Sola Dosis Facit Venenum (dose alone determines the poison)
Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill which made Industrial Cannabis (aka Hemp) and products made from Industrial Cannabis legal in the United States, the Hemp space has experienced rapid growth of the cannabidiol (CBD) market. Understanding the regulatory framework is one of a few steps, consumers face when tasked with finding the best CBD oil that is available to them. In the same way, a surge of companies has emerged claiming to have made the best CBD product with the most CBD benefits, but what does the “best” mean when it comes to CBD based products?
But what makes a good CBD product the “best”?
I would suggest that you look beyond the label, and flavors and start looking at how the cannabinoids react in your body. Often we [Becalmed CBD] hear from first time clients and they make comments like:
"I’ve never felt a tincture work so quickly in my body…” ~ Olanzo Garrett
“The natural flavor is so true to the plant. I don’t taste any burnt flavors I have often experienced with CBD tinctures” ~ Dag Larson
“My body instantly recognized the healing” ~ Karen Kwinn
Too often, major brands are run by investors who only understand the bottom dollar, and that can play a dangerous role when a consumer is looking towards a holistic natural remedy for ailments and the production of that remedy utilizes volatile/harmful chemicals in the extraction process. We [Becalmed CBD] only use oils from our Westfield, Indiana CO2 extraction facility – our extracts never come in contact with harmful chemicals and we are one of the only CBD brands in existence that can boast about product ready oils that are void of alcohol or chemicals.
So how does a consumer avoid bad CBD products?
Simple, the label should read what method of extraction was used in the production of the cannabinoids. If there is no information regarding the extraction process, then you should walk away. There are very few CO2 extract producers in the United States, and those of us that utilize chemical free extraction methods will be braggadocious and with good reason! For us, safety, health and wellness are an absolute priority for our customer base. CO2 extracts are indeed more expensive compared to ethanol and hydrocarbon extracts, and that is because our equipment is based on scientific method and calculated precision when targeting cannabinoids.
This article gives regular CBD users and interested CBD customers that are looking to take their first steps into the world of CBD an overview of what makes a great CBD product.
CBD Extracts
CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis Sativa plant. Depending on the process it undergoes, it can contain:
All of the desired compounds found in the hemp plant known as Full-Spectrum CO2 Extracts
All of the compounds (desired and non-desired) compounds found in the hemp plant, including sugars, chlorophylls, fats/lipids, and water soluble chemicals – this type of extract is known primarily as an Ethanol/Hydrocarbon based Full-Spectrum Extract. You can notice a distinct flavor profile [burnt taste] connected to these products from the chemical interaction.
Broad-Spectrum Oil profiles are CBD dominant (or minor cannabinoid dominant) extracts that have been modified by precision based analytical equipment with the use of chemicals to enhance the extracts to exclude the ∆9-THC (to non-detectable levels or LOQ). You. Will often see this type of oil referred to as “THC-Free”, be mindful, that its almost certain that there are still trace amounts of ∆9 THC present, and over time the THC will build up in your body’s fat cells – this can and will ultimately result in a failed drug test if you are being tested for ∆9 THC.
CBD Isolate, which is no longer recognized as an oil, is a desired cannabinoid in its purest form…crystalline. Often you will see CBD “isolate” at percentages above 99% purity. If you see an “isolate” at levels below 99%, be weary, the additional impurities are most likely chemical residues/remnants from the purification process. CBD isolate based products are great for consumers that are looking for the benefits of CBD without the benefits from additional cannabinoids and terpenes (which are many).
CBD oil is often categorized as a sublingual product. It is consumed by placing the desired amount of product underneath the tongue. The oil is held there for 30 to 90 seconds before being swallowed. Additionally, the bioavailability of CBD oils can range from 13% to 90+% depending on how the cannabinoids were produced. Generally speaking, at Becalmed CBD, our products show higher percentages of bioavailability due to our extraction methods – this is of course backed by a 3rd party testing group [Microtracks] that shows our molecules at 30 nanometers and below. This allows for quicker absorption directly into the blood stream, which allows for the cannabinoids to bypass filtration by the kidneys and liver – meaning more bioavailability with each and every dose of a Becalmed CBD product.
A product’s bioavailability indicates:
The total amount of cannabinoids that enter the bloodstream
The method in which CBD is consumed greatly affects the cannabinoids effectiveness
CBD oil is often consumed under the tongue, absorbed by the sublingual gland and enters the bloodstream rapidly.
CBD oil products are commercially one of the most popular health and wellness products in the world. It is also happens to be one of the most versatile molecules that interact directly with our bodies, and thanks to the endless ways a consumer can introduce CBD into their system, there seems to be a product specific to each and every person.
