Author: GVB Biopharma

CBDa, or cannabidiolic acid, is the essential precursor to CBD, the widely acclaimed non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its numerous wellness benefits. Despite its pivotal role in the formation of CBD, CBDa remains relatively obscure and underappreciated compared to its more famous counterpart. However, emerging research and increasing consumer interest are beginning to highlight the unique properties and potential advantages that CBDa may offer. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover what CBDa is, explore the special benefits it might provide, and learn how to select the highest quality CBDa isolate products available on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned CBD enthusiast or new to the world of cannabinoids, understanding CBDa can enhance your wellness journey and open up new possibilities for health and well-being.

What is CBDa?

Scientists have identified CBDa in hemp as the substance that decarboxylates into CBD. As such, CBDa is the carboxylic acid-bearing precursor of the non-intoxicating cannabinoid, CBD. Carboxylic acid is a highly oxidized chemical side-group that liberates CO2 upon further oxidation. All cannabinoids are created with carboxylic acid groups that oxidize to create their final forms. This process is known as decarboxylation.

CBDa isn’t at the beginning of the cannabinoid synthesis pathway, though. CBGa, cannabigerolic acid, is the parent molecule that precedes both CBDa and CBD. CBGa is known as the “stem cell of cannabinoids” because it serves as the common precursor for both popular cannabinoids like CBC, THC, and CBD, as well as minor cannabinoids. When cannabis matures, the plant expresses the natural enzyme CBDa synthase, which transforms CBGa into CBDa.

Research into CBDa indicates that this cannabinoid precursor may have unique benefits that significantly boost its value.

What is CBDa made from?

CBDa is generally extracted directly from hemp flowers prior to decarboxylation or enzymatically converted from CBGa. CBDa is not regularly synthesized because it is abundant in all CBD-rich forms of hemp and is easy to convert from CBGa found in the flowers.

Extracting CBDa from hemp without triggering decarboxylation is a relatively tricky process that requires great expertise.

What is CBDa Isolate?

Manufacturers extract CBDa Isolate, a highly purified form of cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), directly from hemp plants. Unlike full-spectrum or broad-spectrum extracts, CBDa Isolate contains exclusively CBDa, free from other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant materials. This purity makes CBDa Isolate an ideal choice for consumers seeking the specific benefits of CBDa without any potential interference from other compounds.

How is CBDa different from CBD?

CBDa and CBD are more similar than they are different. The chemical composition of these two molecules only differs by a single chemical modification. CBDa converts into CBD quite easily, especially when heated.

Nonetheless, the scientific community has found minor, yet significant, differences between CBD and CBDa. Researchers are investigating more CBD-related therapies for specific medical conditions, which may make these differences useful in the future.

Does CBDa turn into CBD?

Yes, CBDa naturally decarboxylates into CBD under stress conditions, such as excessive heat or light. For example, when exposed to temperatures exceeding 245° F,¹, CBDa decarboxylates to form CBD. CBDa can also turn into CBD when exposed to UV light or other sources of oxidation. CBD, then, becomes more stable with a slightly altered chemical structure.

Is CBDa more effective than CBD?

Researchers believe CBDa could be more effective than CBD for specific conditions. There is insufficient conclusive evidence about either CBDa or CBD to make any assumptions, regarding the medical utility of either cannabinoid. At present, pharmaceutical companies have not produced any CBDa-based drugs.

Can you take CBDa and CBD together?

There is no evidence suggesting CBDa and CBD should not be consumed at the same time.

If you find a good way to ingest CBDa and CBD at the same time, you might trigger the entourage effect, a form of cannabinoid synergy scientists believe may enhance the potency of hemp compounds. One excellent way to consume CBD and CBDa at the same time is in the form of a capsule, allowing your body to absorb both unique hemp compounds at once.

What are the effects of CBDa?

There is not enough evidence to determine all the experienced effects of CBDa. Anecdotal evidence, produced by CBDa consumers online, seems to indicate that the effects of CBDa closely mirror those of CBD. Some claim CBDa is more potent than CBD, but many describe both cannabinoids as similarly potent.

What are the benefits of CBDa?

We don’t know enough about the effects of CBDa to make any definitive conclusions. But that doesn’t mean scientists haven’t learned anything at all about this cannabinoid. Let’s recap some of the most interesting research that has been conducted into cannabidiolic acid so far:

Is CBDa good for pain?

If you haven’t heard anything else about CBDa, you might have come across rumors that this cannabinoid has up to 100 times the affinity for your 5-HT1A receptors than CBD. It all stems from a 2018 review article by Ethan Russo² that detailed the status of CBDa research at that time. Because 5-HT1A receptors regulate mood, blood pressure, hormonal secretion, memory, pain transmission, and nausea, researchers expect to include CBDa in future studies on many important medical conditions.

Is CBDa anti-inflammatory?

The TRP family of receptors, COX-2, and PPAR gamma, largely regulate inflammation in the human body. Researchers have conducted significant studies on the relationship between these critical inflammation mediators and CBD. Research into the anti-inflammatory properties of CBDa³ is very promising. So far, we know that CBDa increases TRPA1 and TRPV1, and decreases TRPM8, leading to pain reduction. CBDa reduces levels of the pro-inflammatory molecule, COX-2, while increasing the levels of the neuroprotective molecule, PPAR gamma.

Is CBDa good for sleep?

Some preliminary research⁴ indicates that stabilized CBDa analogues can promote wakefulness without disturbing important aspects of regular sleep. While this does not suggest CBDa would make a great sleep aid, it may improve the wakefulness of those who’ve had too little sleep.

Is CBDa good for anxiety?

The brain’s 5-HT1A receptors play a significant role in anxiety⁵ Preliminary research demonstrates that CBDa shows promise for combating both stress-induced⁶ and trauma-induced⁷ anxiety.

Does CBDa get you high?

No, CBDa is like CBD in that it is not intoxicating. In general, the effects of cannabinoid precursors are very similar to the effects of their stable cannabinoid products.

Does CBDa have any side effects?

We don’t have enough data to determine whether the side effect profile of CBDa varies significantly from that of CBD. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the side effects of CBDa are likely mild and akin to the most common side effects of CBD (namely dry mouth, tiredness, and low blood pressure).

What does CBDa do to your body?

From what we understand so far, CBDa appears to operate very similarly to CBD in the human body. It appears to interact with roughly the same neuroreceptors as CBD, but CBDa may have more affinity for some receptors and less for others. Scientists are particularly intrigued by CBDa’s enhanced activity at 5-HT1A receptors.

How fast does CBDa work?

Preliminary research suggests that the bioavailability of CBDa may be higher than that of CBD, so you might experience the onset of effects more quickly with CBDa, regardless of how you take it. The activation time of any cannabinoid is dependent upon the method you use to ingest it.

Inhaled cannabinoids produce the fastest effects (30-60 seconds) and topicals also act quickly at the area of application (3-10 minutes). Orally ingested cannabinoids take considerably longer (30-45 minutes) to produce an effect.

Where can I buy CBDa near me?

CBDa products are now widely available online. Manufacturers often sell this CBD precursor in bulk and formulate it into finished products like tinctures, topicals, and capsules. Less stable and harder to extract than CBD, CBDa extract is usually only available in isolate form. You can use CBDa isolate to make practically any type of product.

What kinds of wholesale CBDa products are there?

