CBD crystals
CBD – this word can now be read everywhere, many people are discussing it. The cannabinoid from the hemp plant is viewed very skeptically by many, others are already celebrating it as a miracle drug, which of course it is not. Nevertheless, it is already clear that CBD has some very positive properties and can be an enrichment for the health of humans and animals. There are many CBD products, the most common being the CBD oil. CBD oil is available in various concentrations, usually at a concentration of 2.5 to 10%. However, CBD is also available in another form, namely as CBD crystals.
What are CBD crystals?
Anyone who imagines the well-known large crystals when answering this question is wrong. Even if the name is CBD crystals, it is more of a crystalline powder that looks like salt. CBD crystals are the purest and cleanest form in which CBD is available. It is pure cannabidiol, absolutely free of other substances and impurities. CBD crystals contain 98 or 99% pure CBD. Due to this very high degree of purity, no traces of THC can be measured in CBD crystals. While other products may contain a very small amount of THC of at most 0.2%, THC cannot be detected at all in CBD crystals. However, the crystals are supplemented by other cannabinoids. Like CBD oil, the crystals do not have an intoxicating effect and are not addictive. CBD crystals are more suitable for experienced CBD users who are already familiar with the use of cannabidiol and are therefore able to determine the correct dosage.
This is how CBD crystals are made
Very special types of fiber hemp are used to obtain CBD. All of these varieties only have a very low percentage of THC, which is why they have been officially approved for trade by the EU. In general, the THC content in CBD products must not be higher than 0.2%. There are different ways in which CBD crystals can be produced, for example with the help of oil or alcohol. Extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide is particularly effective. This supercritical CO2 extraction is always used when the highest, purest and best quality is to be achieved. Whether CBD crystals were obtained by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide can often be seen from the price. The process is very complex and therefore very expensive, accordingly, the CBD crystals produced in this way are not exactly cheap. But the investment is worthwhile, because CBD crystals produced with this process are of particularly good quality, for which many consumers are happy to pay a little more.
Extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide acts as a solvent in this method. CO2 is known to reduce the reaction temperature of substances. This is important in the production of CBD crystals, as the cannabidiol for these crystals has to be extracted at temperatures below 60 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures it is possible that the cannabinoids become unusable. The flowers of the female hemp plant are usually used for the extraction of cannabidiol. These are heated to just under 60 degrees Celsius. With this method, the cannabidiol goes into the so-called “supercritical phase”. This designation indicates that the cannabidiol is between two states of aggregation in this phase, namely between liquid and gaseous. In this phase it is easily possible to release the CBD from the plant parts. When the extraction is finished, what remains is a white powder known as CBD crystals. This powder can either be used to make other CBD products such as oil or capsules, but it can also be used directly.
The effects of CBD crystals
In terms of effect, CBD crystals do not differ from other CBD products. CBD can have different effects. Science has now found out that cannabidiol can interact with the body’s own endocannabinoid system and thereby trigger a reaction in the body. Exactly what effects and reactions can be triggered by CBD has not yet been proven.
Scientists have already been able to show in studies that cannabidiol can have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects. Many studies have already shown that cannabidiol can have a positive effect, especially on chronic pain. Of course, this also applies to CBD crystals. The researchers are also fascinated by the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. Especially people who suffer from chronic inflammation in the body could significantly improve their quality of life by taking cannabidiol. A good example is bowel inflammation. Researchers have already found out in some studies that cannabidiol can positively counteract inflammation. 1CBD is also said to be able to make it easier to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep. In addition, cannabidiol has an antibacterial effect. In laboratory studies it was found that cannabidiol is able to kill bacterial strains. 2In times when more and more people are developing antibiotic resistance, cannabidiol could be a good alternative. These possible effects of cannabidiol have already been scientifically investigated, the results give hope that CBD could really support the treatment of various clinical pictures. Since there are far too few studies on the effectiveness of cannabidiol and the results are by no means sufficient to make clear statements about the effectiveness of cannabidiol, it must be awaited what results future studies will come to, which are currently in large numbers be performed.
CBD can also work against stress. In many cases, increased adrenaline levels are responsible for this. In most cases, the neurotransmitter cortisol also contributes to this. Cannabidiol is said to be able to help restore balance in the body. Too high a cortisol level can not only cause stress, mood swings or anxiety can also arise. One study showed that subjects’ cortisol levels decreased after they were given cannabidiol. 3 This also reduced the test subjects’ stress level.
These effects could not only be observed when taking CBD oil, but also when taking CBD crystals. In order to be able to make really concrete, scientifically proven statements about the effectiveness of cannabidiol in diseases, far too few studies have so far been available that provide corresponding results. A lot of research still needs to be done to get to the bottom of the exact mode of action. Nevertheless, the researchers agree that CBD has great potential.
CBD crystals and CBD oil – that’s the difference
CBD oil is now known to many people, CBD crystals less so. Is there a difference? Yes there is. In addition to a CBD extract, CBD oils also contain other active ingredients such as other cannabinoids, and the extract is also in a carrier oil. This combination of different cannabinoids creates the so-called entourage effect. This means that the effectiveness of a single substance can be enhanced by the other active substances. CBD crystals are pure CBD, the purity is almost 100%. So it contains almost no other cannabinoids, which means that the entourage effect cannot occur. While CBD oils can contain a minimum amount of THC of a maximum of 0.2%, there is no THC at all in CBD crystals.
Ingestion of CBD crystals
There are several methods of ingesting CBD crystals. In addition to oral ingestion, vaporizing is also an option.
