CBD FAQ

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is derived directly from the hemp plant and is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). CBD does not cause a “high” and exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.

CBD vs THC

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are in both marijuana and hemp and are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products. Hemp has a lot of CBD, while marijuana contains much more THC than hemp. Both CBD and THC can affect things like mood, sleep and pain. They work with receptors that release neurotransmitters in your brain.

THC is the compound in marijuana that makes people feel ‘high’. It is the main psychoactive compound and can make you feel euphoric.

CBD doesn’t cause this ‘high’, instead, working with other elements of the body to positively impact your well-being.

How much is prescription CBD Oil Australia?

It will depend where you fill your prescription however a good guide to cost is between $4-$10 per day. It will also depend on your dosage. Typically, you would find that oils cost between $0.05-$0.10 per mg.

How to make CBD Oil?

To make CBD oil you need hemp and a carrier oil. These are the only two primary ingredients. After decarboxylating the hemp flowers, you can then use them to make a CBD-infused oil. Beneficial compounds in cannabis can be activated by decarboxylation which is a simple process of precision heating. The infusion process follows which releases those compounds into the carrier oil.

Tips for the Process

So your homemade oil is rich on beneficial compounds, use high CBD strains.

Use a healthy fat such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil.

Use a precision cooker for the decarboxylation process.

Storage matters so keep your infused oil in a dark caupboard.

Try adding citrus extract, mint or vanilla to improve the flavour of your CBD oil.

How to get CBD Oil out of Carpet?

Vacuuming is not a solution to this problem. The most effective method requires liquid dishwashing detergent, warm water and distilled vinegar. Mix one part of the dishwashing liquid and vinegar to two parts of the warm water. Dampen a cloth in this solution and blot the oil stain until it begins to disappear. Rinse with warm water and allow to dry.

Winterisation of CBD Oil

Winterization is the process of removing compounds from a crude oil before distillation. Winterisation of oil involves taking a nonpolar substance and dissolving it in a polar solvent, like ethanol, at sub-zero temperatures. Winterisation of oil is necessary to create a refined, pure end product.

Alternatives to CBD oil?

We have compiled a list of alternative phytocannabinoids carrying herbs and botanicals.

Ginger root. A strong anti inflammatory that is rich in cannabinoids and antioxidants.

Magnolia bark. Anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic and anti inflammatory, magnolia bark is also known to activate cannabinoid receptors.

Black pepper. Known to bind with CB2 receptors, mimicking cannabinoids, black pepper is used to moderate pain and inflammation.

Clove Oil. Containing eugenol, this is used as a powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant.

Echinacea. Able to activate CB1 receptors, it contains N-alkyl amides which function similar to THC. This enables it to impact the immune system, inflammation and pain in similar ways.

Peony. A native flower to China with cannabidiol components. It is able to reduce inflammation in gout and other joint diseases. It is also able to soothe muscle spasms.

CBD and Muscle Growth

Does CBD affect muscle growth? No it does not. CBD can help reduce the level of catabolic hormones in the body which are responsible for muscle tissue breakdown. CBD can help control the levels of cortisol in the body which is a catabolic hormone. Using CBD can improve your sleep which is imperative in augmenting protein synthesis and thus helping to build muscle tissue. CBD can also improve your stamina for workouts by the natural endocannabinoid compound anandamide. This compound produces a calming sensation in the body which allows a euphoric, pain free extension to your energy levels, allowing you to train for longer. CBD works in a number of ways to encourage muscle growth.

CBDA vs CBD

CBDA is a non-psychoactive compound that serves as a precursor to CBD. Think of it as a raw CBD. It is most often found in raw or live hemp plants. CBDA can be consumed as tinctures, topical creams, raw CBDA oil and raw cannabis juice.

Both CBDA and CBD are non-psychoactive. They both act by activating the serotonin receptors – 5-HT1A – which helps regulate mood, sleep and anxiety.

It is not confirmed as to which option has the greater efficacy. Research is being done to test the anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anticonvulsant properties of CBDA. IT is also being tested for its antioxidant, antibacterial and cancer prevention potential. There is plenty more to discover about CBDA!

How to Make CBD Oil with Coconut Oil

Grind the plant matter with a mortar and pestle to increase the surface area exposed to the oil. Combine the coconut oil and coarsely ground CBD in a slow cooker, heating the two on a low heat. After slow heating for 6-8 hours, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer. Stored in glass jars, the CBD infused coconut oil can last for two months at room temperature or up to six if refrigerated.

Is CBD legal in Australia 2021?

Yes. Low dose CBD oil has been approved as an over the counter product in Australian pharmacies. Whilst there are plenty in the medical and legal industries still opposing this substance, you will be able to find CBD in a range of different products from oil to gummies to balms and serums.

CBD Oil Extraction

CBD can be extracted from hemp plants in a few different ways. Carbon dioxide extraction systems can use carbon dioxide as a solvent to remove the oil. After extraction, it needs to undergo winterisation and short path distillation. Winterisation is the act of removing unwanted elements from the oil by heating it at high temperatures. Short path distillation involves hating the oil at different boiling points to separate the compounds, isolating them into the refined product that you want.

Other methods include ethanol extraction which involves soaking the hemp in ethanol before the liquid is strained and heated in a special dish. The remaining extract after evaporation is then combined with a carrier oil. Dry ice extraction, hydrocarbon extraction and vegetable oil extraction are other methods which use similar methods of soaking and heating but with varying degrees of efficacy in the final product.

Is CBD Good to Take Everyday?

Taking small doses of CBD oil on a daily basis is a safe practice. The benefits of CBD are numerous and ensuring a regular dose will help to take advantage of them. It can help alleviate stress, insomnia and anxiety, ease aches and pains and fuel antioxidant processes which can improve heart health.

Will CBD oil Show up on a Drug Test?

CBD is not a substance that drug tests are looking for. Typical blood or urine tests are looking for THC which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana. CBD ingestibles, topicals and inhalables that are made with CBD isolate or crystalline CBD will further increase your chances of removing or minimising the presence of THC. This improves the likelihood that a drug test will not detect any THC substances. CBD specific drug tests are not in use and would have to be specially developed to detect it. Follow these suggestions to find the ideal products to avoid THC showing up in any drug test you might need to take.