Manufacturers can formulate CBDa isolate into nearly any type of finished product. Capsules, tinctures, and gummies are among the most popular, but CBDa topicals are gaining ground in the alternative skincare community. Since  CBDa naturally converts to CBD when heated, inhalable CBDa products aren’t currently viable.

CBDa FAQ:

Widen your knowledge of CBDa in the FAQ section below:

1. How do you use CBDa?

In most cases, CBDa is used in the same way that CBD is used. These cannabinoids are, after all, very similar. CBD has already paved the way with product types as varied as tinctures, capsules, gummies, topicals, and vapes.

That’s where the similarities end. While manufacturers heat CBD to high temperatures in products like vapes, heating CBDa transforms it into CBD, erasing its unique benefits. Consequently, they use CBDa only in product types that do not involve applying heat above 200°F.

2. How strong is CBDa?

Scientists have not adequately assessed the strength of CBDa compared to CBD to provide a quantitative comparison. It does appear that CBDa may affect certain parts of the nervous system more strongly than CBD. CBDa might be less effective than CBD in other ways.

3. What is full-spectrum CBDa?

Full-spectrum CBDa refers to CBDa extracts that retain the full entourage of cannabinoids and terpenes naturally present in hemp concentrate. Unlike broad-spectrum extracts, which remove THC, and CBDa isolates, which eliminate everything except CBDa, full-spectrum CBDa offers a more natural, entourage effect-enhanced option.

4. How does CBDa make you feel?

Most users indicate that CBDa makes them feel roughly the same as CBD. Some users indicate that they find CBDa to be more effective against neurological conditions and mood disorders. This is all based on anecdotal evidence that has yet to be verified in a clinical setting.

5. What are the benefits of using CBDa Isolate?

As with any isolate, purity and consistency are two of the key factors that make it the most popular extract form to work with. With no other cannabinoids present, CBDa isolate provides a consistent and reliable dosage, making it easier for users to manage their intake.

Sources

1. Wang, M., Wang, Y. H., Avula, B., Radwan, M. M., Wanas, A. S., van Antwerp, J., Parcher, J. F., ElSohly, M. A., & Khan, I. A. (2016). Decarboxylation Study of Acidic Cannabinoids: A Novel Approach Using Ultra-High-Performance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography/Photodiode Array-Mass Spectrometry. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 1(1), 262–271. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0020

2. Russo E. B. (2018). Cannabis Therapeutics and the Future of Neurology. Frontiers in integrative neuroscience, 12, 51. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2018.00051

3. Formato, M., Crescente, G., Scognamiglio, M., Fiorentino, A., Pecoraro, M. T., Piccolella, S., Catauro, M., & Pacifico, S. (2020). (‒)-Cannabidiolic Acid, a Still Overlooked Bioactive Compound: An Introductory Review and Preliminary Research. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(11), 2638. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25112638

4. Eric Murillo-Rodríguez, Gloria Arankowsky-Sandoval, Roger G. Pertwee, Linda Parker, Raphael Mechoulam. (2020) Sleep and neurochemical modulation by cannabidiolic acid methyl ester in rats. Brain Research Bulletin,155,166-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.12.006

5. Akimova, Elena et al. (2009) The Serotonin-1A Receptor in Anxiety Disorders
Biological Psychiatry, 66(7), 62 -635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.03.012

6. Pertwee, R. G., Rock, E. M., Guenther, K., Limebeer, C. L., Stevenson, L. A., Haj, C., Smoum, R., Parker, L. A., & Mechoulam, R. (2018). Cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, a stable synthetic analogue of cannabidiolic acid, can produce 5-HT1A receptor-mediated suppression of nausea and anxiety in rats. British journal of pharmacology, 175(1), 100–112. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14073

7. Assareh, N., Gururajan, A., Zhou, C., Luo, J. L., Kevin, R. C., & Arnold, J. C. (2020). Cannabidiol disrupts conditioned fear expression and cannabidiolic acid reduces trauma-induced anxiety-related behaviour in mice. Behavioural pharmacology, 31(6), 591–596. https://doi.org/10.1097/FBP.0000000000000565

None of the information mentioned in this article should be taken as nutritional advice. 

The role cannabinoids play in nutrition is often overlooked in discussions of the science of cannabis. It’s generally understood that cannabinoids like CBD and THC don’t have any direct nutritional value, and this assumption is essentially true.

The story of cannabinoids and nutrition goes much deeper, though. In this guide, familiarize yourself with the basics of cannabis nutrition, and discover all the ways cannabinoids might impact human nutrition.

Basics of nutrition

The human body needs a variety of substances called nutrients to survive. Nutrients promote growth, provide nourishment and energy while maintaining life. These substances are generally separated into “macronutrients,” which are needed in great quantities, and “micronutrients,” which are needed in much smaller quantities. Examples of essential macronutrients include fat, protein and carbohydrates while, examples of essential micronutrients include vitamin C, calcium, and zinc.

The human body only flourishes when provided with a diet filled with essential macronutrients and micronutrients. These nutrients are found in many different forms of Cannabis sativa plant and animal life, and the Cannabis sativa plant has been identified as a great source of certain essential and non-essential macronutrients and micronutrients.

Can you eat cannabis?

Yes, every part of the Cannabis sativa plant is edible, and cannabis appears to have considerable nutritional value. The fibrous stalks and leaves, while not optimal for human digestion, are excellent sources of certain dietary fibers. s contain large amounts of nutrients, including protein, minerals, fatty acids, and dietary fiber. The fatty acids in hemp seeds are rich in the highly beneficial omega fatty acids.

While the whole cannabis plant is technically edible, only certain parts of the plant are ideal for human consumption. Traditionally, cannabis seeds have been the most commonly used for nutritional purposes, though the eating of cannabis leaves for their nutritional value is not unknown.

Does cannabis have nutritional value?

Yes, the various parts of cannabis offer nutritional value in different ways. The most nutritious part of the cannabis plant is the seed due to its high fat and protein content, but cannabis leaves are also notable for containing essential micronutrients. These include vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zink, and an array of B vitamins. Furthermore, cannabis flower may offer an indirect nutritional benefit due to the antioxidant activity of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Which parts of the cannabis plant are nutritious?

Let’s break down the nutritional value of cannabis part by part:

Do cannabis seeds have nutritional value?

Yes, even if they’re commonly overlooked in preference of hemp seeds for culinary purposes. Some inspired chefs include cannabis leaves in salads and other green dishes, and consuming cannabis leaves will provide your body with lots of essential macronutrients and micronutrients.

Which nutrients are contained in cannabis seeds?

According to the USDA, 2 tablespoons (28 g) of hemp seeds contain: 3.3 g carbohydrates, 9.2 g protein, 12.3 g fat, and 2 g fiber.

Hemp seeds are especially notable for containing all nine amino acids, offering a “complete” source of protein. They also contain abundant micronutrients including Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, B vitamins.

Do cannabis leaves have nutritional value? Yes, even if they’re commonly overlooked in preference of hemp seeds for culinary purposes. Some inspired chefs include cannabis leaves in salads and other green dishes, and consuming cannabis leaves will provide your body with lots of essential macronutrients and micronutrients.

Which nutrients are contained in cannabis leaves?

The main macronutrient present in cannabis leaves is dietary fiber. Leaves of cannabis and hemp plants also contain abundant micronutrients like Iron, Calcium, Vitamin K and Vitamin C.