Sublingual, oral intake
The simplest method is to take CBD crystals orally. The crystals only have to be placed under the tongue. This is also known as sublingual recording. After the crystals have been placed under the tongue, wait approx. 60 to 90 seconds, during which time the crystals dissolve. In this way, the active ingredient can immediately enter the bloodstream via the oral mucosa. With this sublingual method, the effect is quite quick. Since this method is so simple and does not require any tools, most users prefer it. However, it is important to note that the dose is really exactly determined. This is not as easy with crystals as with CBD oil, which is taken drop by drop. Therefore, CBD crystals are more for experienced users than for beginners.
Mix with food
If you don’t like the feeling of having the crystals under your tongue, you can simply mix them into your food. The easiest way to do this is to mix the CBD crystals with oils or fats. Coconut oil or butter are good choices for this. Butter or oil are simply melted at a low temperature, then the crystals can be sprinkled and stirred. The crystals dissolve within a few minutes. It is important that oils and fats are always heated a little so that the crystals dissolve, but the temperature of 60 degrees Celsius must not be exceeded. As soon as the crystals have dissolved, the oil or fat can be further processed, for example in salads. It should be noted that there is a delayed effect when it is absorbed through food.
Evaporate
Alternatively, CBD crystals can simply be vaporized, the resulting vapor is inhaled. The advantage of this method is that the effect occurs particularly quickly. The disadvantage is that an appropriate evaporator is required for this. The CBD crystals must first be put into an e-liquid and dissolved, then they are filled into the vaper. Anyone who owns an e-cigarette can use it very well for it. The liquid is heated, evaporated and can then be inhaled. This method is very effective, but you should make sure that the crystals are not heated too much, otherwise small traces of harmful substances could be produced.
Mix with oil
There is already a large selection of different CBD oils on the market. These are usually available in concentrations of 2.5 to 10%. Concentrations of 15% or even 20% are more rarely available. If you want to take CBD oils with such a concentration, you should better use ready-made products. However, if an oil with a higher concentration is desired, this oil can also be produced by yourself. In addition to hemp oil, coconut oil or olive oil can also be used as a carrier oil. The crystals should be mixed with the oil in a warm water bath. Only in this way is it possible for the crystals to dissolve and bond really well with the oil. So put the oil and the CBD crystals in a small bowl, heat water in a saucepan and place the bowl in the water. Again, make sure that the temperature of the water remains below 60 degrees. With regard to the quantities, the following example can be used for orientation: To produce an oil with a concentration of 10%, one gram of the CBD crystals must be mixed with 10 milliliters of the carrier oil. This method is really only suitable if an individual dosage is desired or the dosage should be higher than with the commercially available products. However, it is not necessarily recommended to produce CBD oils with a particularly high concentration. One gram of the CBD crystals must be mixed with 10 milliliters of the carrier oil. This method is really only suitable if an individual dosage is desired or the dosage should be higher than with the commercially available products. However, it is not necessarily recommended to produce CBD oils with a particularly high concentration. One gram of the CBD crystals must be mixed with 10 milliliters of the carrier oil. This method is really only suitable if an individual dosage is desired or the dosage should be higher than with the commercially available products. However, it is not necessarily recommended to produce CBD oils with a particularly high concentration.
Manufacture of creams
Cannabidiol can also be used for skin care. For this, the CBD crystals have to be dissolved again in a suitable carrier oil while applying low heat. Shea butter and coconut oil are very suitable for skin care.
The dosage of CBD crystals
It is always difficult to give a general dosage recommendation in the area of CBD products. Since everyone is different and reacts differently to cannabidiol, everyone has to find out their own individual dosage through trial and error. This works best with CBD oil, as this is taken in drop form and therefore an exact dosage is possible. The dosage of CBD crystals is correspondingly more difficult because it is a powder. It is possible to put the powder neat under the tongue. However, it is recommended that you always make a mixture first, for example with an oil, in order to really enable precise dosing. The reason for this is the high purity of the CBD crystals. Anyone who has never taken cannabidiol should definitely start with oil first, only in this way can the individual dosage be found reliably. In the first week initially two drops a day, then every week two more drops a day until the desired effect occurs and the individual dosage has been found. As a guide, a single gram of CBD crystals usually contains 990 milligrams of pure CBD. This is a very large amount that should be handled with care. Experienced users know exactly how to deal with this, while beginners can quickly resort to the wrong dosage. Since no side effects of CBD are known to date, there is usually no health risk, but this makes it difficult to determine the individual dosage. People who suffer from illnesses and have to take medication regularly,
Advantages and disadvantages of CBD crystals
A big advantage is of course the high purity of the crystals. In addition, there is absolutely no THC in CBD crystals. For experienced users, CBD crystals offer interesting options. The crystals can be taken pure, and an oil with an individual concentration can also be made from them. The crystals can also be added to e-liquids. With the purchase of CBD crystals, experienced users save themselves the purchase of various products such as CBD oil, liquids or creams, as everything can be produced quickly with the crystals.
The disadvantages of the CBD crystals are quickly listed, on the one hand the dosage is really difficult, on the other hand a lot of money has to be spent on a high quality product. It is especially difficult for beginners to find the right dosage.
CBD crystals – an alternative for experts
With their great purity, CBD crystals offer a good alternative to other CBD products. However, the crystals should really be used with caution. Dosing is not as easy as it is with other CBD products. If you have never had anything to do with CBD, you should first decide against CBD crystals. However, they open up a wide range of application possibilities for experienced users. Often the high price is also a reason to decide against CBD crystals. Due to the high purity, the price for high quality crystals is absolutely justified, and also so that various other products can be manufactured that then no longer have to be bought.
