As public attention and research continue to explore all the potential benefits of hemp, there is an increased interest in learning more about the active components beyond just CBD and THC. Terpenes feature prominently in the discussion about how hemp smells and how it makes you feel.
There are dozens of terpenes found in hemp flowers, and the most common terpene in hemp is Myrcene (“mur-seen”). In this post, we’ll discuss what Myrcene is, where it can be found in nature and what research has been done on its potential benefits.
What Are Terpenes?
Before we dive into Myrcene, let’s discuss what terpenes are in general. Terpenes are volatile aromatic hydrocarbons found in many plants and in some animals. Terpene molecules are composed of small units called isoprenes and terpenes are classified by the number of isoprene units they contain. The most common terpenes are monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes.
Terpenes play a key role in the aromatic profile of many plants. You may already be familiar with many terpenes but might not know their names.
Pinene, as the name suggests, is emitted by pine trees!
Linalool is found in lavender flowers.
What Is Myrcene?
Myrcene is a monoterpene composed of two isoprene units. This highly aromatic compound can be found in mangoes, thyme, lemongrass, cardamon, hops, and hemp. Myrcene has a strong, musky, and fruity aroma with notes of hops, tropical fruits, and woodsy spices.
In cannabis, including hemp, myrcene is not only the most commonly found terpene, but it is also the most commonly dominant terpene. Hemp cultivars feature a wide array of terpenes and the dominant terpene is the one with the highest concentration in that specific cultivar. Below, we will discuss which of our hemp cultivars have myrcene as the dominant terpene based on laboratory analysis.
What Is Myrcene Used For?
Myrcene may offer many potential benefits and folk medicine traditions seem to embrace its power. In Germany, hops have been used as a sleep aid and there is speculation that this might be in part thanks to hops’ high myrcene content. In Mexico, lemongrass tea, which is high in myrcene, has been used for its sedative properties 1.
When myrcene is administered in combination with CBD and THC it is thought to contribute to the “couch lock” effect, contributing to the notion that myrcene may have sedative effects 2.
Research into the potential health benefits of myrcene is ongoing. Here is a list of some that are under investigation:
Reducing inflammation 3,4
Muscle relaxant 2
Pain relief / analgesic properties 2,3
Sleep aid 3
Anti-anxiety 4
Antioxidant properties 4
While research is ongoing, the jury is still out on what benefits myrcene can offer.
Sunset Lake CBD Cultivars Featuring Myrcene
Our hemp cultivars naturally contain a wide range of terpenes. We send samples of our hemp flowers to a third-party laboratory for testing to determine their terpene composition*. Here are our top cultivars that feature myrcene as their dominant terpene:
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) is an ancient plant— literally. Originating in Central Asia, the first recorded cultivation of hemp was in China around 2800 BCE. From there, hemp traveled the globe, eventually making its way to the New World in the 1600s.
In this post, we’ll talk about what hemp is now in the 21st century, some of hemp’s uses, and help delineate it from cannabis.
What Is Hemp?
As defined by the 2018 Farm Bill, “hemp” means cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
Legal definition aside, hemp is a member of the Cannabaceae family and an annual herb. Hemp plants can grow up to 14 feet tall, but average around 7 feet. Their slender stalks are hollow except at the base and the tip and their large fan-like leaves are marked with many distinctive ridges.
Fun fact: Unlike many plants, hemp plants can either be male or female and generally don’t need the help of pollinators to reproduce.
Are Hemp And Cannabis The Same Plant?
Hemp and cannabis are the same plants. The differences between the two lie in what cannabinoids are expressed in each, how they look, and how they’re used.
Specifically, cannabis flower (a.k.a. Marijuana) comes from flowering female plants expressing high concentrations of THC and THCa.
Hemp, on the other hand, is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This limit was set by the 2018 Farm Bill and is purely legal.
In other words, while cannabis and hemp are in the vegetative phase of their life cycle, both would legally be considered hemp. But, when said plants begin to mature and produce cannabinoids, the former becomes cannabis while the latter remains hemp.
The hemp plant has many uses, from its cannabinoid-rich flowers to its fibrous stalk. Smokable CBD-rich hemp flower is a relatively new use of the hemp plant.
For most of the plant’s existence, hemp has been grown and cultivated for its fiber and its seeds. Hemp fiber can be used for twine, twisted into rope, and turned into malleable textiles for shoes and clothing. Hemp fiber can also be used as an alternative to wood pulp in papermaking.
Hemp seeds are making a comeback in your modern grocery aisles. But before they were considered a superfood based on their high concentrations of Omega-3, hemp seeds had been pressed for their oil to make paint, soaps, and edible cooking oil.
Can You Get High From Hemp?
Eating edible hemp seeds or hemp seed oil will not get you high. That said, because CBD-rich flower contains trace amounts of delta-9 THC, it is conceivable that consuming enough could lead to intoxication.
The much more common method of getting high from hemp has to do with novel cannabinoids extracted and manufactured from hemp. Because the wording of the 2018 Farm Bill explicitly caps the concentration of delta-9 THC products in hemp, cannabis companies have figured out ways to transform CBD into delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O, and more THC analogs.
While these novel cannabinoids live in a federal gray area, they have allowed people living in certain states to get high with less legal risk.
As hemp and CBD grow in popularity, there is more interest in other components of the cannabis plant beyond just cannabinoids like CBD and THC. You may have heard people discussing the “terpene” profile of this or that hemp cultivar. But what are terpenes and what do they do? In this post, we’ll explore terpenes to understand how they add to the experience of using hemp.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are volatile aromatic hydrocarbons found in many plants and animals. Terpenes are composed of isoprenes— the smallest terpene units— and are classified by the number of isoprene units they contain. The most common terpenes are mono-, sesqui-, and di-terpenes.
Terpenes are responsible for the aroma of many plants and many of them you are probably already familiar with, but might not know their names.
Myrcene is commonly the predominant terpene in hemp and mangoes.
Why Do Terpenes Matter?
In addition to providing hemp’s pleasant aroma and flavor, terpenes may be beneficial to humans and some animals. Research is ongoing, but there are some good evidence-based studies that point to the potential benefits of terpenes.
How Do Terpenes Make You Feel?
Terpenes also seem to factor into the overall experience of consuming hemp and appear to modulate the user’s experience as part of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a theory first proposed by Shimon Ben-Shabat, Raphael Mechoulam, and colleagues in 19981 and then later popularized by Dr. Ethan Russo in his seminal research paper Taming THC (2011)2.
The short version of this theory is that terpenes may be the reason that certain cultivars couch-lock the user while other cultivars provide energizing effects.
What Are The Most Common Hemp Terpenes?
Below is a list of the most common terpenes found in hemp plants and a short list of other sources of each terpene.
