Is CBD Oil Beneficial for Cats?

What you need to know about CBD Oil For Cats

With “Cats” being one of the most searched-for terms on the Internet, we know they are many people’s favorite pets. Cats are our cutest furry companions, Intelligent, elegant, calming, giving us love and compassion. Can CBD be of aid in their purrsuit of happiness? Read ahead!

Is CBD Oil safe for my cat?

The first question cat owners ask is how safe is to give CBD to their cats. Although there have been no scientific studies that investigate the effect of cannabis on cats, CBD should be generally safe. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. 

Even with long-term use, no real serious side effects should be appearing. However, there are potential adverse effects, especially if the dosing is too high or too frequent. Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, and sedation can be observed. Most of the undesirable results can be stopped by discontinuing the administration of CBD. Drug interaction with existing cat medications can also arise! Always make sure and check with your veterinarian if your cat is suitable for CBD consumption.

How does CBD oil affect cats?

Like humans and many other animals, cats also own an endocannabinoid system. This means they are also affected by cannabinoids found in plants, as well as synthetic ones. To gain a deeper understanding of how CBD affects our cats, we must look into the functioning of the endocannabinoid system.

Cats and the endocannabinoid system (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system, consisting of endocannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 receptors, metabolic enzymes is a part of the nervous system assisting neural communication. This lipid signaling system plays an important role in every aspect of the cat’s life. It affects appetite, sleep, hunger, memory, mood regulation and stability, pain perception, body temperature, immune resistance, reproduction, and fertility,… Although the distribution of cannabinoid receptors is different than in humans, they can be affected in the same way. This means CBD can bring the ECS to a harmonious tone in cats as well.

How long it takes for CBD to work in cats

We should always consider CBD as a long-term treatment. Minimal doses administered over a long time span are the best way to see the CBD benefits for cats. By receiving a daily dose of CBD, the ECS should improve its function, resulting in a healthier and happier cat. Especially at the first few tries, or if the dosage is increased, there might be some immediate reactions from our cat. We must observe how our cat responds to CBD and diminish or stop giving them CBD if unwanted effects occur.

How does a cat react after taking CBD?

At first, the cat might be curious and seem to like the taste of CBD. Some cats might find the taste repulsive and reject it. Once the CBD oil enters their system, their mood can change, usually becoming calmer. Their appetite can rise and they might sleep longer. Some CBD products and their ingredients might also irritate the cat.

What are the benefits of CBD for cats?

The need for clinical studies in veterinary species is very significant. Science needs to provide evidence-based applications for phytocannabinoid like CBD. Except for the laboratory animal species in which experimental studies have been performed, we need more data regarding the same benefits on our cats. So far, the findings show towards the treatment of:

Urinary tract disease: In most cases, the UTD is not caused by bacterias in cats. The cause is inflammation which CBD as a natural anti-inflammatory can ease.

Anxiety: CBD can help cats deal with their anxiety, relieving stress, leading to several different complications.

Seizure disorders: epilepsy and similar conditions are very difficult to treat with conventional medicine. CBD shows great potential as a legitimate option for uses against seizures.

Vomiting and diarrhea: inflammatory bowel disease, chronic vomiting, and diarrhea could all be made easier with the help of cannabinoids.

Diabetes: the increasing number of diabetic cats might find a solution from cannabinoid treatment. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD could reduce the hyperglycemic damage caused by type 2 diabetes.

Cancer: CBD can provide some systematic pain relief and can benefit cats with cancer by increasing appetite and reducing nausea.

Overall wellness: CBD can positively impact the cat’s immune system acting as an antioxidant and neuroprotectant.

What is the best type of CBD to give to my cat?

If you are interested in trying cannabidiol for your cat it might be quite difficult to start. CBD for pets comes in many forms, including how it is manufactured and what it is used for. We will stay away from products such as CBD pet treats since they are more prone to contain artificial flavors, colors, grain, and dairy ingredients. We will focus on hemp oil as it is the most popular and widely available product.

Several methods exist to obtain CBD oil. It is wise to make sure the best CBD oil for your cat is produced without harmful solvents, which can be retained in the final product. CBD extractions such as CO2 are most suitable for cats.

CBD oil is mostly termed as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD oil, also known as whole plant CBD, contains all the plants naturally occurring components such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc… and is usually deemed most effective. Albeit the THC levels are below 0.2%, the cat can still have a negative reaction from consuming too much full-spectrum CBD oil.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil, is like full-spectrum oil, with a key difference. It contains a whole range of different compounds but is without THC.

CBD isolate oil contains the CBD isolate in its purest form. It’s the most purified form of CBD oil. Without containing all the plant’s potentially beneficial components, it means this CBD oil has less chance of causing allergic reactions to your cat.

CBD topicals for cats

Cats might suffer from joint and muscle pain, or skin anomalies. In this case, CBD topicals are ideal since we can apply them directly to the cat’s skin and deliver immediate relief. CBD topicals are meant only for external use and shouldn’t be ingested by your cat!

How much CBD oil should I give my cat?

We are usually administrating CBD based on the weight of the subject. As cats are quite small animals, dosing should be careful and accurate. Typically, cats should consume 1-2mg of CBD per serving, once or twice daily.

For different dosing options, check the chart below.

Can CBD calm cat anxiety or cat aggression?

One of the most common things troubling cat owners are overexcited pets. They are looking up CBD to calm their cats and ease their anxiety. CBD is very often discussed as a potential treatment for anxiety, stress, and irritation.

Cats, CBD, and anxiety

CBD and anxiety (after pain management) is the most discussed topic when pet owners visit the veterinary clinic. In CBD topicals veterinarians found CBD to be at least somewhat helpful in treating canine anxiety. And just in around 10% it produces side effects. CBD was also deemed to help reduce anxiety by over 75% of participants

CBD and Cats agression

Most lives of domestic cats are pretty far from their natural habitats. As they are natural predators they are very active by instinct. But sometimes, things get out of hand. CBD might be a tool to calm these situations. According to this study, CBD shows some effectiveness in taming aggression. Another thing to note from the study is that THC, found in full-spectrum CBD products, might potentiate aggression group settings.

Conclusion

So far we found out CBD can be quite a treat for our cats. As no harmful side effects are expected to be seen from cats, Essentia Pura offers all kinds of CBD oil formulations for your pets. Let us know which one you think suits your cat and we will get you going! CBD full spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate, blended with salmon fish oil is available for you to order.

Reach out to us here for any further information on the topic. To place an order, complete our form and let all pets discover the wonders of CBD!

What are Nutricosmetics?

Exploring The Emerging Trend of Nutricosmetics

In the previous post, we talked about nutraceuticals, discussing the importance of “you are what you eat”. Here, we will delve into nutricosmetics, to find the “beauty that comes from within”. 

We are well aware that a healthy lifestyle and diet are reflected in our appearance. We don’t just want to look good, but also feel good in our skin. And the consumer desires to go beyond the traditional beauty solutions.

What are Nutricosmetics?

Nutricosmetics are nutraceuticals that improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails through the supplementation of nutrients. They are products and ingredients developed around the correlation between good health and beauty. 

Nutricosmetics are not traditional cosmetic products, which are applied externally. They are beauty-dietary supplements that help the skin to improve or heal with the oral intake of nutritional substances. Nutricosmetic formulations are a holistic approach. With nutraceuticals, we are not trying to combat skin anomalies when they develop. We try to put our skin in the best shape, to prevent problems from arising!

Nutricosmetics are changing the shape of beauty products!

We cannot avoid getting our skin scratched throughout our lives. We cannot escape wrinkles and grey hair due to aging. But with these revolutionary edible cosmetics, we can restore and maintain our natural beauty.

One thing to keep in mind is to keep using traditional skincare products. Nutraceuticals act on the dermis (lower layer of skin) and should be used in conjunction with topical cosmetics which act on the epidermis (upper layer of skin). Similar to hair conditioners and lotions which nourish the outer layers of hair.

Silky skin, glorious hair, and shiny nails, who wouldn’t want then? But first of all, we must check the possible reasons which make them unable to prosper. These can be:

  • Gender, age, and genetics
  • Environmental factors such as UV light damage, cold, and wind
  • Chemical and mechanical wear and tear
  • Nutritional history

Now, let’s explore what beauty trends the nutraceutical market has in store for us!

In case we are unable to nourish our skin through our daily diet, nutraceuticals come to aid!

Types of Nutricosmetic Products

Nutricosmetics, being a form of dietary supplement, are already available in many convenient forms. We can choose the nutrients in single-serving pill forms, such as soft gels, capsules, and even candies. Some are available as simple herbal blends for infusions, or they can be highly concentrated plant extracts that are dosed by the drop

Powdered nutraceuticals in sachets are available in various flavors, which can be added to smoothies or milkshakes. We can also find ready-made drinks or shots which offer a more practical use.  As the name suggests, nutricosmetics are nutritional supplements that aid our outer look, but from within.

Whichever product we find most suitable for the delivery of our healthy nutrients, we must focus more on the purpose of nutrient supplementation. By getting the right nutrition intake with nutricosmetics we support various biological functions which help us:

  • Prevent skin inflammation 
  • improve skin cell regeneration and structure
  • Boost the immune protection
  • Provide skin hydration and nutrition
  • Diminish the skin aging process

It can take some trial and error to figure out which form of nutricosmetics we are the most comfortable with. It is very important to be consistent when using nutricosmetics. Only with regular absorption of supplements can we experience the health and benefits we are looking for. 

How Nutricosmetic Products improve Health & Appearance

The point of nutricosmetics is to feed the skin, hair, and nails from inside out. They are the internal component of the journey that brings us a perfect look through nutrition. 

  • Photoprotection: The negative effects of UV rays damaging your skin are more apparent with aging. The rejuvenating approach of hyaluronic acid, oil, and antioxidant-rich nutricosmetics should be considered at an early age. It is easier to prevent than repair!
  • Anti-inflammatory: Skin inflammation typically begins at an internal level. Nutricosmetic formulas complete with antioxidants, omega 3&6 fatty acids, vitamins C, E, Zinc, linolenic, and linoleic acids support the cells internally as well.
  • Detox with nutricosmetics: we must use cleansing nutricosmetics for at least one month before the results are apparent. Since the skin is cleansing from inside towards the surface, it might look like the skin condition is becoming worse before it gets better. 
  • Antioxidant effect: controlled oxidative stress can save us from wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity & collagen breakdown. Glycerin is a great superoxide pronouncing the controlled oxidative stress.
  • Structural component: If we are looking for spongy skin, soft hair, and strong nails we need to reinforce them on every level. Hyaluronic acid improves, krill oil, carotene, and lutein give great aid in protection and rejuvenation.

The Nutricosmetics market

The same beneficial approach as with topicals is applied to nutricosmetics. Moisturiser, serum, concentrate, just in an edible form. The most popular ingredients of nutricosmetic products are:

-Collagen

– Vitamines

– Omega 3 & 6

– Lactic acid

– Placenta

– Polyphenol

– Hyaluronic acid

Nutricosmetic market trends in the US market

The effectiveness of cleansing & detoxifying juices is becoming the staple in healthy diets among Americans. Smoothie & juice bars enabled franchises like Smoothie King and Jamba Juice to become the “Starbucks” of health enthusiasts. Superfood smoothies, cold-pressed juices made with organic vegetables and fruits in a biodegradable cup – the hottest choice to refresh and vitalize with beauty-charged drinks.

The innovations in the nutraceutical US market are already here. Moody Muesli markets its breakfast cereals as the latest anti-aging solution. Nestle started producing coffee packed with collagen. And even the fast-food industry is catching up, where Dotonbury offers to eat the nutrient-perfect meal at their place.

Nutricosmetic market trends in the European market

In Europe, the consumers are in general looking for more science-backed products. The nutricosmetic French giant and pioneer in the industry Biocyte know this well. They are specialists in food supplements for the skin. They offer a wide range of products specially designed to improve skin condition and appearance.

The desire for beauty doesn’t stop at science though. If you wish to dine out for a great look, places like EatYourSelfBeautiful from the UK serve collagen-infused menus of Asian-style dishes.

Nutricosmetic market trends in the Asian Market

Asia, being the most populated continent, is the biggest market for nutricosmetics. This can also be attributed to their young Instagram generation obsessed with beauty and outer look. In Asia, the glorification of white skin made products like White Shots explode. Skin whitening products in Asia are just what the westerners see in tan improving products. This trend also introduced ingestible “sunscreen” products like NO UV, which offer protection from sun exposure for up to 2 hours.

On the other hand, many Asian consumers still rely on products based on traditional Chinese Medicine. Asian nutricosmetic formulas usually include botanical extracts from ginseng, ganoderma, goji berry, angelica, lotus seed, jujube,…

The latest Asian booming trend is in infused bottled vinegar, which is seeing a huge uprise. Chungjungone vinaigrettes are already available globally. They offer multiple benefits such as anti-stress, anti-fatigue, detoxifying, slimming, anti-aging,…

CBD in Nutricosmetics

Deservedly, CBD is earning most of the recent hype among skincare consumers and professionals. CBD is there with a purpose. Science is already uncovering the limitless potential CBD offers in topical applications. And so are coming forth the findings of CBD benefits when it is consumed.

For CBD, to really shine in nutricosmetics as a prime component, a change in regulations has to happen. In most countries around the world, CBD is still not allowed as a food ingredient. The billion-dollar nutricosmetic industry is awaiting the moment when regulations will ease. 

The Essentia Pura R&D department is ready as well!

Let us know which nutricosmetic products you would like to see infused with CBD. Whether you would like to know which products we offer at the moment, use the contact form here

Can You Vape CBD?

Answering Common Questions on Vaping CBD

In this article, we feature Michael from Got Vape with an introduction to vaping CBD!

Vaping and CBD are more popular than ever. But, can you vape CBD? It is certainly possible! We will get into the different types of CBD and how you can vape them.

Can you Vape CBD?

Manufacturers have been finding more ways to vape CBD. The use of oil vape pens is a misnomer. While they talk about CBD vape oil, there is no actual oil used. Vaping is accomplished with the use of CBD e-liquid, or e juice, or vape juice. This includes combinations of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, with CBD extract.

Most commonly, CBD vape oil actually includes isolates suspended in a liquid that is safe for inhaling. This can also be called an infusion. In addition to infusing isolates, there are full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products available. Isolates are strictly CBD with no trace of THC.

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products will use more of the plant’s active ingredients. These products will contain trace amounts of THC (never more than 0.3%). People using broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products are after the entourage effect. This is where the different compounds, other than CBD, work together to increase the effects each offer.

Make sure not to confuse CBD vape oil with hemp seed oil. The MCT (derived from coconut) oil and hemp seed oil are damaging to your lungs. According to the NCBI, it could lead to conditions such as lipoid pneumonia.

CBD e-juices for electronic cigarettes come in various flavour which make CBD vaping even more exciting!

What Does Vaping CBD Feel Like?

Using a CBD vape is an effective way to get CBD into your system quickly. By inhaling it, the CBD will enter your bloodstream through the lungs. Typically, by using a vape, you will feel the effects of CBD within minutes.

