In the world of marketing, whenever a product acquires status among Hollywood celebrities, fierce competition results in marketing hype, and it’s only a matter of time until the market suffers from saturation, challenging consumers to do personal research and sharpen their discrimination. This scenario may be in the not-too-distant future for CBD as celebrities are going crazy over the beauty benefits of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is now blended into many personal care and skincare products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review CBD products before they are placed on shelves, definitely putting the onus on consumers to do research on sourcing, extraction methods and lab testing before making purchases. Navigating through the maelstrom of CBD industry lingo used to describe products sold online, though multi-level marketing and in retail outlets can be a challenge.

From capsules, tinctures and extracts to topical creams and crystalline powder, Natural Awakenings conducted extensive research and interviews to compile an easy-to-understand CBD 101 guide to help readers navigate labels and product information that includes terms such as isolate, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, terpenes, cold-pressed extraction processing and ISO certifications.

Defining CBD

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of many active cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It is a major phytocannabinoid, accounting for up to 40 percent of the plant’s natural extract. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana, CBD does not induce psychoactive effects in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Instead, it provides potent anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties.

Distinction Between Marijuana-Derived CBD and Hemp-Derived CBD

Marijuana (Cannabis indica) is harvested for its buds, containing the psychoactive properties of THC. The stalks and seeds of harvested hemp (Cannabis sativa) do not contain enough THC to produce a psychoactive state. For cannabis to be considered hemp, it must have no more than 0.3 percent THC. Unlike medical marijuana, CBD hemp oil products can be purchased without a prescription.

The most common types of CBD

Two of the most common types of CBD on the market today are CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is a crystalline powder that contains 99.9 percent pure CBD. During the CBD isolate extraction process, everything in the plant matter is removed, including any traces of THC, terpenes, waxes, oils, chlorophyll and more. What remains is pure CBD. Nothing else. A two-step extraction process is used to produce CBD isolate. Following the extraction process, concentrated CBD still contains all plant components. To produce the ultra-pure form of isolated CBD, a purification process that includes the filtration of all remaining plant material follows the extraction process. The extracted oil goes through a “winterization process” that further removes any waxes or other plant materials still present after filtration. CBD isolate, which can be ingested orally, mixed into food or drinks, smoked or vaporized, is perfect for military service members, police officers, emergency first responders and those that can’t risk failing a drug test.

Terpenes

The terpenes in Cannabis sativa are aromatic oils that give varieties of distinctive flavors such as mint, pine, berry and citrus. More than 100 different terpenes have been identified, and each plays a key role in differentiating the effects of different cannabis strains. Interacting synergistically with other components in the plant, some terpenes promote relaxation and stress relief, while others promote focus and acuity.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains everything in the hemp plant—terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids and fatty acids. Each component has its own therapeutic value. All components work in concert with the CBD to create what is called the ”entourage effect”.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is full-spectrum CBD without any THC. It offers all the entourage benefits associated with full-spectrum CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD is a good choice for individuals that can’t have any traces of THC is their system for legal purposes or for reasons such as passing a drug test.

Water-Soluble CBD

This cutting-edge method of advanced delivery involves transforming CBD oil into a water-soluble CBD nanoemulsion, a fine scattering of extremely tiny droplets into another liquid in which it is normally not soluble. Making CBD oil into a nanoemulsion effectively renders the CBD oil water-soluble, meaning it can be mixed with any beverage. Because the particles are so small, even though someone is ingesting the CBD orally, the particles do not need to be broken down by the stomach, and they enter almost immediately into the bloodstream. This increases the bioavailability to nearly 100 percent and gives nearly instant results. Oils can take 15 to 30 minutes to show results, while watersoluble CBD can produce results in two to four minutes.

ISO Certification

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental, international organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of products, services and systems. Annual third-party ISO certification ensures consistency. Each certification has separate standards and criteria, and is classified numerically.

Uses of CBD oil

Results of the most comprehensive study on CBD usage, which surveyed 2,400 individuals on their usage, knowledge, perceptions and misconceptions of CBD, determined that 70 percent of consumers use CBD for anxiety. Overall, the study found that consumers of CBD are very satisfied with its effectiveness for treating a variety of medical conditions, including insomnia, depression, anxiety and joint pain.