β-Myrcene | Also found in: mangoes, thyme, lemongrass, and hops
β-Caryophyllene | Also found in: black pepper, clove, cinnamon, hops, rosemary
Limonene | Also found in: all citrus fruit rinds, juniper, and some conifer trees
Terpinolene | Also found in: lilacs, nutmeg, cumin, turpentine, apples, some conifers, tea tree
α-Pinene | Also found in: pine, conifers, rosemary, sage, and some citrus
β-Pinene | Also found in: pine, camphorweed, big sagebrush, turpentine
D-Linalool | Also found in: lavender, basil, rose, mint family, laurel family, and some citrus
Humulene | Also found in: hops, sage, Japanese spicebush, ginseng, spearmint, ginger, Chinese laurel
Sunset Lake CBD Cultivars And Their Dominant Terpenes
Our hemp cultivars contain a wide range of terpenes. Here are our top cultivars and their dominant terpenes*:
Chances are you’ve heard about CBD, and one of the most popular ways that people consume it: CBD oil.
In a recent survey, 55% of CBD users responded that CBD oil was one of their main dosing methods, second only behind CBD-infused edibles and candy. Nearly 100 million Americans have tried CBD so it’s safe to say that CBD oil isn’t going anywhere.
Why Take CBD Oil?
There are plenty of reasons you may want to include CBD oil into your daily regimen. You may have heard that it helps with sleep quality, joint pain, stress, and even pet health.
While CBD research is still relatively new, one thing we know is that CBD interacts positively with your body’s endocannabinoid system, responsible for regulating your:
Sleep
Mood
Appetite
Central Nervous System Development
And more…
How Does CBD Oil Make You Feel?
The effects you’ll feel from CBD oil will depend on the context in which you take it, your goal, and how much CBD oil you consume.
Physically, CBD oil can make you feel:
Sleepy or more awake (this will be very product dependent)
Relaxed
Less stiff
Mentally, CBD oil can make you feel:
Less socially anxious
Focused
More grounded
CBD Oil Is Safe
A big question you should ask of any new supplement. Is CBD oil safe?
The Mayo Clinic recognizes CBD as “well-tolerated” with some possible side effects.
You can also give CBD to your pet. While some veterinarians are still slow to recommend CBD to their clients, many agree that as long as CBD oil doesn’t contain too much THC and you follow the dosing instructions, you can give your cat or your dog CBD oil with no problem.
CBD Oil Is Easy To Use
CBD oil is by far one of the easiest ways to include CBD into your daily supplement regimen. All you need to use your CBD oil is the bottle that it comes in. The rubber bulb top and the graduated dropper you’ll need to dose yourself come included.
Once you’re finished, cleanup and storage are a breeze. Close your bottle and store it in a dark, cool place.
CBD Oil Is Versatile
CBD oil can be a versatile product, too. Because CBD oil comes in a variety of flavors and is fat soluble, you can add CBD oil to just about any food or drink that you wish.
You want to add a bit of mint CBD oil to your mint chocolate chip ice cream. By all means.
How about a dropper full of citrus-flavored CBD oil for your post-workout smoothie? Chances are you won’t even know it’s there and you’ll still reap the benefits of daily CBD use.
CBD Oil Isn’t Addictive
Is CBD oil addictive or habit-forming? No. Unlike THC— another cannabinoid well known for giving marijuana its psychoactive effects— CBD is nonintoxicating and current research suggests that CBD is not addictive.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD “does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm,” in humans.
What Is CBD Oil?
How Is CBD Oil Made?
CBD is a simple product that usually consists of two ingredients: CBD extract blended and homogenized in a carrier oil. The quality of your CBD oil can depend on how your CBD was extracted and the quality of the carrier oil.
CBD Oil Ethanol Extraction
Extracting CBD from hemp flowers with a cold ethanol bath is the most popular method in the CBD industry as of this writing. It’s safe, requires relatively little specialized equipment, and is time-tested.
During ethanol extractions, hemp flowers are submerged in high-proof grain alcohol. The ethanol acts as a solvent and pulls the CBD from the hemp flower. Once the spent hemp flowers are pulled from the ethanol, the ethanol is evaporated off, leaving you with CBD extract.
CBD Oil Carbon Dioxide Extraction
Carbon dioxide extraction involves using liquid carbon dioxide at very high pressure to strip CBD and other cannabinoids from the hemp flower. Because of the steep upfront costs for specialized equipment, CBD oil made with CO2-extracted CBD will be more expensive than CBD oils made with ethanol-extracted CBD.
A jar of CBD distillate in a Mason Jar.
Combing CBD With A Carrier Oil
After extraction, one is left with concentrated CBD extract. In an unrefined form, this concentrate is very reminiscent of molasses— dark brown and viscous. The industry term for this concentrate is “crude.” We can refine crude further into distillate.
Because CBD is fat soluble, we can take either our crude extract or our distillate extract and combine them with a carrier oil— the fat that we can evenly blend our CBD in.
Common carrier oils include Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, and raw coconut oil. At Sunset Lake CBD, we use MCT oil because of its long shelf life, tastelessness, and absorption rate.
It should be noted that CBD oil and hemp seed oil are not the same things nor are they substitutes. For more on the differences between CBD oil and hemp oil, click here.
How Are Crude And Distillate CBD Oil Different?
CBD oils made with crude and CBD oils made with distillate won’t differ much where it matters like potency and effect. The biggest difference you’ll find between these two CBD oils will be in their taste.
CBD oils made with crude CBD concentrate will taste more earthy and like hemp than CBD oils made with distillate. Distillate-based CBD oils are usually combined with flavors because distillate CBD oils don’t have much flavor themselves and will allow the flavoring to shine through.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
CBD oil does expire. If stored properly, your CBD oil should keep its potency for at least a year. Aside from the CBD potency, it is possible for the carrier oil to go rancid.
If you’re wondering whether or not your CBD oil is expired, there are a few tell-tale signs to look for. Most of the time, it’s safe to trust your nose. As many say around the hemp industry— the nose knows. If your CBD oil, smells or tastes a bit ‘off,’ it’s probably time to get a new bottle.
How Do You Use CBD Oil?
Applying Your CBD Oil
Generally, most CBD oil will come in a Boston round tincture bottle with a rubber bulb connected to a graduated glass dropper that looks like this:
While the glass dropper is submerged in the CBD oil, compress the rubber bulb and let go so that oil fills the inside of the glass dropper. If you know your preferred dosage, this is where the graduated lines on the dropper come in handy. Manipulate the rubber bulb on top to adjust the CBD oil to the appropriate fill line.
Dosing Your CBD Oil
Finding your ideal CBD oil dose is going to depend on a lot of factors that are unique to you. As with any supplement, your ideal CBD oil dosage is going to depend on your:
Desired outcome
Current CBD usage
Body type
Metabolism
And more…
Once you know your dose, you should be able to use the concentration of your CBD oil and the dropper within to accurately dose yourself consistently every time.
