the ABCs of CBD
Posted on 30/04/2020
If you find yourself unable to read between the lines of various cannabis-related jargon, marijuana puns and mixed messages when it comes to figuring out CBD, then consider this your cheat sheet.
As part of Canopy Growth (the largest cannabis company of its kind and based in Canada), working with CBD was a natural step for us to take. Enabling us to combine the expertise of Canopy Growth with our knowledge of natural skincare and wellness to create a brand-new range of targeted, hardworking products.
Here, we debunk the CBD myths and deliver the facts about the cult favourite ingredient.
Myth: Cannabis, Marijuana, Hemp or all the same
Truth: Let’s talk about plants. Marijuana and Hemp are the two best known varieties of the Cannabis family; however they are very different plants with each having a different chemical makeup - in the same way there are over 45 different species of Lavender that offer different benefits. For example, True Lavender is known to help sleep, whereas Lavandin is a stimulant.
One of the key differences is that marijuana contains up to 30% THC, the psychoactive / intoxicating component of the cannabis plant, known to give a mind altering ‘high’ among other effects. Hemp - which is the plant we extract CBD from – generally contains no more than 0.2% THC in Europe, and is not considered to be intoxicating or have a mind-altering effect on those who use it, meaning it is safe to be used for its other properties in various beauty and skincare products.
Myth: There is only one type of CBD extract
Truth: CBD extracts come in three different types: isolate, broad and full spectrum. The CBD isolate that we use is pure, Hemp-derived and contains only traces of other cannabinoids, the idea is that it delivers consistent concentrations of CBD. Broad spectrum contains Hemp-derived CBD and
small amounts of other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids – although suitable for use in skincare it is harder to achieve consistency between batches or harvests when working with broad spectrum.
Finally, full spectrum (which at This Works we will not use) has had no cannabinoids removed, including the psychoactive compounds – always be sure to check out the company’s reports if you see the full spectrum label as it can sometimes include THC as it boosts the rest of the formula, but will have psychoactive effects.
Is it safe?
Our CBD is completely safe – and we test it rigorously to make sure of this.
Every batch of CBD isolate we receive is independently tested by ISO17025 accredited labs who specialise in chemical and product testing, and the levels of the cannabinoids (including THC) are also tested. We do this by using a technology that separates out all potential components of the isolate, allowing us to screen and detect individual cannabinoids down to parts per million.
We do this to make absolutely certain that the THC is below the legal limits. We repeat this process three times throughout the product development stages.
Why is CBD legal?
Unlike other cannabis products, CBD is legal because it does not alter the mental state of those that consume it.