been isolated in the remaining concentrate and thoroughly removed.  This means that you won’t have any traces of THC in your body after consuming a broad spectrum CBD tincture.  You’ll still receive all of the other compounds found in hemp.

Using a Full Spectrum CBD Tincture

A full spectrum CBD tincture allows you to experience the entourage effect, and it means that you’ll be consuming THC as well as all of the other plant compounds.  If you feel comfortable consuming trace amounts of THC, this is the way to go.  Bear in mind that consuming THC that comes from the hemp plant cannot possibly deliver psychoactive effects, but in rare cases, it can cause the THC to show up on a drug test.  However, this is very unusual.

Which is Better?

So, which option is right for you: a broad spectrum CBD tincture or a full spectrum CBD tincture?  Well, it all depends on your preferences.  Again, most experts feel that a full spectrum extract is superior because of the entourage effect.  However, it’s understandable that some people want to completely avoid THC, so if that’s the case, go with broad spectrum.

Also, bear in mind that aside from the chemical composition of each concentrate, they don’t really differ from each other in any way.  Broad spectrum and full spectrum tinctures are about the same in terms of price, so you won’t save any money by going with one over the other.  Additionally, they taste and smell the same, so you won’t experience any differences between the two.  And, finally, the potency level doesn’t differ due to the presence of THC or lack thereof.

Comes Down to Preference

At the end of the day, whether you choose a full spectrum CBD tincture or a broad spectrum CBD tincture is totally up to you.  However, as you can see, one provides you with the full entourage effect, while one does not.  Use this guide to decide which type of extract is right for you as you begin a new CBD tincture routine.

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Handling Potential Migraine Symptoms with CBD

CBD for Migraines

There are headaches, and then there are migraines.  Every migraine sufferer knows that the two are very different, although they’re often referred to as the same thing.  One thing that makes migraines unique is that they’re unbelievably debilitating and can come with a wide host of symptoms aside from typical headache pain.

One major issue with migraines is that the medical community does not offer many options to the sufferer.  This is especially upsetting for those who suffer from frequent migraines, as many people find that they experience them at least once a month.  It goes without saying that migraine sufferers are more than desperate for a treatment option that consistently works, although options are limited at the time.

Today, we’ll be discussing the research surrounding CBD and migraines.  Many studies have been performed recently in order to determine whether or not this plant-based compound is capable of providing relief to those who suffer from migraines, regardless of the severity and frequency.  This can help you decide whether or not you wish to start a CBD regimen in order to alleviate migraine symptoms while also reducing their frequency.

What Exactly Defines Having Migraine?

A migraine is a type of headache that is known to be more debilitating than most.  The pain that it causes is extremely severe and can interrupt one’s ability to go on with their daily routines.  Most people who experience a migraine have no choice but to lay in a dark room until it goes away.  Migraines tend to produce a throbbing pain that wraps around the head, and often, one side of the head feels worse than the other.

Why Do Migraines Even Occur?

It’s hard to determine an exact cause for migraines, as there as so many contributing factors.  We now know that chronic stress is a very popular contributing factor, as excess cortisol levels can lead to inflammation in this area of the head.  People may also experience migraines due to food allergies, injuries, hormonal imbalances, alcohol consumption, high sugar consumption, excess caffeine, withdrawal from certain drugs and underlying illnesses.  Women who suffer from migraines often find that they become more severe during the PMS stage of their cycle.

Symptoms Associated with a Migraine

The leading symptom of a migraine is severe pain, but other symptoms typically accompany it.  Common symptoms include:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • A loss of appetite
  • Vomiting,
  • Lack of coordination
  • Seeing auras in one’s peripheral vision

How’s a Migraine Treated?

There are a few reasons why migraines are so difficult to treat.  One reason is because migraines can have a number of causes and determining the underlying causes can be challenging.  Also, migraines are, by nature, unpredictable, so it’s hard to prevent them. 

Those who experience frequent migraines will likely be told to take a pain medication as needed or daily by a doctor in order to prevent them from occurring.  Depending on the severity of the pain, they may be prescribed a prescription medication, or told to take an over-the-counter drug.  Sometimes, opioid drugs are prescribed, but this is becoming less and less common due to the addictive nature of these types of drugs.

Can Migraines Be Harmful in the Long-Term?

Migraines themselves aren’t harmful in the long-term in terms of putting a person’s life in danger, but they do come with complications.  For one thing, frequent migraines can interfere with a person’s quality of life and cause mood problems.  Additionally, migraines can indicate an underlying illness that requires medical attention.  And, migraines can be unpredictable which makes them dangerous.  For instance, if someone experiences a sudden migraine while driving, it can impair their driving abilities.

Could CBD Potentially Alleviate Migraine Symptoms?

CBD is a chemical compound that’s native to the hemp plant.  CBD is unique in that it has many properties associated with pain relief, according to studies.  Additionally, CBD works directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system that is responsible for the regulation of bodily processes, including pain levels, hormone levels and inflammation levels throughout the body.  The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors that exist throughout the body, including areas that are affected by migraines.  CBD gives these receptors cannabinoids so that they may regulate the processes associated with their corresponding locations. 

