Due to its countless benefits and often profound impact on consumers, CBD is one of the most sought after products available on the market today. This natural plant-based compound has even become a staple in the daily lives of its users (and their loved ones), because of the unique reaction CBD has on the body.

The CBD industry, along with the products it offers, is seeing massive growth and development with each passing day. If you'd like to know more about the CBD industry, CBD itself, and the potential benefits it can bring to your life, continue reading!

While your initial thoughts of CBD may lead you to believe that this a drug with psychoactive properties, commercial CBD operates a bit differently. This cannabinoid is generally extracted from the hemp plant, a closely related plant to marijuana, which is free of intoxicative properties. Therefore, hemp-based CBD is known for different benefits than the traditional perception of marijuana would suggest.

What makes CBD most distinctive is how it interacts biologically. The endocannabinoid system in your body is made up of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors, which line the nervous system, brain and other sections of the body, bond with the cannabinoid known as CBD upon consumption, causing a unique reaction.

Though CBD is largely agreed upon as safe, non-toxic and non-addictive to consume, it has not yet been approved by the FDA. Still, it continues to be researched and further developed for its potential benefits.

How is CBD Made & Extracted?

Simply put, there are many different compounds in a matured hemp plant, of which CBD must be isolated and extracted from. The main objective for CBD extraction is to remove and coalesce the tiny oil globules from the Cannabis sativa plant, to later become a more substantial oil.

It is important to isolate the CBD compound, as gently as is possible, while preserving the cannabinoids pure properties. As such, there is a certain level of expertise (as well as heavy equipment and proper facilities) necessary to accomplish the desired results. Though there are many effective methods for CBD extraction, not all are created equally.

One of the more favorable and now, standard methods for extraction utilizes CO2 and low heat. CO2, while more expensive, produces a cleaner extraction and leaves the final product free of solvents and other dangerous chemicals. Other methods, however, may use inhumane solvents such as butane, acetone, and ethanol. Though these chemicals can be reliable and even cost-effective, they are more likely to pollute the final CBD product. This is why, when possible, it's always important to opt for brands with CO2 extraction. Not only may the CBD oil be safer, but you might even find that it provides more value.

Upon extraction, the oil is tested for quality before being combined with various ingredients to become the products consumers are familiar with.

*It is not recommended that you attempt to extract CBD on your own in your home. Not only is the process more complex than it may seem, but it may also present potential health hazards and dangers.*