If you’re new to CBD, we would recommend starting with a 25mg dose. Stick with this dose for a week and let your body acclimate. Once you know how you react to 25mg, then adjust as needed. If you don’t think your CBD oil is helping you in the way you want, increase your dose.
If you think 25mg is too much and leaves you drowsy or feeling off, lower your dose and reassess.
Apply Your CBD Sublingually
There are a few different ways to take CBD oil. The fastest way to get the CBD in your oil into your bloodstream is via a method called sublingual ingestion. This method involves placing your CBD oil under your tongue and letting it rest there for at least 20 seconds. The CBD will enter your bloodstream via the thinner membrane under your tongue.
Sublingual is faster than just swallowing your CBD oil because when you apply the CBD under your tongue, it doesn’t have to enter your digestive system before being absorbed into your bloodstream.
Add CBD Oil To Your Favorite Foods
When it comes to adding a dose of CBD oil to your meals, the world is your oyster. You should know that if you plan on adding CBD oil to food or drink, it will take longer to feel the effects of the CBD as it first has to traverse your digestive system before it enters your bloodstream.
Making your own CBD oil at home is definitely more of an involved process than buying a bottle online, but you can do so much more with your own DIY oil including,
Choosing your own carrier oil— this is especially important for folks with certain dietary restrictions.
Baking CBD edibles. If your goal is to make CBD edibles, you’ll want to make your own oil at home first. Most edibles will call for either vegetable oil or butter, two fats that you’re unlikely to find pre-infused with CBD.
Will CBD Oil Help With…
There is limited research on CBD oil dosages and medical applications, so as of yet, medical professionals have yet to confirm dosage guidelines or if CBD has any applications beyond managing seizures.
If you decide to use CBD oil, you should know that there is no universally recognized dose and no FDA-approved uses beyond treating some very specific types of epilepsy.
Sleep?
Not getting enough sleep can impact just about every facet of life. Millions of Americans struggling with their sleep know this all too well. In a survey conducted by the Journal of Cannabis Research, 42.5% of respondents said that they use or had used CBD to “improve sleep quality” or treat self-perceived insomnia.
So can CBD oil help with sleep? Although CBD oil can help users get ready for bed, it’s still unclear whether or not CBD is linked to better sleep. CBD oil, especially those containing the sleep-aid melatonin, may help you relax and ease into sleep, but they are not a cure-all for sleep issues. If you plan on using CBD oil for sleep, understand that it should be part of a robust sleep routine and shouldn’t be relied on solely for a good night’s rest.
Anxiety?
While CBD oil isn’t an FDA-approved treatment for anxiety or anxiety-related symptoms, a 2015 review of nearly 50 independent studies suggested that CBD could help alleviate generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
So can CBD oil help with your anxiety? Many CBD users online seem to think so, but the science is still out and won’t likely be reviewed by the FDA for some time.
Epilepsy?
Yes, there is some evidence that CBD oil can help with epilepsy and help users manage seizures.
So far, the FDA has only approved the use of a CBD-derived prescription medication called Epidiolex for severe cases of epilepsy— Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Pain?
The research on CBD oil and pain management thus far has been quite promising. Many people who suffer from chronic pain have been turning to CBD oil as an alternative to their current opioid medications.
A 2018 review of studies conducted between 1975 and 2018 found that CBD was effective in pain management and didn’t cause any negative side effects. These types of pain included:
We get this question often! Currently, there is no evidence that CBD oil can help with erectile dysfunction.
It may be that CBD oil can help with performance anxiety, but as to the root causes of erectile dysfunction like heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and others; CBD will not help.
Is CBD Oil Legal?
CBD oil comes from hemp… which is cannabis. So is CBD oil even legal? Is CBD oil a drug? Is it legal to buy it in my state?
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one with these questions. We get them all the time and we get it; CBD oil is relatively new and the current state-level regulatory inconsistencies doesn’t help clear up any confusion.
The 2018 Farm Bill
When the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law in December of said year, it kicked the door wide open on the brand new market for industrial hemp. It explicitly allowed for the transfer of hemp-derived products (read: CBD oil) to cross state lines for commercial purposes and removed restrictions on the sale, transport, and possession of hemp-derived products so long as they were produced in a lawful way.
Two points:
What does hemp-derived mean specifically?
Hemp-derived products are products produced with hemp, which in the 2018 Farm Bill means cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Any cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3% delta-9 THC are considered “marijuana” plants.
Can CBD oil be produced in an unlawful way?
CBD oil can be produced in an unlawful way. A CBD product can technically be produced via marijuana plants. Alternatively, CBD oil can also be hemp-derived and still contain too much THC (> 0.3% delta-9) which would then make that specific CBD oil unlawful.
Yes, But Is CBD Oil Legal In…?
If you’re unsure whether or not buying CBD oil in your state is legal, a quick google search should clear up any specifics.
As far as Sunset Lake CBD is concerned, all CBD oil transactions that we process via our online store take place in Vermont, under Vermont’s jurisdiction. When we receive an order, we fulfill it with hemp-derived products deemed legal by Vermont rules, consign it to the customer via the post office, and ship it.
Can You Mail CBD Oil?
You can send CBD oil through the mail. According to the aforementioned 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and hemp-derived products can be shipped via the United States Postal Service.
The ruling on this came down via a case called KAB vs. United States Postal Service. Judge James Gilbert declared that CBD oil and other products derived from hemp were allowed to be shipped via the USPS.
Can You Fly With CBD Oil?
You can fly with CBD oil, but the TSA guidelines for liquids still apply. Your CBD oil must not be larger than 3.4oz or 100mL. This isn’t too much of a concern though, as most CBD oils come in either 1- or 2-oz bottles.
Does CBD Oil Have Any Side Effects?
As is true with most supplements, taking too much CBD oil can have unwanted side effects. That said, CBD is all-natural and even the worst of its side effects are nothing too terrible. Taking too much CBD oil can cause:
Dry-mouth
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Dizziness
CBD Tolerance
Over time, you may build up a tolerance to your CBD oil, meaning your regular dose may just not cut it anymore. If that’s the case, you can do one of two things in order to get back to a comfortable level.
Increase your CBD oil dosage – In order to achieve consistent desired results, you may need to increase the number of milligrams of CBD you consume at a time. This may mean taking more CBD oil or switching to a more potent formula.
Take a tolerance break – If you can manage not using CBD for some time, taking a week’s break from your CBD oil may be just what you need to reset your body and allow your built-up tolerance to dissipate.
CBD Oil and…
Drug Tests
Most CBD oils will show up on a drug test. If you’re subject to random drug screenings or will need to take one in order to get a job, be sure that your CBD oil is what’s called broad-spectrum or made from CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD oils, like the ones sold at Sunset Lake CBD, contain trace amounts of THC that will show up on drug tests.
