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Solvent extraction is a common and effective way to extract CBD from hemp flowers, but an inevitable consequence is that there are residual amounts of the solvent left behind in the final product. Now, this typically isn’t a concern, as there are acceptable levels of residual solvents in CBD that are not harmful or noticeable, but it’s important to understand and identify when there is too much.

Common Causes of Residual Contamination

The amount of residue left behind often depends less on what kind of solvent you’re using, and instead on the CBD product you’re creating. For example, shatter and wax have a smaller surface area, require more time, more heat, and a deeper vacuum; thus, it is more difficult to purge impurities from. That said, while your method can be a factor, it’s difficult to perfectly replicate the extraction process each time. Human error and variables in the process can affect how much residue is left over.

Preventative Measure To Reduce Residue

So, while it’s difficult to consistently and perfectly replicate the extraction process no matter how experienced you are or how refined your equipment is, there are preventative measures you can take to ensure you have acceptable levels of residual solvents in CBD. Unfortunately, these preventative methods can be tedious. The best way to prevent your batches from varying too widely is to be constantly analyzing and perfecting your extraction process. Identifying better ways to do something or avoid making mistakes in your technique will always be major culprits of contamination.

The Quest for Purity

As we’ve established, there’s no real best way to prevent contamination of residual solvents as there are simply too many variables or potential mistakes that will contaminate your CBD. So, what are the alternatives? Where can you get the purest CBD? The best way to get the purest CBD is by looking for CBD crystal isolate. CBD isolate contains 99% CBD and is the closest to perfection you will find. It appears as a crystalline solid or a powder with neither a distinctive smell nor taste. Isolates will not only be free of any residual contaminants, but also lack any THC which other CBD products struggle to eliminate all traces of.

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While cannabinoids have been around for a good long while, it wasn’t until recently that CBG strains have been developed and made available for consumer use. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill making hemp and the cannabinoids within legal to grow, it’s now possible to gather enough of the small amounts of CBG within hemp to actually be usable. CBG hemp flower is considered the “mother” of cannabinoids because it’s where all other strains of cannabinoids are synthesized from. If you’re interested in giving it a try, let’s look at the most popular CBG flower strains.

Jack Frost CBG

The Jack Frost strain gets its name from the frosty trichomes that cover the flower. These trichomes contain about 13% CBG and feature a sweet flavor terpene profile and a hoppy, earthy smell that becomes a crisp pine and zesty citrus when lit. Jack Frost will help you mellow out and melt away the stress and anxiety of your day.

Super Glue CBG

Of the most popular CBG flower strains, super glue CBG is by far the strangest looking of them by sporting purple-green buds and orange hairs. Don’t be put off by its appearance, however, as this flower is covered in thick trichomes that include a lovely taste and a hefty 22% CBG. This is a great option if you find yourself needing a heavier dose to really relax and wind down at the end of the day.

White CBG

If you know your THC, you may be familiar with “The White” variant of cannabis. This is a CBG variant of The White that produces large frosty flowers containing a good 20% CBG in place of the THC. As per the Farm Bill, White CBG has less than 0.3% THC because otherwise the plant would have not been considered hemp. White CBG sports a creamy-lemon smell and an equally potent taste.

Lemon Cream Diesel CBG

As the name suggests, Lemon Cream Diesel has a strong but sweet citrus taste most akin to lemons. This strain is popular for not only being highly relaxing but offering a decent buzz throughout your body without intoxicating you like THC. In fact, rather than putting your mind in a haze, consumers have found Lemon Cream Diesel to help them focus on their tasks.

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A common misconception is that people have to smoke CBD in order to experience its benefits. Fortunately, this is not the case, and there are many ways to use CBD, the best of which may be edibles. These various methods thus allow you to reap the benefits of the CBD while enjoying the foods you love. But you needn’t just trust this method based on our recommendation alone—instead, you should take a look at the different effects of CBD edibles for yourself.

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, but before you get anxious about the relation to cannabis, this is not marijuana. CBD can be found in the hemp plant, and is primarily where CBD products get their cannabidiol because of the lack of THC that marijuana does have in contrast. THC is the chemical that is responsible for giving you that euphoric “high,” while CBD instead offers non-intoxicating medical benefits.