CBD has been used by many to counter pain and inflammation. It is important to realise that most of the claims of health benefits from CBD are not fully proven by studies.

Effects from vaping CBD may vary from one product to another. Generally, you may feel energised at lower doses, while higher doses may make you feel relaxed.

Consuming oil as a part of a tincture, or added to food, has to first pass through the digestive system. This slow absorption process tends to increase the time in which it will take effect. It may take up to two hours to feel the effects when consuming CBD this way.

Another difference between vaping and consuming CBD is the duration and intensity. Vaping may have a shorter duration, but a more intense effect. This is because when consuming CBD, it passes through the liver. This partial metabolises CBD before it enters your bloodstream.

What Types of CBD Can You Vape?

When you are ready to get started with a CBD vape, you need to know what you can and cannot vape. Let’s take a look at the different formats CBD can be available in. We will discuss which ones are good for vaping, which will damage your lungs, and which will damage your vape device.

CBD Liquid

This is the most popular form of CBD for vaping. You can use CBD vape oil that is in different formats like broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolates. They are easy to use with either cartridges or tanks available. This is the least damaging vaping format.

CBD Crystals

This is a CBD isolate that is generally in a powder format. It is not intended to be used for vaping. Attempting to do so may cause harm to your vape device. Some have mixed the powder with an oil carrier, but this is not recommended for vaping. CBD crystals are very potent and are best diluted in PG and VG!

CBD Juices

Similar to liquid, this CBD vape product allows you to have different flavours.

They are available in different concentration levels as well as different types. Many like to use the broad and full-spectrum due to CBD crystals.

CBD Crumble

Using crumble is not legal in the UK and EU. This is a concentrated format for CBD. It requires a special vaping device and could cause damage to a standard vaping device meant for use with CBD vape oils.

CBD Flower

The concentration of CBD will be lower in flowers, but it is also the most flavourful. You will need a vaporiser in order to use flowers. Flower CBD concentrations will differ, and there will always be trace amounts of THC. This is the least damaging format for your lungs.

How Much CBD Should You Vape?

As with any vaping, it is best to proceed with caution. Dosing recommendations always err on the side of a lower dosage. For this reason, you should start with somewhere around 10mg per day. Increase your dosage until you find the perfect level for you.

CBD Electronic cigarettes are a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes and can help abandon the habit of smoking.

Regulate your usage based on how much vaping you do throughout the day. It is suggested that vaping, in general, is not entirely safe. Protect yourself by only purchasing vape oil from a manufacturer with a commitment to quality. Look for those with laboratory testing for purity and potency.

Are CBD vape oils types of Nutricosmetic/Nutraceutical products?

Many who are interested in CBD may also be interested in nutricosmetic supplements. These are products consumed orally. They contain specific nutrients and antioxidants. The intended use is to help with skin, hair, and overall care. The different products available are based on consumer demand. This can include:

Capsules

These are easy to swallow and deliver specific quantities of nutrients in a time-released format. These are convenient to carry with you at all times and take as needed.

Powder

This allows you to make a drink while you are on the go that can be consumed over time. These can be sold in bulk or premeasured and packaged sachets. Most will have no flavour, but you can find flavoured powders.

Tinctures

Premixed liquids make it easy for you to drink down the nutrients in a concentrated format. Adding in flavours to the tinctures makes them more palatable and easier to consume than a pill.

Gummy candy – Just like with CBD, gummy candies make getting your health boost more enjoyable. Different flavours offer you more variety in getting your boost.

Chewing Gum

This relies on the capillaries in the mouth to deliver the nutrients and antioxidants into the system. Again, different varieties in flavours help to make this more enjoyable.

The beauty from the inside-out mindset is exactly what nutricosmetic supplements are all about. It goes hand in hand with eating organic fruits and vegetables and responsibly sourced ingredients for your diet.

More research is still needed in order to find the efficacy of nutricosmetic supplements. Products on the market should be tested and certified by independent laboratories. Make sure to purchase from reputable manufacturers when entering this market.

While CBD vape oils are also a recent invention, they aren’t intended as nutritional supplements and are targeted towards recreational markets.

For more information, read our piece: What are Nutricosmetics?

 Conclusion

As you can see, CBD vape oil effects will depend on many factors. How you vape as well as what you vape is up to you. You should take some time to sample different methods to determine which ones are right for you. You may find some products that are perfect for different occasions, so you can plan accordingly. Happy vaping!

Let us know if you have any questions about CBD vaping or CBD liquids. Are you interested in manufacturing any of these products? We would love to talk with you about your interest!

What are Nutraceuticals?

 An Introduction to Nutraceuticals

“Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” The wise words of Hippocrates, dating back to 400 BC, are more relevant today than ever before. A healthy diet is the best way to revitalize ourselves and is the first step in taking care of our well-being and preventing diseases. But eating healthy can be quite challenging in our modern lifestyles. For this purpose, nutraceuticals are being developed and produced to offer one-stop solutions our bodies need.

Nutraceuticals are food supplements that contain the best ingredients to sustain our health. They are the solution for all health-conscious consumers, to meet their daily intake of all the necessary nutrients. Nutraceuticals are not just the latest health trend, but are revolutionizing the healthcare industry!

What are Nutraceuticals?

Nutraceuticals are a wide range of nutrient-dense foods. They can be whole foods or just specific ingredients derived from them. Their purpose is to provide or maximize the intake of essential nutrients.

The term nutraceutical refers to dietary supplements or substances that are food or parts of food. They can be a combination of whole foods or isolated and purified parts of them. Their health benefits must be demonstrated to provide protection of chronic disease, help with disease treatment, or have other physiological benefits.

Nutraceuticals must be manufactured according to good manufacturing practices. They cannot contain any toxic or dangerous components. The active and functional component of the nutraceutical must be standardized to allow safe consumption.

Various forms of Nutraceuticals are available today. We can get them in powdered form, liquid form, encapsulated, or in a tablet. They can also be incorporated into traditional foods and drinks, like bread or yogurt, to boost their nutritional value. We distinguish between 4 main types of nutraceuticals.

Types of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals must not be confused with pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical drugs are very important and we cannot imagine medicine without them. They are patented formulations of substances derived naturally or synthesized, to cure or alleviate disease symptoms. They have undergone plenty of controlled studies before they are put on the market for their specific purpose. Although very powerful and effective, pharmaceuticals can lead to many undesired side effects and complications.

Nutraceuticals, on the other hand, are bioactive phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources. They provide desirable health benefits above basic nutrition improving all the aspects of well-being. 

Classification of nutraceuticals

  • Functional foods can be conventional foods that we consume regularly in our diet. Their main purpose is nutrition, but they also provide additional health benefits. These are fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, meat, and other common healthy consumables on our menu.
  • Medicinal and Fortified foods are traditional foods enriched with nutrients and substances that are not originally included. These can be milk with added vitamin D, or cereals with added calcium, or fruit juices with added proteins.
  • Dietary supplements are nutraceuticals containing isolated bioactive substances usually found in forms not associated with common food. They are mostly purchased in more medical forms such as pills and tablets. These can be various multivitamin/multimineral blends or herbal mixtures offering a more targeted beneficial effect

 Benefits of Nutraceuticals Products

Since they are derived from natural sources, nutraceuticals offer an approach to health improvement that is millions of years old. In short, they maximize the potential of making the food our medicine. Medicinal foods are most sought after for the following nutrients:

Fiber: in the age of processed food, the needed portion of good fibers is seldom found on our plates. Without enough fiber, the food takes longer to digest which can lead to irregular bowel movements, loose stools, and can also cause stomach pain. Functional foods rich in fiber can restore a healthy digestive system.

Antioxidants: Organic and fresh fruits and vegetables should be the most consumed foods but the reality is far from that. Thus we are missing the much-needed nutrient antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and the minerals copper, zinc, and selenium. The deficiency can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, muscle and joint pain. With dietary supplements, we can solve that!

Essential fatty acids: these substances which are existential for us cannot be produced by our bodies need to be delivered via food ingestion. Seafood is a great source of fatty acid, but the most popular choices are usually not the richest omega 3&6. Same story with seed oils, where the processed and most widely used ones are not a suitable choice compared to cold-pressed oils. The nutraceutical approach can solve the needed intake of essential amino acids to avoid critical deficiencies.

Probiotics: Good bacteria are key for digestion, absorption, vitamin and hormone production. A great portion of a strong immune system resides in our intestines, and the imbalance of the gut bacteria also affects our mood and behavior.  If we are missing the right proportion of good bacteria for a healthy flora, fortified food formulations provide that. 

Are Nutraceuticals Safe?

Pharmaceuticals are generally perceived as very safe, as they are produced under strict regulations and their safety profiles are proven through extensive development processes. Nutraceuticals should also pose no risk since their ingredients are derived from natural sources.

This is mostly true, but not always the case since the formulations can contain substances in concentrations way bigger than found naturally. So the first precaution is to take nutraceuticals as intended and not exceed the recommended servings. If the product is beneficial it doesn’t automatically translate into taking 3 is better than taking 1. 

If we are already on any medication it is wise to talk to our doctor to see if potential drug interaction can arise. Even if nutraceuticals are over-the-counter products they can be harmful if combined with certain pharmaceutical drugs or other supplements.

Preexisting conditions can impact how we react to certain compounds in nutraceuticals. The list of ingredients must be carefully examined in case we spot something we are allergic to. Taking note of how we feel after ingestion to see if the product is the cause of side effects is very important!

That said, with Nutraceuticals not as regulated or extensively studied as pharmaceuticals, the EU regulations are there to keep the production of nutraceuticals in check. We believe that nutraceuticals from a reputable brand and manufacturer are a valuable tool for people to be proactive with their health. 

Conclusion

At Essentia Pura, we know that the nutraceutical industry is a billion-dollar industry on which many try to capitalize on. And so is the case with CBD and Hemp, which is the most recent boom in the nutraceutical space where plenty of companies try to take advantage of a new and underregulated market. 

Striving to be as professional and devoted to our clients, we supply CBD wholesale products at the highest industry standard.

Cutting-edge equipment and qualified personnel expertise in every field allow us to unveil the true potential of CBD. In various forms and combinations, we will make sure CBD will deliver the best nutraceutical benefits to the masses.

If you want to partake in our mission, and take well-being through CBD into the lives of everyone, get in contact with us here. If you would like any further information on the topic just send us an email!

CO2 Extraction Process for Medicinal Plants

We are connected with the plants from the beginning of our existence, and fauna is vital for us to live. We rely on plants as a source of food and are always enticed by their fragrances. Since ancient times, humans have tried to capture the essence of the plant to use it in rituals, for treatment of illnesses, and other physical and spiritual needs. Spices found their place in culinary, wines and beers made everyday life less tedious, aromatics and perfumes were used as religious tools.

Scented barks, resins, aromatic vinegar, tinctures, infusions, essential oils, were essential for the medical practitioners of the early days. But from when the alchemists of the Arab world distilled the first essential oils, a long time has passed. With the advancement of technology, medicinal plant extractions are done with modern methods.

How to prepare, combine, store and use medicinal plants is one of the humans’ earliest masteries!

What is CO2 extraction?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas in the earth’s atmosphere. Without it, there would be no life on our planet. We, and every other animal absorb it with every breath and release it on every exhale. For plants, it is crucial for their survival as oxygen is to us. 

By being abundant and harmless to living beings, carbon dioxide shows to be the perfect solvent for the production of medicinal plant extracts. In its natural state, CO2 is a gas, which is hard to manipulate without proper equipment. Thus it was discovered fairly recently and the first CO2 extraction machine was made just 50 years ago. 

In its gas form, CO2 does not have the best solvent properties. It still offers great use to extract botanical fragrances, but it is unable to pull heavier plant compounds. Nonetheless, if we put CO2 in a supercritical state, it might just be the best extraction solvent. 

What is Supercritical CO2 Extraction?

By putting the CO2 under the pressure of at least 74 bar and heating it up to 31°C it becomes supercritical. The supercritical CO2 fluid acts as a liquid and a gas at the same time, boasting superior extraction efficiency.

3 separation vessels, each collecting a specific portion of the extract.

The main advantage of CO2 is in the advanced CO2 extraction systems. They are capable of modulating the pressure and temperature of CO2. Setting up the desired parameters enables us to manipulate its solvent properties. With the right pressure, temperature, density, and extraction time, we can target the desired compounds we want to extract. 

State-of-art CO2 extractors are also equipped with several collection vessels. Each collection vessel is set to its proper parameters, so the compounds extracted and carried by CO2 can be selectively dissolved and collected separately. This way we obtain different fractions of extracted components of different polarity, boiling point, and molecular weight successively. This means we can extract the target compounds and separate them into different portions, all in a single extraction cycle! 

Benefits of CO2 extraction for Medicinal Plant extracts

For example, we can run a subcritical CO2 extraction on the botanical material to extract just its aromatic compounds. We could use simple steam distillation to obtain the fragrance of the plant, which is still the widest used method of aromatic extraction. But when doing an extraction with subcritical CO2, the process is way quicker! Extraction with CO2 also involves much lower temperatures compared to steam distillation. High heat can ruin the delicate volatile substances, so running at lower temperatures preserves them better.

Then, by going supercritical, CO2 will remove heavier compounds like waxes, resins, and oils, which steam distillation cannot. Several beneficial substances are found in these heavier compounds and are essential for the medicinal plant extract to be effective. 

CO2 fractions
By doing a selective extraction we are able to decide which portion to incorporate in our desired product. More colour, more flavour, or more active ingredients?

Depending on the plant material we are working with, we adjust the settings of the CO2 extractor to maximise the extraction efficiency. Dialling in the correct parameters we focus on separating, isolating, and concentrating the extracted compounds. With the specific end product in mind, we then incorporate the part of the extract we find useful. The rest of the extract can be used in other formulations, processed further, or discarded.

Many solvents could be used to separate these substances from the plant matter, like alcohols and other hydrocarbons. Considering these solvents can be harmful, they have to be purged out of the extract. Especially if the end product is intended for medicine! The removal of these solvents usually alters the original matrix of medicinal plant substances and the potentially harmful solvent is never removed 100%.

Using CO2 Extraction to Extract Active Ingredients from Medicinal  Plants

As we found out, CO2, being a solvent with the best safety profile, reigns on top of medical plant extractions. The only downside is the cost of equipment, which might pose a challenge, especially for emerging businesses. 

At Essentia Pura, the quality of our products is our number one priority. Opting for CO2 extraction technology is the only way and we are proud owners of SK Skrlj MOSeS CO2 extraction system

MoSES CO2 extraction system by SK Skrlj, compact yet powerful!

Using the equipment with all the latest advances in technology we are able to extract the purest CO2 extracts of medicinal plants and manufacture active ingredients for pharmaceutical industries. At this time, we are focusing on the emerging CBD industry and strive to bring the highest quality wholesale CBD products to the market.