Medications
Will CBD oil interact with your medications? Ask your doctor or your pharmacist. CBD oil can interact with certain prescription drugs and slow down your liver’s ability to break down certain medications.
A good rule of thumb is: if your medication has a grapefruit warning on it, it may interact poorly with your CBD oil.
A Final Word On CBD Oil
CBD oil was one of the first CBD-derived products and has continued to be one of the best-selling CBD products on the market and for good reason.
CBD oils are easy to dose properly and consistently, they contain very few filler ingredients, and CBD oil is easy to add to just about anything. If you’re still on the fence about CBD oil, reach out to us here, and we’d be happy to help answer any questions you may still have and offer product suggestions for your specific situation.
Trips to the vet, adjusting to a new home, vacuum cleaners— these are just a few of the reasons your dog might be anxious. With triggers abound, it’s no wonder that so many people are turning to CBD to help calm their anxious dogs.
But can CBD help with your dog’s anxiety, or is it hype? In this post, we’ll cover what CBD is, evidence suggesting that CBD may calm your anxious dog, and other common questions dog owners have about CBD.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is one of the more than 100 naturally-occurring chemical compounds produced by hemp plants. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid meaning that it will not make your dog feel intoxicated. Using CBD does not lead to dependency.
While experts aren’t entirely sure how CBD interacts with your dog’s body, we do know that it interacts with their endocannabinoid system; an intricate cell-signaling system that manages bodily functions like:
Measuring anxiety in dogs isn’t an exact science, and as of now, there aren’t many scientific studies that suggest that CBD alone will calm down your anxious pup.
There is, however, a growing mountain of anecdotal evidence online that suggests that CBD can manage your dog’s anxiety symptoms. Many dog owners, some at the direction of their veterinarian, are turning to CBD supplements to help with their dogs:
Noise-induced anxiety
Grooming anxiety
Separation anxiety
According to these personal testimonies and some industry-sponsored studies, CBD may help with your dog’s anxiety if you administer CBD regularly as opposed to on an as-needed basis.
For example, a 15-pound Terrier breed should start with a 1.5 – 3mg dose of CBD, while a 70-pound Black Labrador should start with a 7 – 14mg dose.
We’d recommend giving your dog CBD twice a day— at breakfast and at dinner. Stick to this regimen for two weeks, and observe your dog for any noticeable change. After your know how your dog tolerates their dose, feel free to adjust the dose up or down by half servings as needed.
Can You Give Your Anxious Dog CBD every day?
If you decide to start your dog on CBD, you can and should dose them consistently. CBD is like any other supplement and should be taken every day.
Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
CBD is an all-natural supplement and won’t have any harsh side effects on your dog. That isn’t to say that your dog won’t experience any side effects.
Stop or reduce your dog’s CBD dosage if they:
Have an upset stomach or diarrhea
Exhibit any strange behavior
Are excessively panting
Any or all of the above signs may be indications that your CBD product doesn’t agree with your pet’s stomach, or that their dosage is too high. Parsing the cause of your pet’s side effects may take some trial and error.
How To Give Your Dog CBD
There are several CBD pet products on the market, but if your dog is new to CBD, you should start with bottled CBD oil. There are several advantages inherent to CBD oil.
Easy to dose accurately
Cost-effective
Simple ingredients
As opposed to chews or treats, CBD oil can be dosed accurately using the graduated dropper that should come with your bottle. Not only that, but because CBD oils are generally only crafted with two or three ingredients, the price per milligram of CBD should be relatively cheap compared to treats.
Giving Your Anxious Dog CBD Oil
When you’ve calculated your dog’s dosage based on their weight— 1 – 2mg per 10 pounds of body weight— you’ll need to figure out how much oil you’ll need to dispense based on your product’s label. Sunset Lake CBD’s Pet CBD Oil is easy to use as our formula contains 10mg of CBD per 1mL of oil.
Once you know how much oil to give to your dog, giving them their dose is as easy as applying the CBD oil to their favorite treat, dropping it in their water bowl, or, if your dog is gentle enough, you may let them take the oil directly from the glass dropper.
How long does it take CBD to start working?
CBD oil will take 30 – 60 minutes to start working. This can vary based on your dog’s metabolism, the size of the dose, and whether your dog took the dose with food.
We recommend giving your dog CBD oil with a meal. As with any other supplement, taking CBD oil with food will help its overall efficacy and absorption rate.
How long does CBD last?
The effects of CBD generally last 4 – 6 hours. This is also dependent on the size of the dose and whether on not the CBD was taken with food.
CBD oils will generally not last as long as CBD-infused dog treats. This is because of how fast your dog can break down the CBD in the oil vs. the CBD in the treats.
What’s the best CBD for Dogs?
When you’re considering CBD for your anxious dog, be a picky shopper.
First, you should be concerned about the quality of the ingredients and how the CBD was grown. You wouldn’t want to give your dog any CBD that you wouldn’t take.
Second, you should be concerned about quality testing. All CBD companies are required to provide certificates of analysis for all of their products. You can see Sunset Lake CBD’s certificates of analysis here.
Final Word: Will CBD Help Your Anxious Dog?
Because your dog’s anxiety could have so many root causes, it’s impossible to know definitively whether or not CBD will help calm your dog’s anxiety.
You can, however, perform your due diligence and read about others’ experiences using CBD for their pets and learn from their testimonials. If you think that your dog may benefit from trying CBD, then give it a shot.
It seems like almost every month we are now hearing about a new and exciting cannabinoid. You’ve probably heard of THC and CBD. But what about CBDV?
CBDV, or cannabidivarin, is starting to get some media attention lately. And, while hemp research has been hindered for decades by international prohibition, thankfully there are intrepid scientists who wade through rivers of restrictive governmental red tape in order to conduct groundbreaking cannabinoid research.
Here we’ll explore what CBDV is and some of the ongoing research into CBDV’s potential therapeutic applications. We’ll also discuss how to get hemp flower high in CBDV and how to extract it from the plant.
What Is CBDV?
Here’s where we get a little technical. Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is one of over one hundred phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. Although it is not typically found in high concentrations, some cultivars, such as Forbidden V and Pine Walker, have been bred to express substantial quantities of CBDV.
CBDV is the decarboxylated, or activated form of, cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA). This non-intoxicating molecule was first isolated in 1969 and has been shown to have a weak affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors1. CBDV is the chemical precursor to THCV.
CBDV Vs. CBD: What’s The Difference?
The differences between CBDV vs. CBD start at the molecular level. Whereas CBD has a pentyl (5) chain of carbons, CBDV only has a propyl (3) chain. CBDV is just like CBD in every other way— it just has a shorter carbon tail!