Is it Legal?

Because CBD is so closely related to marijuana, a common concern when using CBD is whether or not it’s legal. While some state laws can be a bit nebulous, the 2018 farm bill legalized the production and sale of hemp and thus the CBD properties within, and of course, states are beginning to follow the trend of legalizing marijuana. You have nothing to fear from commercially-sold CBD products, and they’re only becoming more prevalent as legalization takes away the stigma around CBD.

How Is CBD Prepared?

Now, we can finally begin to talk about the actual CBD edibles. First, let's consider what kind of edibles CBD can be made into and how they are prepared. If you’re not one for cooking, it is possible to find CBD edibles for sale.

Typically, cannabinoid oil is first extracted from hemp through one of three extraction methods—hydrocarbon, solvent, and supercritical CO2 extraction. It is said that the CO2 method provides the highest quality product, but it requires sophisticated machinery that uses pressure and CO2 to remove the CBD from the hemp plant. Solvent extraction dissolves the hemp’s waxes, but is a bit precarious because solvents like ethanol are flammable. Solvent extraction is, however, one of the most accessible methods for those looking to extract their own CBD at home.

Once you have the CBD oil, you can technically consume it there and then on its own, but you’ll likely find it to be very bitter. Instead, CBD oil can be mixed with other ingredients to create better-tasting edibles. Some of the most common ones that you would find for sale include gummies or lollipops, but CBD can be prepared into other kinds of foods such as:

• Pastries and baked goods
• Chocolate
• Jellybeans and gummy bears
• Honey
• Salad dressing
• Smoothies
• And many more!

This means you can enjoy CBD with your favorite foods, and these are just some of the most common ways CBDs are made into edibles.

The Medical Benefits

Next, we can now talk about the different effects of CBD edibles. The main draw of CBD is the myriad of health benefits it has to offer without any major repercussions. This use of CBD can be used to relieve common problems like soreness and aches or be used to ease the symptoms of ailments and disorders. For example, one of the most common benefits consumers make use of is CBD’s effectiveness in soothing feelings of anxiety or stress. This can help those suffering from depression by reducing their anxiety and allowing them to regain control over their worries and take steps towards making progress in improving if they’re not always on edge or hesitant. However, CBD isn’t just for the mundane, as serious disorders like epilepsy make use of CBD to prevent seizures.

As an added bonus to these mental health benefits, CBD oil has thus been found to aid in combatting sleeping disorders. With the use of CBD, you’ll not only find that you’re having an easier time relaxing and getting to sleep, but it’ll also help reduce any sleep disorder’s effects in an effort to eliminate the disorder entirely.

As mentioned, CBD is also becoming popular for relieving pains within the body. Typically, the best way to go about using CBD for pain relief is through the use of topicals. These topicals are applied directly to the skin in the area that is experiencing pain and are thus ideal for targeting specific areas for the most effective relief. These topicals are effective because they bond with our endocannabinoid receptors that our skin happens to have plenty of, providing actual relief of the pain rather than masking it like other pain-relieving drugs.

The way CBD relieves pain lies in the fact it has anti-inflammatory properties, it’s capable of inducing apoptosis (the death of cells that occurs in the normal or controlled part of an organism’s growth and development), restrains cell production, obstructs cytokine creation and signals molecules for cell-to-cell communication, and induces T-administrative cells that are vital in bolstering the immune system. This makes CBD edibles as effective as other pain-relieving medicines like Ibuprofen.

CBD Side Effects

Perhaps the best benefit of CBD products in contrast to traditional medications is how few side effects and repercussions CBD has on you and your body. No doubt you’ve seen manufactured pharmaceuticals have an extensive list of potential side effects listed on the side of the bottle, which is why CBD has been a quickly growing trend amongst over-the-counter medications. While CBD has no major side effects that these manufactured medicines potentially have, some of the minor side effects observed are typically feelings of vertigo, fatigue, and changes in your weight. Furthermore, like with all medicines, if you are already taking medication, you should ensure that CBD may not potentially interfere with or alter that initial medication.