Do cannabis stalks have nutritional value?

Cannabis stalks contain lots of dietary fiber, unfortunately these fibers are hard to digest when eaten raw or when added to dishes. Moreover, the micronutrient content in cannabis stalks is much lower than it is in cannabis leaves. As a result, stalks are generally not used for culinary purposes though they show great potential in industrial applications.

Do cannabis buds have nutritional value?

Cannabis buds contain the same amount of dietary fiber and micronutrients that are present in cannabis leaves, but the buds also contain cannabinoids and terpenes, powerful antioxidant compounds that may boost digestion indirectly. Cannabis buds should be ingested for their cannabinoid and terpene content since cannabis leaves will serve just as well for fiber and micronutrient purposes.

Do cannabinoids have nutritional value?

Cannabinoids, which are most abundant in the buds of cannabis and hemp plants, are not known to impart any direct nutritional value. They are not used in any of the metabolic systems that process micronutrients and macronutrients, but cannabinoids have been universally determined to have at least some degree of antioxidant activity.

As a result, ingesting cannabinoids orally may reduce digestive inflammation, thus improving the gut’s ability to absorb and process nutrients. Despite the lack of nutritional value in cannabinoids themselves, modern science is gradually coming to grips with the role oxidative stress may play in poor nutritional uptake, potentially making cannabinoids more important to nutrition than any other part of the hemp plant.

Could cannabinoids boost nutrition in other ways?

Despite not offering any nutritional value as micronutrients or macronutrients, certain cannabinoids may boost the overall functioning of your digestive system, making it easier for your body to process waste and send essential nutrients where they need to go. Let’s take a look at the available research on the impact of cannabinoids on oxidative stress and digestion:

Research into cannabinoids and digestion

The abstract of a 2005 academic paper on the role of cannabinoids in digestion begins by noting that the body uses endocannabinoids (body-generated cannabinoid-like compounds) extensively in the digestion process. Since phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids found in plants like cannabis) dramatically impact the operation of endocannabinoids in the body, the authors of this paper postulate that phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC may be valid targets of research into novel therapies for digestion-related conditions.

This research was followed up by a 2015 study into the impact of cannabinoids on the gut’s mucosal defense barrier. The authors of the study concluded that “the endocannabinoid system represents a promising target in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases,” indicating that cannabinoids may have a profound indirect impact on the digestion process.

Research into cannabinoids and inflammation

Your body’s ability to uptake nutrients is hampered by inflammation. Researchers have studied the anti-inflammatory potential of cannabinoids like CBD and THC in great detail, and both cannabinoids show promise in different ways. CBD has been researched extensively for its potential ability to combat almost every type of inflammation, gradually replacing THC as the primary target of cannabinoid inflammation research, a seemingly anti-inflammatory cannabinoid that nonetheless can cause unwanted inflammation under certain circumstances.

Do terpenes boost the digestive benefits of cannabinoids?

Unless ingested in isolated form, cannabinoids are always accompanied by terpenes, which along with flavonoids provide cannabis with its delicious flavors and aromas. In addition to their culinary value, terpenes are universally believed to offer anti-inflammatory benefits 6 to varying degrees. If you’re consuming cannabinoids for digestive purposes, therefore, it would make sense to ingest products that also contain natural terpenes found in cannabis.

While scientists have determined that virtually all discovered terpenes have some degree of anti-inflammatory or antioxidant potential, each terpene has a different chemical makeup and unique effects. Some of the terpenes that have been investigated for anti-inflammatory effects include limonene, pinene, myrcene and caryophyllene.

What are the best ways to consume cannabis for nutrition?

To take advantage of any potential nutritional benefits cannabinoids may impart, you will need to consume these cannabis compounds orally. Out of the various oral ingestion methods available for cannabinoids, capsules offer the greatest simplicity and purity while tinctures and gummies offer more opportunities for customization. It’s also possible to consume cannabis concentrate on its own, but research indicates that carrier oils improve the bioavailability of oral cannabinoids, which would make properly formulated oral cannabinoid products more effective.

The bottom line: Is cannabis a superfood?

Cannabis is often touted as a “superfood,” a popular term for a substance that has higher-than-usual nutritional benefits. This term might apply to the seeds of the cannabis plant, but the direct nutritional uses of other cannabis components appear to be much less impressive.

As we’re learning, though, nutrition is about a lot more than just the volume of macronutrients and micronutrients you ingest. The human gut is an extremely complex ecosystem with more than 100 million nerve endings, and modern science is gradually unveiling the massively important role inflammation plays in overall health.

Due to their impact on inflammation, cannabinoids may play a major, if indirect, role in human nutrition. The human digestive tract is, after all, largely controlled by a system composed of endogenous cannabinoid compounds, and cannabinoids like CBD and THC have been widely demonstrated to significantly impact the operation of the endocannabinoid system.

There are better ways to ingest cannabinoids and the other beneficial substances in cannabis than eating raw cannabis plants, though. Cannabis may only reach true “superfood” status when prepared into finished, formulated products. Cannabinoid-rich capsules, tinctures, and edibles, for instance, maximize the potential indirect nutritional value of cannabinoids while doing away with the unpalatable or inconvenient components of cannabis.

Cannabinoid nutrition facts FAQ

Learn more about the nutritional value of CBD and other cannabinoids below:

1. Does CBD have nutritional value?

Any potential nutritional value that CBD may offer has not yet been assessed. As we have discussed in this guide, CBD is not generally pursued its nutritional benefits but rather for its potential therapeutic properties. Scientists of the future may determine that CBD is useful for some nutritional purpose or another, but at this point, it remains unclear if CBD has any dietary value.

2. Does CBN have nutritional value?

We do not yet know if the cannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) has any nutritional value, but based on what we know about CBD, the chances are relatively small. Even though they may have differences that are significant from the point of view of medical science, cannabinoids share a basic chemical structure that does not appear to impart any nutritional value to the human digestive system. It would be very unlikely if CBN proved to be the exception to this rule.

3. Does CBG have nutritional value?

No, there is no evidence yet that the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) offers any nutritional value. Like other cannabinoids, CBG has a chemical structure that does not appear to provide the body with energy or any other form of nutrition. Put another way, you cannot subsist on CBG just as you cannot subsist on any other discovered cannabinoid.

4. Are cannabinoids good for the body?

Despite the fact that scientists have not discovered any nutritional value in cannabinoids, these substances still appear to offer a great deal of bodily benefits. Some cannabinoids, for instance, appear to help with inflammation, which is the root cause of many serious medical conditions. As we learn more about cannabinoids, we’ll be able to make more definitive statements regarding the benefits they might offer the human body.

