Where Does CBD Come From?

CBD is a cannabinoid that comes with a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, but where does CBD come from? Is it a natural product from plants, or is it synthetically derived? Whether you are new to CBD use or are a seasoned pro, learning about the source of CBD can help you better understand how this magical compound has proven to be so effective for so many people. Let’s look at CBD on a more technical level so that if you decide to start adding it to your lifestyle, you will know precisely what you are consuming.

What Is CBD and How Do We Get It?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of many active ingredients found in hemp plants. CBD is just one of as many as 113 naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. CBD is closely related to THC and provides users with similar effects, except for one. CBD does not have psychoactive properties. It will not produce an altered state in your mind or body and make you feel “high.” 

Extracted CBDs come in many forms, including oils, topicals, edibles, vapes, capsules, etc. Consuming or applying CBD products to your skin will produce varying effects from person to person, but they have been credited with benefiting many health-related concerns and issues. Some of the most common include relieving pain and muscle tension, reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep and appetite, and more. 

Where Is CBD Sourced?

Now that you know what CBD is let’s dive into where CBD comes from. CBD is extracted from harvested hemp or marijuana plants. 

Both marijuana plants and hemp plants are part of the cannabis family, but marijuana typically has much higher levels of THC than hemp due to the way they have been bred. 

Thanks to the US Farm Bill, which passed in 2018, hemp-derived CBDs that contain .3% THC or less are considered legal ln a federal level. The majority of CBD products available today are sourced from hemp plants but depending on where you live. You may be able to purchase CBDs sourced from marijuana plants as well. 

What Part of the Hemp Plant Contains the Most CBD?

Like THC, the highest concentration of CBD is found in the flowers produced by a hemp plant. While there may be a minute presence of CBD in the stems and leaves, the levels are so low that it is not considered efficient enough to warrant extraction. The same goes for male hemp plants. While they do contain CBD, they have significantly lower levels of CBD and are therefore typically excluded when it comes to CBD production and harvest. 

How Is CBD Extracted From Hemp Plants?

There are several methods used for extracting CBD from a hemp plant. CO2 extraction is generally considered the best option because it is highly efficient, clean, and doesn’t leave behind other chemicals during extraction. CO2 extraction also works well for manufacturing purposes and is safer than other methods. 

To extract CBD from a raw hemp plant, CO2 is put under extreme pressure transforming it into a liquid. This high-pressure liquid is then forced through the hemp plant, which extracts up to 90% of the available CBD. This process leaves you with highly concentrated CBD oil. CBD producers can then use the oil to make various products. 

Is CBD a Natural Product?

Due to its natural existence in hemp plants, CBD is considered a natural product. However, if a plant is grown using unnatural fertilizers or soil with chemicals, it can affect how consumers view a particular type of CBD. Many quality CBD products purchased from a reputable source can reliably be called natural. 

Can CBD Come From Other Plants? 

Can you source CBD from any other plants, possibly ones that are less restrictive in a legal sense? Unfortunately, no. CBD is only found in hemp and marijuana plants. While navigating the legality of these plants can be tricky, the wide range of benefits associated with CBDs can be credited to the ever-changing landscape of the laws. In addition, the nearly endless potential for other hemp-derived products like paper, clothing, etc., signifies that more change is possible. 

Is CBD Right for You?

If you are not already acquainted with the potential benefits of CBDs, the chances are high that you have at least heard of them before. That’s because they come with a long list of positive side effects and the list keeps on growing. 

CBDs can pose neurological benefits, provide systematic support, improve mental health, and aid in pain management. 

Folks Commonly use CBD to treat:

• Hypertension
• PTSD
• Insomnia and other sleep loss issues
• Loss of appetite
• Pain
• Muscle soreness
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse and addiction
• Elevated heart rate

There hasn’t been a tremendous amount of research or studies conducted about the positive health effects caused by CBDs on the body and mind, but as time passes, we will only continue to learn more. 

What Have We Learned About the Origins of CBD?

CBD is one of a multitude of compounds that are naturally found in both hemp and marijuana plants. CBDs are most prevalent in the flowers of female plants, but they also exist in male plants, just at lower levels. The majority of CBDs are hemp-derived due to the privilege of being legal on a federal level. For this reason, most CBD products will not get you high but always double-check if this is a concern for you and if you live in a state with legal medical or recreational marijuana. 

The best quality CBDs are extracted using CO2, which creates a highly concentrated CBD liquid. This liquid is then transformed into the CBD products you find available on the market today. 

Choosing the best CBD products is easy with assistance from one of our friendly Saving Grace representatives. Reach out with any additional questions, and we will be happy to help you discover all the potential benefits of adding CBDs to your routine.