According to one study, taking CBD for migraines is nothing new.  For centuries, people have been using CBD as a natural way to alleviate the pain associated with migraines.

Now, science has shown us that CBD contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in high volumes.  Analgesics and anti-inflammatories are known pain relievers.

Other research has found that CBD may alleviate stress and anxiety, and we know that stress and anxiety can contribute to migraines.

What to Know About Taking CBD When Dealing with a Migraine

Many migraine sufferers use CBD on a regular basis.  CBD can be taken two ways: as needed or daily.  It seems that daily use is best for preventative care, as CBD accumulates in the body and becomes more potentially effective with each dose. 

Before taking CBD for migraines, tell your doctor as they will want to know what you are taking, and may be able to offer suggestions so that your treatment is more effective.  Also, it’s imperative that you opt for a high-quality CBD product from a trusted company.  Look for lab results on a company’s website to make sure that the CBD is pure, potent and high in quality.

Those dealing with more severe symptoms will likely benefit from a higher potency, as higher potency levels provide the body with more properties found within CBD’s compounds.  Choose the administration method that works best for you depending on your needs. 

  • CBD Tinctures: Tend to act within thirty minutes and can last for a couple of hours.
  • Vape Oils:  work within minutes, and are short-lived, but can provide more potent effects. 
  • Edibles: last for several hours but may require one to two hours before the effects are felt within the body.
  • Topicals: Can provide fast, long-lasting effects, but may not be as potent.

We suggest starting with the recommended dosage for two weeks.  From there, you may increase it as needed.

Safe to Say Migraine Sufferers Deserve Relief from this Almost Crippling Condition

If you decide to take CBD when dealing with a migraine, use the guide above to go about it in the right manner.  And, feel free to check out all of the fascinating studies regarding CBD and pain, as they are abundant.

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An In-Depth Look at CBD Isolate

CBD Isolate

Choosing the right CBD product can be challenging, especially for those who are new to the industry.  After all, there are so many things to consider, such as the right dosage level, administration method, concentration and manufacturer.  Another less frequently considered factor is the type of extract to consume.  There are three different types of CBD extracts, and each one may affect you in a different way.

This piece will specifically be covering CBD isolate- one of those three types of CBD extracts that you can find on the market.  We’ll be explaining how it’s made, potential advantages and other interesting facts about it in order to decide whether or not it’s the right one for you.

What’s CBD Isolate?

First, let’s get into the basics of CBD isolate.  The hemp plant naturally contains a wide range of plant compounds including CBD.  CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a type of compound native to cannabis.  The hemp plant also contains terpenes, which are plant compounds that determine the color and odor of a plant’s essential oil, and also have unique properties that may be able to be used for therapeutic purposes.

The hemp plant becomes CBD oil through a process of extraction that typically involves some type of pressure or heat, or both.  This turns the plant material into a concentrate that can be added to other ingredients to produce a CBD product such as a tincture, vape oil or edible.

Once hemp has been turned into a concentrate, chemists can decide whether they wish to keep the chemical composition of the remaining extract as is or remove certain compounds.  This is how we get full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate.  Each of these terms refers to a type of extract.  Full spectrum contains every plant compound including THC, while broad spectrum contains every plant compound except for THC.  And, CBD isolate contains nothing but pure CBD.

Things to Know About CBD Isolate

Now, let’s discuss the things you should know about CBD isolate when choosing whether or not you wish to use this as your concentrate of choice.

It’s Colorless, Flavorless and Odorless

Ever wonder how cannabis gets its unique taste, smell and color?  Well, that all comes from the terpenes, which are chemical compounds found in every plant.  Because CBD isolate contains only one compound, which is CBD, it’s free of these terpenes.  Therefore, CBD isolate has no color, flavor or aroma.

Contains Zero THC

CBD isolate contains only one cannabinoid, and that’s CBD.  THC is another cannabinoid, and it’s known for its psychoactive effects when consumed in high doses.  However, with CBD isolate, there is no THC present.

Purest and Most Potent CBD There Is

Because CBD isolate contains no other compounds but CBD, it’s the purest and most potent CBD extract you can find.  This means that products made with CBD isolate contain more CBD per milliliter than products made with broad spectrum or full spectrum extract.  If you’re looking to only consume CBD, this is the way to go, without a doubt.

Can Be Harder to Find

CBD isolate products may be harder to come across because broad spectrum and full spectrum are so popular.  Still, you can find CBD isolate products if you’re willing to look a little harder.

Takes Longer to Produce

It takes longer to make a single milliliter of CBD isolate extract because of the fact that more plant material is needed.  This is why CBD isolate may be more expensive than other types of extracts.  Another reason why it can take longer to produce is because each other chemical compound found in hemp must be carefully isolated and removed so that the finished product contains nothing but CBD.