From a Becalmed CBD Water Soluble beverage enhancer, which allows a consumer to mix our cannabinoid blends with your favorite beverage or food, to a Becalmed Tincture, which is often the preferred method of ingesting due to our clean taste, there is always a product that is perfect for your tastes. There’s no wrong way to take CBD oil, from a topical balm like Kari’s Moon Balm, to our best-selling edible CBD gummies, cannabinoid therapies are only as unique as our preferences.
So how Does CBD work?
In each of our bodies, we have a system known as the Endocannabinoid System. With in our bodies we produce neurotransmitters and we refer to them as endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptor located throughout our bodies.
Some clinical trials have shown that the use of CBD oils could have health benefits by interacting with this system. Some research papers have shown the opposite. From a consumer perspective, we suggest doing your homework in order to determine if cannabinoids are right for you. At Becalmed CBD we believe in Quality of Life, and if your quality of life is affected by pharmaceutical chemicals and you are looking for a more holistic therapy, then perhaps CBD is a “right” decision. CBD will not give the consumer the psychoactive “high” often associated with “Marijuana”, even when minute levels of ∆9-THC are present, its purpose is to assist in your therapy as opposed to changing your mental state (and if you notice a “high” associated with your product, we suggest looking for a new brand or altering your dose).
Benefits of CBD include:
Anti-inflammatory properties that aid in heart disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, Intestinal disorders, and much more.
Anti-emetic properties that are effective against vomiting and nausea
Some studies suggest that it reduces anxiety
Assists in cancer related symptoms like nausea and vomiting, as well as reduction in cellular growth and cell proliferation
Aiding in pain management associated with numerous disorders and diseases from arthritis to spinal cord spasms and much more.
May have therapeutic benefits when dealing with neurological and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) just to name a few
Immunosuppressive properties that may assist in asthma and other lung related disorders
Assisting with heart disorders like Atherosclerosis due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-Ischemic properties
This CBD molecule contains therapeutic benefits that can help relieve anything inflammation to chronic and acute pain, this is due to the cannabinoid’s ability to interact directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The research is growing for how cannabinoids interact with our body’s ECS and sadly the FDA has only approved one CBD product that doctors prescribe in order to treat rare forms of epilepsy, but that list will grow over time as research evolves. As with any chemical used in health and wellness, research how CBD can/may help your body to find balance before trying a CBD product. You should always consult a doctor for serious health problems, I personally suffer from a rare idiopathic liver disease that does not allow for me to use most CBD products, but, I consulted with my medical team(s) and presented them with the data I had, and together we decided that I should make use of our water soluble line when dealing with the pain associated with my disease – again, quality of life trumped the unknown.
Look, historically (well for the last 80 years) the cannabis plant has been negatively associated with negative counter cultures and this has given all cannabinoids a bad reputation (mostly due to the psychoactive “high” associated with ∆9 THC).
Industrial Cannabis (aka Hemp) is Federally legal, the regulations that govern its cultivation are quite clear - CBD products must contain less than 0.3% of THC. Any CBD oils you buy should clearly state the trace levels of the cannabinoids present in the product, including the ∆9 THC and the active amount of CBD.
Each of our bodies will react differently to CBD and THC and that is why it’s important to understand the dose you are planning on taking. A clean CO2 extract will react much differently in your body than a lesser quality ethanol extract. You may think that you need a 5,000mg dose when in truth, a cleaner CO2 extract will react in your body much more efficiently at a lower dosage. Place yourself in a comfortable place prior to taking any new products, make sure you are not responsible for driving or taking care of another peron, and be reasonable with the amount of cannabinoids you are putting into your body. Try a lower dose until you know exactly it will interact with your body – we do not want you to put yourself or others in harm’s way when looking towards cannabinoids and that is no different than when you are taking a prescribed medication for the first time. We all share specific molecules, but we all react differently to different substances.
When choosing CBD oil for the first time, remember that CBD oil extracts that were made under the regulatory framework of Good Manufacturing Practices should never intoxicate you, but again, we all react uniquely to cannabinoids. When utilizing a CBD dominant oil product, all that you should receive from that product are health benefits after a few months of consuming. If you are suffering from Insomnia you may see instant results that first night, but, if you are looking to reduce a cellular growth, it will take time.
CBD Benefits
The strongest scientific evidence in support of CBD is in its ability to reduce epilepsy symptoms. However, several pilot studies have and are being conducted to test for CBD’s effectiveness against a host of illnesses.