We are supplying the beverage industry with natural CO2 extracted flavours. For the food industry, we manufacture products such as omega3 CO2 extracts from fish and the most recent black truffles CO2 extract!

For the cosmetic industry, we offer CO2 extracted aromas, CO2 plant waxes, and CO2 etheric oils, and CO2 hydrosols.

Our mission is to obtain all our raw ingredients as locally possible, fair trade, and from organic sources!

For various extracts of herbs, spices and medicinal plants visit our website and send us a message if you have any additional questions on the matter. If you would like to take advantage of our superior CO2 extraction services, complete the web form!

What are Endocannabinoids

The Endocannabinoid System Explained

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the human body’s biological systems discovered fairly recently, in 1990. Like the pulmonary system, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, and skeletal systems all have their specific functions, so does the Endocannabinoid system. 

The ECS is responsible for regulating the activity of all the other biological systems which ensures their proper functioning. This means our ECS affects everything the human body does and is affecting us every second. How come we know so little about such an important part of our lives?

A brief history of the Endocannabinoid system

As scientists were trying to figure out how cannabis works, mainly how Tetrahydrocannabinol influences us, they found the receptors to which THC can bind if consumed. Hence naming them cannabinoid receptors. To their surprise, they found the cannabinoid receptors scattered all over the human body. 

And even more stunning, they discovered an endogenous ligand, for which the cannabinoid receptors exist. Later, they found more chemicals produced by our bodies that interact with cannabinoid receptors and named them endocannabinoids.

The first identified endocannabinoid, anandamide, was documented in 1992. The researchers were amazed how anandamide structurally resembles THC, and how similar it is in activity when it binds to receptors. Soon, they uncovered another compound, 2-AG, mostly located in our brain which has a great affinity to cannabinoid receptors. Later, more followed.

A well-balanced diet is key for a healthy endocannabinoid system. Essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all very important for the biosynthesis of endocannabinoids!

What are Endocannabinoids?

These fascinating compounds are produced in our bodies and act as signaling molecules, similar to neurotransmitters. Like neurotransmitters, they are produced in the neuron cells and their role is to send messages from one neuron to another. However, endocannabinoids are produced in the postsynaptic neuron, contrary to neurotransmitters which are produced in the presynaptic neuron. 

By going in the opposite direction in neurons the endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors regulating the amount of neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic neuron.

With this counter grade signaling, endocannabinoids like Anandamide and 2-AG serve as a blocking-releasing mechanism. Their role is to limit neurotransmitter activity by tapering their release. Doing so they are slowing down the neurotransmitter-receptor interaction which prevents the nervous system from getting burned out. 

Neurotransmitters like dopamine are produced in the Presynaptic Neuron and travel to the Postsynaptic Neuron. The endocannabinoids are the opposite!

The Role of the Human Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes are in charge of taking care that every function in our body works properly. The Endocannabinoids are biosynthesized on demand through enzymatic production in the postsynaptic neuron.

In case neurotransmitters are required to send signals, the endocannabinoids are not produced. If the neurotransmitters are too active, endocannabinoids are made and sent into the presynaptic neuron to limit neurotransmitter activity.

For now we are aware of these endocannabinoids which influence our CB1 and CB2 receptors: Arachidonoylethanolamine (Anandamide or AEA), 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), 2-Arachidonyl glyceryl ether (noladin ether), N-Arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA), Virodhamine (OAE), Lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI)

Examples of how endocannabinoids system regulates our bodies:

  • If we get in danger, our body starts to send adrenaline through our neurons. Dopamine signals our body to breath faster, the heart rate rises, we become more alert and focused. Once out of danger, we do not require dopamine anymore. Endocannabinoids are deployed and stop dopamine from being released. We are calmed down.
  • When it gets dark at night, our body starts to send melatonin through our neurons. Melatonin signals our body to slow down and rest, we become tired and sleepy. In the morning, endocannabinoids send messages to melatonin to stop releasing. We become awake and it’s time to get up!

After the situation settles, endocannabinoids are not required anymore and get degraded by enzymes. Enzymes like FAAH (Fatty acid amide hydrolase) and MAGL (Monoacylglycerol) also make part of the endocannabinoid system, along with CB1 and CB2 receptors and the endocannabinoids. The enzymes are a very important part of our ECS since they make the breakdown of endocannabinoids possible, which basically means the enzymes shut down the endocannabinoid activity.

black and silver portable speaker beside green leaves
Our endocannabinoid can benefit greatly with cannabidiol intake Hemp extracts show great potential in treating all kinds of problems because of its positive impact on our ECS.

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD Oil

As we found out, the endocannabinoid system has a very big influence on our life. What happens if the system does not work as it should? 

The consequences of a distorted endocannabinoid system are seen in:

  • Unexplained mood swings and sudden changes behavior
  • Irregular sleep patterns and eating disorders
  • Migraines and other forms of headaches
  • Autoimmune diseases and Nervous system diseases

The reason for the malfunction of an endocannabinoid system can be neither:

  • Cannabinoid receptors can get worn out due to stress, lack of sleep, etc.. and are unable to receive endocannabinoid signaling
  • Enzymes are not working correctly, (likely because of unhealthy diet or alcohol and drug abuse, poisoning) and too many endocannabinoid are present which result in a hyperactive endocannabinoid tone
  • Endocannabinoid deficiency, meaning the body does not produce enough of its own cannabinoids to support other processes.

And for all the reasons above, CBD oil comes into play. CBD can solve many issues by simply putting our endocannabinoid system in check. Cannabidiol can influence all 3 parts of our ECS:

  • it binds to CB1 and CB2 receptor without activating them, which puts them to rest
  • CBD supports the body to produce more endocannabinoids
  • Cannabidiol diminishes enzymatic degradation of endocannabinoids, increasing their count

Conclusion

In the perfect scenario, we would not need CBD to supplement our endocannabinoid system. With a healthy diet, daily exercise, unpolluted air, and water, a consistent sleep regimen,… the production of our own cannabinoids would be sufficient.

Meditation, yoga and other exercises, social activities like dancing and singing all pronounce our endocannabinoid tone!

However, the modern lifestyle which we live today shows quite the opposite. Lots of processed food, long work hours, stress on every corner, all take a toll on our endocannabinoid system. With little time to care for ourselves, CBD offers the ultimate solution to boost our ECS to make our minds and body happy.

Essentia Pura is one of the leading CBD manufacturers in Europe and can supply CBD in various forms for every situation. From full-spectrum CBD oil to CBD isolate, we bring to the market CBD products for all kinds of consumers.

Therefore, if you feel the urge to make the world become a better place, you can do so with CBD. Get in touch with us to discover all the Essentia Pura CBD options and help to make a healthy endocannabinoid system available for everyone!

Is CBD legal in Luxembourg?

CBD (cannabidiol) has been causing massive disruption around the western world, the rapid rise in demand for CBD products is changing the cosmetic industry and has a great potential to change the medical and food industry. But the fast innovation of the market has caught the governments by surprise. Even when the government machine started to respond, the market was already light years ahead and the regulation could do more good than bad. Nonetheless, Luxembourg is actively looking around the world for different views and the best solution on how to best regulate CBD to help consumers, businesses, and last but not least the state. This is why, we at Essentia Pura, believe that Luxembourg deserves a closer look.

It seems that Luxembourg recognises the extraordinary potential CBD oil and other similar products can have. The Health Minister of Luxembourg even went as far as saying that both CBD and THC have been shown to have a positive effect on treating certain medical conditions, such as pain treatment, and should be authorised for wider use. What a difference compared to some other European Union member states!

In this article, we will take a closer look at what exactly makes Luxembourg unique. You can explore these topics:

  • What is CBD?
  • What is the difference between marijuana and hemp?
  • How are they regulated in Luxembourg?
  • Where can you buy or sell CBD products in Luxembourg?
  • What are the plans for the future in connection with the CBD industry in the country?
  • What can other European Union member states learn from Luxembourg?

If you are interested in those topics, please read the piece in full.

CBD in Luxembourg

To start the conversation about CBD we must first explain what CBD is. We believe that some of you are very familiar with it, but we also recognise that a whole lot of you might be trying to find out what exactly your neighbour is so excited about.

CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol which is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. This does not tell you a whole lot, does it?

Let us try to explain it in another way. You should think of CBD as a component of the cannabis plant. Cannabis consist of a lot of components similar to CBD, each one of those has its own function. Recently scientists have shown a lot of possible health benefits that might come from CBD use, which sparked great commercial interest in CBD oil and similar CBD product.

You might be asking yourself on how you can get a CBD product from a cannabis plant? Does this mean that you have to use the whole plant? Isn’t cannabis a drug that gets you high? Is this even legal according to the law in Luxembourg?

Let’s tackle these questions.

Cannabis in Luxembourg

There is more than one type of cannabis plant and not all of them get you high. Most importantly you have to differentiate between hemp and marijuana.

Marijuana

Marijuana (also known simply as weed) is the type of cannabis plant that is rich in both CBD and THC. The latter (THC) is another cannabinoid, the one responsible for the intoxicating feeling you get if you use marijuana. But it also does other things, which is why in some countries, marijuana can be consumed for medical purposes. On the other hand, you can easily think of a country that still treats cannabis use as dangerous and where it can be punished with prison sentences.

Where do Luxembourg drug laws stand on the matter?

Since 2001 marijuana is considered a category B substance, which means that recreational consumption is only punished with a fine. The fine depends on the amount of cannabis, individuals are found with and it ranges from 250 to 2.500 Euros. So technically speaking cannabis consumption and possession are not criminal but are not legal either. This is similar to other countries in Europe, like Belgium. Nonetheless, we urge you to be cautious and not do anything illegal. Drugs are still treated seriously in the country. For example, using a cannabis product with high THC levels in front of minors can bring you into major trouble.

Luxembourg however, took a step forward. The Prime minister in the country promised to legalise cannabis in late 2021. The date of legalisation is not known yet, but we will keep you posted.

What about medical cannabis?

We should explain that patients can get the drug Sativex for almost a decade. On top of that, according to the prime minister, the cannabis legislation in Luxembourg made medical cannabis legal in 2017, although the program is still in a pilot scheme and has not been widely implemented. We hope that more treatments will include cannabis products in the future.

Hemp in Luxembourg

The other major type of cannabis is hemp. Hemp cannabis production had been an important part of the economy in Europe for centuries, but it slowly died out in the 20th century. All the signs are here that cannabis cultivation is making an important comeback in Europe. For example, you can see the number of growers rising in Luxembourg, as well as in Belgium.

How does hemp differ from marijuana? Well, the most important difference is that hemp has virtually no THC but is still rich in CBD. This means that if you use cannabis products from hemp you can avoid the intoxicating feeling of THC while you can still retain all the health benefits of CBD.

We stated above that hemp does not contain THC, actually, according to the law, THC levels in hemp cannot be higher than 0.3%. This is slightly higher than the usual limit in Europe, which is set at 0.2%. We expect further changes in the law so that the laws will become even more liberal in the future. Perhaps the government laws will even allow cannabis coffee shops.

So is CBD allowed in Luxembourg?

The short answer is yes, CBD is completely legal in Luxembourg. You can freely shop for cannabis CBD products all around the country.

Moreover, you can also set up your own CBD-related shop, this is much easier than in most places around the EU.

There are, however, a couple of conditions you should know before you enter the market. If you want to ensure that your CBD product is legal you have to be certain that it is derived from hemp. As we described above, marijuana will most likely be completely legal for the recreational purpose by the end of this year. However, in May 2021 it is still only decriminalised. This means that you should still rely just on hemp, with less than 0.3% THC content for your CBD products. Furthermore, CBD products are only legal for adults, this means that you have to be at least 18 years old to buy CBD.

Police also clarified that people are allowed to drive if they use CBD products. Nonetheless, police can do a quick drug test. You should probably not be worried about it, but if you use a lot of CBD products, then it can show signs of THC, despite the low THC content in cannabis products. So we advise you to be careful about that.

Last, but not least, CBD products cannot be advertised as medical products, but rather cosmetics or food supplements. If customers are looking for treatments, you should advise them to seek medical treatment, so to see their doctor.

Selling CBD

We want to offer you some further advice if you are thinking of starting your own CBD business or selling CBD.

As stated above, CBD can be legally sold both online and in-person shops according to the laws.

In both cases, we recommend that you structure your business around clear, consumer-friendly information about CBD that is in line with scientific research.

We recommend that you thoroughly examine your supplier beforehand. Focus on whether they follow all essential cannabis laws so that you avoid any legal troubles. You should only work with accredited shops and dealers of CBD products. Your supplier should show you that CBD products contain less than 0.3% of THC and are extracted from hemp. Check that they follow other legal guidelines issued by the authorities.

If you are looking for a partner to supply your CBD-related shop, Essentia Pura is a Slovenian company that offers the bulk sale of CBD extracts. We take pride in ensuring strict compliance with the law. We are a trusted wholesale partner for your CBD-oriented company with plenty of experience.

If you have any questions regarding the bulk sale of CBD and other products, as well as any legal questions about cannabis regulations in Luxembourg do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

What can the European Union learn from Luxembourg?

Europe can draw many important. In our opinion, the most important lesson is that the cannabis market and customers need certainty and predictability in order to organise and grow. A clear, bold, and straightforward approach in regards to cannabis, such as the one taken by the coalition government allowed the Luxembourg CBD market to become one of the leading powers in Europe when it comes to CBD. Regulation of low THC cannabis products sold in Luxembourg protects consumers, public health, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

So is CBD oil legal?

Luxembourg has a vibrant cannabis market that the whole of Europe can strive towards. Let us quickly recap the most important points:

  • CBD is derived from cannabis plants.
  • There are two important types of cannabis: marijuana and hemp.
  • Marijuana is considered part of narcotics due to its high THC content, but consumption and possession are decriminalised.
  • Medical cannabis is legal but still in the trial phase for pain treatment.
  • The government is introducing legislation that will make it legal to use marijuana for recreational purposes.
  • Selling, possessing, or cultivating large amounts of high THC marijuana can land you in jail.
  • Hemp is legal and you can cultivate it yourself.
  • You can buy CBD both online and in stores all around the country.
  • Selling CBD products to customers is straightforward and much easier than in other countries.

If you are interested in CBD laws in other countries around the world you are welcome to read our articles about:

Cannabigerol (CBG) Overview, Uses & Benefits

Cannabigerol, CBG in short, is another cannabinoid that is well represented in the plant Cannabis Sativa. There are more than a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, most of which are still unidentified. We know a whole lot about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and are becoming very fond of cannabidiol (CBD). But there are a handful of minor cannabinoids which are about to bust the door open into the market.

The first in the line is CBG! CBG is already being sold in the same forms as we can find CBD. CBG drops, CBG sprays, CBG gummies, CBG softgels, CBG mints, CBG skin care, CBG flowers.. It is either found alone or incorporated into CBD formulations in different ratios. What makes CBG different from CBD is a matter of scientific debate. Still, many users already report very positive results with their newfound cannabinoid. 