It should be noted that CBD edibles also take longer to take effect than other methods, such as using a dropper and placing the oil right under your tongue. That means it’s also less likely to create a high concentration peak, which means it may reduce the chance it interferes with other medications. In any case, it’s best to speak with your doctor and see what CBD treatment options they recommend.

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The Delta-8 variant of CBD is a natural way to get the pain and irritant relieving effects of CBD while also getting the mild buzz that comes with THC. Delta-8 is derived from the hemp plant just like CBD and is unique in that it provides similar effects of THC, albeit to a much lesser effect. If you’ve never heard of Delta-8 before, but if you’re interested in trying out this variation, here’s what you need to know about CBD Delta-8.

What Is CBD Delta-8?

A close relative to Delta-9 THC, Delta-8, short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, occur in very small concentrations that increase its value; however, it understandably has made Delta-8 concentrates a lesser-known option to consumers interested in trying CBD products. While the extraction, isolation, and refinement process are more intricate, the final product offers an effective compromise that offers both the benefits of CBD, such as pain and anxiety relief, and a minor euphoric buzz that comes from THC without being too heavy of a high.

Differences Between Delta-8 and CBD

As we mentioned, the biggest difference between Delta-8 and typical CBD is that Delta-8 will give you a mild high. However, we don’t want you to think Delta-8 is just CBD with a bit of THC mixed in—let’s consider what you need to know about CBD Delta-8 and how it differs from CBD.

• Delta-8 is a relative of Delta-9 THC because they both share the same exact chemical makeup save for a few atomic bonds. This reduces the potency of the high but adds some of the perks commonly found in CBD.
• Delta-8's similar makeup to THC means it will likely fail a drug test, whereas CBD has a low chance of creating a false positive.
• CBD is only really used medicinally, as there’s nothing to gain from using it recreationally. Delta-8, however, can be used recreationally if you’re only after a mild high.

Is It Legal?

Now, because of the buzz Delta-8 will give you, it’s common to question the legality of such a substance. Rest assured that this product is legal everywhere CBD is due to the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill. This allows for the manufacturing and sale of any product that is derived from hemp, which is where you’ll find Delta-8. So, because Delta-8 itself is not THC and found within hemp, the FDA does not consider it a controlled substance.

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Since 2018 and the legalization of cultivation and extraction of CBD flower, we’ve entered into a CBD renaissance in which the options for CBD products are seemingly endless. Lots of people are now looking for an easy and effective way to incorporate CBD products into their daily routines but figuring out how to do it can be challenging for beginners. Plus, there are so many options, which may make it hard to decipher the legitimate information from that which is less clearcut. If you’re looking to use CBD to help you feel better, we recommend starting with topical CBD oil. Discover how CBD oil could help you and how to use CBD oil topically!

What are CBD Oil Topicals?

CBD oil is created by extracting CBD from plants and diluting it with a carrier oil like hemp seed or coconut oil. CBD products are available in a wide variety of categories, including bath bombs, nutritional supplements, foods, beverages, smokables, and more both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.

CBD oil can be applied topically, directly to the skin. When applied topically, CBD oil gets absorbed into the skin by connecting with cannabinoid receptors through the skin’s pores rather than entering the bloodstream.

How Does CBD Oil Help?

Transdermal solutions of applying CBD topically work to relieve pain by binding to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors can be found throughout your body and are typically triggered by your body’s own natural production of endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids regulate processes within the body, such as immune response, communication between cells, appetite, and memory.

CBD oil may trigger these receptors to supplement your body’s natural processes, which makes up most of the basics of how CBD topicals work. Unlike other non-CBD topicals meant to help with pain, CBD oils don’t just mask the pain or inflammation; instead, they address pain and/or inflammation at its core to get to the root of the problem.

What Ailments do CBD Topicals Treat?

So far, we’ve talked a little bit about how CBD topicals relieve pain and soothe inflammation, but those are often just symptoms of a greater issue. Let’s go into specifics about how CBD can help with certain conditions.

