What are CBD crystals or CBD isolate?
What are CBD crystals?
Cannabidiol (CBD) crystals, or CBD isolate, are a pure form of CBD. This means that apart from CBD, this form of extract does not contain any other substances. In addition to this, there is also broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD extract. These forms contain relatively small amounts of various other cannabinoids and, in the case of the full-spectrum extract, a small proportion of THC. They may also contain terpenes, which give many plants, including cannabis, their scent. The other substances in the extract may interact with each other in their effects. According to the theory of the entourage effect, they have a considerable influence on the final effect. There are several methods of extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, including steam distillation, carbon dioxide extraction or other solvents. You can read more about each extraction method in one of our other articles.
The extract base often contains various compounds from the cannabis plant, including low levels of THC. The representation of each cannabinoid depends on the specific plant from which the extract is obtained. Manufacturers then further refine the product to produce CBD isolate, or crystals. Refining removes all other compounds from the product except CBD, resulting in pure CBD in crystalline solid form. Manufacturers usually grind the crystals into powder for sale or use them in other CBD products (from cosmetics to food supplements).
What are the effects of CBD isolate - how does it work?
In general, CBD research is still in its early stages. There are also limited studies on specific forms of CBD. The general idea is that CBD affects the cannabinoid receptors in the human body - these are part of the vast cannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for a number of important functions in our bodies, most importantly maintaining homeostasis.
- strengthening the immune system
- anti-inflammatory effects
- pain relief
- prevention of tumour formation
- anti-anxiety effects
- prevention of vomiting and treatment of nausea
- neuroprotective effects
- anti-seizure effects
According to research published in the journal Pain, the official publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain, CBD may also affect non-cannabinoid receptors, including the serotonin receptor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Serotonin is a chemical that affects anxiety levels, depression and has an effect on sleep. This could explain why some people report that CBD positively affects their pain and anxiety symptoms.
However, a 2015 animal study found that CBD isolate may produce weaker effects than full-spectrum and broad-spectrum forms of CBD. This may be due to the fact that CBD isolate does not contain other compounds from the cannabis plant. Research on the Entourage Effect suggests that CBD may have more significant health benefits if it contains other compounds. This does not necessarily mean that CBD crystals are better or worse than other forms of CBD. Further studies will help clarify the potential health effects of different forms of CBD. Currently, there is not enough evidence to confirm a clear link between CBD isolate and the health benefits reported by patients.
How to use CBD crystals
If you decide to use CBD, you should always familiarize yourself with the specific product and read the label carefully. One of the benefits of CBD isolate is that there is little risk of taking the wrong dose, as it is easy to read the CBD content based on the weight of the isolate/crystal.
There are multiple ways to use CBD crystals, including:
- adding to baked goods and foods. If you want to add the crystals to food, ideally dissolve them in oil or butter first
- use in DIY skin care products
- dissolution in carrier oil
CBD crystals vs. other forms of CBD
Unlike other forms of CBD, such as full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, CBD crystals have no distinct taste or smell. This is because it is a highly refined product. CBD crystals also contain no traces of THC, whereas full-spectrum products may contain low amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD products usually do not primarily contain THC, but may contain trace amounts. They also contain other compounds from the cannabis plant.
Summary
CBD crystals are an alternative form of CBD partially replacing full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. They are useful for people who do not want to consume any THC. However, research suggests that other forms of CBD may have more significant health benefits due to the 'entourage effect'. When buying CBD products, people should always read product packaging carefully and buy from reputable companies.
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