You’re on the fence about CBD oil. It’s everywhere, but is it worth the money? This natural remedy may encourage relaxation, relieve sore muscles, and sleep. With so many brands on the market, it’s difficult to know who to trust.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many active compounds in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or psychoactive effect. This advantage makes it an appealing option for those looking for a relaxing experience that may boost overall wellness without the mind-altering effects of marijuana.
CBD Oil Vs. Whole Plant Extract
CBD isolate is just that—CBD is isolated from other plant compounds. A whole-plant extract keeps all the other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes in hemp. When shopping for CBD oil, you’ll notice that companies produce some products with CBD isolate while they make others with the whole-plant extract.
The popular and potent plant contains over 500 naturally occurring compounds, including more than 100 phytocannabinoids. CBD is just one of these valuable cannabinoids, but it’s become the star because of its unique ability to interact with the human body.
The other compounds are essential too. Terpenes, for example, are aromatic compounds that give hemp its characteristic smell. They interact with the human body in exciting ways. Some terpenes may boost mood, while others may promote relaxation.
The entourage effect is the name given to the synergistic interaction between CBD and other plant compounds. A full-spectrum product contains CBD and other plant compounds, while an isolate only contains CBD.
Full-spectrum products may offer more health benefits because of the entourage effect. However, they also contain trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). Avoid full-spectrum products if you submit to regular drug tests for your job or are an athlete subject to WADA regulations. Isolates or a broad-spectrum formula are a better option in these cases.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates various functions, including pain, mood, and appetite. It includes receptors throughout the body, including in the brain, muscles, skin, and digestive tract. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system, which means CBD oil may work for dogs, cats, and humans.
Does CBD Really Work?
People have been using hemp for centuries to promote wellness. In recent years, scientific research has confirmed many of its potential benefits. Some evidence suggests that it may be helpful for everyday concerns like anxiety, pain, and sleeplessness.
Although much more structured research is necessary on the potential health benefits of CBD oil, millions of consumers worldwide can’t be wrong. Many customers report feeling more relaxed after taking CBD. Some also find that it helps soothe sore muscles after a long day on your feet or a strenuous workout at the gym.
Why is CBD So Expensive?
The CBD market is still relatively new, so prices have not yet stabilized. In addition, quality brands use only the highest-quality ingredients and take care to extract CBD in a way that preserves its beneficial properties. This process can be costly, but it’s worth ensuring you get a product that will work.
Besides the relative age of the industry, 99% of the CBD brands on the market are white-label companies. These brands buy from hemp farms or brokers and then markup the product, typically 2 to 3 times what they paid.
How Do the Costs Breakdown?
The cost of CBD oil can vary widely, depending on the quality of the product and the brand. Higher-quality products will cost more. However, it’s essential to find a balance between price and quality. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on a quality product from a brand you trust.
Farm-Direct Hemp
Many brands buy bulk raw ingredients from farmers and then process them in their own facilities. This extra step can add to the final cost of the product. These brands look at the price before quality, which could mean you’re not getting a potent product.
However, Akira Botanicals is a farm-direct hemp company that works directly with consumers to get the highest-quality CBD products at the best price. We are one of the few hemp companies on the market to offer wholesale pricing to everyday people when you buy in bulk. We also are transparent about our growing practices and perform third-party testing to verify purity and potency.
Video: The Importance of Buying Farm-Direct
Organically Grown Hemp
Organically grown hemp is free of harmful pesticides and other toxins. This ensures you’re getting a pure product that is safe to consume. In addition, organic farming practices are better for the environment. The cost is slightly higher, but a quality product is worth the money.
Extraction Method
There are several ways to extract CBD from hemp plants. The most common is supercritical CO2 extraction, which uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull the CBD from the plant. This method is safe and effective, but it can be expensive.
Other extraction methods include:
• Ethanol: This method uses high-grain alcohol to extract CBD from the plant. It’s practical, but it can damage some of the beneficial compounds in hemp.
• Olive oil: This traditional method uses olive oil to extract CBD from the plant. It’s gentle and effective, but it can be time-consuming.
• Steam distillation: This method uses steam to extract CBD from the plant. It’s effective, but it can damage some of the beneficial compounds in hemp.
At Akira Botanicals, we use subcritical C02 extraction for our CBD oil because it does the best to preserve the terpenes and phytocannabinoids. Although it is the most expensive extraction method, it yields the purest, most potent, and most effective product.
Small Batch Production
Many CBD brands mass produce their products in large factories. This allows them to create a lot of products quickly and cheaply. However, it can also lead to lower-quality outcomes. Brands that make their products in small batches ensure quality. This process is more expensive than mass production, but getting an effective and safe product is worth the money.
Third-Party Lab Testing
The best brands send their products to third-party labs to test for purity and potency. This ensures that you’re getting a quality product that contains the amount of CBD advertised on the label. These tests can add to the cost of the product, but they’re worth it for peace of mind.
Independent lab testing is vital because the hemp and CBD industry lacks regulation. Companies can make false claims about their products and get away with them. Make sure to only buy from brands that use third-party lab testing to ensure purity and potency.
View Third-Party Lab results for all of our products here.
Does CBD Work Right Away For Everyone?
CBD affects everyone differently. Some people feel the effects immediately, while others may not notice them for several hours. If you don’t feel any effects after taking CBD for a few days, it’s possible that you need to increase the dosage.
Start with a low dose (10-20 mg) and increase it gradually until you find a dosage that works for you. Finding a quality product from a brand you trust is also essential.
CBD oil is worth the money if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your health. Be sure to do your research and buy from a trusted brand. A quality product will cost more, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind and potential wellness benefits.
When choosing a quality brand, look for those that use organically grown hemp, have their products independently lab tested, and produce them in small batches. These brands are more expensive but more likely to make a safe, effective product. CBD oil is an investment in your health, so choose wisely!
Akira Botanicals meets these criteria, and we’re confident in our products. Shop our collection of CBD oils today!