Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids found in hemp; it is also one of the main cannabinoids found and utilized from the plant. It has many uses, and it is growing in popularity because of its wide availability in different hemp products.
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, a network of neurotransmitters and receptors in humans and animals. It interacts with the system’s two main receptors, CB1 and CB2, which regulate different functions throughout the body. CBD interaction with these different receptors provides different effects.
CBD and other cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, especially since they can be flavored.
Forms of CBD
Not only is CBD found in many different products, but its extracts are also available in different forms. Each of the forms has different compounds and materials; depending on what your goal is with CBD, some of the forms might be better suited for you.
One goal that many users of CBD have is to achieve the entourage effect. It is the effect that occurs when terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids interact to amplify positive effects. Some of the forms of CBD are better for that goal.
Isolate
Isolates are the purest form of a cannabinoid, and it is achieved through distillation; this process removes everything but the cannabinoid of interest. The cannabinoid is often run through the distillation process several times to purify it. Isolates can have a purity of up to 99.9%.
Full-Spectrum
In terms of extraction, full-spectrum means that everything is retained within the substance, cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc. Nothing is left out. It is similar to broad-spectrum products, but with one key difference; full spectrum products also include small amounts of THC. Because the full-spectrum contains everything, extracts are dark in color, and the flavor and aroma are earthy.
It is rare to have a true full-spectrum because most extractions lose flavonoids and terpenes during processing, but full-spectrum products have more of these compounds than other products. For those looking for a better experience, full-spectrum is one of the better options because it can induce the entourage effect.
Broad-Spectrum
Like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum applies to extractions that retain most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in hemp plants. Broad spectrum products can be made in two ways: either by adding flavonoids, terpenes, and other minor cannabinoids to CBD isolates or by using distillation to remove THC from the full-spectrum extract.
Broad-spectrum extracts are another way to achieve the entourage effect, even without THC. Extracts that are broad-spectrum are light in color and have a similar flavor profile to full-spectrum extracts.
Flavored CBD
Flavored CBD is popular because CBD tends to have an earthy and bitter taste, which can be unpleasant for consumers. Most of the flavoring options come from diluted essential oils, which can completely alter the taste profile of CBD and create a more pleasant experience when consumed.
Delta-8 concentrates, which are typically manufactured from CBD, can also be flavored, along with other cannabinoids.
Citrus
Citrus is a common flavor for CBD. Citrus scents are known to energize the mind and elevate mood, which is why the flavor is so popular. Limonene is used, which is a terpene found in citrus that gives them their well-known aroma.
Terpene Enhanced CBD Oils
Just as cannabinoids can be isolated, terpenes and terpenoids can be isolated as well to add to formulas to help flavor CBD products. Terpenoids are chemically altered during the processing of the hemp plant, and terpenes are natural, unaltered hemp compounds.
CBD Products
Different CBD products can be flavored, but the three common types are oils and tinctures, vaporizers, and prerolls.
Oils and Tinctures
Oils and tinctures are popular because of their convenience; they come in small bottles with droppers, and they can be taken directly or added to foods and drinks. Though the way they are made differs slightly, both CBD tinctures and oils are available in many different flavors.
Vape Pens
Vape pens heat up CBD oil and extract into a vapor to be inhaled, and the substances within the cartridges are what give the vapor the flavor.
There are two types of vape pens:
- Disposable: Disposable vape pens use cartridges, but they are only for temporary use. Once the cartridge is finished, so is the pen.
- Rechargeable: These vape pens are rechargeable and only require you to buy cartridges and juice.
Additionally, there are two categories of vape pens, dry-herb, and concentrate. Dry-herb pens utilize the burning of hemp buds, which can be infused with flavor. Concentrate vape pens come in two types: wax pens that burn thicker extracts and oil pens that burn CBD oil concentrate.
Vape pens can contain more than CBD; Delta-8 vape pens are also popular because they provide more of a ‘high’ effect than CBD.
Prerolls
Prerolls are essentially joints. They contain ground hemp, which is rolled up into the preroll. The ground-up hemp within can be infused with terpenes for flavor, and they can also be doused in concentrate. Delta-8 cigarettes and Delta-8 pre-rolled joints can be flavored as well.