Can Be Found in a Number of Products

CBD isolate doesn’t come in only one form.  CBD isolate is available in vape oils, tinctures, topicals, edibles and more.  You can also buy CBD isolate crystals and pure CBD isolate oil that has not been mixed with any additives.  These days, you can even find CBD isolate bath bombs, pet treats and energy drinks.  So, if you want to commit to CBD isolate, know that the possibilities are endless, and you can find a number of ways to enjoy this unique type of hemp extract. 

An Extract Not to Be Ignored

Hence, it’s becoming increasingly popular as hemp enthusiasts are learning more about CBD itself.  If you’re interested in trying out CBD isolate, find a product that clearly states that it contains this type of extract.  And, don’t be afraid to experiment with all three types of extracts before settling on the one that best suits your cannabinoid needs.

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CBD Terminology 101: Words All Users Should Know

CBD terms

New to the world of CBD? Eager to get started making this cannabinoid part of your daily regimen?  Well, if there’s one thing that we can tell you, it’s that the CBD market of today is highly diverse and extensive.  Now, this is a good thing, because it means that there’s tons of variety, ensuring that you can find the perfect product for your highly specific needs.  But it also means that newbies can feel overwhelmed due to the large amount of terminology that must be learned in order to know what you’re buying.

The Major Words on the CBD Streets

We’ve made a list of all of the important CBD-related terms that you must learn in order to pick out the perfect products for your needs.  By learning these terms, you’ll have no trouble finetuning your hemp experience for the best possible results.

  • Hemp: A member of the cannabis family, and it is cousins with marijuana – yes, the federally illegal, psychoactive plant that makes people feel high.  Hemp is unique in that it’s low in THC, so it doesn’t get a person high.  Hemp is also a highly useful plant that can be turned into rope, paper, clothing and so much more.  But, today, we’re talking about hemp because it’s the plant from which CBD is derived.  Hemp is naturally high in CBD, and so it’s used to produce commercial CBD products.
  • Cannabinoid: Hemp contains many cannabinoids, which are plant compounds native to cannabis.  Cannabinoids are unique in that they work directly with our body’s endocannabinoid system which is in charge of homeostasis.  Therefore, consuming cannabinoids gives the endocannabinoid system what it needs to ensure that every bodily system is functioning properly.
  • CBD: One of the cannabinoids native to hemp, and it’s the one that’s most abundant in hemp.  CBD has been widely studied for its many potential benefits and therapeutic properties, and it’s become an entire industry. 
  • THC: Another cannabinoid that’s found in both hemp and marijuana.  In marijuana, THC is very abundant.  However, hemp only contains about 0.3 percent THC.  This is not nearly a high enough amount to deliver psychoactive effects.  This is why hemp will never get a user high.
  • Terpene: Terpenes are another class of compounds found in the hemp plant, as well as every other plant in existence.  Terpenes determine the color, flavor and aroma of a plant.  They also have unique properties within themselves, such as anti-inflammatory properties and anti-anxiety properties.
  • Strain: Different hemp plants belong to different strains, and a strain refers to the unique chemical composition of a particular plant.  Some strains, for instance, have higher levels of limonene, a terpene known to potentially relieve pain, and higher levels of CBN, a cannabinoid known to potentially promote sleep.  Meanwhile, other strains may have higher levels of other compounds. 
  • Indica: Strains are categorized into three classes, with Indica being one of them.  Indica strains are associated with sleepiness and calmness and may relieve pain.
  • Sativa: These strains are known to be more energizing and cerebral.
  • Hybrid: Halfway between Indica and sativa strains and may provide benefits associated with both.
  • Full Spectrum: There are three types of hemp extracts, which refer to the way in which the hemp compounds were extracted from the plant material.  Full spectrum extract contains every compound, including THC, CBD and terpenes.  Bear in mind that in full spectrum extract, there is only about 0.3 percent, below the legal limit, and not enough to make a person feel high. It’s believed that full spectrum extract provides the entourage effect, an effect in which the plant compounds multiply each other’s effectiveness when taken “as nature intended.
  • Broad Spectrum: contains every plant compound except for THC.
  • CBD Isolate: Contains only CBD and no other compounds.
  • Strength: Refers to the number of milligrams of CBD in a particular product.  It determines how much CBD the user will be consuming per dose. 
  • Dosage Level: Quantity of the CBD product that can be taken orally.
  • Tincture: An oral product that is poured beneath the tongue and absorbed through the sublingual tissue in order to act fairly quickly.
  • Vape Oil: Another term for a CBD-infused e-liquid.  It can be flavored or unflavored and is placed into a cartridge and vaped using a compatible device.
  • Edibles: Any CBD-infused edible product, such as a gummy, that is consumed via the digestive tract.
  • Topicals: Creams, lotions, balms, etc. that can be applied to the skin

Learning is CBD Power

As you can see, the CBD market doesn’t need to be that intimidating after all.  By simply knowing the right terms, you can find the right products and have a very positive CBD experience.  Study this guide so that you can know exactly what to buy when you’re ready to go shopping for CBD products at Hemp CBD Oil Store.