One of the most common consumers of CBD topicals are those suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is caused by inflammation and is most effectively treated with a salve that makes use of CBD and THCA, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Not to be confused with its active state in which is causes that euphoric high, THC left in its acid form and combined with CBD can make for a powerful anti-inflammatory solution.

Another disorder CBD topicals can address includes psoriasis—a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply ten times faster than normal. This causes a buildup of irritating bumpy red patches with white scales as a result of an irregularity in the immune system. Topicals can help solve this by being applied directly to the affected skin, as they help your immune system regain proper control.

Lastly, we’ll talk more about intense localized pain to specify effective chemical profiles for the right topical. For intensive pain that isn’t fully solved via a simplistic CBD topical, you could instead combine the cannabinoids with a warming balm to create a tingling, soothing sensation in place of the pain as the cannabinoids work to relieve the pain. This also makes for a good solution to reduce sores and aches the morning following an intense workout.

Are CBD Oil Topicals Legal?

It’s understandable that a common concern for the uninitiated is the legality of CBD thanks to its close association with marijuana. What’s important to remember is that CBD products are not controlled by the FDA like prescriptive drugs, and that it comes from hemp which was legalized back in 2018 as part of the Farm Bill. As a relatively recent bill, this has left some confusion among states as to how they should regulate CBD, if at all. It’s a good idea to check what your state’s laws and regulations are concerning CBD, but most products are made from CBD extracted from hemp, lack THC, and should be entirely legal to acquire.

Dosing CBD Oil Topically

With topical CBD oils, dosage isn’t quite as important as with other forms of CBD because its application is so specific and localized. Still, it can be useful to have an idea of how much of a topical to use to avoid waste.

When it comes to learning how to use CBD oil correctly, a good rule by which to abide is remembering that less is more. A small drop of CBD oil can go a long way if you concentrate on some of the key areas of your body. These locations include:

• The neck and shoulders
• The soles of feet
• The temples and nose
• Joints such as your elbow and knees

While these are common points of pain, tension, or inflammation, topical CBD oil is not restricted to these areas. You can apply the CBD oil to almost any problem spot.

Another good tip for dosing topical CBD oil is to start off by trying a little bit and waiting about an hour. If you don’t feel any meaningful effects in that time, try applying a bit more. All in all, feel free to experiment as much as you please to find out how much you need to apply.

CBD for Pain Relief

So far, we’ve talked a little bit about how CBD oils relieve pain and soothe inflammation, but those are often just symptoms of a greater issue. Let’s go into specifics about how CBD can help with certain conditions.

CBD oil is popular amongst athletes for soothing pain caused by injuries or strains while out on the field. CBD oil is typically applied to a specific area rather than being dispersed across the body, which means the effects may be more pronounced in those individualized areas.

Topical CBD oil is also becoming more popular for those who suffer from painful skin conditions such as acne, itching, and scarring. For acne in particular, CBD oil can help reduce or compensate for the hormones within a developing body to soothe the effects of acne or prevent it entirely. Furthermore, CBD interacting with the endocannabinoid system regulates the production of cortisol, a stress-inducing hormone, which can play a factor in the creation of acne.

CBD for Infections

Some find that CBD oil may also be useful for helping with infections. In combination with its natural anti-inflammatory properties, CBD contains antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, making for a powerful treatment against infections with the two working together.

Some of the infections CBD can help treat include:

• Bug bites
• Cuts and scrapes
• Burns
• Bacterial infections
• General skin infections

CBD for Arthritis

Some of the most common users of CBD oils are those suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is caused by inflammation and is most effectively treated with a salve that makes use of CBD and THCA, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Not to be confused with its active state in which it causes that euphoric high, THC left in its acid form and combined with CBD can make for a powerful anti-inflammatory solution.

CBD for Relaxation

Many people need a little extra support relaxing at the end of a long day. Stress often causes tension within our muscles that can be difficult to get rid of and even more difficult to relax with. While CBD is best renowned for promoting feelings of calm and serenity, CBD oils in particular could help alleviate stress, especially when applied topically on a site of tension. Topical CBD oil could help loosen up your muscles to the degree that you can finally relax without aches and pains constantly nagging you.

