If you’ve visited our CBD wellness blog before, you’re likely already interested in plant-based wellness approaches. As we’ve shared here previously, CBD is a natural compound that research continues to explore for its many possible uses. Our solventless extraction methods ensure that our products are pure, minimally processed, and thoughtfully crafted.

But this raises a question: With so many choices as to how you can access CBD, what’s the right application for you? In today’s post, we’ll help you choose between the three major types of CBD products—topicals, edibles, and ingestible oils—along with sharing information about why choosing solventless extraction is important for people, pets, and the planet.

CBD and Your Body: Why Solventless Extraction Matters

Let’s start with some thoughts on purity. As both common sense and recent studies indicate, not all CBD is created equal. How it’s grown, harvested, and processed can make a difference in its purity and quality. That’s why Papa & Barkley is dedicated to solventless extraction for all of our CBD products.

CBD is a cannabinoid, one of the key compounds in the cannabis plant. Solventless extraction means that the CBD is processed without the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

Solvent-based extractions rely on butane, propane, or other chemicals to remove the CBD from the plant. After the solvent is removed, the resulting concentrated CBD extract is considered ready for use.

But even if all the solvent is properly removed, there are other considerations. One issue around the use of extracts made with a solvent is that the producers must safely dispose of those chemicals once they’ve been purged. That means using sophisticated (and expensive) waste-management systems designed to protect workers and neighbors.

Handling these solvents can carry risks. According to the American Lung Association, volatile organic compounds (or “VOCs”) may be associated with concerns such as impaired breathing or other effects, and they can also affect the central nervous system and various organs.

That’s why P&B relies on the clean and simple science of solventless extraction. Solventless extraction equipment only requires gentle heat and pressure to remove the CBD from the plants. In return, it protects our people, our products, and our planet.

Choosing the Right Solventless CBD Product For You

With that out of the way, let’s answer another important question about solventless CBD: What’s the best way to use it? Let’s examine the top three.

Topicals

Here at P&B, the topic of topicals is close to our hearts—it’s how our story begins: With the original and award-winning CBD Releaf Balm that our founder Adam Grossman created for his father.

Topicals allow you to apply CBD directly to specific areas of the body. We recommend applying it liberally and then gently massaging it over the area until it’s completely absorbed. This process can be repeated as desired. Some people include topicals as part of their wellness routines for nighttime, muscle care, and skincare.

CBD Capsules and Softgels

Cannabis edibles or ingestibles are another way to use cannabinoids such as CBD. No matter how you access them, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory network involved in general wellness, memory, and sleep, among other roles.

Because the CBD in ingestibles is processed through the stomach and liver, the onset time—or delay until it begins working—can last up to 90 minutes. So when you use a CBD edible such as our CBD Releaf Capsules we suggest you wait at least that long before considering another dose.

When you ingest cannabinoids they are digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can play a role in supporting your wellness from the inside, providing a different option from a targeted solution like topicals.

CBD Oil Drops

You can also use CBD in an ingestible oil format.

Our CBD Releaf Oil and other drops are formulated from the same solvent-free concentrated CBD extract as our other ingestibles. The oil format allows for precise control over dosing and can be added to favorite foods or beverages. Just add one to two dropperfuls (1-2 ml) to each serving.

In contrast with edibles, which can take up to 90 minutes to take effect, some people use “sublingual dosing” to speed up absorption. This involves placing the dose of CBD oil under your tongue and holding it there for a minute or so before swallowing.

Because this area has many blood vessels, this method often results in a faster onset time, typically around 15 minutes. You can also simply add the CBD oil to food or drink for a slower-acting option.

Solventless CBD: Why It Matters to Us

At Papa & Barkley, we’re committed to harnessing the restorative power of plants as simply and safely as possible. When you read what’s inside our wellness products, you’ll see they contain ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. You’ll also see what they don’t contain: Solvents.

Our whole-plant infusions capture the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids present in each plant we harvest. From topicals to convenient capsules to versatile ingestible oils, our products allow you to experience CBD as part of your wellness routine.
Do you have other questions about solventless extraction or the best ways to incorporate CBD into your routine? Just ask! We’re here to help!