With so many CBD distributors in the marketplace, having a basic understanding of CBD extraction and hemp sourcing can be critical in order to make an informed decision when comparing products.

The CBD used in skin care is primarily extracted from the stalks and stems of low THC-content, industrial hemp plants. Hemp farms are found all over the globe and the hemp used to produce CBD can be sourced in the United States or internationally.

Hemp grown in the United States is considered highly reliable because of the high cultivation standards here. Many prefer CBD products from companies that own and oversee their own hemp farms, as this means they are involved in the entire manufacturing process, for better quality control. Whether a company has its own farms or outsources its hemp, quality hemp should be properly safety tested and grown in soil that is nutrient-rich, pH-balanced, pesticide-free, and non-GMO.

To obtain CBD from hemp, there are various methods of extraction, with CO2 extraction considered one of the cleanest, safest, and most environmentally conscious extraction processes. It involves using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the desired cannabinoids from the hemp plant. The extracted CBD can be a CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, or broad-spectrum CBD. A CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD extract. It is extracted from the hemp plant and isolated from all other compounds in the plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, waxes, oils, and so forth. Full-spectrum CBD is extracted from the hemp plant along with the cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, THC, and other compounds present in the plant. Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD but with zero THC.

In summary, CBD is extracted from low-THC content hemp, which can be grown in the United States or abroad. To ensure a top quality CBD source, professionals should inquire about a company’s quality control standards and extraction methods.