That’s not where the differences end though. CBDV has also been observed interacting with transient receptor potential TRP channels. TRP channels are involved in2:
Production of inflammatory mediators
Phagocytosis
Cell migration
What Are Researchers Finding— Potential CBDV Benefits
Researchers have taken note of CBDV as a potentially useful cannabinoid for various therapeutic applications owing to the fact that it doesn’t produce intoxicating effects.
Here is a list of research regarding CBDV:
GW Pharmaceuticals is planning a phase 2 clinical trial of a CBDV-containing drug to treat epilepsy in adults1,10.
Drugs containing CBDV are being researched for the treatment of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder3,4.
Research with rats indicates CBDV may be useful for reducing nausea6.
Study of non-intoxicating phytocannabinoids, including CBDV, using mice modeling Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)7.
A phase 2 clinical trial is underway to explore whether cannabis oil containing CBDV (and other cannabinoids) could be helpful for adults with ADHD8.
A 2016 study suggested that CBDV might provide relief from acne1,9.
Where Can You Buy CBDV?
Good news! Sunset Lake CBD grows some cultivars that contain CBDV including Forbidden V. Forbidden V was bred by Oregon CBD and grown under the sun on our farm in South Hero, Vermont. With 6.85% CBDV and 11.94% CBD, the buds hold a lot of promise for a variety of uses.
Forbidden V can be used on its own (smoked or vaped) or it can be extracted from the plant material and used to make oil tinctures, topicals, and edibles.
Currently, Forbidden V is only available to wholesale customers. If you own a retail location or eCommerce site and are interested in carrying Forbidden V, please get in touch with us here.
Traveling always presents some complications, some expected and some unexpected— all of them stressful. It’s no wonder that thousands of travelers are turning to CBD, an all-natural supplement in order to make their journeys a little more enjoyable.
Because CBD is derived from hemp cannabis, many passengers who rely on CBD for relaxation or improved sleep, are left wondering: Can you take CBD on a plane?
In this post, we’ll cover why you can take CBD on a plane, the how, and some tips to make your next flying experience a little bit smoother.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be used as or misconstrued as legal advice.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is one of the more than 100 naturally-occurring chemical compounds (cannabinoids) produced by the cannabis plant. CBD is found in abundance in hemp and hemp flower.
By itself, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid meaning it will not make you feel intoxicated and it does not lead to dependency in users.
While experts aren’t entirely sure how CBD interacts with your body, we do know that boosts your endocannabinoid system; an intricate cell-signaling system that manages bodily functions like:
Sleep
Mood
Appetite
Memory
Central Nervous System Development
And more…
Why Is CBD Popular With Travelers?
Before we launch into the nuances of traveling with CBD, let’s discuss why CBD might be popular with travelers.
In a recent survey conducted by the Journal of Cannabis Research, CBD users were asked why they used CBD.
42.6% said that they used CBD for self-perceived anxiety
37.5% said that they used CBD for stress
And, 42.5% said that they were using CBD to address some sleep-related issue
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you’re going— travel is exhausting and for some, can be quite stressful. CBD can help users relax and calm their inner monologue, you know the one that freaks out about making your connecting flight in time. CBD’s benefits don’t end there. Once you reach your destination, CBD can help ease you into your new time zone and overcome jet lag.
Can You Fly With CBD?
The short answer: Yes, you can fly with CBD.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can fly with “products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil…”
2: Products that contain hemp-derived CBD oil or are FDA-approved are generally legal & can fly. Pls visit: https://t.co/Gukb3qAHjz
The longer answer is a bit more nuanced. You are allowed to fly with hemp-derived products and FDA-approved Epidiolex (a prescription CBD oil) and because most CBD products sold nationally adhere to these guidelines, you should be fine. Right?
Real life is messier. For one, your specific airline might have rules regarding CBD. You’ll want to check before you book your flight. Second, your TSA agent might not be able to immediately recognize your CBD product as hemp-derived and good to go.
Whether or not your CBD makes it on the plane is going to be up to the discretion of your TSA agent— and we all know that they can have good days and bad days. Luckily, there are a few ways to make life easier for your TSA agent, some of which we’ll cover shortly.
First, let’s cover the types of CBD you can fly with:
Can You Fly With CBD Oil?
You can fly with CBD oil, but the TSA guidelines for liquids apply. Your CBD oil must not be larger than 3.4oz or 100mL. This isn’t too much of a concern though, as most CBD oils on the market come in either 1- or 2oz bottles.
Can You Fly With CBD Gummies?
You should be able to fly with CBD gummies, no problem. Because gummies, and edibles in general, aren’t liquids (like CBD oil) they shouldn’t be subject to further restriction.
Can You Fly With A CBD Vape Pen?
Just like any electronic vape device, you should know that you cannot fly with a CBD vape pen in your checked bag. Because the batteries inside make them a potential fire hazard, you’ll need to fly with your CBD vape pen in your carry-on bag.
Can You Fly With Hemp Flower?
While yes, technically you can fly with hemp flower, we would highly recommend against it. Hemp flower looks and smells like traditional marijuana, and at the end of the day, it’ll be up to your TSA agent whether or not they allow your product on board and further whether or not to get local law enforcement involved. Why even risk the headache? If you’re dead set on traveling with hemp flower, consider instead shipping it to wherever you’ll be staying or buying it on location.
Tips For Flying With CBD
You may not need to do the following, but hey, you’re a traveler, and being prepared is what you’re good at.
Bring Your Paperwork
Most vendors will readily provide you with both their hemp license and your product’s certificate of analysis— the lab analysis that proves that your product contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
You should be able to show this paperwork to your TSA agent if they question the legality of your CBD product and clear up any confusion.
Know The Local Laws
If you’re flying into a location with different laws about CBD than your own home state, do your research. Some states have different restrictions regarding hemp-derived products than others. The last thing you’ll want to do is deal with a headache once you touchdown.
Buy Onsite/ Ship Ahead Of Time
CBD is federally legal which means you can have it shipped anywhere in the country. If you still don’t feel comfortable flying with CBD after this article or just want to avoid any hassle, consider shipping CBD to your vacation destination so that it’s ready when you land.
Can You Fly With CBD Internationally?
So far, we’ve talked about flying with CBD domestically, but what about internationally?
As of right now, international rules regarding CBD are much less clear. You’ll want to do your own research first into your airline and then into the country that you plan on visiting. If you’re still unclear about a country’s CBD rules after that, err on the side of caution and leave your CBD at home.
Wrapup: Can You Fly With CBD?
There are plenty of reasons you might want to fly with CBD; travel can be stressful, airline seats are uncomfortable, and good sleep comes at a premium. Luckily for you, traveling domestically with CBD is possible and legal.
If you plan on traveling with any Sunset Lake CBD products, you should know that we provide certificates of analysis and our Vermont hemp license in all mailed orders. We also make all of the aforementioned documents available for download here.