Sources

1. 1. Tan, B. L., Norhaizan, M. E., & Liew, W. P. (2018). Nutrients and Oxidative Stress: Friend or Foe?. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018, 9719584. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9719584

2. 2. Izzo, A. A., & Coutts, A. A. (2005). Cannabinoids and the digestive tract. Handbook of experimental pharmacology, (168), 573–598. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26573-2_19

3. 3. Gyires, K., & Zádori, Z. S. (2016). Role of Cannabinoids in Gastrointestinal Mucosal Defense and Inflammation. Current neuropharmacology, 14(8), 935–951. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159×14666160303110150

4. 4. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021

5. 5. Nagarkatti, P., Pandey, R., Rieder, S. A., Hegde, V. L., & Nagarkatti, M. (2009). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Future medicinal chemistry, 1(7), 1333–1349. https://doi.org/10.4155/fmc.09.93

6. 6. Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Terpenoids from Cannabis. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 282–290. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0014

7. 7. Stella, B., Baratta, F., Della Pepa, C. et al. Cannabinoid Formulations and Delivery Systems: Current and Future Options to Treat Pain. Drugs 81, 1513–1557 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-021-01579-x

7. 8. Aidan J. Hampson, Julius Axelrod, Maurizio Grimaldi, (1999). Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants  (US09/674,028).US Department of Health and Human Services. https://patents.google.com/patent/US6630507

CBDv is similar to CBD, but these two cannabinoids aren’t exactly alike. The differences between CBD and CBDv are sufficient to merit separate research into each compound. Scientists think CBDv might be useful in applications that CBD does not address.

In this guide, learn what CBDv is, how it differs from CBD, and how it interacts with our bodies. Then, discover where to find this rare, but highly promising, cannabinoid.

What is CBDv?

Cannabidivarin (CBDv) was first isolated in 1969¹ and found to be a homolog or natural variant of CBD. Scientists have discovered more than 100 unique cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp. Most of these substances are simply variations of a few core compounds. There are quite a few different types of CBD and CBDv is one of the more well-known variants.

What is the difference between CBDv and CBD?

CBDv is distinguished from CBD by comparing the side chains of both molecules. CBDv has a shortened, three-carbon-long, propyl side chain, while CBD has a longer, five-carbon-long, pentyl side chain. Until the discovery of CBDv, all cannabinoids were assumed to possess only pentyl side chains. There are two other cannabinoids that have the same side chain configuration as CBDv, THCv (tetrahydrocannabivarin) and CBGv (cannabigerovarin). All three, CBDv, CBGv, and THCv, are sometimes referred to as the “varin” cannabinoids.

The functional impact of this slightly different chemical structure on the effects of CBDv and other varin cannabinoids remains largely unknown. There’s a growing consensus that, while relatively minor, the differences between varin cannabinoids and cannabinoids with pentyl side chains are significant enough to merit additional inquiry.

How do cannabinoids work in the body?

Each cannabinoid interacts with your body differently. THC and THCv, for instance, powerfully stimulate your CB1 receptors, while CBD and CBDv do not. Most cannabinoids in the CBD family appear to interact with your TRP (specifically, TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPA1) and 5HT receptors instead, without causing intoxication. These receptors mediate temperature or pain perception and nausea, respectively. Regardless of the particular cannabinoid in question, these cannabis and hemp compounds are usually well-tolerated and non-toxic.

How does CBDv interact with your system?

CBDv seems to interact with the human body like CBD. Compared to CBD, CBDv may have greater affinity for certain neuroreceptors and lesser affinity for others. For example, CBDv primarily binds to the neuroreceptors TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPA1 – which are important receptors that regulate body processes, such as inflammation, temperature sensing, and pain perception. Still, not enough research has been conducted on the effects of CBDv in the human body, to draw any firm conclusions, regarding the exact pharmacodynamics of this cannabinoid.

Pharmacodynamics of CBDv

The various ways a compound impacts our bodies are referred to as the compound’s “pharmacodynamics.” The pharmacodynamics of CBD are only now being understood. There’s still much more to be discovered about CBDv and how its unique chemical structure might affect the ways it binds with CBD-interacting neuroreceptors. Initial research does indicate that CBDv might have greater affinity for GABA neuroreceptors than CBD, potentially making CBDv a superior therapeutic for certain issues with GABA signaling.

What does CBDv help with?

Through clinical trials, scientists have investigated the usefulness of CBDv for a handful of different medical conditions. For the most part, this variant of CBD shows similar activity to its more-popular relative. Consequently, CBDv might be uniquely useful for anxiety, inflammation, nausea, and neurological conditions.

Is CBDv good for anxiety?

A 2019 research study conducted into CBDv and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS)² uncovered unexpected data regarding CBDv and anxiety. By impacting the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, CBDv may be useful in treating anxiety and a variety of other psychiatric conditions.

Anxiety has been one of the main areas of research into the medicinal applications of CBD³ if studies show CBDv also has the potential to help with anxiety-related disorders, future anxiety treatments may feature both CBD and CBDv.

Is CBDv good for inflammation?

A recent study⁴ unveiled new information, showing CBDv can reduce gut inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. Given this exciting development, it’s possible that CBDv could be useful in quelling other causes of inflammation in other areas of the body.

Future research into CBDv and inflammation will likely consider CBD’s observed activity at the 5HT and TRP receptors. Both neuroreceptor families are usually involved in inflammation throughout the body. CBDv may have a  greater affinity than CBD for one or both of these receptors. It would be prudent to include CBDv in all new research into cannabinoids as pain therapies.

Is CBDv good for nausea?

In 2013, researchers combined two “varin” cannabinoids⁵ CBDv and THCv, in an effort to mitigate nausea. The results of this single study were highly promising, but they have yet to be substantiated with further research. If CBDv is just as good at mitigating nausea as forms of THC, it might become a significant source of relief for patients undergoing chemotherapy, who desire non-intoxicating THC alternatives.

Is CBDv good for neurological conditions?

The usefulness of CBDv has been investigated for a few different rare neurological conditions. In 2018, researchers sought to determine if CBDv might help with Rett syndrome⁶ (a rare genetic disorder that affects both growth and neurological development, especially in girls). In 2019, this research was followed up by a study into CBDv and Duchenne muscular dystrophy⁷ a rapidly progressive form of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects boys.

The Road Ahead in 2025: Emerging CBDv Research

As scientific interest in cannabinoids continues to grow, Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is stepping into the spotlight for new and ongoing studies in 2024. While researchers have already uncovered some compelling insights on its potential benefits, the coming year looks especially promising for expanding our understanding of this lesser-known compound. Here are a few key areas to watch:

Deeper Neurological Investigations

Ongoing research suggests that CBDV could play a significant role in managing certain neurological issues, including seizure disorders and conditions on the autism spectrum. In 2024, several studies will aim to pinpoint exactly how CBDV interacts with our nervous system at the molecular level. These efforts may shed light on whether CBDV’s unique profile could support cognitive function or help regulate seizure activity in ways that differ from its more prominent relative, CBD.

Understanding How CBDv Works With The Body’s Receptors

Early evidence indicates CBDV influences more than just the typical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Researchers are taking a closer look at additional targets, such as TRPV1, which helps regulate pain and inflammation. As this work progresses, we can expect a clearer understanding of how CBDV’s chemical structure might provide benefits for those seeking specific relief from inflammation or neuropathic pain.

Specialized Clinical Trials and Safety Data

Because CBDV shares some traits with CBD—which has been researched for certain types of pediatric epilepsy—there’s growing interest in whether CBDV could also be safe and effective in similar scenarios. The larger trials planned for 2024 will help clarify whether certain age groups or specific conditions respond best to CBDV, and how doctors might tailor doses.

CBDv FAQs

1. Where is CBDv found?

Cannabidivarin (CBDv) is a natural, minor cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. However, CBDv is only available at very low concentrations in botanical sources. Efforts to breed high-CBDv producing strains of cannabis are ongoing.

