After reading the heading of this article you might be thinking, wait a minute, there are different types of CBD oil out there? Indeed, the market spreads far and wide, and while all the bottles may say ‘CBD Oil’ on them, there are nuances which exist between products which can alter the quality and overall effect.

Did you know that there are differences even within the type of CBD extract? CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from cannabis sativa, also known as the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the well known cannabis plant, marijuana. However, unlike its cousin which is widely celebrated among ‘stoner circles’, the industrial hemp used to extract CBD contains an almost untraceable amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - the psychoactive element which induces the ‘high’.

CBD and THC are just two of many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Previously it was believed that extracting CBD alone (isolate) would make the most beneficial product, in terms of streamlining the effects of this particular cannabinoid. However, this was debunked in a study by the Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology. It was actually found that the presence of all the cannabinoids, as naturally intended, meant that they would work together and produce a stronger effect. This is known as the entourage effect. When buying CBD oil check the label to see if it is full spectrum CBD, rather than isolate.

The next important factor to consider when buying CBD is how the product was extracted. As mentioned earlier, CBD is taken from the flower of the industrial hemp plant, but it’s not quite as simple as putting petals in a bottle (we wish!). Extracting CBD is a fairly complex process, especially if you do it right. The cleanest and most efficient method is supercritical CO2 extraction, which obtains an uncontaminated final extract with little wasted material - as it can be reused. However, supercritical CO2 extraction requires innovative technology and field experts, so this method does not come cheaply.

Once you’re certain that the CBD extract in your chosen product is of high quality, it is important that you look into the carrier oil that it has been mixed with. As you, the consumer, are interested in CBD due to its natural wellness prospects it makes sense that you want the entire product to constitute of only the most natural ingredients. Coconut-derived Melrose MCT oil is the best candidate for the job as not only is it a natural product, but also it’s high absorbency improves CBD bioavailability.  

With a better understanding of the different components of CBD oil , and how to identify the highest quality of each, buying this product should not present the headache that you might have experienced when first venturing into the CBD space. Just remember the three important factors, the highest quality CBD oil will be full spectrum, extracted using supercritical CO2 extraction, and mixed with MCT carrier oil. Every step of care, quality, and attention that producers pour into their CBD oil makes for the optimal product.