Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract used by many as an anti-anxiety agent or for relaxation, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and cannot be separated from this original source. Cannabis sativa comes in many different varieties, and not all of them contain significant amounts of CBD.
Prior to the gradual lifting of cannabis prohibition in many areas, CBD was practically banned from the commercial black market in order to maximize the profitability of the psychoactive cannabinoid content of the plants through selective breeding, as many of the black market growers I have spoken to over the years report.
The reason that CBD is now widely available is certainly due to the changed social perception of this once outlawed plant and its legalization in many countries. Without cannabis legalization, CBD would be hard to come by - and there would be no tests to ensure that consumers are getting the product they are paying for.
In developing the recipes, I spent a lot of time talking to CBD farmers and exploring their lush farms. I am forever grateful to my friends at Feather Canyon Farms in Del Norte County, California for introducing me to some of the most impressive plants I have ever seen in my life. Before that, my experience with these plants was limited to small indoor grows and the range of products from our legal cannabis dispensaries.
One of the things I learned from the CBD farmers is that CBD can be an unstable and volatile property of cannabis plants. CBD production depends not only on the genetics of a plant, but also on the cultivation methods and the terroir, which is also known in wine production.
New cannabis strains rich in CBD are constantly being developed for the legal market. I couldn't try them all, but I had the privilege of trying some of the most famous strains like Harlequin, Harle-Tsu, ACDC, Cannatonic, Charlotte's Web, Sour Tsunami, and a rare crop of Golden Goat that is greater than 8% CBD contained. This list is far from complete when it comes to the CBD-rich cannabis strains available.
Hemp, the low-THC variant of Cannabis sativa grown for the oilseeds and the fibers it produces, can also produce varying amounts of CBD. Both wild and cultivated hemp can produce CBD in their resins. Regardless of which strain of cannabis sativa produces CBD, the molecule is always the same.
Farmers, Plants, and Test Results Instead of Brands: How to Choose CBD Products
I believe that what matters is the quality of whole plant infusions and extractions. Epidiolex, the FDA-approved drug, is a whole-plant CBD extract that has been purified, standardized, and made for consistency.
This is a rarity among medicines; GW Pharma grows its own cannabis and processes it into therapeutic medicines. Whether you need pharmaceutical treatment or use CBD as a home remedy or for pleasure, you should use whole plant infusions and extracts. The cannabis growers I spoke to have expressed a similar belief.
I am often asked which CBD brands are the best and which products to choose. But the truth is, brands don't matter with CBD. It depends on the farms and the plants. Choosing high quality CBD-rich cannabis plant products starts with the farm on which they are grown.
Before buying any CBD product, it is important to know the farm and the farmer. At most of our government-approved cannabis dispensaries, this is an easy task as this information is readily available and even used as a marketing tool. This information is harder to find when you are shopping for CBD products in the over-the-counter herbal supplement market.
CBD products sold over the counter in the herbal supplement market are not subject to the oversight and regulated testing that is done at most of our government-approved pharmacies.
When making the decision to purchase CBD products in the herbal supplements market, you must rely on the information they provide you with regarding the purchase of plant material and test results. You also need to be aware that buying CBD products through the normal herbal supplement market is controversial (both legally and scientifically).
Test results are important. The market for herbal dietary supplements is largely unregulated and is somewhat reminiscent of the Wild West. A 2013 New York Times exposé described some very worrying issues with the herbal supplement market and the fact that consumers often don't get the products they pay for.
In addition, CBD dealers in the over-the-counter herbal supplement market have been cited by the FDA for numerous violations in the labeling and distribution of their products.
Of course, I'm not saying that all herbal supplements are bad. What I'm saying is that it is a wise decision as a consumer to obtain and verify information when purchasing any type of supplement. And you should also be aware that not all countries consider buying CBD products legal.
The function of this book is to show you how to find, find and enjoy CBD-rich cannabis. Facts and aesthetics both play a role if you are looking for a quality product and a satisfying experience.
In the recipes below, the emphasis is on whole plant cannabis extracts and infusions rich in CBD, as these high quality, artisanal and farmhouse whole plants and resins will unfold in your kitchen with fragrant and delicious complexity. My wish is that you can enjoy and benefit from all that CBD-rich cannabis has to offer without missing out on anything.