As a result, this cannabinoid is usually created using a simple chemical conversion process. The precursor to a different cannabinoid, such as CBD or CBG, is exposed to natural enzymes that cause it to turn into CBDva, the chemical precursor of CBDv. Then, this precursor transforms into stable CBDv via the decarboxylation process.

2. What are some examples of high-CBDv-producing strains?

At the moment, there is no such thing as a naturally high-CBDv producing strain. Some Cannabis indica strains might contain up to around 1% CBDv.  So, if you see hemp or cannabis advertised as high-CBDv, it has most certainly been sprayed with CBDv extract.

In the future, naturally, high-CBDv producing strains may become commercially available. However, this depends upon popular demand for this cannabinoid. Right now, if you want to experience CBDv at its most desirable potency, you’d need to consume it in a concentrated form.

3. Where can I buy CBDv for sale?

High-quality CBDv extracts are available online. The process of synthesizing CBDv from other cannabinoids is not particularly tricky. So CBDv extracts are available in a variety of different forms, including isolate, distillate, and water-dispersible preparations.

In some cases, finished CBDv consumer products may also be available. Examples of popular bulk CBDv products include capsules, gummies, and vapes.

4. Is CBDv safe?

Not enough research has been conducted to draw any firm conclusions, but everything we know so far indicates that CBDv is just as safe as CBD. Numerous studies have confirmed CBD as being remarkably well-tolerated in the human body.

The international cannabinoid company, GW Pharmaceuticals, recently conducted a clinical study into the safety of CBDv in children⁸ Once the results of this trial are published, we will know more about the safety of CBDv in comparison to CBD, other cannabinoids, and current conventional treatments for epilepsy.

5. Can you use CBDv and CBD together?

Yes, there is no indication that any negative effects will occur if you combine CBDv and CBD. In fact, ample scientific evidence indicates that combining any natural cannabinoids results in a type of synergy, called the entourage effect⁹.

To take the entourage effect one step further, throw terpenes into the mix as well. Some research indicates that terpenes contribute just as much to cannabis synergy¹⁰ as cannabinoids.

6. What is CBDva?

Cannabidivarinic acid (CBDva) is the carboxylic acid precursor to CBDv. Before any cannabinoid reaches its final form, it begins life as a carboxylic acid, an unstable compound that naturally stabilizes through the process of decarboxylation.

As a result, CBDva plays a critical role in the production of CBDv. At present, there isn’t any research, indicating that CBDva offers considerable benefits above and beyond those of CBDv.

7. What does CBDv stand for?

The acronym CBDv stands for “cannabidivarin.” The scientific name of this natural cannabis compound denotes its similarities and differences to CBD. The first half of the name is identical between the two cannabinoids, but “varin” places CBDv in a separate class of cannabinoids that’s also home to similar variants, like THCv and CBGv. Remember, that varin refers to the shorter side chain each of these variants share.

8. Does CBDv get you high?

No, CBDv is like CBD in that it does not have intoxicating effects. CBDv is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Users report that the effects of CBD and CBDv feel virtually indistinguishable even though these two cannabinoids may exert considerably different pharmacological effects inside the human body. Expect CBDv to make you feel relaxed and maybe a little bit sleepy.

9. What is CBDv good for?

Based on what little we know so far, scientists of the future may determine that CBDv has therapeutic potential for inflammation. More research needs to be conducted into the properties of this rare cannabinoid to know for certain what types of useful properties it possesses. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume that the benefits of CBDv will closely correspond to those of CBD, since the two cannabinoids are very chemically similar.

10. How does CBDv make you feel?

Most people who use this cannabinoid indicate that CBDv makes them feel mostly the same way that CBD makes them feel. Some users with inflammatory conditions report increased levels of relief when using CBDv versus CBD. Overall, CBDv should provide experienced effects that are very similar to that of CBD — you won’t feel intoxicated after using CBDv.

11. What types of CBDv products are there?

Right now, CBDv is a very rare cannabinoid that is only available in isolated concentrates, normally used for research purposes. In the future, though, it would be reasonable to expect the emergence of a full array of CBDv products that closely mirrors the spectrum present in the CBD market today. Just as there are dozens of different CBD tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals to choose from now, you should assume that these same kinds of products will eventually become widely available with CBDv as the main ingredient.

12. Is there CBDv in hemp flower?

To our knowledge, there are no strains of hemp whose flower is high in the cannabinoid, CBDv. That’s part of the reason CBDv is so hard to come by — cannabinoids become much easier to source once they are available in hemp in large concentrations. Eventually, CBDv-rich hemp strains will likely appear on the market as demand for this rare cannabinoid grows.

Sources

1. Pretzsch, C.M., Voinescu, B., Lythgoe, D. et al. Effects of cannabidivarin (CBDV) on brain excitation and inhibition systems in adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a single dose trial during magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Transl Psychiatry 9, 313 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0654-8

2. Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

3. E. Pagano, B. Romano, F.A. Iannotti, O.A. Parisi, M. D’Armiento, S. Pignatiello, L. Coretti, M. Lucafò, T. Venneri, G. Stocco, F. Lembo, P. Orlando, R. Capasso, V. Di Marzo, A.A. Izzo, F. Borrelli, The non-euphoric phytocannabinoid cannabidivarin counteracts intestinal inflammation in mice and cytokine expression in biopsies from UC pediatric patients, Pharmacological Research, Volume 149, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104464

4. Rock, E. M., Sticht, M. A., Duncan, M., Stott, C., & Parker, L. A. (2013). Evaluation of the potential of the phytocannabinoids, cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), to produce CB1 receptor inverse agonism symptoms of nausea in rats. British journal of pharmacology, 170(3), 671–678. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.12322

5. Daniele Vigli, Livia Cosentino, Carla Raggi, Giovanni Laviola, Marie Woolley-Roberts, Bianca De Filippis, Chronic treatment with the phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin (CBDV) rescues behavioural alterations and brain atrophy in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, Neuropharmacology, Volume 140, (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.07.029

6. Iannotti, F. A., Pagano, E., Moriello, A. S., Alvino, F. G., Sorrentino, N. C., D’Orsi, L., Gazzerro, E., Capasso, R., De Leonibus, E., De Petrocellis, L., & Di Marzo, V. Effects of non-euphoric plant cannabinoids on muscle quality and performance of dystrophic mdx mice. British journal of pharmacology, 176(10), (2019). https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14460

7. Larsen, Christian, and Jorida Shahinas. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. Journal of clinical medicine research vol. 12,3 (2020): 129-141. https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4090

8. GW Research Ltd., Safety and Tolerability of Cannabidivarin (CBDV) in Children and Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. U.S. National Library of Medicine, (2019). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03849456 

9. Rahn, Bailey, The entourage effect: How cannabis compounds may be working together. Leafly, (2020). https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc-and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g

10. Rahn, Bailey, The entourage effect: How cannabis compounds may be working together. Leafly, (2020). https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc-and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g 

There are multiple methods used for hemp extraction and a lot of confusion around whether CO2 is a “cleaner” way to extract cannabinoids. Extractors that use CO2, often make the claim that their extraction method is superior to ethanol extraction, and some even go as far as to say their CO2 extraction method is “solvent-less”. But, did you know that every CO2 extraction method uses ethanol or a similar solvent for winterization?

That’s just one of the surprising facts you’ll learn in this guide. Discover the truth behind the differences between CO2 and ethanol extraction, and find out why we choose ethanol at GVB Biopharma.

