CBD Concentrate - April 2024

What Is CBD Concentrate?

CBD concentrates are formulated to have higher levels of cannabidiol than those usually found in the cannabis plant. 

A CBD concentrate is a product obtained from CBD hemp extract heavily loaded with CBD. The concentration of CBD isolate in these products ranges from 20 to 100%, depending on the CBD brand. 

Thus, CBD concentrate products are a viable alternative for ingesting large CBD dosages and anticipating the visible benefits of CBD.

Users may benefit from the putative therapeutic properties of CBD in CBD concentrates.

Also, CBD isolate is THC-free and contains no other cannabinoids aside from cannabidiol. THC is the psychoactive component of CBD, making the users “high.”

Other CBD variants include full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC concentration. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all compounds of the cannabis plant except for THC.

CBD concentrates are available in hemp plant oils, tinctures, edibles (CBD gummies), sweets, topicals, and pet treats.

Types of CBD Concentrate

Cannabinoids are typically extracted from the cannabis plant to create a cannabinoid concentrate. Full-spectrum concentrate and CBD concentrate are the two forms of cannabinoid concentrates. 

Full-spectrum concentrates contain all cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, including the amount of THC. CBD concentrates are produced by isolating the CBD compound from the full-spectrum concentrate through a filtration process. Thus, CBD concentrates are typically referred to as CBD isolates.

The following are the most common CBD concentrate types:

• Wax is a little darker, oily material often used for dabbing or vaping. Other substances, such as plant waxes and sterols, are present in the CBD concentrate.
• Pure CBD isolate consists of crystalline CBD compounds and is available in powder form.
• Live resin is a flash-freezing bud before the extraction process that allows for an increased amount of cannabinoids and terpenes in the final production.
  Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in many plants, including cannabis plants.

• A budder is another form of CBD concentrate. Using a higher temperature and air pressure during the final extraction stage, a manufacturer usually purges the extract, adding a butter-like texture to the waxy concentrate.

Consumers should purchase only high-quality CBD concentrate products with a certificate of analysis (COA) for health and wellness. A COA is a valid report from a third-party lab testing and detailing the concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids in the final product. The report also indicates whether an item still contains pesticides, insecticides, or other dangerous substances. 

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD Concentrates?

CBD concentrate should not include any residues or traces of chemicals if the manufacturing procedure is carried out correctly. This condition indicates that the CBD product will deliver CBD, and other components, such as terpenes, found in the concentrate.

Cannabis is not a single chemical. However, it is recognized for its complex molecular composition, generating an abundance of phytocannabinoids and terpenes⁽¹⁾. Consequently, the “entourage effect” is the positive contribution of terpenes when added to cannabis. 

Terpenes are naturally occurring chemicals that give many plants distinctive scents⁽²⁾. 

Meanwhile, in many clinical studies, CBD may help with the following symptoms and medical conditions:

• Seizures⁽³⁾
• Insomnia⁽⁴⁾
• Inflammation and pain⁽⁵⁾
• Inflammatory bowel disease⁽⁶⁾
• Depression, anxiety, and mental disorders⁽⁷⁾

Who Should Use CBD Concentrates?

CBD concentrates, by their very nature, have high potency. Consequently, they may not be suitable for individuals sensitive to the substance or those who do not often consume cannabis products.

First-time consumers of CBD products may encounter side effects.

CBD Concentrate — How Is It Made?

There are ways to extract more CBD from cannabis. The various procedures determine the concentrate’s form.

Butane or ethanol may extract CBD from plant materials. After extraction, the company eliminates the solvents. If producers do not follow this technique, the product’s flavor or quality may change.

Other companies employ non-toxic supercritical CO2 extraction. Standard procedures remove fats, waxes, and other components from the solution. The final step is flush or purge. Other components, such as terpenes, are extracted.

What Do CBD Concentrates Taste Like?

CBD has an earthy and somewhat grassy flavor. However, CBD oils are mainly composed of carrier oils, which individuals can also taste. 

Some CBD manufacturers use extra-virgin hempseed oil with a mild nuttiness to balance CBD’s bitter flavor. 

However, flavored CBD oils include chemical or natural flavorings that may disguise the taste of pure CBD oil. If first-time CBD consumers are not sure if they are ready for the whole hemp-like experience, they may choose a flavored form of CBD oil.

What Do CBD Concentrates Smell Like?

Due to the negative connotations connected with marijuana, many individuals fear that they may be judged for taking CBD products. CBD may smell like marijuana (also called “weed” or “pot”).

However, some CBD oil products may have a mild scent. Individuals may smell the CBD concentrate products upon purchase to know how CBD products may vary in aroma. 

How to Use CBD Concentrates

Dabbing a CBD concentrate may seem odd. However, dabbing is one of the most common methods of utilizing CBD concentrates. 

As dabbing involves inhaling vapor, it comes under the category of vaping.

 Dabbing enables users to absorb large dosages with just a small quantity of substance. Individuals will need equipment, such as a CBD dab rig, a tiny blow torch, and a dab tool to dab CBD.