Is it all Legal?

It’s understandable that a common concern for the uninitiated is the legality of CBD thanks to its close association with certain herbs. What is important to remember is that CBD products are not controlled by the FDA like prescriptive drugs, and that it comes from dry herbs which was legalized back in 2018 as part of the Farm Bill. As a relatively recent bill, this has left some confusion among states as to how they should regulate CBD, if at all. It is always a good idea to check what your state’s laws and regulations are concerning CBD. Still, most CBD products made from purely CBD do not have THC and should be legal to acquire.

Tips for New Buyers: Picking a CBD Oil for Topical Use

So how can you find the best CBD oil for you? There are a few factors to consider when comparing topical CBD oils, the first of which is quality control. You want to look for the vendors that will display the results of their product from third-party lab tests and have Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant facilities—the standards set by the FDA.

Next is the extraction method. There are different ways to extract CBD from plants that produce different results. We wouldn’t expect you to be familiar with each extraction method, so we recommend you look for CBD oils extracted using CO2 or ethanol extraction, as they are the most reliable for consistently high-quality products.

Strength and potency also should be considered. CBD potency is expressed differently in various CBD products. This is not to be confused with the proportion of CBD in the product, which is about purity, not potency. Look for milligrams (in topicals) or milligrams per milliliter instead (for oils and isolates). The greater the number, the more powerful the product.

When looking for a quality CBD oil topical, beware of outrageous claims. As with many unregulated health products, there are bound to be people promising “miracle cures and benefits”; be wary of these.

Lastly, talk to your doctor. It’s always a good idea to inform your doctor that you’re considering CBD oils. They may have some insight to help guide you towards the right product, which could be especially important if you have pre-existing or underlying conditions that require medication. Although this is less of a concern with topical CBD oil than other types of CBD, interactions with medication can occur, so it is always best to consult a medical professional for any questions.

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Vaping is one of the most beneficial ways to use CBD. It provides immediate effects, and cartridges are simple and easy to use. But with so many options on the market today, what is the best CBD vape cartridge available? Let's look at some of Black Tie CBD's top-of-the-line options.  

CBD Vape Cartridge (570mg)

Black Tie CBD vape cartridges contain 100 percent liquid CBD distillate with no extra additives. These cartridges are unflavored, giving a mild and pleasant taste like green tea with a hint of honey. But there are flavors available for those looking to get a little more out of their vape product, making Black Tie's cartridges a versatile option for everyone.

CBD/THC Delta-8 Vape Cartridges (670mg)

This delta-8 cartridge is full-spectrum and contains premium CO2 extracted CBD distillate and legal THC delta-8 distillate. For those who want the benefits of both THC and CBD, this is the right vape cartridge for you. This combination of THC and CBD provides more beneficial properties than a single cannabinoid alone. This unflavored cartridge is highly effective and offers a mild cherry taste.

CBD/CBG Vape Cartridge (613mg)

Unlike Black Tie's CBD vape cartridges described above, these CBD/CBG vape cartridges contain premium, CO2 extracted liquid distillate containing both CBD and CBG. Once again, having more than one cannabinoid can be extremely beneficial. However, unlike the THC delta-8 cartridge, this option will not include THC. These cartridges are flavored with botanical, food-grade blueberry pie terpenes.

CBD/CBG/THC (Δ-8) Vape Cartridge (730mg)

The CBD/CBG/THC (Δ-8) vape cartridge is the ultimate trifecta of premium CO2 extracted CBD distillate, CBG hemp extract, and legal THC delta-8 distillate. With this combination, the entourage effect will occur, meaning new users need to enjoy in moderation. But with the combination of three cannabinoids, this cartridge choice is incredibly effective. The natural flavor is semi-sweet with a caramel undertone.

These four vape cartridges are just a few examples of the best CBD vape cartridges available today at Black Tie CBD. Visit Black Tie CBD to learn more about the vapes and other products available to meet your needs.

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