So you’ve had the same bottle of CBD oil for a few months and you’re worried that it’s expired. Or maybe you’ve found an older bottle of CBD oil and you’re wondering if it’s good.
If so, then this blog post is for you. We’re going to cover:
How to tell if your CBD oil is expired
What makes your CBD oil expire faster
And, how to extend the shelf life of your CBD oil
How To Tell If Your CBD Oil Is Expired
Chances are if you’re a person that eats food (ahem *everyone*) you’ve probably experienced food waste in the past. Like our food, there are a few different ways to tell if our CBD oil has expired.
Taste
This can be a tough tell for some, especially if the CBD oil you buy is flavored. Unflavored CBD oil has a mild, earthy flavor. If your CBD oil tastes “off” as in bitter or sour, your CBD oil may be expired.
Smell
Just like a nice craft beer, your CBD oil can skunk. If your CBD oil has a skunky or sour smell, it’s likely expired.
Color
When your CBD oil starts to break down, it may become dark and take on a ‘murky’ look.
Thickness
Your CBD oil’s texture is a big tell. If your CBD oil has become “thicker” or looks like it’s separating, it may be because your carrier oil is rancid.
Note: if your CBD oil is cold; for instance, if you store your CBD oil in the fridge, it will be thicker. Don’t confuse this thickness caused by temperature with rancidity.
When Does CBD Oil Expire?
Your CBD oil’s shelf life depends on a few factors. They range from what kind of bottle your CBD oil is packaged in, to how much sunlight your CBD oil is exposed to.
Just because most of the following factors are under the manufacturer’s control, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know them. Having knowledge of these factors will help you extend your CBD oil’s shelf life.
MCT oil is very shelf stable, has little taste, and a shelf life of 12 – 18 months. This relative stability has made MCT oil a very popular carrier oil in the CBD industry.
Hempseed oil is less stable than MCT oil. Once opened, unrefined hempseed oil has a shelf of 3 – 6 months.
Olive oil is roughly as stable as hempseed oil and should be used within 6 months of opening.
If you’re unsure of which carrier oil your CBD oil is made with, get in contact with your vendor and ask questions.
Packaging
Your CBD oil’s shelf life is also greatly affected by UV light exposure. Not only is UV light bad for your CBD— it will break down the cannabinoid rapidly— but it will also break down your carrier oil and cause it to turn rancid much more quickly.
This is why packaging is a crucial factor in the shelf life of your CBD oil. Your CBD oil should be bottled in opaque or dark brown glass to protect it from UV light. If your CBD oil comes bottled in clear glass, you’ll need to take extra care to store it in a dark place.
Storage
If you plan on stocking up on your favorite CBD oil, you’ll want to store the bottles you aren’t using in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A cupboard or nightstand drawer would be a fine storage space for your CBD oil.
What Happens If You Consume Expired CBD Oil?
Do you think you’ve accidentally consumed some expired CBD oil? Here’s what you can expect to happen: not much.
Thankfully, consuming expired CBD oil shouldn’t make you feel unwell. You may get an upset stomach from the rancid oil, but that’s really the extent of what you may expect.
How To Store Your CBD Oil
You’ll want to protect your CBD oil’s potency by storing it in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight.
The following factors can all lead to CBD breakdown in your product:
UV light
Excessive heat
Moisture
Oxygen exposure
If you want to extend the shelf life of your CBD oil, you’ll want to consider keeping it inside a climate-controlled environment and away from sunlight.
Should CBD Oil Be Refrigerated?
A question we get all the time is: should I refrigerate my CBD oil once I open it? You should not.
Because Sunset Lake CBD makes our CBD oils with MCT, if you refrigerate your in-use bottle, you’ll make it exponentially harder to use and apply your oil as colder temperatures will make your oil more viscous.
Does CBD Oil Expire: Final Thoughts
CBD oil does expire, but if stored properly, shouldn’t for many months. This should be long enough for you to enjoy your CBD oil with no issue. But, if you’re one to stock up on CBD oil during a sale, you should know CBD oil storage best practices to extend your oil’s shelf life.
And as always, if you’ve had your current CBD oil for a while: the nose knows. If you think your CBD oil looks, smells, or tastes off, it’s probably time to get a new bottle.
Joints are a popular way to consume cannabis, and the most accessible. They’re easy to roll, easy to smoke, and easy to share. But they’re not the only way to roll cannabis.
In this post, we’ll be talking about joints and blunts. What are they? And what’s the difference between the two?
What Is A Joint?
A joint is cannabis rolled into a rolling paper. Rolling methods, paper size, and shapes may vary, but the concept is the same: a paper rolled around cannabis. Standard joints are generally not too large and only contain one-third to a half-gram of cannabis. You can roll joints with more cannabis inside, but you’ll probably need to invest in larger rolling papers.
What Is A Blunt?
A blunt is cannabis rolled into either a tobacco or pressed-hemp wrap. Blunts can also vary in rolling method, size, and shape, but are bigger than your typical joint and sometimes burn more slowly thanks to their thicker outer wrap.
A typical blunt holds about one to two grams of cannabis and is more likely to be shared among a larger group.
What’s The Difference Between Joints And Blunts?
The main difference between joints and blunts is that joints are rolled in paper, while blunts are rolled in thicker tobacco or hemp wraps.
Rolling blunts can also be a bit more challenging than rolling joints because of the wrap. While you can manipulate rolling papers right out of the pack, blunt wraps need to be moistened before they are used. Otherwise, you might have a breakage in your blunt and need to perform some patching.
Blunts are usually larger and thicker than your average joint, though that’s always the case. (There are rolling papers that can hold upwards of an ounce of cannabis.) Because your average blunt is larger, it’s typical that a blunt will take much longer to smoke than your average joint.
There are a couple of styles of joints that you can either roll yourself or buy in stores:
Classic – Your bread and butter joint. Usually smaller than cigarettes and twisted shut at the end.
Cone – A larger version of the classic that tapers out to create a higher-capacity joint.
Dog-walker – A smaller joint. These joints get their name from the idea that you would be able to smoke one of them by yourself while on a walk with your dog.
Spliff – When you mix cannabis and tobacco into a classic joint.
Types of Blunts
Hemp Blunts – Cannabis rolled into a hemp leaf or pressed hemp paper. These are great if you want to smoke a blunt with no tobacco or nicotine.
Cigarillo – A cigar that’s been split, emptied, and rerolled with cannabis inside.
Classic – A blunt rolled with a natural tobacco leaf.
It’s What’s On The Inside That Counts
Whether a run-of-the-mill joint or an extravagant blunt, it’s really about what’s on the inside that counts. Better cannabis is better cannabis. Sunset Lake CBD produces top-shelf, sun-grown hemp flower, pre-rolled joints, and pre-rolled blunts, straight from our farm to your door.
