Last Updated on February 2, 2021 by Maxwell Harris
The cannabis plant (including hemp plant) naturally contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive substance that can have intoxicating effects. Today, contrary to the past, hemp no longer has a negative connotation. Hemp contains valuable ingredients and is becoming more and more popular among everyday people.
This is because, despite the small amount of THC contained with the pant, it is also very rich in CBD – which is another compound, known for its medicinal properties.
CBD products such as oils, capsules and crystals have become very popular in recent year. Despite its popularity, pure CBD is not that easy to get to.
In this article, we will focus on what CBD crystals are and how to take full advantage of their therapeutic properties.
Important facts about CBD crystals you should know
CBD crystals, also known as an isolate, do not contain THC. However, traces of THC can still present in other forms of cannabidiol products.
If the THC value in cannabis-derived products is less than 0.3%, they may legally be offered as a freely-available product. Depending on the cannabinoid profile, products may be sold as either broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD.
CBD crystals (isolate), on the other hand, have all the advantages of CBD without containing any THC. As an isolated CBD version, they are suitable for users who are sensitive to THC or cannabis in general but still want to experience it’s health benefits.
The crystals are also very popular among people who’s job requires taking a drug test on a frequent basis because of the 0 trace amounts of THC.
What are CBD crystals?
CBD crystals are a concentrated and 99% pure form of cannabidiol. The crystalline powder contains 99% pure CBD, and about 1% other cannabinoids, normally CBDV, but no THC. To obtain this purest form of CBD isolate, all plant material, including the oils, waxes and chlorophyll, are removed. The end product is an odorless and taste-neutral crystalline white powder.
CBD crystals offer more versatile use, compared to other forms of CBD. They can be vaporized with a vaporizer or mixed with a carrier oil to make your own cannabidiol oil. Crystals can also be mixed in with skincare for a localised effect.
How is CBD isolate made?
CBD crystals are generally extracted from industrial hemp plants, beginning with the breakdown of the plant. The process usually starts with breaking down the plant’s stalks and stems. The stalks and stems are where the valuable natural compounds are contained. Cannabidiol is extracted the same way it is extracted to create CBD oil.
The steps involve processing, extraction and purification of the plant material. Nonetheless, when extracting CBD crystals the process goes further than this.
A second extraction process is needed in order to separate the CBD from the resin that was extracted from the plant. The isolated the cannabidiol compound resembles a white, clear-ish crystalline solid, therefore called “CBD crystal”.
Choosing The Right Strain
CBD crystals are extracted from industrial hemp. Usually, a strain containing the highest percentage of CBD is selected for this process.
Extraction
There are many extraction methods used when making CBD products. Usually, the safest method with also produces the highest quality product is the CO2 extraction method.
In order to extract the desired compound, CO2, is run through the dried plant. As the solvent rushes through the plant material, it will extract all of the cannabinoids from it. This process will then create a condensed form of CBD oil.
Solidification
The extracted fluid leftover will contain approximately 60%-90% CBD. Once the fluid is changed from liquid to a solid state, solvents such as hexane and acetic acid are added to separate the pure CBD. This is done over three different cycles. The final cycle is extensive filtration which should remove all impurities. Finally, it is cooled and the liquid is evaporated.
Purification – getting that 99% pure CBD
The final process simply separates any possible remaining impure components from the mixture. and where the process gets a bit complicated. The crystals are left to cool again and the final result is an average 99% pure CBD.
Benefits of CBD isolate
It is known that cannabidiol has a therapeutic analgesic, antibacterial effects that have been proven to help counteract some ailments and diseases.
Cannabidiol has a relaxing, anxiety-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, cannabidiol is effective against nausea. The antipsychotic effect of cannabidiol is in the trial phase. Pure CBD crystals can have a relaxing effect on depression and show a positive effect in pain therapy. Because of its immunosuppressive effect, CBD could also be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Whether CBD helps with affective disorders is still being researched.
Further research is underway into the neuroprotective effect of CBD through its antioxidant properties, the effects of CBD on CB2 receptors and on adenosine receptors.
The following side effects that rarely occur are:
Headache, upset stomach, dry mouth.
How to dose CBD crystals?
The dosage of CBD is in the milligram range. The starting dose can be 1-10 mg CBD per day. Because each person has different CBD tolerance and need. Ideally, one should start with a very low dose. The dose should be increased gradually over a longer period of time.
One gram of CBD crystals normally contains 990 milligrams of CBD.
This means: 1-milligram powder = 1 milligram CBD.
This makes the dosage of CBD crystals easier for all those who want to smoke, steam, ingest or dabble in CBD. But beware: Especially in the beginning, it can take 3-4 hours until the CBD effect sets in.
Different Ways to use CBD crystals
Using CBD crystals is the most versatile way to take advantage of the benefits of cannabidiol. The crystal form allows for many consumption methods in including, food and drink, vaporizing, sublingual or topically. Since the crystal is THC-free there is no risk of any psychoactive effects.
Mix CBD crystals with food or drinks
You can consume crystals through food by mixing them with butter or other oils beforehand.
Enriching your favourite bed-time or good morning drink with CBD is something very special. CBD can have a calming effect in the evening and an energizing effect in the morning. Used in coffee or tea CBD is considered a double pick-me-up and in smoothies, CBD is considered (slightly) satiating. And in freshly squeezed juice, CBD guarantees a double and vitamin-rich freshness kick. Pure CBD isolates in carrot juice is also good for the fat-soluble carotenoids.
Vaping
The most popular way to use CBD crystals is via a vaporizer or e-cigarette. Simply add 15-20 mg of crystal to your e-cigarette liquid of vape liquid and consume as usual.
Consume CBD Crystals subliminally
For a particularly strong and fast effect, you can also simply let the CBD isolate melt under your tongue. The crystalline CBD powder is placed directly under the tongue and is considered the easiest way to consume CBD. The CBD crystals must simply remain under the tongue for about one minute. CBD is then released into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa. It must not have or develop a bitter taste from the beginning and throughout the entire time, because the crystals are odourless and tasteless.
Making your own CBD oil with crystals
CBD oil can be easily produced by mixing the CBD crystals with a carrier oil such as olive oil, hemp seed oil or coconut oil. We recommend hemp oil because of the “entourage effect”. Making your own CBD oils with crystals will ensure that they are Now you can simply consume them with the help of a pipette % THC-free and you can also mix to the desired strength. Store your CBD tincture in a dark bottle and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Homemade CBD crystal skincare
You can use CBD crystals to give your skin an extra boost. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD isolate can easily be mixed into your favorite day cream, to nourish your skin even more. Mix the crystals with a cream suitable for your skin type to create custom CBD topicals for your specific needs.
Conclusion
CBD isolate is synonymous with pure CBD. This product is suitable for those who have not had good experiences with THC and want to avoid it completely. In the long run, CBD isolate is ideal for saving money as it is the cheapest option over a long period of time. The amount of CBD in the isolate is guaranteed, because as suggested by its name – it does not contain much else. CBD isolate is very versatile to use and you can mix it with practically everything. It is non-GMO.
If you are considering buying isolate, make sure that the CBD crystal is third-party tested. For more information on what to consider when buying any CBD products, including CBD crystals, read our buyer’s guide.