What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis sativa plant. It is a chemical which occurs naturally within the plant, and unlike THC which occurs similarly, is not intoxicating nor will it induce a “high”. THC interacts with the body’s CB-1 receptors which are found in the brain and central nervous system creating the altered state for which it is known. CBD interacts only with the CB-2 receptors which contain enzymes that break down the cannabinoids for use throughout the body.

How is CBD extracted?

Extracting CBD from the plant is a recent process which has enabled it to be utilised in a variety of products such as oils, confectionary and cosmetics. There are several methods of extraction, but the one we prefer to use for our oils is the ‘super critical Co2’ method, which uses a closed loop extractor. Co2 is pumped from the first of three chambers into the second one, which contains the plant leaves. This then becomes part gas, part liquid known as supercritical Co2. This then extracts the cannabinoids and is pumped into the last chamber to be extracted from the Co2. This is the most advanced method of extraction for the safest, highest quality and most consistent CBD extract.

What is the Entourage Effect?

At Vytabotanicals, we use the best quality Broad Spectrum formulation which contains all the cannabinoids (of which CBD is the largest) without THC for what is known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the combined effect of the 112 known cannabinoids with the terpenes and flavonoids for enhanced efficacy. Terpenes are additional chemical compounds present in most plants, responsible for the aroma. Although further research is required, it is believed that these together with the anti-oxidising flavonoids enhance the effects of the cannabinoids, and hence broad-spectrum CBD being considered the more efficacious.