Full-spectrum CBD gummies are popping up everywhere these days. And why not, they’re an easy and tasty way to implement CBD into your daily routine. What makes these new full-spectrum gummies different from other CBD gummies?
Are they safe?
What do full-spectrum gummies do?
Will they make you high?
We’ll try our best to answer all of these questions and more in this post
What Are Full Spectrum Gummies?
Full-spectrum gummies are gummies that have been infused with full-spectrum hemp extract, meaning they contain all of the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant including CBD and THC.
What Do Full Spectrum Gummies Do?
Full-spectrum gummies have been around for some time and we have a pretty good idea about what full-spectrum CBD will do.
Using CBD isolate also has some drawbacks. Because CBD isolate is just one cannabinoid, you aren’t getting the benefits of whole-plant hemp extract, also known as the entourage effect common with full-spectrum products.
While there’s still much to be understood about the entourage effect, the hypothesis is that when all cannabinoids are present as they are in full-spectrum gummies, your CBD will work better with your body.
How Long Until Full Spectrum Gummies Start Working?
Full-spectrum gummies are just like any other full-spectrum edible and can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to take effect.
The cannabinoids present in the gummies first have to work their way to your digestive system before they enter your bloodstream. If you eat before you take your full-spectrum gummies, the effects from the gummies will take longer to come on, but will ultimately last longer.
Will Full Spectrum Gummies Make You Feel High?
If you follow the dosing instructions on your full-spectrum gummies, you shouldn’t feel any level of intoxication. You may experience a sense of calmness, relaxation, and sedation.
If, however, you choose to take more than your recommended serving size of full-spectrum gummies, it is possible for you to ingest enough THC for you to feel intoxicated. This is especially true for users who are sensitive to THC.
Be sure to look at your certificate of analysis so you might avoid ingesting too many full-spectrum gummies.
What Does “Full Spectrum” Mean?
When a CBD product is labeled as “full-spectrum” it means that the product contains all of the cannabinoids that the hemp plant produces, including THC.
There are ways to isolate and remove certain unwanted cannabinoids from hemp-derived concentrates. Full-spectrum CBD is almost always the least altered form of CBD that you can purchase and consume.
What’s The Difference Between Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum?
Full-spectrum contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)— the cannabinoid responsible for making users feel intoxicated.
Note: while THC is present in full-spectrum products, such low concentrations should not make average users experience any significant psychoactive effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD products have had their THC removed in some way. You might consider broad-spectrum CBD products for several reasons:
Your state of residence requires all CBD products sold in-state to be THC-free.
You are extra sensitive to THC and would rather avoid it if you can.
You are subject to random workplace drug tests.
Full Spectrum Gummies: Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Full Spectrum Gummies Stay In Your System?
The full-spectrum CBD from your gummies can stay in your body for up to several days after use. This estimation is overly simplified though as everyone’s metabolism is different.
If you use full spectrum gummies frequently, take larger doses, or eat a lot of fatty foods, you can expect the cannabinoids to remain in your bloodstream for longer.
Do Full Spectrum Gummies Have Side Effects?
Taking full-spectrum gummies may cause you to experience some negative side effects, including:
Changes in appetite
Diarrhea
Nausea
Dizziness
Upset stomach
If you experience any of these side effects, try lowering your dose. If the problem persists, stop taking your full-spectrum gummies and consult a health professional (and a pharmacist if you are taking any other medications.)
Will Full Spectrum Gummies Make You Hungry?
It’s possible that your full-spectrum gummies may make you feel more hungry. Both CBD and THC, the main active ingredients, have been known to stimulate appetite in users.
How Many Full Spectrum Gummies Should I Take?
Take as many full-spectrum gummies as is advertised on your product’s packaging. Once you’re familiar with that dose, feel free to adjust it as needed.
We here at Sunset Lake CBD recommend starting with a low dose, sticking with it consistently for one week, and adjusting your dose up or down as needed. This way, your body can adjust properly to your full-spectrum gummies.
Will Full Spectrum Gummies Show Up On A Drug Test?
If you are subject to random workplace tests or believe you’ll need to take a test in the coming weeks, play it safe and avoid full-spectrum gummies.
Are Full Spectrum Gummies Legal?
Yes, full-spectrum gummies are legal, but only if the cannabinoids present in your gummies are derived from hemp plants that contain less than 0.3% of delta-9 THC, otherwise they would be considered a recreational cannabis product.
Your full-spectrum gummies may also contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight before they are no longer considered a legal hemp product.
Full Spectrum Gummies Wrap Up
Full-spectrum gummies offer an exciting and tasty option for folks looking for accurately-dosed CBD edibles that offer all of the benefits of full-spectrum CBD. Before you decide to buy, make sure that you check out the quality of the full-spectrum gummies and the company offering them. Always ask to see some test results.
Interested in making your own CBD oil at home? We don’t blame you. Making your own homemade CBD oil is a great way to create a concentrated and versatile ingredient that you can incorporate into any number of recipes.
While homemade CBD oil may not be as strong as some CBD oil tinctures you can find online, it’s a great way to use any spare CBD hemp flower or trim that you may have saved up.
Sunset Lake CBD sells small buds that are a great choice if you want to do your own at-home infusion. See them here.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a non-intoxicating oil that’s been infused with cannabidiol-rich hemp flower or hemp extract.
At Sunset Lake CBD, we craft our CBD oil tinctures with full-spectrum hemp extract and use organic MCT oil as our carrier. The result is an easy-to-dose CBD oil that you can take directly under your tongue or put into your favorite foods and drinks.
Hemp oil, sometimes called hemp seed oil, contains little to no CBD. Hemp oil is made by cold pressing hemp seeds into a culinary oil that’s rich in omega acids, beneficial fats, and vitamins B and D.
What are the Benefits of Making Your Own CBD Oil?
You might want to make your own CBD oil for a few reasons:
Price
Ready-to-use CBD oil that you can buy online may not agree with your budget. If you want to experience the benefits of CBD oil, but don’t want to spend too much money, making your own CBD oil is a great option for you.
Versatility
Homemade CBD oil can be the foundation ingredient for topical salves, ointments, homemade edibles, and a great addition to your pet’s food.
When you make your own CBD oil at home, you’re in control of how strong the final product is. If you want to make a low-strength CBD oil that you can spoon into Fido’s food next time there’s a thunderstorm you can. Or, if you’re trying to make knockout homemade CBD edibles, you’re making an extra-strength CBD oil is your first step.
In order to properly infuse CBD into your oil of choice, you’ll first need to decarboxylate your CBD flower. Decarboxylation is the process in which ‘inactive’ cannabinoids like CBDa, THCa, and CBGa become active and ready for consumption.