As a compound, CBD has been shown to alter the serotonergic system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects the stress levels in the brain. To date, research shows that CBD can aid in anxiety relief and insomnia by raising the serotonin levels in the brain.
One of the CBD benefits is that it is also a bronchodilator that can widen the bronchi. This, combined with it being anti-inflammatory, allows it to help asthmatics and others with respiratory illnesses.
Likewise, multiple studies have shown CBD inhibits cancer cell growth for prostate and breast cancer. In addition, CBD also works well alongside first-line chemotherapy agents, enhancing their impact and reducing toxic dosages.
For general users, CBD has been taken to fight a broad spectrum of pain relief, from acute to chronic suffering. Still, the effectiveness of CBD largely depends on the product one uses, and believe it or not, THC aids in pain management, so a full-spectrum oil product may just be the best course of action!
Best CBD Oil
Like all of Becalmed CBD’s products, our CBD dominant oils are extracted and produced in Westfield Indiana. At Becalmed CBD we only use our CO2 extracts in our premium health and wellness products, with hemp that was hand-harvested in Colorado and Indiana. The whole plant is extracted to manufacture our full-spectrum wellness line.
Consumers of Becalmed CBD’s CBD oil can enjoy the health benefits of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is triggered in products that contain hemp compounds other than CBD for maximum health benefits. In all Becalmed CBD full-spectrum products, this includes both major cannabinoids like ∆9-THC and minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN. All of our products are r3e party tested to ensure that the legal limits of 0.3% THC is accounted for – we aim for less to ensure the trust of our clientele.
As CBD oil is made from living plants, every aspect of the plant’s environment and the manufacturing process greatly affects the end product. Consequently, Becalmed CBD’s farmers check for toxins in the soil after every harvest to ensure clean produce. But simply ensuring organic growing practices are established is not enough, as the Cannabis plant is an incredible phytoremediation tool (meaning a natural filter for contaminants) it is known to filter chemical from years prior, chemicals like pesticides that are water soluble and have carbon lifes that go well beyond 20+ years. This is why CO2 extraction is so essential. I’m often asked what the difference is between CO2 extraction methods and Ethanol, and the one maxim that holds true is that ethanol has a hydroxyl molecule (OH) that will extract water soluble chemicals alongside the non-water soluble phytocannabinoids – these water-soluble chemicals can include pesticides, germicides and fungicides, as well as mold spores and other non-desired compounds like sugar and chlorophylls. None of which you want in your holistic formulation.
CBD extraction is done by using pressurized CO2 to pull CBD and other cannabinoids from the hemp plant. This precise process allows for a product that is potent and free of non-desired chemical, chlorophylls, sugars, and molds.
Best CBD Tincture
Becalmed CBD’s tinctures have been formulated to bring out the best aspects of a true CBD oil extract. Our Becalmed Natural Tinctures never see additional ingredients that are often use to allow the user a feeling of quality, our tinctures are the purest CBD, CBG and CBN dominant natural tinctures on the market.
We only use organic MCT oil to dilute the potency in order to ensure our formulations are true to their labeling – when our 1,000mg dose states ];
“33mg of active cannabinoids” you can rest assure that we have verified that number through a 3rd party analytical lab. Our MCT oils are made from sustainably sourced coconut oil, and acts as the carrier oil mixed with our CO2 hemp oil. CBD is fat-soluble which allows it to stay in solution much better when stored in a fat like MCT oil. Coconut oil is 80% saturated fat content and acts as a strong binding and stabilizing agent for cannabinoids.
How to Find the Best CBD that Works For You
The best CBD product is always the most effective product. However, effectiveness is subjective. I have always remembered a line from a medical journal I read when I was a much younger man, “Sola Dosis Facit Venenum (dose alone determines the poison)”, now I do not like the term “poison” when writing about our CBD tincture lineup, but you get the point – understand what you are taking and how strong the dose you are taking is. The dosage and product type that works well for one consumer can be ineffective for another. More importantly, customers should have a clear idea of their lifestyle and how CBD can fit into this routine unobtrusively.
Like any wellness product, CBD should benefit your life–not disrupt it.
Summary
Finding the best CBD oil, best CBD gummies, or best CBD products, in general, is all about knowing what the labels on the products mean. Even so, smart customers familiarize themselves with the terminology in order to purchase products that best suit them.
Finally, Becalmed CBD’s products are tested by a third-party so everything on their labels holds true. Without a doubt, customers can take comfort in buying their products that have meticulously vetted every step of the way. Reaping CBD benefits has never been this easy.
Disclaimer: Is CBD Legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. Moreover, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and products have not been FDA approved. Likewise, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.