In this topic, we will explore how CBG is made and what the researchers think of it. We will explore which products are the best for CBG applications, what are the CBG benefits, how it stands on the market, and what the future holds for CBG.

What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?

It is quite interesting that CBG started to gain traction just recently, as the cannabis plant actually produces larger quantities of CBG than CBD or THC. It is really important to know how this magic happens! 

From Cannabigerolic acid, many cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBC,.. are born.

Where does CBG come from?

Most cannabinoids are biosynthesized by the cannabis plant during its flowering stage. When the buds and trichomes start forming, the chemicals olivetolic acid and geranyl diphosphate react together. The result of synthase is cannabigerol acid, CBG in its acid form. Out of cannabigerol acid (CBGa), several cannabinoids are formed from CBGa. reacting with different catalytic enzymes. 

This is also how CBD and THC are formed. Cannabis is always harvested at full maturity, either to produce ripe seeds for oil production or ripe flowers for CBD extraction. Hence, little CBG is present in cannabis at harvest as most CBG was transformed into CBD and other cannabinoids through molecular reaction changes.

Is CBG legal?

Especially in industrial cannabis varieties, suited for legal cultivation, we can find high levels of CBG even at harvest. This was achieved by selective breeding of cannabis varieties in which the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the formation of THCA from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is almost absent. 

The result is a cannabis variety with all the traits needed for commercial cultivation but without detectable levels of THC. The breeding to make low THC cannabis available for legal cultivation is what actually brought CBG cannabis varieties to life. 

Otherwise, the CBG compound is 100% legal all across the world since it does not fall into internationally controlled narcotic drugs under the 1961 Convention. There are no registered pharmaceutical drugs that contain cannabigerol, which could pose any other restriction on sales and consumption of the CBG compound.

Just recently, Panakeia was developed. The first cannabis variety that is completely free of THC and rich in CBG!

How is CBG made?

These varieties also made the production of CBG possible on a larger scale!  After harvesting CBG rich hemp biomass, we dry and cure the plants. To prepare them for extraction we finely mill the plant material. We then transport the ground CBG biomass to our lab facility where we process it using supercritical CO2. We obtain oil that is rich in cannabigerol acid. From here it is a pretty straightforward process to obtain CBG from CBGa via decarboxylation.

How CBG Affects the Human Body

Now we know that CBG is the parent molecule of the cannabinoid family, but how does this mother cannabinoid affect the human body? CBG affects cannabinoid receptors in the human body similar to CBD.

CBG antagonizes the CB1 receptor, meaning it has a blocking effect on the receptor which causes the “high” effect if activated. This makes CBG nonintoxicating. Similar to CBD, the binding on CB1 receptors with no action, produces 0 negative side effects. 

On the other hand, by binding and blocking CB1 receptors, we see a positive change in our bodies. As CB1 receptors are spread throughout our system, if they are blocked, they are calmed. This produces a “rest & relaxed” feeling as opposed to “fight or flight” feeling if CB1 receptors are stimulated.

When we are in the “Rest & relaxed” mode, or better in the parasympathetic state, we enable our body to calm, heal and regenerate.

On the second human cannabinoid receptor CB2, CBG has a more significant effect. Since it is a partial agonist on the CB2 receptor is has a clear action. Compared to CB1 receptors, which are located mainly in our central nervous system, we find CB2 receptors all around from hair to toes.

CBG flower resembles the traditional one very well. Usually, the flower appears whiter in color! As the plant stops developing further from Cannabigerolic acid, the trichomes never ripe.

Side effects of CBG

Patients that are using CBG to treat various issues report little negative side effects from its use. In a research survey many recommend it as a better and more effective option when compared to traditional medicine as the latter often presents with more unpleasant and long-term side effects or even addiction.

The main complaints from patients using CBG were dry mouth, sleepiness, hunger, and dry eyes. It is also important to note that just over half of the patients reported any of these side effects and others noticed none at all. The withdrawal symptoms were even less noticeable, with only about 15% reporting any. The most common symptom amongst those who endured any withdrawal was difficulty sleeping.

Although much more research needs to be carried out to conclude anything with certainty, these early results are very promising, showing minimal side effects and negligible withdrawal symptoms.

7 science-backed CBG Benefits 

So far, science has proven many beneficial effects of CBG on the human body. The list begins more general and then moves into more specific ones.

  1. By turning off and easing CB1 receptors, conditions that affect the central nervous system can be alleviated
  2. By acting on the CB2 receptors, conditions affecting organs can be alleviated
  3. Antibacterial effect: CBG was found to be effective against Gram-negative organisms like MRSA, by inhibiting the inner membrane of the pathogens
  4. Appetite stimulation: Cannabis was always an effective treatment for chemotherapy patients who suffered from loss of appetite. The effect was mostly attributed to THC. Now non-psychoactive CBG has been proven to have a massive appetite stimulative effect!
  5. Anti Inflammatory: CBG shows strong anti-inflammatory effects for patients who suffer inflammatory bowel disease like Chron’s disease. It can also alleviate neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis patients.
  6. Intraocular tension relieving: a significant reduction in ocular pressure was seen when administering CBG. The effects of fluid drainage from the eyes are very promising for treating glaucoma.
  7. Neuroprotective effect: CBG acts extremely active as a neuroprotectant, improving motor deficits and preserving striatal neurons. Great potential for preventing Huntington’s disease.

The stem cell of cannabinoids, CBG, has just begun to integrate into the scientific community. They believe CBG benefits may help to treat many ailments, from cancer to anxiety. While more cannabigerol research is welcome, the substance is non-toxic and non-addictive, even in therapeutic doses, so we welcome you to try it yourself!

CBG compared to CBDa, CBD and CBN

The mentioned substances are different cannabinoids that are either derived from the plant or are the result of the transformation of other substances. As we mentioned before, CBG is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant and is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids. But how is it different from other derivatives?

CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) is one of many compounds produced by cannabis and hemp. The molecules are usually found in the plant in their original form which is an acid. It is from this form that the other substances are made when the plant is exposed to heat. CBDA, for example, transforms into CBD. We could also say it is its raw form. It is a bit more difficult to get CBG however, because it is naturally present in smaller quantities. To get larger amounts, breeders need to resort to genetics and cross-breeding.

CBD is the most known and most widely studied cannabinoid. Compared to CBN, it is present in much larger quantities and thus more widely available. This is also their biggest difference. They are both non-intoxicating and possess similar therapeutic effect, binding to the same receptors in the brain.

CBN, also known as cannabinolthe is different in that it is derived from THC and does not come naturally from the plant. We could say it is a degraded version of it and has little to no psychoactive properties. The research around it is very limited but it does suggest that the compound stimulates appetite and reduces nausea, making it a promising help for treating anorexia. It is also said to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This said, we can see that its uses are very different to those of CBG.

Using and Manufacturing CBG Products

Consuming CBG

If using CBD products is already your domain, like CBD oil, trying CBG is not going to be much different. There are already a lot of CBG products to choose from. We would suggest starting with CBG drops, as it still proves to be the best method of delivery. It contains just two ingredients, the CBG oil, and the carrier oil. CBG drops also provide accurate dose gauging and are available in many different potencies, great for experimenting.

There is also a great rise in the popularity of CBG flowers. CBG Inflorescences contain very low levels of THC (<0.2%) naturally. So the CBG buds offer a great 100% legal alternative to CBD flowers! Vaporising CBG flowers is also an advantageous route of administration since CBG has an extremely low boiling point of 58°C. 

CBG is not as soluble in supercritical CO2 as CBD. But with the right parameters, our CBG extraction is flawless!

CBG manufacturing

At Essentia Pura, the CO2 extraction experts, we have already started CBG production. Although we don’t keep CBG products in regular offers, we are open to prepare any kind of CBG formulation according to your needs:

  • full spectrum CBG Oil
  • isolate infused CBG Oil
  • CBD : CBG full-spectrum oil in various ratios
  • CBD : CBG isolate oils in various ratios
  • CBG for pets
  • Skincare with CBG
  • CBG raw ingredients
  • And many more…

The Cannabigerol compound proves to be the next big thing in the cannabis industry. And to stay ahead of the market demands, we will add CBG products to our regular offer!

To give CBG products a try, head over to our website and complete the contact form. If you would like any further information on the topic, do not hesitate to reach us at info@essentiapura.com

8 minute read

Is CBD Legal in Belgium?

Belgium might be called the heart of the European Union, as the most important decision-makers of the EU are in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Naturally, this means that Belgium is among the first ones to implement the EU regulations, whatever the subject may be. Obviously, this is also true when it comes to CBD regulation.

CBD products are a fast-growing industry and as it often happens, regulation cannot quite keep up with the development of new products. The change in the CBD industry is so rapid that even when regulation tries to catch up it is often too late, or out of date and it can cause more harm than good. Such is, unfortunately, the case of Belgium and, perhaps, of the whole European Union. We, at Essentia Pura, believe that regulation of CBD products is needed, as it offers certainty to businesses and protects consumers from exaggerated health claims.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how Belgium regulates the CBD industry. By the end of this article you will know:

  • What is CBD?
  • What is the regulation of cannabis in Belgium?
  • How is CBD regulated in Belgium?
  • Where can you buy CBD in Belgium?
  • Can you legally sell CBD in Belgium?

CBD in Belgium

To start the article properly, we have to explain what CBD is.

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. So far we know that it is a part of the cannabis plant. The second important thing to learn is that CBD is associated with all kinds of possible health benefits.

We are sure all of you are at least somewhat familiar with cannabis, but we wish to explain a couple of things about the plant anyway. For starters, there are at least two major types of cannabis, and they differ significantly in their effects, as well as by their treatment in Belgian law.

Cannabis in Belgium

Marijuana is without a doubt the most well-known cannabis plant. It is usually included in the drug policy of a country, which is due to THC. THC is another part of cannabis, this one is responsible for the intoxicating feeling you get from using cannabis. As it affects your psychomotor functions, governments usually restrict its use and treat drug use as a public health issue.

Legally speaking, cannabis is not legal for personal use in Belgium although recreational cannabis use is decriminalized. Possession of cannabis products is tolerated if you have less than 3 grams of cannabis in your personal possession. This means that without any aggravating circumstances you should only be fined and not persecuted.

Furthermore, cannabis cultivation for personal use is also tolerated. This means that you can grow one (female) cannabis plant. Since the reform of the laws in Belgium in 2003, the cultivation of cannabis surged. It is now estimated that most of the cannabis consumed in Belgium is homegrown.

However, growing larger amounts of cannabis is illegal in Belgium and you can have major troubles because of it. Likewise, selling or distributing cannabis is considered illegal in Belgium.

As we mentioned cannabis consumption is growing in Belgium. Some of the interesting phenomena in the cannabis community are the so-called cannabis social clubs. These social clubs cultivate and harvest cannabis together. So far they were a couple of legal proceedings against these cannabis social clubs, but for the last couple of years, these cannabis social clubs are tolerated and operate without police interference.

Medical cannabis

As more and more scientists reach the conclusion that cannabis might come in handy for medical use, it is only natural to ask if medicinal cannabis is legal in Belgium?

According to a royal decree the prescription drug Sativex can be used to treat patients with multiple sclerosis. Other drugs based on cannabis are still not used in Belgium. Nonetheless, more and more people are calling for medicinal cannabis to be legalized, so we are hopeful that medical cannabis has a bright future in Belgium.

Wholesale CBD Products

Get a hold of our top-quality, market-proven CBD products that are ready to sell. Reach out to us today.

Wholesale CBD products

Hemp in Belgium

Hemp plants are the second type of cannabis in Belgium. The main difference between hemp flowers and marijuana is its THC content. Hemp does not contain THC, or if it does, THC content in hemp is insignificant. Essentially this means that if you use hemp you retain all the benefits of CBD while your psychomotor functions are not affected.

Cultivation of hemp plants is legal in Belgium, even for commercial purposes. We stress, however, that hemp must contain less than 0.2 % THC and that you must be granted a special permit by the Belgian government before you start plowing your fields.

CBD Regulation in Belgium

All of this might be quite confusing. So what is the legal status of CBD in Belgium? Well like most use of cannabis in Belgium, CBD products are in a grey area.

The current state of affairs is such that CBD oil for external personal use is legally sold in pharmacies around Belgium. On the other hand, CBD oil cannot be sold as a medicinal cannabis product or as a food supplement according to the laws in Belgium. This is due to the infamous Novel foods regulation, CBD food supplements are considered to be novel foods and require authorization before they can enter the market. The Belgian authorities have not granted such authorization. This practice meant that a lot of CBD stores around Belgium were raided by the police who then confiscated their products for lab analysis. The analysis of the products can take months, causing a lot of frustration and disruption to the business model of CBD entrepreneurs.

cbd laws

Where does this leave the Belgian CBD oil industry and the whole Belgian cannabis industry?

Unfortunately, not in a good place. Belgium had once been considered a great country for the CBD industry, akin to Switzerland. Nowadays, however, other European countries are quickly developing its cannabis market, while Belgians deal with new drug law that stifles innovation and restricts the use of cannabis.

But just because CBD products cannot be labeled as food supplements does not mean that CBD is not legal in Belgium. Hemp-produced CBD products are permitted, as we said above CBD for external use is available, on top of that you can buy dried hemp that is also rich in CBD and you can actually smoke them.

So things are not as bad as they look at first glance.

Buying CBD Oil in Belgium

You can buy CBD oil for external use in pharmacies all across Belgium. In addition to that, you can get Sativex if you have a prescription from your doctor, but other than that buying CBD oil products in Belgium is difficult. You can however buy dried cannabis hemp.

Thanks to the freedom of movement of goods you can now import CBD oil and similar products from other European countries. As CBD is not considered part of narcotic substances according to the EU law any restriction on cross-border sales is problematic. This means you have an incredible variety of online stores you can choose from. Nonetheless, we suggest you are careful and read the review of the store and avoid any stores that promise you over the top things. Furthermore, we suggest you search for products without THC or with less than 0.2 % THC, as anything more than that can land you in trouble with the authorities.

Custom Formulation With Private Label

Retail-ready formulas not your type? Reach out and develop your own custom formulation.

Private label CBD products

Selling CBD Oil in Belgium

If you want to sell CBD oil in your own store you have to be careful not to label your products as food supplements. If you do you can be subject to a police raid and your products can be confiscated. Even without labeling your products as food supplements, lots of business report issues with the authorities.

In any case, we recommend that you structure your business around clear, consumer-friendly information about CBD oil that is in line with scientific research. We recommend that you thoroughly examine your supplier beforehand. Focus on whether they follow all essential cannabis laws so that you avoid any legal troubles. You should only work with accredited buyers and dealers of CBD products. Your supplier should show you that CBD oil product contains less than 0.2% of THC and is extracted from hemp. Check that they follow other legal guidelines issued by the authorities.

If you are looking for a partner to supply your CBD-related shop, Essentia Pura is a Slovenian company that offers the bulk sale of CBD extracts. We take pride in ensuring strict compliance with the law. We are a trusted wholesale partner for your CBD-oriented company with plenty of experience. If you have any questions regarding the bulk sale of CBD oil and other CBD products, as well as any legal questions about cannabis regulations in Belgium, do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

Conclusion

So is CBD legal in Belgium?