What is hemp extraction?

Hemp extraction is the process of removing desirable substances from hemp and concentrating them into usable extracts. You can extract any type of hemp or any part of the plant, but hemp buds contain the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and other desirable substances.

To remove lipid-based cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis, a solvent must be used. This solvent essentially dissovles the cannabinol-bearing sacs (trichomes) off plant matter and collects the resulting oil in a catchment container.

This process is more complicated than it might appear. Extracting hemp entails a variety of steps, materials, tools, and skill-sets that only a qualified extractor can deliver. Even with all your ducks in a row, it’s still possible to make serious mistakes during hemp extraction.

What types of hemp extraction are there?

These days, there are close to a dozen different hemp and cannabis extraction methods. Some are so pure they don’t use any solvents at all, but only a few methods are appropriate for commercial applications.

The top three types of hemp extraction used commercially are:

1. Ethanol extraction

2. CO2 extraction

3. Hydrocarbon extraction

We’ll explore the benefits and detractors of each method in detail below.

Ethanol extraction

At this stage in cannabis science, ethanol extraction is the most efficient and reliable option available. Provided with proper evaporation and recovery protocols, ethanol extraction offers the same degree of purity as CO2, and the unique properties of ethanol as a solvent make it inherently more suited for extracting hemp, a plant with both aqueous and lipid components.

GVB’s proprietary cryogenic extraction process which uses cold ethanol means the winterization step is skipped altogether and only desirable parts of the plant are targeted on the initial extraction.

One of the worst-kept secrets of the hemp industry is that CO2 extraction uses solvents like ethanol or even hydrocarbons during the purification process. The initial extraction could be called “solventless,” but CO2 extract loses the right to this title the moment it’s exposed to additional substances.

How does ethanol extraction work?

1. Drying and grinding of raw biomass

2. Ethanol extraction: first run

3. Ethanol evaporation

4. Winterization/clarification with recovered ethanol: second run

5. Crude oil distillation

6. Distillate can then be rendered into crystalline isolate

Pros and cons of ethanol extraction as simply as possible, let’s state why GVB Biopharma chooses ethanol extraction:

Pros

1. Efficient

2. Sustainable

3. High-purity

4. Fewer steps – no winterization needed

Cons

1. Unwanted substances can also be extracted, but they’re easy to remove later. (GVB’s proprietary cryogenic extraction process mitigates this).

CO2 extraction

Compared to ethanol, CO2 sounds a lot more benign, and you’re partially right. CO2 is one of the building blocks of life, and the human body turns O2 into CO2 with every breath.

Matters may not be as simple as they appear, though. CO2 extraction methods are more expensive than ethanol extraction, and the results it delivers are not notably better.

How does CO2 extraction work?

1. Drying and grinding of raw biomass

2. CO2 extraction

3. Ethanol winterization/clarification

4. Crude oil distillation

5. Distillate can then be rendered into crystalline isolate

Pros and cons of CO2 extraction

To be fair, CO2 and ethanol are neck-and-neck when it comes to commercial viability. In the end, though, we’re confident that ethanol comes out ahead.

Pros

1. High purity

2. Associated with good quality due to marketing

Cons

1. Expensive

2. Wasteful

3. Marketing can be deceptive

4. Not truly “solventless” because the solvent is required for refining

5. Often still uses ethanol during one of the purification stages

*It should be noted that unrefined CO2 oil can be considered solventless, but because it contains fats and lipids, it is unusable in finished products and must be purified using a solvent like ethanol or hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbon extraction

In hydrocarbon extraction, a hydrocarbon molecule such as butane or propane is exuded through biomass or other hemp plant matter to derive concentrated extract. Of all available hemp extraction methods, however, hydrocarbon extraction is the most dangerous both to extractors and consumers.

Why is hydrocarbon extraction still used, then? Only because it’s cheap.

How does hydrocarbon extraction work?

1. Drying and grinding of raw biomass

2. Hydrocarbon extraction

3. Solvent removal (semi-effective)

4. Ethanol winterization/clarification

5. Crude oil distillation

6. Distillate can then be rendered into crystalline isolate

Pros and cons of hydrocarbon extraction

How does hydrocarbon hemp extraction compare to ethanol or CO2? Not very favorably, we’re afraid.

Pros

1. Cheap

2. Time-honored

Cons

1. Dangerous

2. Volatile

3. Carcinogenic solvents are left behind in products

4. Extracts also often taste/look worse

CO2 extraction vs. ethanol extraction: detailed breakdown

In the end, there isn’t much bad we can say about CO2 as an extraction process. As a commercial enterprise, however, CO2 extraction pales in comparison to ethanol extraction without offering any significantly enhanced benefits.

At GVB Biopharma, it’s our goal to offer the highest quality products at the best prices. In pursuit of this overall ethos, we chose ethanol as our extraction process. Contrary to popular belief, ethanol is no less pure than CO2, and always remember: pretty much every company that says they extract with CO2 uses ethanol in their process.

1. Ethanol extraction is the most ethical option

2. It delivers the best results for the lowest prices

Can hemp extraction really be “solventless?”

Yes, there are hemp extracts that could be considered truly solventless, but CO2 extraction certainly is not one of them. If it isn’t ethanol, another type of solvent must be used during the CO2 distillate clarification process, making it impossible for CO2 extractors to have a completely solventless extraction method truly solventless.

Examples of truly solventless hemp extracts include bubble hash and heat rosin. Both methods can be considered cottage industries at best, though, and can’t hold a candle to commercial ethanol or CO2 output.

Why ethanol extraction is simplest, cleanest, & most sustainable

Ethanol hemp extraction has a few distinct benefits. First, it’s less expensive by far than CO2 extraction, passing on savings to brands and consumers. Next, you can extract both lipid (oil-based) and aqueous (water-based) substances with ethanol, allowing a wider spectrum of substances to be removed from cannabis.

This dual nature of ethanol extraction also makes it easier to clarify raw extract in further distillation phases. Closed-loop ethanol extraction is highly sustainable, and as a resource, ethanol is easier and less environmentally harmful to obtain than CO2.

Ethanol extraction: the purest available method

Ethanol evaporates in the atmosphere without leaving any residual solvents behind. As long as your ethanol extraction process is clean, you should derive clean results.

Acquiring, containing, and recapturing CO2 used for extraction is laborious and inefficient. Since CO2 extractors almost invariably use ethanol at some point in the process anyway, relying exclusively on CO2 for extraction is more for optics than it is in the pursuit of any practical agenda.

Ethanol vs. CO2 hemp extraction FAQs

1. Is CO2 extraction better than ethanol?

No, CO2 extraction is not necessarily superior to ethanol extraction. In the early days of the hemp industry, certain extractors used inferior ethanol extraction methods, giving the process itself a bad name. When done correctly, though, ethanol extraction can be just as clean while also retaining more of the plant than CO2 extraction.

Ethanol extraction is also inherently more cost-effective, allowing funds to be apportioned to better equipment instead of just trying to stay up to date with the latest CO2 extraction fads. Overall, ethanol extraction should be considered the superior process due to its economical and versatile benefits.

2. What is the best CBD extraction method?

Out of all the available options, ethanol extraction is generally considered to be the best overall CBD extraction method for both small-time and major extractors. Comparatively, both hydrocarbon and CO2 extraction have considerable issues. Hydrocarbon extraction is inherently dirty, for instance, making it very hard to ensure extracts made with this process are not contaminated.