Alternative Ways to Use CBD Concentrate

CBD may be used in several ways. These include vaping with a vape pen, smoking with the preferred CBD flower, and utilizing a dab rig. Depending on the product, CBD may be added to food or beverages.

Common Mistakes Made When Dabbing CBD Concentrates

Dabbing is a sophisticated procedure that can be intimidating for beginners. Many novices mistake a dab rig for a bong, resulting in burns or accidental nail grasping. After being struck, they grab for the dish, only to contact a burning surface. Extremely hot dab nails may cause severe burns.

Also, the overheating of the nail is one of the most challenging components of dabbing. Very high temperatures are necessary to evaporate CBD concentrates adequately. 

The optimal temperature range is between 160 and 230 degrees Celsius (315 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit). If CBD exceeds these concentrations, individuals risk igniting the CBD concentrate.

Another problem is improper grip on the dab rig. This issue may lead individuals to burn themselves or perhaps cause the rig to fall and be destroyed. Typically, users should only hold the rig around their base or main chamber with one hand. On the other hand, users may add CBD concentrate to the rig as the mouthpiece softly presses against it.

How Long Do the Effects of Concentrates Last?

The strong effect of CBD depends on the CBD products and way of administration, such as dabbing, vaporizing, consuming, and applying. 

The effects of inhaling CBD may last anywhere from two to four hours. As for CBD edibles, the CBD effect may last from six to eight hours. For sublingual, CBD products may take effect for up to four hours. The long-lasting impact for sublingual is the same for CBD topicals⁽⁸⁾.

Side Effects and Risks of CBD Concentrate

There are no direct studies on the side effects and risks of CBD concentrate.

However, in 2019, the Journal of Clinical Medicine released an analysis of 25 studies on CBD effects⁽⁹⁾. The search phrases associated with cannabis and CBD among adults.

Between trials, formulations, dosages, and dosing regimens differed significantly. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) yielded various outcomes. However, non-RCTs had more pronounced effects, and safety concerns were, on average, modest. 

Moreover, a 2018 study published in CNS Drugs indicated that CBD was well tolerated⁽¹⁰⁾. 

A thorough single ascending and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) experiment of cannabidiol (CBD) oral solution was necessary to assess the safety and acceptability of CBD. The maximum tolerated dose and the influence of food on CBD PK variables are listed.

Nausea, diarrhea, headache, and drowsiness were the most prevalent adverse events (AEs) across all study arms. 

There is a higher prevalence of various gastrointestinal and nervous system diseases AEs (most notably diarrhea and headache) in patients receiving CBD than in those receiving placebo.

CBD Concentrate — Will It Get Users High?

CBD is a nonpsychoactive component of hemp flower, and the majority of CBD distillates have much lower THC levels than 0.3%. Generally, CBD distillate will not get individuals high, but it depends on CBD strength and terpene concentration. 

Can Individuals Overdose a CBD Concentrate?

There are no specific studies regarding CBD concentrate overdose.

However, humans may tolerate regular CBD usage and level up to a high dose, such as 1,500 milligrams per day⁽¹¹⁾. 

Some investigations found that this cannabinoid may impede hepatic drug metabolism, modify in vitro cell survival, reduce fertilization capability, and decrease p-glycoprotein and other drug transporter activities. 

Recent human cannabinoid administration developments may make regulated CBD safe for people and animals. However, in vitro and in vivo side effects require more study.

Is CBD Concentrate Usage Detectable on a Drug Test?

CBD’s effect on urine drug tests is unknown. This research examined the urine pharmacokinetic profile of 100-mg oral and vaporized CBD, 100-mg CBD-dominant cannabis (3.7-mg 9-THC), and placebo in healthy people (n = 6)⁽¹²⁾. Pre- and post-drug urine samples were obtained. 

CBD Concentrate Legalities

The FDA or Food and Drug Administration has not approved a cannabis marketing application to treat any illness⁽¹³⁾. However, the FDA has authorized one cannabis-derived medication and three cannabis-related drugs. These approved products are only accessible with a valid prescription from a qualified medical professional.

 

The farm bill removed hemp, defined as cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), and derivatives of cannabis with very low concentrations of the psychoactive THC with no more than 0.3% on dry weight, from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA)⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Thus, consumers may purchase CBD concentrates with no more than 0.3% THC. 

Individuals may check their state medical cannabis law⁽¹⁵⁾. States with medical cannabis legislation often have some type of patient registry, which may provide some protection from arrest for possession of a specific quantity of items for personal medical use.

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   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
2. Terpene
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3. Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Security in Clinical Trials
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8. Healing with CBD pg. 190-193
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11. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent
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12. ​​Urinary Pharmacokinetic Profile of Cannabinoids Following Administration of Vaporized and Oral Cannabidiol and Vaporized CBD-Dominant Cannabis
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31682266/
13. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd#farmbill
14. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
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15. State Medical Cannabis Laws
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