The legal situation of CBD is complex, it is currently in a grey area. Let us quickly go through the most important points:

  • CBD is a component of cannabis.
  • Cannabis is legal for personal use and is growing in popularity.
  • Cannabis social clubs are a common thing in Belgium
  • Hemp can be grown for commercial purposes.
  • Medical cannabis is legal, although it can be accessed only if you have a prescription and is only used to treat multiple sclerosis.
  • CBD oil is legal only for external use and cannot be sold as food supplements.
  • CBD products sold in pharmacies/medical marijuana must get approval by a federal agency for medicines and health products (famhp).1
  • CBD products with THC below 0.2% and intended to be sold as food additives are regulated by federal public service, health, food chain safety, and the environment. This agency, though, does not consider CBD products with low THC as narcotics. Still, it classifies them as “dangerous plants” products per the Royal Decree of 31 August 2021, thus disallowing CBD foodstuff to market.2
  • However, hemp seeds and products with THC within permissible amounts are allowed for sale, but they must be supported by a certificate of analysis.2 This means that one can sell CBD products nationwide with specific documents. However, these products must meet specific criteria.
  • According to a Royal decree, you can buy and use dried hemp flowers.

Hopefully, this answered most of your questions regarding Belgian cannabis law, if you have any other questions, please contact us.

If you are interested in the legal status of CBD in other countries you can read our articles about:

The Rising Trend of CBD Edibles: CBD Gummies

The most popular CBD product remains CBD oil in the form of CBD drops. While the bottle and pipette might look archaic, CBD drops are the most convenient and effective solution for those who seek CBD benefits. It is also the first product which was made CBD consumption available. And if something works, why fix it? 

But we always try to find new and creative ways to spice up our cuisine and so is with CBD. As shown in one of the previous blogs on the most innovative CBD products, CBD already made itself available in almost every form imaginable. And why reinvent the wheel, when we can just incorporate CBD into the recipe we desire.

This is what happened with CBD gummies. A hundred-year-old formulation by a German confectioner named Hans Riegel just got reinvented. First, the sweet jellies were popularised with infused THC in the legal states and countries. Now sweets are available in the non-intoxicated CBD variant all around the world.

A Novel (& Delicious) Method of Consuming CBD Oil

CBD just got available in everyone’s sweetest childhood memory! It is not just the CBD gummy bears, the cannabidiol is available in every jelly form possible. CBD gummies are found in shapes of cubes, spheres, animals, fruits, hearts, hats,  stars, and rainbows,.. We can taste CBD gummies in various flavours and they can taste sweet, sour, tart, juicy,.. The CBD gummy can be also available sugar-free, gluten-free, THC-free and vegan.

Essentia Pura CBD gummies come in 4 different tasty fruit flavors!

The shapes, flavours and colour are limitless and provide for an exciting CBD experience. But most importantly, CBD gummies have a precise CBD content. This enables the user to have an accurate amount of CBD intake with every serving.

Benefits of CBD gummies

The practical solution of having the desired dose of CBD intake with every gummy is what makes them worth it. CBD gummies come in various strengths, but whether we have a 10mg CBD gummies we can:

  • Consume a CBD gummy in the morning to take on a new task with more enthusiasm
  • Take two 10mg CBD gummies when we want a Sunday to be what it is supposed to be
  • And take 3 of them to ease out after a long day and enjoy the well earned rest

All in all, CBD gummies seem to be the perfect treat for us on many occasions! But with all the great things they offer, there can be some risks involved.

Precautions to take with CBD gummies

Like with every CBD product, there is always a risk the product might not contain what it claims to. Even when purchasing from a reputable company, make sure to start slow and take just 1 gummy first, or even better, half of it. 

The CBD content might not be accurate and off the charts. CBD No-THC gummies could contain higher concentrations of THC than declared. Solvent residues or other chemicals can be leftover in the gummies from CBD extraction which may lead to undesired side effects.

Drug interactions apply and can happen with CBD gummies in case we are already on certain medications.

Legality of CBD Edibles

The legality of CBD edibles is still uncertain in the European Union. Most of the EU member states have taken the Novel Food Catalogue seriously and are not allowing CBD in any form as a food or food ingredient.

CBD drops can still be marketed as cosmetics or aromatics. Edibles, such as CBD gummies, are a bit more conflicting. It is tougher for the gummies to be marketed as technical products, products for external use or collector’s items.


Anyhow, since CBD is not an illicit substance, there no law breaching when doing business with gummies or consuming them.

Most consumers already took CBD to their hearts and believe in the safety of it. We can all just hope for the quickest Novel Food process for CBD and the other beneficial cannabinoids.

*Since gummies are a form of CBD candy, they are very attractive for children. Because of this, especially where THC consumption is legal, cannabis infused gummies like hemp gummy bears are prohibited. The situation is similar to the ban of nicotine e-juices, where the sweet flavours attracted the younger population. Use and store CBD gummies responsibly, so they will not share the same fate!

Whitelabel CBD gummies from Essentia Pura are packed in a childproof container which also prevents sunlight degradation!

Typical CBD Dosage & Duration of CBD Gummies

How many CBD gummies should you eat is mostly dependent on the CBD concentration of the gummies. If the CBD candy is formulated with CBD isolate, the CBD isolate gummies should be pretty safe with any dosage.

For Cannabidiol, there is no official dosage, but the World Health Organisation assigns CBD a very good safety profile. Food Safety Agency in the UK recommends a daily intake of 70mg CBD for a healthy adult. In Canada, where Cannabis is fully legalized there is no upper limit of daily CBD intake. 

Once we know the active convent of the CBD candy, the following factors are to be considered when determining the right dosage:

  • The persons sex, age and body weight
  • What is subject’s tolerance and response to CBD 
  • Interactions with foods and other drugs

If however, the CBD gummies are made from broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extracts, the other compounds must be taken into consideration. Be especially wary of the D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, which if too high, can produce undesirable intoxicating effects 

Manufacturing CBD-infused Gummies & Food

As CBD is still not fully accepted as a food ingredient by authorities, we opted for the safer route. At Essentia Pura, our main drive is full-spectrum CBD, but for CBD infused food we chose THC-free. The CBD no-THC gummies are manufactured with isolated cannabidiol. This offers the safest delivery of CBD for every person of every age.

Essentia Pura White label CBD gummies are made with pectin instead of gelatin, which makes them vegan CBD candies. They are available in 4 different natural flavours:

  • Raspberry
  • Lemon-Lime
  • Mango
  • Strawberry

The White label CBD candies do not contain any of the following allergens: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and are completely gluten-free.

The White label CBD gummies are available in concentrations of 10mg and 25mg per serving. 

The plastic packaging is opaque, which provides UV protection preventing the degradation of CBD. The non-transparent packaging also prevents the kids to be tempted by the sweets, for whom there is also a child-resistant lid.

Whether you would like to buy the CBD candies in bulk or just order a sample of our CBD sweet jellies to try, send us an e-mail or complete our contact form.

11 minute read

Top 5 CBD Dropshipping Suppliers in Europe [2023 update]

What do CBD products and dropshipping have in common? To start, they are both fairly new to the average consumer in Europe. But more importantly, they gained their popularity with the rise of online shopping. With CBD oil products rapidly rising in prominence and becoming a multi billion dollar market in the world, with a great outlook, a lot of people are trying to find their place in this upwards trend. We at Essentia Pura will try our best to explain the possibility that CBD dropshipping offers in this exciting industry.

What is CBD dropshipping

As with any topic, we believe it is best to start with the basics. So, what is CBD and what is dropshipping and is there a good enough market for CBD dropshipping?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive substance derived from the cannabis plant with great health potential. CBD started trending in recent years as a legal cannabis-derived ingredient in various products. Thanks to the internet, CBD hype grew rapidly, and thanks to e-commerce it was made readily available to everyone. At the same time the rapidly growing e-commerce industry also rediscovered dropshipping. 

Dropshipping is a retail business model where the retailer offers products to consumers, but the product moves directly from the wholesaler or manufacturer to the final consumer, without being handled or stored by the retailer, thus significantly reducing your operating costs.

This service was already known in the previous century, mostly via telephone and mail orders. In the era of online shopping, dropshipping has resurged. With companies such as e-bay, Amazon, AliExpress, and Shopify getting involved, dropshipping has exploded.

Having someone else do the shipping and packaging, without keeping stock, saves a lot of time and energy!

Dropshipping, the e-commerce model that is redefining the industry, and CBD, the ultimate wellness product. Don’t they seem like the perfect combination? If you are interested in finding out how dropshipping and CBD oil products fit together and if dropshipping is the right strategy for your business, read below!

Selling CBD Products From Home

The main advantage of dropshipping is its simplicity. From the comfort of your home, you can run your business without most of the hassle. 

How to start a CBD dropshipping business

If you are interested in trying out CBD dropshipping there are some things to consider.

The first step is carefully researching the market you want to enter, this means researching if there is proper demand for CBD oil and who your main competitors are. It is always recommended to check the legal status of CBD oil in your preferred market. The legal status is important as it can effect how you can market your CBD dropshipping business.

The next step is choosing the product, in best case scenario, this should be a product you identified as interesting during your market research. Now you have to choose the supplier who offers the product you are interested in. The only thing that is left is finding consumers to purchase the product from you and get it shipped from your supplier to your consumer. Without any costs involved in manufacturing, storing, and logistics, you become the armchair middleman and collect your markup.

Market-Ready CBD products

Launch your CBD brand hassle-free by leveraging our white label CBD products. Shift your focus to strategic marketing.

White Label solution

All of this seems pretty easy, and we will help you even further with the list of trusted European dropshippers. The only thing you have to do is to find buyers and generate traffic. 

Building your brand starts with choosing a brand name, a logo, and establishing a website. Increasing your online presence can be done with blogs, posts on social media like Facebook, and through influencers from Youtube and Instagram. You can also rank your website on search engines and pay for Google Ads to increase your visibility in the market. 

Increasing your online presence with digital marketing is an art of its own. And if that is your thing, dropshipping is the way! You can fully focus on your brand, from the design to customer support, while your dropshipping partner will take care of the rest.

If venturing into CBD business, dropshipping is the tool of the trade!

Pros of CBD dropshipping 

So far dropshipping looks like the ideal business model to get involved in CBD sales. Let’s explore some of the upsides and benefits it offers.

Low setting up costs 

The website and brand design are the biggest costs involved before you are fully operational. If you have the skills required to do it yourself, or if you perhaps already have an up and running online store, you are almost covered! As explained above, you will not bear any packaging or storage costs, which can be significant as they include labor costs for packaging and rental costs for storage.

No stock 

As you are shipping everything from your CBD dropshipping company, you do not have to stock your inventory yourself, again significantly reducing costs and freeing your time to pursue business development.

No Inventory 

No inventory means you do not have to worry about CBD products being unsold or expiring. In addition to that you also do not have to deal with the transport logistics and have far greater flexibility to transition to different suppliers if you so choose.

Scalability 

If you see that your sales are increasing and you project the increase to continue, you do not have to expand your personnel, production or storage, but can only pour the extra profits into further marketing activities to expand your reach and grow your business.

Custom Formulations Private Label Solution

With a smooth product development process we can create private-label CBD products specific to your needs. Feel free to give us a call and share your idea with us without hesitation.

See private label

Cons of CBD dropshipping 

As any business activity, CBD dropshipping is not always smooth sailing. These are some of the disadvantages you might encounter along the way:

Long delivery times

As you are not keeping your own inventory, it can take longer to dispatch the order after it was paid, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Always carefully consider the terms and conditions of your suppliers, as you grow you might even have some power to influence their delivery times.

Quality control 

The orders are not fulfilled by you so you cannot know whether the shipped product was defective. This is why you should always carefully research your suppliers and only deal with properly certified companies that can back up their claims with lab confirmed quality control certificates.

No bulk discounts 

Selling large quantities does not result in better prices as with purchasing the same amounts wholesale, however you must be aware that your final operating costs are still lower, so this might even work out in your favor.

Refunds are costly 

If the customers are not satisfied with the delivered CBD products and these are returned you may have to cover the costs involved.

Most of the cons above vary depending on the terms you agreed with your CBD drop shipping partner, which you may not be able to influence at the start. 

Every CBD dropshipping company has its own dropshipping system, which one is the most suitable for your CBD business?

If you have the skills and resources, you can do the brand and package design yourself. Otherwise, hiring a professional might be feasible!

Who in Europe can help you with dropshipping CBD products

Choose wisely when selecting your CBD dropshipper. The price of CBD products is important, but it is not the only thing that counts. Do not overlook the quality of the CBD products, how they are produced and what packaging is used. Be especially cautious on the dropshipping terms and conditions so you do not get caught up in legal trouble, if you want to reorient your business!

1 Cibdol

The Dutch CBD manufacturer Cibdol is one of the leaders in the European market. They use hemp of the highest quality as they take care of their product from the seeds onwards. This is why they regularly test the soil the hemp grows in and only work with trusted and proven suppliers. FUrthermore they produce their CBD products in state of the art Swiss laboratories, with a special process aimed at eliminating impurities in their products and thus setting a high bar in quality control. The quality of the product is ensured by a independent third party lab.

Their sales and customer service team is always at your disposal to support you and help you to optimize and grow your business.

If you are ready to start your CBD adventure, try and contact them to set the terms of your cooperation!

2 Global Cannabinoids

This US-based CBD company from Nevada is one of the biggest global distributors of CBD products. Partnered with US hemp farmers and processors, their supply chain reaches wholesalers and retailers to all parts of the world. 

Their CBD range will satisfy most CBD consumer’s needs, but what stands out is their unique dropshipping program. In addition to standard dropshipping order fulfillment, they will, in a matter of weeks, set you up with everything you need to start your CBD business! From website design to logo and label design and label print. 

They offer 1 on 1 consulting on branding and even take care of credit card payment processing. 

Check out their website https://www.cbdstartup.io/ for more information about their plans and pricings. With the basic subscription, your CBD store can be up and running in just a week!

The subscription plans are not cheap, but considering the value, it is a viable option for those without an existing CBD business.

3 The Real CBD

The Real CBD is a family-owned business from Spain. The Spanish hemp, CO2 extraction, and their passion for CBD are making the customers happy since 2017. With +4 years of experience in the (wholesale) hemp industry, they strive to provide you support, insights, and tips to get your own CBD platform off the ground.

Their dropshipping program is simple, free and available for Europe, the UK, Canada, Mexico and The United States. If you have a webshop ready, contact the sales team at info@therealcbd.com, to receive their dropshipping package.

The Real CBD can supply:

  • Organic full-spectrum CBD oils
  • CBD products for pets and animals
  • Water-soluble CBD Powder
  • CBD topicals/beauty products
  • CBP Vape products
  • CBD supplements
  • CBD candy

Your profit margin is based on the volume of sales, and you can cancel anytime at no charge!