CO2 extraction, for its part, is costly and labor-intensive while only potentially providing arguably superior results to ethanol extraction. While CO2 extraction is often touted as “solventless,” that’s an inaccurate claim given the fact that CO2 is itself a solvent. As long as ethanol extraction is done correctly, it can be just as clean as CO2 extraction.

3. Why is ethanol good for extraction?

Some of the major benefits of ethanol cannabinoid extraction include its cost-effectiveness and versatility. While CO2 extraction eliminates many of the cannabinoids and terpenes present in hemp extract, ethanol extraction can be calibrated to be much gentler, resulting in extracts that better preserve the hemp plant’s natural potential to provide the entourage effect.

Ethanol extraction equipment is far less specialized than CO2 extraction machinery, allowing producers to prioritize high-quality equipment over gimmicky, finicky machines that are ultimately rendered unnecessary by ethanol extraction being such a viable alternative. In the end, CO2 extraction is more hype than it is substance while ethanol extraction is exactly what it claims to be — a simple and cost-effective method for extracting cannabinoids.

4. Is CO2 extraction better?

No, there is no reason to believe CO2 cannabinoid extraction is inherently better. At best, CO2 extraction can perform some of the same functions as ethanol extraction, but at a much higher cost while damaging the hemp plant’s fragile compounds.

Sources

1. Bowen, J. K.; Chaparro, J. M.; McCorkle, A. M.; Palumbo, E.; Prenni, J. E. The Impact of Extraction Protocol on the Chemical Profile of Cannabis Extracts from a Single Cultivar. Scientific Reports 2021. 11, 21801. Retrieved from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-01378-0

2. Devi, V.; Khanam, S. Comparative Study of Different Extraction Processes for Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Seed Oil Considering Physical, Chemical and Industrial-scale Economic Aspects. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 207, 645-657. Retrieved from: https://aghealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Comparativestudyofdifferentextractionprocessesforhemp[2].pdf

3. Lazarjani, M. P.; Young, O.; Kebede, L; Seyfoddin. A.; Processing and Extraction Methods of Medicinal Cannabis: A Narrative Review. Journal of Cannabis Research 2021, 3(32). Retrieved from: https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00087-9

4. Ruth, A.; Gryniewicx-Ruzicka, C.; Trehy, M.; Kornspan, N.;Coody, G.Consistency of Label Claims of Internet-Purchased Hemp Oil and Cannabis Products as Determined using IMS and LC-MS: A Marketplace Survey. Journal of Regulatory Science 2016, 03, 1-6. Retrieved from: https://journals.tdl.org/regsci/index.php/regsci/article/view/33

Trying to make heads or tails of a lab report for a raw cannabinoid product? In this video, you will learn how to read your COA and make sure your bulk cannabinoid material meets your expectations.

A COA, or certificate of analysis, is a document cannabinoid producers use to provide technical information on their products. Specifically, a COA verifies that the product you are purchasing conforms to your requirements and meets your needs as a consumer. COAs are certified by an independent labs or are prepared by the producers themselves.  Most certificates of analysis will contain specific details about the chemical analysis of a substance or in the case of cannabinoids, a profile.

Bulk cannabinoid ingredient COAs provide information on, at the very least, the type of sample tested and the sample’s cannabinoid profile. Let’s cover some of the forms of information your raw material cannabinoid COA should include:

Testing date

Check the date on your COA first. You usually shouldn’t purchase cannabinoid raw materials that are more than 12-18 months old. Cannabinoids may degrade with time and the active compounds will lose potency and efficacy.

Batch number 

The client batch number (or external batch number) is selected by the cannabinoid producer. You’ll need this important number to trace the batch associated with your test.

LOQ

In the testing industry, the limit of quantitation (LOQ) is the lowest threshold of a substance a test measures. Many CBD lab tests, for instance, set their THC LOQs at around 0.3% since that’s the federally designated THC cutoff for industrial hemp.

Total CBD % vs. total CBD mg/g 

Each cannabinoid present in the sample will be listed both as a percentage and as a total milligram sum. You can use this information to make sure your raw material contains the cannabinoid concentrations advertised.

For example, if a 1g sample of distilled CBD concentrate advertised as containing 75% CBD has a lab report pegging its CBD concentration at around 750mg per gram, then the advertised concentration is correct. However, if a CBD lab report advertises that a concentrate contains 75% CBD with a CBD concentration at 75 mg per gram, than the advertised concentration is incorrect.

Cannabinoid breakdown 

Make sure to check the concentrations of each minor cannabinoid. With the popularity of minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC on the rise, you can use this potency information to determine how strongly your finished product will express the attributes of each cannabinoid.

Calculating product formulations

Use the potency information listed on your report to start planning bulk cannabinoid product formulations. Simply determine how much CBD your product contains per kilo, and divide the total number of milligrams of CBD you wish to purchase by the number of CBD milligrams you want each finished product to contain to find out how many total products you can make. 

For instance, if you purchase one kilo of CBD Isolate and want to use it to formulate 500mg tinctures, you will be able to make roughly 2,000, 500mg tinctures from the single kilo of isolate.

Additional acronyms you may need to know:

PPM: stands for parts per million

PPB: stands for parts per billion

LOD: stands for “limit of detection” and is similar to the LOQ, but they are not exactly equivalent. The LOD is the lowest quantity of a substance that can be distinguished from the absence of that substance. The LOD and LOQ can differ according to what definition is used and what type of noise contributes to the measurement and calibration.

<LOQ: means that the analyte is below or less than the limit of quantitation.

California: may be specified on certain COAs. In California, the limit of quantitation may be above the limit of detection, meaning the analyte is detectable, but not necessarily higher than the LOQ.

ND: means not detected

NT: stands for not tested

Mg/g: is milligrams per gram. If you divide this number by 10 you get the percent concentration

Limit/action limit: This is the limit set by state regulators and can differ from state to state. If the COA shows a result above the Limit or Action Limit it represents a failing result.

We hope we’ve answered all your questions and concerns about raw material COAs. If you have any further inquiries about COAs, sourcing high-quality cannabinoids, or our white label services please book a call with one of our industry experts.

COA FAQs

1. What is in a COA?

COAs for hemp and cannabis products generally consist of a few important pieces of information regarding:

• The cannabinoid and terpene concentrations in the sample
• Concentrations of any contaminants that may be present
• A unique number used to identify the sample
• Photographs of additional identifying material

As we’ve covered in the guide above, a COA also includes a lot of other data that you’ll need to parse over to get a full idea of what’s in your product. Knowing the cannabinoid concentrations and how to identify the sample, though, is usually everything the average shopper is after.

2. How do you read a COA for CBD?

COAs for CBD and other cannabinoid products are generally designed to be easy to read with the most relevant information provided the most clearly in the largest print. An average COA for CBD distillate, for instance, will feature the CBD concentrations front and center — in both milligrams and percentile. If you have any questions about how to read a COA, contact the laboratory that issued it.

3. How can you tell if CBD is high-quality?

Referencing a COA is the easiest and most reliable way to establish the potency and safety of a CBD product — in other words, its quality. Simply making COAs easy to find is a step in the right direction, and the lab report itself should check all the boxes.