Selection and dosage of the CBD to THC ratio
The selection and dosage of the amount of CBD: THC is a very individual process and an ideal dosage that works as a one-size-fits-all does not exist. If you have any concerns about what is best for you, it should be discussed with your doctor.
There are also doctors and doctors who specialize in cannabis therapies who can advise you based on your current health situation. If you are considering CBD for therapeutic medical use, it is a good idea to consult a doctor who has knowledge and experience in the field before you begin.
I have developed a checklist that you can use and that I hope will lead you to the products that might be suitable for you:
- Is the name of the farm or farmer listed on the product label or is it available from the company or dealer who sells the product?
- Does the product have test results from an independent laboratory, regardless of brand or manufacturer? Can you verify these results independently from a company, distributor, or legal pharmacy?
- Do the test results include more than just the levels of CBD and other cannabinoids?
- Are there any test results for pesticides, mold, and other contaminants? (Cannabis is a powerful soil remover and easily absorbs toxic chemicals from the soil in which it is grown).
- If the product you are trying to buy is raw plant material, have you checked it for mold or insects? Most pharmacies provide their customers with magnifying glasses - use this option.
- Does the product look fresh and does it smell fresh and clean? Does the product or plant material have the harvest time or an expiration date?
CBD Farmer's Oil Recipe with Whole Blossoms
Taking taste, texture, freshness, effect and fragrance as a starting point for evaluating a high quality CBD oil product considered, this recipe will make a gourmet oil extraction that will impress even the most seasoned connoisseur.
Farmers know best. And this oil recipe was provided to me by one of the most hardworking and knowledgeable CBD farmers I have ever met.
I had many pleasant surprises when I tried this oil at home, and the process of making it was even more surprising. This oil is rich in CBD and the natural terpenes of the CBD-rich cannabis plant Harle-Tsu and has a beautiful emerald green color with a sublime mint and herbal taste that I have never experienced in a CBD oil. This oil was absolutely not intoxicating, but very pleasant and relaxing.
This oil, which was processed in MCT oil (fractionated coconut oil) at low temperature for 24 hours, resulted in a CBD oil product that was laboratory tested to 10 mg of CBD and less than 1 mg of THC per 1 ml dose. How low was that temperature? 80 ° C - a temperature well below what you would normally expect for complete decarboxylation. What made the difference? The slow processing of this oil over a 24 hour period. The decarboxylation takes place via the temperature, the time or in this case both the time and the temperature.
I am convinced that the flavor profile of this oil was only possible through the careful low temperature processing technique that has the bulk of the naturally occurring terpenes in all cannabis flowers of the CBD-rich Harle Tsu cannabis strain grown in the mountainous region of Del Norte County. The quality of the buds really matters when it comes to making an exquisite CBD oil like this one.
This makes about 296 ml of CBD oil, but you can increase or decrease the amount of oil or bud depending on the concentration of CBD you want.
Ingredients:
- 296ml MCT-Oil or more (also known as liquid fractionated coconut oil)
- 28g or more whole CBD-rich, low or THC-free cannabis flowers, dried and crushed
- Slow cooker
Instructions:
This recipe requires a slow cooker on a low heat setting to properly process the oil. Put the chopped cannabis in the slow cooker.
Pour the oil over the cannabis, making sure that all of the flowers are covered. If you need to add a little extra oil to cover the flowers, do so now. Cover the slow cooker and set it on the low heat setting (depending on the model).
Your slow cooker should reach the final processing temperature of around 3 ° C within at least 80 hours. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature and correct it if necessary. At this point, stir the oil and vegetable matter and cover the slow cooker again.
Stir the oil and plant matter every few hours so that the infusion is evenly distributed in the pot. Do not stir too often, otherwise more of the volatile terpenes can escape into the air. To get as many of the volatile components as possible, such as B. terpenes, keep the lid on the pot throughout the process. You can leave the pot to stand overnight without stirring.
When the 24 hours are up, cool the oil by unplugging the slow cooker and leaving the materials in the pan and allowing the oil to cool to room temperature for a few more hours.
Strain the oil from the plant material through a cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. The oil can now be used in measured doses or in any recipe.
Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. Use within 6 months for a fresh aroma.