Dosage

Before taking CBD, it may be wise to consult a knowledgeable health practitioner to ensure the best outcome. Everyone is different, and there are myriad considerations such as diet, weight, metabolism, genetics, environment and most important, product consistency. Read and follow the dosing instructions. A good rule of thumb is to begin taking a small amount of CBD, gradually increasing the dosage until expected results are achieved.

Recording daily experiences in a notebook helps to accurately narrow in on what works and feels best. While suggested dosages vary, some health professionals suggest increasing the amount taken every three to four weeks by 25 milligrams (mg) until symptom relief is attained. Decrease by 25 mg if symptoms worsen.

Using the eyedropper, place the drops under the tongue and hold in place for a minimum of 60 seconds, which allows for absorption via blood vessels under the tongue. After 60 seconds, swallow the CBD oil, tincture or isolate.

Ask Questions

Where is the hemp grown? This is important and should be indicated on the label. If not, check the product website. Look for hemp grown organically and pesticide-free on a farm in the U.S. that is certified by the state departments of agriculture or grown in Europe. While laws now allow American companies to certify their hemp organic, some CBD oil companies still source from Europe.

What is in the product? CBD oil companies should perform regular lab tests to ensure that their CBD contains everything it should and nothing it shouldn’t.

How is it made? CBD oil is not all extracted in the same way. Multiple processes use either butane or propane. Butane is not allowed for use in the extraction of medical cannabis in California, although it is allowed for recreational manufacturing. Choose CBD extraction that uses an organic, pharmaceutical-grade ethanol, considered the safest method of extraction for human use, or the method that extracts using carbon dioxide. This more refined, expensive process ensures the CBD holds its purity.

When the FDA conducted laboratory tests in 2015 and 2016 to determine the percentage of CBD in certain products marketed and sold as containing CBD, several brands tested contained no CBD oil. The best way to ensure the purchase of clean CBD products is to buy from a CBDeducated retailer that carries products from reputable companies that use third-party testing and offer a certificate of analysis and a lab report, which shows that the oil does contain the amount of CBD the company claims it does, and that it is devoid of pesticides, herbicides and solvents.

Local Resources

Ada’s Natural Market, 7070 College Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239-939-9600. AdasMarket.com.

Assuage Luxury Spa, 9407 Cypress Lake Dr., Ste. C, in Fort Myers, and 1201 Piper Blvd., Ste. 1, in Naples. 239- 333-1450. AssuageCenters.com.

Food & Thought Organic Farm Market & Café, 2132 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. 239- 213-2222. FoodandThought.com.

For Goodness Sake, Sunshine Plaza, 9118 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. 239-992- 5838. ForGoodnessSakes.com.

Fort Myers Chiropractic Studio, 12655 New Brittany Blvd., Ste. 13W, Fort Myers, 239- 243-8735. FortMyersChiroStudio.com.

Genesis Non-GMO Vitamins, 877 91st Ave., Ste, 4, Naples, 239-596-9017, GenesisNonGMO.com.

Hughes Center for Functional Medicine, 800 Goodlette Rd., Ste. 270, Naples 239-649- 7400. HughesCenterNaples.com.

Liv Labs, 239-572-1825. KDeweese.LivLabsNow.com.

Purely You Spa, 3066 Tamiami Trail N., Ste 302, Naples. 239-331-8266. PurelyYouSpa.com.

Root Causes, 12734 Kenwood Lane, Ste. 84, Ft. Myers. 239-425-2900. RtCausesMd.com.

Salt Cave, 4962 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. 239-403-9170. SaltCaveNaples.com.

TAE Healthy Aging, 11983 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 100A, Naples. 239-430-6800. TAEHealthyAging.com.

UpstreamMD, 27499 Riverview Center Blvd, Ste. 255, Bonita Springs, 239-444- 5636, UpstreamMD.com.

UpstreamMD, 27499 Riverview Center Blvd, Ste. 255, Bonita Springs, 239-444- 5636, UpstreamMD.com.

Sunshine Global Health, 800-334-1236, SunshineGlobalHealth.com.

Wellbridges, Inc., 9200 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 213, Bonita Springs. 239-481-5600. DebPost.com.

Your CBD Store, 1246 Airport Rd. N., Naples. 239-331-8073. NaplesFL.CBDrx4u.com.