Note: hemp decarboxylation is a very aromatic process and should only be done in private spaces or with the consent of your cohabitors.
What You’ll Need to Make Your Own CBD Oil
Decarboxylated CBD flower
The amount you’ll want should be determined via an infusion calculator like the one found here. You’ll want to ground up your decarboxylated flower before the infusion to increase the surface area of the flower. This will help facilitate a more complete infusion.
Your oil of choice
The best oil for infusion will depend on how you’ll want to use your homemade CBD oil. If you plan on making homemade edibles with your CBD oil, consider using raw coconut oil. If you want your CBD oil to remain a liquid, consider using cold-pressed hemp seed or olive oil.
Double-boiler/ Crockpot
Depending on how fast you want to complete your infusion, you’ll want either a double boiler setup or a slow-cooking crockpot.
Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth is useful for straining your spent CBD flower from your infused oil.
Mason jar
You’ll want an airtight storage container for your finished CBD oil. Mason jars can ensure that your oil will last for some time in both your fridge or freezer.
Glass bowl & fine mesh strainer (optional)
Both of these tools are optional but will make for a less messy infusion.
How To Make Your Own CBD Oil
The most important thing you’ll need to make your own CBD oil is patience. The more time you put into your infusion the better your final product will be.
Because you’ll be using heat to help with this infusion, you’ll want to avoid temperatures over 230F. Low temperatures will preserve the taste of your oil and prevent the CBD inside from boiling off.
Instructions
If your CBD flower is not yet decarboxylated, grind it up into small pieces, spread evenly on a baking sheet, and place it in a preheated oven at 230F for 40 minutes. Make sure to use your hood vent fan if you have one.
If you’re using a double boiler setup, add water to the bottom pan and turn on your stovetop to medium. Once the water is warmed up add your oil of choice to the top pan and let it melt. If you’re using a crockpot, add your oil to the crockpot and bring it to temperature on low.
Add your decarboxylated CBD flower.
Stir the oil in your double boiler periodically for 30 to 60 minutes. If you are using a crockpot, you can extend this infusion over the course of several hours on its low setting.
When your infusion is complete, line the mouth of the mason jar or strainer with cheesecloth. If you have a glass bowl, now would be the time to break it out. Pour your oil through the cheesecloth into either your mason jar or strainer into your glass bowl. When all of your CBD flower is captured by the cheesecloth, you can twist it up and squeeze out the remaining oil. Note, that your hands will get greasy and the oil will be hot.
If you haven’t already, transfer your homemade CBD oil into your mason jar, or use it immediately.
How To Store Your CBD Oil
You’ve spent all this time on your infusion— don’t let your CBD oil lose potency because of improper storage.
Once you’ve gotten your oil into your mason jar, store it in a cool, dark place. Note that the shelf life of your CBD oil does not change after infusion. If you choose to infuse a new bottle of olive oil, for instance, you should plan on using it within 60 days of infusion.
You can also store your homemade CBD oil in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life and preserve its potency. If stored properly, your homemade CBD oil should maintain its CBD potency for up to 18 months.
How to Dose Your CBD Oil
Hopefully, you used an infusion calculator and your CBD flower’s certificate of analysis when you were planning out your infusion. If you’ve done that, you can go back and use that same infusion calculator to plan out your very own CBD edibles, topicals, or just to dose yourself properly with oil.
Last Word on Making Your Own CBD Oil
Making your own CBD oil is not only a cost-effective way to enjoy CBD, but it can also be fun. Once you get the hang of infusing, you can play with temperatures in order to emphasize other minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBG.
However, if you just don’t have the time or kitchen space to conduct your own infusion, know that there are some affordable CBD oil options out there. Many can be found here at Sunset Lake CBD. Check out our lineup of full-spectrum CBD oils here.
If you’ve been looking at CBD products online, you may have come across “spectrum” jargon that you may not be familiar with yet. That’s okay. You’re not the first, and you certainly won’t be the last to ask: What is full-spectrum CBD?
By the end of this post you’ll be able to answer the following questions:
What is full-spectrum CBD?
Does full-spectrum CBD contain THC?
What’s the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD?
And more…
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that can be found in hemp plants. Full-spectrum CBD is the least altered form of CBD that you can purchase and consume.
Does Full-Spectrum CBD Do Anything?
Full-spectrum CBD provides the same benefits that all CBD products provide users and more. Because full-spectrum CBD products contain other cannabinoids and terpenes in addition to CBD, some users believe that you are also reaping the benefits of the entourage effect— all parts of the plant working together.
Does Full-Spectrum CBD Have THC?
Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts (<0.3%) of THC.
Is Full-Spectrum CBD A Drug?
As of this writing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved of one full-spectrum medication, Epidiolex, a prescription drug used to treat certain severe forms of epilepsy.
While there is no other FDA-approved science that confirms any other medicinal use of CBD, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may be helpful to people with inflammation, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep.
In the other sense of the word “drug,” as long as your full-spectrum CBD was derived from industrial hemp, it is considered federally legal and able to cross state lines.
What’s The Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)— the cannabinoid responsible for making users feel intoxicated.
Note: while THC is present in full-spectrum CBD products, such low concentrations should not make average users experience any significant psychoactive effects.
Broad-spectrum CBD is different than full-spectrum because broad-spectrum CBD products have had their THC removed in some way. You might consider broad-spectrum CBD products for a number of reasons:
Your state of residence requires all CBD products sold in-state to be THC-free.
You are extra sensitive to THC and would rather avoid it if you can.
Full-spectrum CBD products are generally considered to be the most effective and efficient means of consuming CBD. You’ll want to choose a full-spectrum CBD product if you:
Prefer a more complete CBD experience.
Prefer more natural, less-processed CBD products.
Are interested in the potential benefits of hemp’s other organic compounds.
Other Full-Spectrum CBD Questions
Will Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies Show Up On a Drug Test?
If you are subject to random workplace tests or believe you’ll need to take a test in the coming weeks, play it safe and avoid full-spectrum CBD gummies.
How Long Does Full-Spectrum CBD Stay In Your System?
Full-spectrum CBD can stay in your body for up to several days after use. This estimation is greatly simplified though as everyone’s metabolism is different.
If you use CBD frequently, in larger doses, and eat fatty foods, expect full-spectrum CBD to stay in your system longer.
When Should I Use Full Spectrum CBD?
If your goal is to use CBD to better manage sleep, then take it shortly before bedtime. But if your goal is to use CBD to better handle the stresses of the day, consider taking multiple smaller doses throughout the day.
Full-Spectrum CBD Wrap Up
Full-spectrum CBD is widely regarded, with good reason, to be the best way to consume CBD. It’s less processed than other forms of CBD and allows users to experience the other whole-plant benefits that hemp has to offer.
Full-spectrum CBD should be the jumping-off point for folks trying to figure out how best CBD can benefit them.