4 Reakiro

The Polish CBD Powerhouse is one of the biggest players in the region. Reakiro, a HACCP/GMP certified manufacturer and supplier of full-spectrum CBD oils, creams and capsules is offering their dropshipping program at no startup costs!

This dropshipping program a classic one, but Reakiro’s CBD product range and prices are not to pass. Fill the form here to apply, and get access to 50% discounts, free shipping and no MOQs, and to never worry again about:

  • Managing or paying for a warehouse
  • Packing and shipping your orders
  • Continually ordering products and managing stock level
  • Paying sales tax, import duties, customs fees, etc.
Simple, yet effective!

5 JM-Wholesale

If you are from the UK and looking for a drop shipping partner, JM-Wholesale might be just the one for you! Founded in 2017, JM-Wholesale is now UK’s largest wholesaler within the vaping, CBD, and smoking categories. With them, you will have access to an impressive diversity of CBD products by leading CBD brands, which can be dropshipped to 180 countries around the world.

JM’s advanced dropshipping program is a fully integrated and fully automated dropshipping solution. You can now upload CBD products, sync inventory & route orders with their drop shipping system to virtually any online store, marketplace, or e-commerce platform. (Woocommerce, Shopify, Weebly,.)

They provide world-class fulfilment of any scale, 24/7 support, and they even help you create a website for your new business. 

All you need to do is focus on marketing and growing your business!

The Premium package obviously costs more. but considering the fees are smaller, the returns are way higher if the volume of sales is there.

Working With CBD Dropshippers

Dropshipping CBD has never been easier, as there are plenty of CBD suppliers to choose from! The choice might not be an easy one. 

If you are new to the e-commerce world, we suggest the following CBD drop shipping tips :

  • Start with a free program or the least expensive subscription plan.
  • Choose a well established CBD brand before starting your private label.
  • Begin with one product to get the feel of things and diversify later.
  • Always order a sample to see its quality, from content to packaging.
  • Make sure the parcel will have only your details and not from your CBD drop shipping partner. You do not want to lose customers this way!
  • Focus on the marketing aspects on what will drive the business and what will increase traffic.
  • Try to get the most out of the free consulting your CBD dropshipping partner offers. Knowledge is gold! 

If you are already operating in the online sales, but new to the CBD world, make sure your CBD dropshipper should:

  • Provide you with full and correct company information, do not fall for frauds and scams. Check the authenticity through reviews and details and publicly available company reports.
  • Be transparent and responsive in communication.
  • Provide you with quality-controlled products backed up by lab reports and certificates.
  • Ensure product traceability with batch id and lot numbers.
  • Set terms on delivery times, order insurance and product returns.

Is CBD dropshipping profitable

We believe that with the right CBD dropshipping company, your CBD sales have tremendous potential to be profitable, as your operating costs are low and your risk is small. You should prepare a sound business plan and maintain a good grip on your other expenses while maintaining focus on customer acquisition. It is a well-known fact that loyal customers will be your biggest asset and your path to scaling your business! Nevertheless, you should always keep in mind that a dropshipping business is only successful if itis backed by a professional company providing you with reliable supply and quality-assured products. 

Essentia Pura Is One Of The leading CBD manufacturers and suppliers in Europe. We do not offer Dropshipping, as we do not have a B2C brand and we specialize in White Label and Private Label CBD Products for your CBD business. So in case you are looking for what we believe are the Highest-Quality CBD Products At Great Wholesale Prices labelled under your brand, Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us! Use The Contact Form Here Or Send Us An Inquiry At Info@Essentiapura.Com

9 minute read

Is CBD legal in Sweden?

Sweden is often thought of as a very open-minded and liberal country. In this article, we want to explore if this is also true for its regulation of CBD products.

As you might know, CBD products have enormous growth potential and are already a fast-growing market in the western world. There are different explanations on why this is the case, but we believe it is based on recent scientific discoveries that are showing a possible link of CBD use to health benefits. Although the jury is still out on this one and the benefits are not conclusively proven yet, we think this is already showing in consumer behaviour and investment opportunities.

All rapidly expanding markets pose all sorts of questions. But, when it comes to products that people consume for their health benefits or for relaxing effects on their body, it is especially important to be certain that these products are of the highest possible quality.

This is usually where governmental regulation comes in, but because governmental apparatus can be slow, this regulation is often not up to date. Unfortunately, this means that it does not meet the needs of consumers and companies. We at Essentia Pura want to explain the often difficult legal language in layman terms, so you can make informed decisions when it comes to CBD oil and related products.

In this article we will:

  • Explain what CBD is.
  • Tell you the possible use of CBD.
  • Explain is CBD oil legal in Sweden.
  • Explain the conditions under which CBD can be used in Sweden.
  • Give you some tips on where to buy CBD.
  • Give you some advice on how to start your own CBD business.

What is CBD

For some of you, CBD might be just another new acronym or another trend on social media that you cannot quite keep up with. So what exactly is CBD?

Well, CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. This is still a lot to take in, isn’t it?

The first thing to note is, that CBD has something to do with the cannabis plant. In fact, you should think about it as a component of the cannabis plant. Each cannabinoid found in the plant has its own effect, making the plant an interesting botanical phenomenon. We know that many of you view cannabis in the same basket as other dangerous drugs, but we wish to change this view at least a little bit.

CBD Wholesale products Made in Europe

Get a hold of our top-quality, market-proven CBD products that are ready to sell. Reach out to us today.

CBD Wholesale products

Cannabis in Sweden

To understand CBD laws, we have to take a closer look at the cannabis plant. There are at least two major types of cannabis plants: industrial hemp and marijuana. The law usually distinguishes between them and the difference is crucial for CBD oil.

Marijuana in Sweden

People usually know marijuana for its intoxicating effect. The “high feeling” that you get from using marijuana is an effect of another one of those cannabinoids – THC. Because THC impairs your psychomotor functions it is considered a narcotic substance. Consequently, it is included in the narcotics regulation in Sweden.

Marijuana is therefore not legal in Sweden. According to the law, it is illegal to be under the influence of any illegal drug in Sweden, this effectively means that even recreational use of marijuana is not permitted.

It goes almost without saying that the cultivation and sale of narcotic drugs are also prohibited.

Medical cannabis

You might ask yourself if you can use marijuana for your health condition? After all, a growing number of European countries allow marijuana as a medicine.

Unfortunately, Sweden is not among them. On the contrary, a woman claiming that she used marijuana only to alleviate the effects of her illness was punished even harder. Apparently, the court considered that she lacked the motivation to stop using the drug.

Although there were some changes in 2017 and cannabis for medicine is allowed now, we do not see a clear path for medical cannabis rich in THC to break through in Sweden. We will of course keep a close eye on this and let you know if anything changes.

Medicinal research

Industrial hemp

The second important type of cannabis is industrial hemp. Unlike marijuana, hemp has virtually no THC but is nonetheless very rich in CBD. We have to stress that virtually no THC does not mean that its THC content is zero, there is still a very small amount of THC present in hemp.

However, this means that you can retain the health benefits of CBD and not have any of the “side effects” of THC use.

Do the laws recognise this distinction? Yes, it does. Hemp has been used in Sweden for centuries, which means that there is also a historical and cultural reason to regulate it more leniently than marijuana.

CBD oil in Sweden

The logical conclusion would be that CBD extracted from industrial hemp is legal, while CBD extracted from marijuana is not legal in Sweden. Unfortunately, Swedish laws are a bit more complicated than that.

Swedish supreme court ruled in 2019 that CBD oil and other products are not legal in Sweden if they contain THC1. This means that if any trace of THC content is present in CBD oil, this product is immediately treated as a narcotic drug. We can say that this recent ruling by the supreme court is both a curse and a blessing.

It is a blessing because it finally clears up the regulatory situation of CBD and gives companies some form of security. On the other hand, it is a curse, because the threshold for cannabidiol products to be considered part of the narcotics is incredibly high. For example, the amount of THC usually allowed in hemp across Europe is 0,2%, the zero percent limit that is in force in Sweden is much harsher.

white label cbd

With differences in regulation across the European Union, we must ask ourselves what happens if you buy CBD oil in Italy and bring it to Sweden? Are you then persecuted as if you would be in possession of narcotics, even though the product is legal in Italy?

A recent ruling of the European Court of Justice might shed some light on this. Following the reasoning of the court, you should be fine because freedom of movement of goods is a fundamental principle of the EU. Moreover, the EU removed CBD from the list of narcotics, so Swedish harsh treatment of CBD is under increasing pressure. Nonetheless, we will have to wait and see what happens in the future.

You should think about the Swedish legal case, as well as the EU one, as the Court asking the regulators to set clear rules about this popular substance.

Regretfully, to date, things are not getting better in Sweden. In fact, by 2023, they have gotten worse. It is now almost impossible to sell CBD products that are even THC-free in Sweden.

The problem in Sweden has been with the Medical Product Agency. This agency is responsible for deciding what product is considered a medicine and what is a food supplement. This agency is also responsible for approving medical drugs.

Medical Product Agency in Sweden decided that any CBD product must get their approval as a medicine. It means without the authorization of the agency, it is not possible to sell CBD products. However, proving that CBD product is medicine can be highly challenging. It means that even THC-free CBD products are almost impossible to sell legally in Sweden.2,3 This decision by Medical Product Agency to classify THC-free CBD products as medicine led to some companies filing legal proceedings against the agency. However, the law court has ruled in favor of the Medical Product Agency. Thus, almost closing the Swedish market for CBD products.4

Where to buy CBD oil in Sweden?

If you are thinking about buying CBD oil in Sweden you used to have plenty of options. It was readily available across plenty of health and food stores. The court ruling changed this. Now there are fewer CBD oil products on offer, but there is still some choice.

You can still find CBD oil in some health food stores, but we advise you to check if they have any THC content.

How to sell CBD oil in Sweden?

If you are thinking of setting up a CBD oil shop in Sweden, this is a bit more tricky. But do not be discouraged, setting up your own company is possible!

As we explained above CBD oil containing THC is not legal according to the laws. Furthermore, if your CBD oil is THC-free you still have to go through a rigorous approval process before you can sell it. You have to register your products at the Swedish medical agency. We advise you to talk to a local legal expert that will take you through this process.

Nonetheless, there are some decisions you can make before you get the approval for your CBD oil. First of all, you should choose your supplier of hemp or CBD – this is important because the authorities will want to test the products. Choosing your supplier is crucial and you should thoroughly check them.

We at Essentia Pura specialise in the bulk sale of CBD products and are compliance-oriented. If you want to know more, please visit our website or just contact us at our email address. Our staff will get back to you shortly to try and work out an optimal path for your new business.

Then, you should decide if you want to have an in-person store, or if you only want to sell your CBD oil products online. This means taking a clear look at the costs of each option and analysing foot traffic for the in-person store and just generally testing the market around you.

Private label custom formulations

Retail-ready formulas not your type? Reach out and develop your own custom formulation.

Private label CBD cosmetics

Future of CBD market in Sweden

As a result of the 2019 supreme court ruling, a lot has changed in the Swedish CBD oil market. Although CBD oil with THC is not allowed, we are hopeful that the Swedish medical agency will put forward new regulations that will allow CBD oils containing small amounts of THC. Such a change in the laws could bring new demand for CBD oil in the country. Above all, it would bring the laws closer to those of other countries in Europe and regulate the substance in a clear way. We hope that in the years to come, the CBD industry will continue to grow in countries around the world.

Conclusion

So is CBD oil legal in Sweden? Let us quickly review what we learned.

  • CBD is a component of the cannabis plant.
  • Marijuana is not legal and is considered a drug.
  • The use of marijuana is prohibited.
  • Medical marijuana is not yet popular in the country.
  • Hemp is legal and is getting more popular.
  • CBD oil containing no THC is legal to buy and use.
  • If you wish to sell the substance you have to register the product with the Swedish medical agency
  • You cannot sell CBD products without registering with the Swedish medical agency, even if it is THC-free.

We hope this answered most of your questions regarding the use of CBD in Sweden. If you wish an answer to a different question, do not hesitate to contact us online. Our staff will take the time to answer all of your questions and view your email as soon as possible.

If you are interested in the regulation of CBD in other countries, you are welcome to read our articles covering:

What Are Terpenes? Types, Benefits & Effects

Would you imagine living without smell? These days, the idea doesn’t sound so incredible, as due to the global COVID19 pandemic, many of us experienced what a world without smell is like. The food, for example, becomes pretty bland. But most importantly, we lose one of our important senses! It’s kinda scary to think that our house can catch fire and we would just ignore the smoke because we cannot detect it with our noses.

Now, the spring is knocking on the door, and we just cannot wait to experience nature in its full bloom through our noses. And who is responsible for all these exciting scents the natural world provides? The terpenes! They are the building blocks of aromas and they make smelling an adventure! Terpenes are found in plants, from their roots to their fruits, as well as in different kinds of animals.

Plants and animals emit terpenes for various reasons.

The terpenes are around us all the time! Walking through a pine forest, we just deeply inhale and absorb the most abundant terpene found in nature, Pinene. In the morning we smell the coffee brewing. The pleasant Coffees’ aroma is mostly attributed to the terpenes cafestol and kahweol which are present in coffee as esters of fatty acids. And I think most of us have experienced what happens when we try to throw the green smelly bug (Nezara viridula) out of the window. The poor thing being in danger activates its defense mechanism and releases the bisabolene-type sesquiterpenes. These terpenes produce an unpleasant smell for us and other potential predators!

What are terpenes in cannabis?

And so would cannabis, without its terpenes, lose a big component. For the cannabis plant, terpenes are existential. Many plants might use terpenes to attract insects, who unknowingly act as pollinators of the plant which is vital for plant reproduction. In the cannabis plant, the terpenes act as a defense mechanism. The terpenes in cannabis are mostly functioning as repellents. The strong smell emitted by terpenes makes the cannabis flower unappealing for insects and other animals. The terpenes also protect the cannabis flower from being damaged by UV light, other external factors, and diseases spread by fungi and bacteria.

The terpenes in cannabis are concentrated in its flower. The flower is the most important part of the plant and needs to be protected the most! In the flower, the seeds are produced, which are crucial for reproduction. Terpenes are formed in the flower’s trichomes (meaning “hair” in Greek). 

In these trichomes, most cannabinoids and terpenes are formed and found. The cannabis plant might just be the most hybridized plant on earth. And considering it was mostly bred to produce the highest concentrations of cannabinoids, the terpene concentration also soared. As a result of this targeted breeding to maximize the cannabinoid and terpene content, the cannabis plant became one of, if not the most aromatic plant in the world!

The cannabis plant is covered in trichomes, which are mostly concentrated in its flower, especially around the calyx (seedpod). In the trichomes, most cannabinoids and terpenes are produced.

Potential Benefits of Terpenes

The aromatic properties of cannabis are not there to just make the whole experience more exciting. We know that cannabinoids, which are almost exclusively found in the cannabis plant, are mostly praised for their therapeutic potential. But what about terpenes, which are widely spread all over the plant kingdom? 

