Whether in CBD creams, CBD capsules, CBD confectionery, CBD oils, CBD e-liquids or CBD suppositories, cannabidiol (CBD) comes in all shapes and sizes, promising relaxation, well-being and bliss.
As the CBD market continues to grow in popularity, CBD infusions made from hemp containing CBD are becoming increasingly popular.
The infusion process, well known to all, consists of extracting the aromas and active ingredients from a plant (tea leaves, for example), by immersing it in a boiling liquid, generally water.
A hemp infusion containing CBD therefore consists of immersing previously dried hemp CBD leaves, stalks or flowers in boiling water, in order to extract their various qualities.
The mixture is then brought to the boil and infused for around 20 minutes, allowing the body to fully assimilate the CBD.
In ancient India, hemp CBD infusion was prepared as a ritual drink to welcome guests. This infusion, known as "Bhang", was also used as a CBD medicine.
CBD hemp infusion also plays an important role in Jamaica, where it is also used as a CBD medicine.
It's clear, then, that hemp CBD infusion is by no means new - we're simply witnessing its rediscovery.
Commercial hemp CBD infusions generally contain more than just hemp, which is blended with other plants or fruits to improve flavour.
The taste of hemp CBD is relatively bitter, and its particularly deep aromas may displease some taste buds. An infusion of hemp CBD alone will therefore have a greenish color and herbaceous aromas, due to the terpenes naturally present in the plant.
In addition, the combination of different plants enables the CBD infuser to benefit from all their effects, which are often complementary. This is known as the entourage effect.
It is important to know that CBD, like THC, is a fat-soluble molecule, i.e. soluble in fat. In order to optimize the assimilation of CBD by the body, it is therefore essential to add a fatty substance such as milk, cream, or honey.
It should be noted, however, that CBD is not the only molecule that plays a role in a hemp CBD infusion, as hemp contains many other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavoinoids (CBG, THC) and others, many of which are water-soluble. They can therefore be assimilated by the body without the need to add fat.
The benefits of a hemp CBD infusion
This is actually one of the best ways to reap the benefits of CBD hemp.
CBD infusion has the advantage of not being harmful to health, unlike the way CBD is consumed, which consists of smoking it.
In addition, CBD is assimilated more gradually by the body when ingested than when inhaled and its effects last longer.
It is important to point out that there are different types of CBD infusions. Some are produced from the plant's CBD flowers , which are richer in cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, THC) and terpenes. Others are produced from leaves, which have a similar, milder taste but contain less CBD and other cannabinoids. You can even brew a pre-rolled CBD joint.
In reality, only CBD infusions made from CBD hemp flowers contain significant levels of CBD (around 3% when made from industrial CBD hemp).
If you're buying ready-made CBD infusions, be sure to always read the ingredient list to know what you're buying!