It is merely 200 years ago that we transitioned from plant-based medicine to pharmaceuticals. Throughout human history, to treat health issues, man relied mostly on infusions, tinctures, and ointments from botanical sources. In most cases in whole-plant medicine, the aromatic component of the botanical is carried into our system. If and how much value do terpenes add to plant-based medicine is hard to say. But in the case of cannabis, it is believed the effect is pretty significant!

The Entourage effect

For the cannabis entourage effect to manifest at its fullest, the cannabinoid compounds are not enough. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which structurally very similar to cannabinoids, play an important role in the entourage effect! 

  • Terpenes can potentiate the effects of cannabinoids, they can limit cannabinoid activity 

Myrcene, the most common terpene found in cannabis, takes the sedative effects of CBD to another level. While Limonene can diminish the negative side effects of THC related to anxiety.

  • Terpenes can produce an effect on their own, while the effects of combined terpenes can be pronounced. 

Α-pinene, which is found to have great anti-inflammatory action, has a much stronger effect when combined with terpenes linalool and 1-octanol.

  • Some terpenes even influence the endocannabinoid system directly!

The terpene Β-caryophyllene is actually considered a phytocannabinoid since it has a strong affinity to the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. It has strong antiviral and antibacterial effects and is found in a lot of plants other than cannabis.

Terpene benefits

Following this recent study, we can check all the positive effects of terpenes. Although we still cannot say for sure, what concentration of terpenes and which method of delivery is required for the desired effect to be achieved in humans.

A look at other studies confirming terpene benefits:

  • A-pinene with its anticonvulsant activity reduces seizures, and it can also provide stroke prevention.
  • falcarinol is a terpene that acts similar to CBD and is a covalent cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist. Together, they show great potential as a cure for acne.
  • Limonene and Elemene are already clinically proven for cancer treatment. Following the link, we can also see the potential of other terpenes and how they stop tumor growth.

Throughout human history, the interest in terpenes was always present in cooking and aromatherapy.

How terpenes affect the body

As seen above, terpenes are magnificent plant substances, that can help us in many ways. But how do we take the most advantage out of terpenes? We must take a closer look at the consumption of these delicate compounds. 

Smoking and  Vaporising

Absorbing terpenes through our lungs provides the highest bioavailability, meaning their intake is most effective. Although with smoking, a lot of terpenes are destroyed by the heat of combustion before they can reach our system. With vaporization, the terpene delivery from cannabis is the best route of administration. Inhaling the vapor, we can really taste the terpenes, and their effect is also pronounced.

By varying our vaporizing temperature, we can tailor in which direction the effects will flow. By upping the temperature to 200°C, sedative terpenes myrcene (167°C) and linalool (198°C)  will be emitted into the vapor, leading to more relaxing effects. Staying below 170°C, our experience will be more energizing as only terpenes such as pinene (156°C) will be vaporized

Terpene Boiling Points

Oral consumption

Oral administration is not as effective, especially if we eat terpenes. Before terpenes enter into our bloodstream through the peroral route, they are subject to digestion. They are affected by liver metabolism, enzymatic degradation, and other physiological factors. There’s is a very little amount of terpenes that actually makes it into our system this way.

A better delivery method, if we use tinctures or paste products, is to dose terpene-rich products sublingually or buccally. Dosing terpenes under the tongue allows them to bypass the metabolic process of digestion and terpenes are absorbed directly.

Topical application

The application of terpenes on the skin is very popular with essential oils used in massages. The relaxing experience is much more enjoyable with the inhalation of pleasant aromas, and our skin also benefits from terpene absorption. Compared to cannabinoids, which hardly penetrate the skin, terpenes can even reach the bloodstream. This is especially the case with hydrophilic (water-soluble) terpenes. 

As our skin has huge amounts of water in it, hydrophobic substances such as cannabinoids have a hard time getting through. Some terpenes are also hydrophobic, but those which are water-soluble are more likely to be absorbed into the skin, faster and in higher concentrations. They can even act as carriers and help substances like CBD penetrate further!

And not to mention the natural scents the terpenes can provide, when formulated into skincare items!

Are terpenes safe?

In the amounts found in nature, terpenes should be very safe. Nobody should expect a negative reaction, when they are, for example, peeling an orange. Even though the orange skin is rich in terpene limonene, our fingers shouldn’t be hurt by that amount of limonene. (unless we are allergic to it.) But when concentrated, limonene in the pure form becomes very powerful, and can even act as a solvent to extract CBD!

Some terpenes are even more aggressive and can melt materials like epoxy if they fall o the lab’s floor. So we can only imagine what would happen if a pure terpene, undiluted, comes into contact with our skin. Even essential oils are in some cases dangerous and must be diluted before they are applied to the skin.

Cannabis flower has a natural presence of terpenes in a concentration of 1-5% of total weight. And so should cannabis products contain a similar concentration of terpenes and not go beyond 10%. Especially with vaping products, a terpene content higher than 10%, shows alarming airway and lung irritations.

Types Of Terpenes

There are more than 20000 of these fragrant substances. Terpenes, which are unsaturated hydrocarbons produced mostly by plants, can also be modified, mostly by oxidation. Then they become terpenoids, and together with terpenes, their unique count quickly jumps over 50000.

Various Herbs and their terpene profiles

In the cannabis plant, there are more than 400 unique terpenes identified. But here we will only list the 10 most common ones:

Myrcene: this monoterpene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. Praised for its relaxing, sedating, and pain-relieving effects, myrcene has also great neuroprotective properties.

Found in: found in thyme, bay leaves and hops,

Pinene: Another monoterpene, very common in cannabis, boasts cytogenetic, gastroprotective, anxiolytic, cytoprotective, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective effects. It is also praised for its memory-enhancing properties and is said to diminish the short-term memory loss caused by THC intoxication.

Found in: Coniferous pine Trees, Basil, Parsley

Caryophyllene: Of the major sesquiterpenes encountered in the Cannabis plant, alpha, and especially  Beta-Caryophyllene are most represented. Caryiophyllenes are natural bicyclic sesquiterpenes, found in countless plants, not just cannabis, which influences our endocannabinoid system. Especially β‐caryophyllene provides anticancer and analgesic action.

Found in: rosemary, and hops, black pepper

Linalool: The soothing calming effects of lavender popular in aromatherapy and folk medicine are attributed to the monoterpene linalool.

Found in: several medicinal plants and also in purple varieties of cannabis, linalool proves to have the best anxiolytic properties.

D-Limonene: together with pinene, Limonene is the most common monoterpene found in nature. Limonene has great antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens, that’s why lemon juice is added to preserve the food freshness! This terpene is a big component of cannabis terpene profiles and is believed to enhance the antimicrobial properties of cannabinoids.

Found in: Fruits, especially citrus, lemon-smelling herbs like lemongrass

Terpinene: are monoterpenes of which the most common in cannabis is terpinolene, are said to contain antimicrobial activity similar to limonene. Terpinenes can relieve sleep problems associated with insomnia.

Found in: Lippa genus (lilacs), eucalyptus trees, pome fruits

Humulene: this monocyclic sesquiterpene got its name from hops (Humulus lupulus). Beer brewers use the hop cones to infuse the beer with humulene, which due to its antibacterial function, acts as a preservative. Hops are also used in many sleep aid preparations due to the relaxing properties of humulene. As the cannabis plant and hops both fall under the Cannabaceae family of plants, there is also plenty of humulene in cannabis flowers. 

Terpene Profile of an aromatic hop variety. Myrcene is dominant as in the most cannabis varieties.

Creating Full-Spectrum CBD Products

As we discovered the different types of terpenes and their benefits, below he will try to incorporate them into the CBD products. 

To work with terpenes, we first need to obtain them. As the cannabis plant has such complex, unique, and unlimited terpene profiles, it looks like we have everything we need. But, it is actually an art to produce and capture these delicate substances. Let’s examine which challenges arise when we try to maximize the terpene content in our CBD products.

  • Genetics plays a big role in the terpene content of the cannabis flower. many of the legal industrial cannabis varieties just do not contain huge amounts of terpenes as the main focus of their cultivation are seeds and fiber.
  • Once we grow cannabis genetics rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, it is crucial to know when to harvest them. The flowers must be ripe, and cut in sunny and dry weather. Ideally in the late morning, as the aromatics of the plant are the highest in that time of day. 
  • After the cannabis flowers are harvested, they must be dried in optimal conditions. This step, which involves terpene retention has the most impact on the taste and flavor of cannabis flower. The drying process of cannabis is probably the most challenging aspect of cannabis cultivation.
  • Now that we have terpene-rich biomass, we can proceed with the extraction. During extraction, we focus on preserving the most terpenes possible in the process!

Which extraction methods are most suitable for high terpene cannabis extracts?

  • CO2 extraction is the best way to extract cannabis terpenes as it can work in both super and subcritical parameters, and we can separate pure terpenes of the cannabis biomass.
  • Alcohol has an advantage over CO2 since it can extract fresh cannabis biomass which has a higher terpene content. The disadvantage is that during alcohol recovery, many terpenes are lost in the process.
  • Hydrocarbon extractions with butane and propane are great as they can also process fresh material with more terpenes. The downside is the purging process of solvents, where terpenes are lost.

Post-processing of the extracts is very important as well. During the decarboxylation and winterization process, the extract is heated. And when heated, the terpenes start escaping, especially the more volatile ones. Care and expertise must be incorporated in these methods to be assured the least amount of terpenes is lost.

In the making of CBD distillate, most of the terpenes are separated from CBD, since they have a different boiling point. The terpenes are caught in a different flask and can be reintroduced into the CBD distillate. If they are not added back, the CBD distillate loses a big component and is left without many health benefits of terpenes.


This is especially the case with CBD isolate, which is so purified that it is deprived of all the terpenes that were originally present in the crude CBD hemp extract.

Manufacturing terpene-rich CBD products

Formulating CBD products with terpenes is not difficult at all and there are several reasons why we might want to blend terpenes with CBD.

Once we know what we are trying to achieve, and what is the target content of terpenes it is mostly about the source of terpenes. Where terpenes come from and in what form is actually the most important factor.

Essentia Pura is producing all kinds of botanical extracts which are natural sources of terpenes.

While we can add synthetic isolated terpenes, we try to aim for as natural products as possible. 

Two examples of Essentia Pura Supercritical CO2 extracts and their terpene profiles. The terpene content (and profile) varies from batch to batch, but Is always rich.

For example, we are trying to add the myrcene to CBD drops, to bring more sedative effects out of the product. We can supplement the CBD drops by adding isolated synthetic myrcene. But why not add the essential oil of a cannabis variety that is rich in myrcene? Which shouldn’t be hard to find to come by since myrcene is the most represented terpene in cannabis!

Or maybe we want to add limonene to face cream and boost its cleansing function. This can be achieved by adding synthetic limonene. But why not use a natural alternative instead, like the essential oil of let’s say lemongrass. Or just start with a cannabis variety that is rich in limonene in the first place. And with subcritical CO2 extraction retain the limonene as much as possible

This is what we pride ourselves on. To source high-quality organically grown hemp, abundant in terpenes, and preserve them as much as possible all the way to the finished product. In case a demand arises from our clients, who desire a higher content of terpenes, we always find a solution. And always a natural solution, which provides the most authentic taste and the biggest beneficial value.

If you would like to know more about how terpenes act alongside cannabinoids and bring your CBD products to the next level, do not hesitate to get in touch. Use the contact form here and get ready for a journey of limitless flavors and aromas!

9 minute read

Is CBD legal in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a country famous for many things, pristine nature, efficiency, punctuality, chocolate, cheese. CBD, however, is usually not on people’s radar when they think of Switzerland. Perhaps it should be.

Switzerland is a quiet champion of CBD and cannabis. Swiss law is actually one of the most progressive in European countries. When it comes to CBD and cannabis regulation it looks as if the Swiss are far ahead.

We know that CBD is gaining in popularity, and consumption of cannabis products is rising in Europe. The market for CBD products looks as if it’s going to keep on growing. Governments and producers of different cannabis products are actively looking for a regulatory model that they can rely on in order to efficiently regulate the market. We believe that Switzerland deserves a closer look.

This article is another one in our series, in which we discuss the regulation of CBD products around the world. We understand that CBD is a rapidly growing industry and that regulation cannot quite keep up, which leads to confusion and misunderstandings. We, at Essentia Pura, strive to provide our customers with up-to-date and accurate information about the regulation of CBD products. In addition to that, we want to offer you some advice on how to start a CBD company, or where and how to buy CBD in Switzerland.

If you are at least a bit interested in CBD and the legal regulation of cannabis in Switzerland, please read on.

In this article, you will learn:

  • What is CBD?
  • The difference between hemp and marijuana in CBD production.
  • History of CBD in Switzerland.
  • Is CBD legal in Switzerland?
  • How to buy CBD in Switzerland?
  • How to start your own CBD-related company in Switzerland?
  • Lessons the European Union can learn from the Swiss experience.

What is CBD

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of many cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. But just this sentence, does not tell you much. Let us try and break it down for you.

The cannabis plant contains plenty of different cannabinoids, to make things easier try to understand them as components of the plant. Each of them gives the plant its specific attributes. What makes CBD interesting is its link to various health benefits, ranging from anxiety relief, pain management, movement disorders, as well as others. The research on cannabidiol (CBD) is very promising, but we must stress that for most of these benefits, there is not enough high-quality evidence, to link it to CBD without a shadow of a doubt.

Another thing that is consequential for the regulation of CBD is that there are different types of cannabis. We will focus on hemp and marijuana, as they play a major role in the law. Although they are both technically cannabis, they differ in important chemical, medical and legal aspects.

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Marijuana

We will start with marijuana as you are probably more familiar with it. The major reason for the regulation of cannabis is THC. Like CBD, THC is a component of cannabis. The issue governments have with THC is that it is a psychoactive substance. This means that it affects your motoric and cognitive abilities. To put it in plain language: THC gets you high. Most governments around the world prohibit cannabis with high THC content, or at least strictly regulate it.

Swiss cannabis regulation is similar to other countries when it comes to marijuana. Essentially, this means it is still considered to be part of the narcotics act. Cannabis consumption is illegal, but it is not criminal. This means that if the police find you consuming marijuana you have to pay a fine of 100 CHF and if you have less than 10 grams of marijuana in possession you should be fine. Even though personal use is allowed, we urge you to be careful and no do anything illegal.

However, there are some interesting changes coming in Switzerland, as the country is moving towards legalizing cannabis for recreational use. It is now carrying out a clinical study on the long-term impact of recreational use of cannabis. The study will begin with 3000 residents of Zurich, and will later expand to other regions.1

What the Swiss government is planning is to open the so-called “Cannabinotheque”, a place that supplies cannabis for recreational use to its members. The goal of this is to test the effects of recreational cannabis use on a small test group of people. If this proves cannabis to be safe, it may lead to its legalization in the near future.2

Medical cannabis in Switzerland

Even though the medical use of cannabis is increasingly popular around the world, Switzerland is taking slow and cautious steps. Medical marijuana is basically cannabis products with THC that can be prescribed by your doctor to treat certain medical conditions.

Currently, only one medical cannabis product is available in Swiss pharmacies. On top of that, doctors can only prescribe it if the patient has a special permit from the Swiss government. This means that a lot of people do not have access to swiss cannabis.

To stay on the more positive side, Swiss authorities decided to follow the American FDA and European EMA and approved a CBD drug for treating a rare type of epilepsy. We hope this means that the medical field in Switzerland is moving towards recognizing the full potential of the CBD industry and medical cannabis products.

Hemp

The second major type of cannabis is hemp, which has been around in Switzerland for centuries. Now, hemp is nothing new, cannabis plants grow well in Europe, so hemp cultivation was always popular and people made the most of it. Hemp was consequently used in many different industries, but most prominently people used it in the textile industry.

So what are the differences between hemp and marijuana? Well, mostly its THC content. Hemp has very low THC content, which means that it does not get you high. It still has high CBD content which means you can get all the possible benefits of CBD without the effects on your psychomotor functions. If you want to harness the benefits of CBD without experiencing the effects of THC then CBD hemp products might be a perfect fit for you. You can even grow your own hemp, according to the Swiss government.

CBD oil in Switzerland

Now that we are familiar with the basics of cannabis in Switzerland, we can move on to the legal status of CBD in Switzerland. How does all this affect CBD oils and similar products? How do CBD producers get CBD from cannabis?

In short, scientists extract CBD from the plant so that they isolate it from other cannabinoids. Most importantly, they separate it from the psychoactive substances (THC). They can then use the extracted substance to make CBD-infused cannabis oil or other products.

CBD regulation in Switzerland

As we said at the beginning of the article, Switzerland CBD laws are far more liberal than most of the other European countries.

To begin with, the threshold for differentiation between marijuana and hemp products is higher than usual. Cannabis products containing less than 1% THC content are considered hemp under Swiss law, anything higher than that is marijuana. But even if it is considered marijuana, you can still use cannabis products without any fear.

The 1% THC threshold is a welcome change to the usual 0.2% content that we regularly see in European countries. The biggest benefit of the 1% rule is that it allows hemp farmers to grow their hemp a bit longer and harness all benefits of CBD that otherwise don’t utilize.

CBD products are completely legal in the country. CBD oils and CBD products are freely sold in Switzerland, alongside tobacco products. The restrictions regarding CBD consumption are similar to those of alcohol or tobacco. This means:

  • you have to be at least 18 years old to legally buy CBD products.
  • you cannot label your CBD products as medical products or advertise them for their health effects
  • Swiss federal office of public health advises people not to drive if they recently consumed CBD cannabis products.

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Buying CBD oil in Switzerland

As we explained above buying CBD oil in Switzerland is really easy, the most common thing is to find CBD flowers in stores as a tobacco supplement. In addition to buying CBD in person, you can always order it online, which gives you an even wider variety of products. Swiss cannabis laws are far more lenient than other countries around Europe, so you can import their CBD oils without much to worry about.

In both cases, we still recommend that you thoroughly check the company that you are buying from. There are a lot of extraordinary, innovative companies working with cannabidiol, but as always, there are some black sheep only looking to make some quick money with sub-standard products.

Selling CBD oil in Switzerland

Selling cannabis products in Switzerland is far easier and straight forward than in any EU country. It can be legally sold both online and in-person according to the laws.

In both cases, we recommend that you structure your business around clear, consumer-friendly information about CBD oil that is in line with scientific research.

We recommend that you thoroughly examine your supplier beforehand. Focus on whether they follow all essential cannabis laws so that you avoid any legal troubles. You should only work with accredited buyers and dealers of CBD products. Your supplier should show you that CBD oil product contains less than 1% of THC and is extracted from hemp. Check that they follow other legal guidelines issued by the authorities.

If you are looking for a partner to supply your CBD-related shop, Essentia Pura is a Slovenian company that offers the bulk sale of CBD extracts. We take pride in ensuring strict compliance with the law. We are a trusted wholesale partner for your CBD-oriented company with plenty of experience.

If you have any questions regarding the bulk sale of CBD oil and other products, as well as any legal questions about cannabis regulations in Switzerland do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

Lessons for the European Union

So what can the European Union learn from Swiss federal cannabidiol laws? In our opinion, the most important lesson is that the market and consumers need certainty and predictability in order to organize and grow. A clear, bold, and straightforward approach allowed the Switzerland CBD market to become one of the most successful and mature markets in the world. Regulation of low THC CBD products sold in Switzerland protects consumers, public health, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Switzerland has a vibrant cannabis market that the whole of Europe can strive towards. Let us quickly recap the most important points of the article:

  • CBD is derived from cannabis plants.
  • There are two important types of cannabis: marijuana and hemp.
  • Marijuana is considered part of narcotics due to its high THC content, but consumption and possession of up to 10 grams are decriminalized.
  • Selling, possessing, or cultivating large amounts of high THC marijuana can land you in jail for years
  • Hemp is legal and you can cultivate it yourself.
  • CBD flowers are most commonly found as tobacco supplements.
  • You can buy CBD oil both online and in stores all around the country.
  • Selling CBD products to consumers is straightforward and much easier than in other countries.
  • Swizz government is trialing the health effects of recreational cannabis use in a limited population. They are opening “Cannabinotheque”, where members or study participants would be able to get cannabis for recreational use. If the study finds that a broader use of cannabis is safe, then recreational cannabis may be legalized.
  • Experiments with recreational cannabis in the nation means that CBD would remain legal in the nation in foreseeable future.

Hopefully, this answered most of your questions regarding Swiss cannabis law, if you have any other questions, please contact us.

If you are interested in the legal status of CBD in other countries you can read our articles about:

9 minute read

CBD Isolate: What it is and How to Use it

As CBD continues to make headlines across the globe and more people realise the tremendous benefits this non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp can offer, CBD isolate is becoming increasingly more popular every day.

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • What CBD isolate is
  • How CBD isolate is made
  • Types of CBD isolate
  • Benefits and effects of CBD isolate
  • How to use CBD isolate
  • Manufacturing of CBD isolate

What is CBD isolate

Probably the most basic form of CBD is an isolate. It contains nothing but pure and isolated CBD. In other words, there are no other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. CBD Isolate is a chemical component derived from cannabis plants.

CBD isolate is a crystalline powder that is 99% pure CBD. It is derived from the hemp plant, but all other matter from the hemp plant is removed. This includes waxes, oils, other phytocannabinoids (such as THC), chlorophyll, and more. What’s left is a crystalline powder.

While it’s true that hemp-derived CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects as THC, that doesn’t mean it’s completely free of THC. According to the established law in most EU countries, hemp plants and hemp-derived products are legally permitted to contain 0.2% THC or less. This, of course, depends on the laws of the country you’re in. For example, in Austria the limit is 0.3% THC.

How is CBD isolate made

CBD isolate can be natural or synthetic. In this article we will explain how the natural CBD or an all-natural cannabinoid supplement is made in the process of isolating the CBD out of hemp plants.

While this may be considered “basic” at first glance, it is actually much harder to extract CBD from hemp. When hemp is subjected to the extraction process to separate its cannabinoids, many other ”undesired” compounds such as waxes and chlorophyll found in hemp are extracted as well. This means that additional steps need to be taken to isolate the CBD and release other substances. This makes CBD a bit more difficult to isolate.

Once the extraction process is completed, the first CBD concentrate we get is so-called crude oil or extract. So, the first two steps in isolating CBD from the crude extract are Winterisation and Decarboxylation. Winterisation removes lipids and plant waxes and decarboxylation converts the CBDA to CBD with heat and time.

Winterised oil is then diluted in a solvent and goes through a fractional distillation process to remove chlorophyll, terpenes and other undesirable compounds and concentrate and separate CBD and other minor cannabinoids from those compounds.

The concentrated CBD fraction is then mixed with a non-polar solvent in a reactor. The solution is heated and cooled, which causes these cannabinoids to crystallise. Once those crystals are fully formed, they are collected, washed with the same non-polar solvent to remove any other undesired contaminants and what you’re left with is a fine, white powder that is 98-99.7% pure CBD, depending on how good the chemist is.

cbd isolate

Types of CBD Isolate

CBD isolate products containing no measurable amounts of THC are available in multiple forms. Each offers unique advantages.

As a fine white crystalline, CBD isolates powder offers a level of versatility unmatched by other CBD isolate products. You have many choices when it comes to incorporating CBD isolate powder into your daily health regimen.

The isolate powder is a great choice for anyone who values versatility in their wellness routine or who is looking for the most concentrated CBD product available while avoiding detectable levels of THC.

There are some people who find that pure CBD powder doesn’t bring out any particular type of sensation immediately after taking the product. Instead, the CBD isolate effects they experience may be related to a more efficient endocannabinoid system, such as they generally “feel better” in their day-to-day life and “sleep more soundly” at night.

Interested in CBD isolate? Look no further.

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Bulk CBD Ingredients

CBD Isolate Liquid

CBD isolate liquid offers all the benefits in a convenient liquid form. Similar to CBD oil, CBD isolate liquid can be taken orally or infused into your favourite foods and beverages.

However, while the liquid form is not compatible with vaporisers, it is widely used as an addition to other consumer goods products.

CBD isolate liquid is a good option for anyone interested in the convenience of ingesting their CBD products orally.

The MCT oil found in the liquid not only helps present it in a liquid form, but it also contains fatty acids that serve as a carrier for CBD and help more of the CBD reach your systems through the digestive system.

Terpsolate

To combat the loss of all the major cannabis compounds, companies will often add hemp- or marijuana-derived terpenes back into an isolate. The result is an enjoyable, aromatic product that provides additional therapeutic benefits via the terpenes.

Slab

When CBD is isolated from a full-spectrum extract, the resulting product comes in slab form. This slab is then usually broken down into small chunks. The main benefit of the slab is that it makes it easier to dab or vape.

The benefits and effects of CBD isolate

The isolate contains no THC

One of the major reasons CBD isolate has become so popular is that it contains no THC. However, while many people are under the assumption that CBD doesn’t contain any THC, there are still some trace amounts in many full-spectrum CBD products, which can be sold as long as there is less than 0.2% THC.

While this small amount of THC isn’t enough to cause a psychoactive effect, it has a slight potential to show up in a person’s system.

It’s easy to figure out the CBD isolate dosage

While dosage amounts do vary based on an individual’s body weight and their unique needs, experts suggest starting with a low dose of CBD Isolate – no more than 10mg when you begin. Also, they suggest to use CBD isolate (low dosage) for around three days and estimate the effect the CBD will have.

Calculating the dosage levels is generally fairly easy to do. A small quality household scale can do the trick – since the isolate is separated from other cannabis chemical compounds, measuring the dosage in milligrams gives you the exact amount of CBD you need, per the package directions.

It’s cheaper

CBD isolate is significantly less expensive than other forms of commercial cannabinoids, such as CBD tinctures or CBD oil.

It has beneficial effects on the human body

Studies have shown that CBD works by acting on the body’s endocannabinoid system. The main objective of this system is to maintain homeostasis and to help the body adapt to external stressors.

How do you use CBD isolate

CBD isolate has already been activated (decarboxylated), which means that it doesn’t need to be heated prior to use. This gives isolate more versatility than other CBD extracts. CBD Isolate can be ingested, taken sublingually, inhaled, or mixed with other ingredients.

When creating your own CBD-infused oils, be sure to accurately calculate the potency of your individual servings. Because it is over 99% pure, each milligram of CBD isolate represents roughly a milligram of active CBD.

Ingesting

Consumers dissolve water-soluble isolate into any food or drink of choice. Isolate can also be swallowed by itself. CBD crystalline can be measured out and put into capsules or pills, allowing you to ingest an accurately measured dosage.

Anything you eat can be spiced up by adding CBD. It can be stirred into sauces, soups, stir-fries, and dressings. This is done by measuring out the desired amount and adding it to whatever culinary masterpiece you choose to create. Be careful not to heat it up too much, though, or it could lose its potency.

If someone wants to use CBD isolate in juices or smoothies, they can simply add the preferred amount and it is already a healthy option.

Private Label Custom Formulations

Retail-ready formulas not your type? Reach out and develop your own custom formulation.

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Sublingually

To take CBD Isolate sublingually, you simply place it under your tongue and let the isolate dissolve under it for at least 90 seconds and then wash it down and swallow.

This method allows CBD to be absorbed by the mucous membranes and be delivered directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver to provide more immediate and effective relief. 

This works in a similar way to taking a regular CBD tincture. One of the best things is that CBD isolate, unlike CBD oil, is both tasteless and odourless.

Inhaling

CBD isolate can be mixed with terpenes to create homemade CBD concentrates that can be vaped or dabbed. It can also be made into crystal slabs that can be dabbed on a traditional oil rig. 

You can use the powder to vape your CBD. It has a vaporisation point around 180-200 degrees Celsius, and there are several options you can choose from.

Adding CBD to vape juice is one of the easiest ways to take it; just add it to an existing vape juice. You get to choose how much to add and control the overall potency. This is a great option for existing e-cigarette users.

Mixing

cbd isolate usage

There are many ways to mix CBD isolate. One of them is mixing with a carrier oil like coconut oil or MCT oil to make CBD oil tincture.

Another good way to use it is by mixing it with an e-juice to vape it.

For topicals, mix the CBD isolate with skin oils and apply the homemade concoction to the area of your skin you’d like to treat.

If you want to make your own sweeteners, a good method for using CBD is to blend it in with some local, organic honey or stir it into stevia. It can be also added to the syrup to drizzle over pancakes, waffles or other deserts.

CBD isn’t just beneficial for humans, but also for pets. In fact, using this product for pets is becoming increasingly common. It can be added to any treat recipe and can help to boost the animal’s quality of life.

CBD isolate manufacturing

CBD isolate is one of the most popular manufacturing ingredients. Manufacturers desire standardised, pure ingredients of known potency. They also often want an ingredient with minimal flavour or smell. Hemp extracts, like CBD oil, generally have a very strong flavour and smell. This is easy to achieve with CBD isolate but difficult with most other hemp extracts and CBD products.

While Essentia Pura is glad to fulfill smaller orders of CBD isolate or any other CBD products for home use, our true focus is on supplying various industries including pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetic.

Industrial use of CBD Isolate

We have written about the use of CBD isolate as a substance for industrial use in this article.

Here you can read about:

  • The difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum
  • Why 100% purity is impossible to achieve
  • What are CBD crystals?
  • Is it safe?
  • Is it water-soluble?
  • Production of CBD Isolate
  • Wholesale and industrial use

Just starting out? Read the article Start your own CBD business.

Conclusion

Although pure CBD does not contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids and it is absorbed rapidly into the body, there is a lack of all the beneficial cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant.

While you won’t get the entourage effect of full-spectrum CBD products, CBD isolate does contain the majority of benefits of CBD without any THC at all. Besides having no THC, it is cheaper, and has no smell or flavour, which makes it popular for industrial use.