4. How do you know if a COA is real?

The easiest way to establish the authenticity of a COA is to contact the issuing lab. If there is no lab listed on the COA, that’s an instant red flag.

Wondering how to read the COA (certificate of analysis) for a white-label cannabinoid product? In this video, you will learn everything you need to know about finding information in a certificate of analysis in under 5 minutes.

White-label cannabinoid product COAs provide information on, at the very least, the type of sample tested and the sample’s cannabinoid profile. Let’s cover some of the forms of information your white-label cannabinoid COA should include:

Sample number

Also known as the lab batch number, the sample number assigned by the lab helps ensure you have the right COA for your product.

Batch number

The client batch number (or external batch number) is selected by the cannabinoid producer. You’ll need this important number to trace the batch associated with your test.

Cannabinoid concentrations

Each cannabinoid present in the sample will be listed both as a percentage and as a total milligram sum. You can use this information to make sure your white label product contains the cannabinoid concentrations advertised.

If a 1oz CBD tincture advertised as containing 1000mg CBD has a lab report pegging its CBD concentration at around 35mg per gram, then the advertised concentration is correct.

To do the math, divide the total number of milligrams by the volume of your formulation converted to grams.

Limit of quantitation (LOQ)

In the testing industry, the limit of quantitation (LOQ) is the lowest threshold of a substance a test measures. Many CBD lab tests, for instance, set their THC LOQs at around 0.3% since that’s the federally designated THC cutoff for industrial hemp.

Terpene and residual pesticide information 

If applicable, your white label cannabinoid product COA might have information about terpene concentrations and provide results from pesticide and residual solvent screens. Otherwise, this information will be provided with the COA for the raw material used to make the white label product.

Depending on the COA, there may also be data on heavy metals, moisture content, genetics, flavonoids, or even synthetic cannabinoid concentrations. Look for a QR code you can scan on the COA for more information.

Additional acronyms you may need to know:

PPM: stands for parts per million, which is essentially used to describe a very small quantity in a very large quantity

PPB: is parts per billion, which is another form of measurement used to describe a small quantity in an even larger quantity.

LOD: stands for Limit of detection and is similar to the LOQ (limit of quantification), but they aren’t always the same. Both describe the lowest concentration of a substance r that can reliably be detected by an analytical instrument or procedure.  The LOD is the lowest quantity of a substance that can be distinguished from the absence of that substance.  If the substance that is analyzed is too low to be detected, then it essentially gets lost in the “noise”. Because of this,  a limit is set for the detection of the substance that is higher than the signals that fall into the noise section of the analysis. The LOD and LOQ can differ according to what definition is used and what type of noise contributes to the measurement and calibration.¹

<LOQ: means that the analyte is below the limit of quantitation. Remember that the LOQ refers to the lowest concentration at which a substance can not only be reliably detected by also at which certain predefined goals for bias and imprecision are met.

California: may be specified on certain COAs, and means that even though it is below the limit of quantitation, it may be above the limit of detection, meaning the analyte is detectable, but not necessarily higher than the LOQ.

ND: means not detected

NT: stands for not tested

mg/g: is milligrams per gram. If you divide this number by 10 you get the percent concentration

Limit / Action Limit: This is the limit set by state regulators and can differ from state to state. According to FDA policies, action limits or action levels are the minimum or maximum values of a a quality assurance measurement that define if a product represents an acceptable performance with regards to the parameter being tested.² If the COA shows a result above the Limit or Action Limit it represents a failing result as standards are not met.

We hope we’ve answered all your questions and concerns about finished product COAs. If you have any further inquiries about COAs, sourcing high-quality cannabinoids, or our white label services, please book a call with one of our industry experts!

Private label cannabinoid product COA FAQ

Learn more about white-label hemp COAs below:

1. How do you read a COA?

Most COAs follow the same basic format featuring a sample number or ID followed by a variety of sets of data including:

• Cannabinoid potency
• Terpene concentrations
• Pesticide and contaminant concentrations

In many cases, all of this information is provided on a single page. Complex COAs featuring many different data sets, though, often span multiple pages of PDF documents. If you have any questions regarding how to read a particular COA, contact the issuing lab or the brand that produced the product.

2. Why is a COA important for CBD?

COAs must be provided with CBD products to provide customers assurance regarding the quality and safety of the products they are considering purchasing. Whether these customers are individual consumers or large corporate entities, COAs are equally useful given the currently lax regulatory climate surrounding CBD.

Without COAs, customers would have no way of ascertaining the safety and quality of CBD products without conducting their own tests. Providing COAs both saves customers money and helps them trust that the products they’re buying are safe.

3. How do you know if a COA is real?

It is very rare for brands to fake COAs. If you have any concerns regarding the validity of a COA, however, the best option is to check in with the lab that issued it. The lab’s logo and contact information should be provided somewhere within the document. If it is difficult to find information on the issuing lab within a COA, that’s certainly cause for concern.

4. What should a COA include?

A complete COA should feature information including the names of the brand and the lab, the identifier of the sample in question, its cannabinoid content, and its contaminant content. Any additional information is useful but not strictly necessary.

Sources:

1. Ambruster, D. A.; Pry, T. Limit of Blank, Limit of Detection, and Limit of Quantification. Clinical Biochemical Reviews  2008. 29(suppl 1): S49-S52. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 

2. FDA. Action Limits or Action Levels (Definition). Retrieved from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov

Growth predictions for the global cannabis industry continue to rise. Demand pent-up for a century is about to burst, bringing the world economy along with it.

Everyone is familiar with the two major cannabinoids at play in the 21st-century cannabis industry: CBD and THC. Nothing is purely black and white, though, and when it comes to cannabis, it’s the shades of gray that are the most interesting.

Taxonomy Botany of the Cannabis sativa plant

Let’s start with the basics: an overview of the parts that make up the cannabis/hemp plant:¹

1. Roots

Thickly bunched and delicate, cannabis roots are used in traditional medicine. to treat conditions such as joint pain, fever, and infections.²

2. Stalk

Equipped with a fibrous exterior and woody pulp on the inside, the cannabis stalk is remarkably useful for textile applications.

3. Leaves

Beautiful and fan-shaped yet mainly devoid of resin, cannabis leaves are plentiful on the plant and filled with chlorophyll.

4. Flower

Emerging from the centers of the leaf clusters on female plants are resin-bearing flowers. This resin contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes, that are found elsewhere in the plant kingdom as well.

Unique to cannabis resin are remarkable compounds called cannabinoids. Usually exerting significant antioxidant properties, these seemingly mild substances are the ongoing subjects of intensive international research.³

Cannabinoids: an overview

Cannabinoids derive their name from the fact that these chemical compounds are only found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Many compounds found in other plants are very structurally similar to cannabinoids, but cannabis is the only natural source of CBD, THC, CBG and all the other cannabinoids so far discovered by science.

Exerting powerful bioactive properties in mammals and some other animals, certain cannabinoids cause intoxicating effects. Other cannabinoids, though, have no intoxicating effects and do not appear to have any considerable toxicity.

Major vs. minor cannabinoids

In scientific literature, an etymological distinction has arisen to signify the difference between cannabinoids that have been bred to be dominant in cannabis and cannabinoids that have not. The goal of cannabis breeding, though, is to make all cannabinoids major.

Two decades ago, the only dominant cannabinoid was THC. Then the establishment of a worldwide CBD economy caused an additional cannabinoid to rise to the fore.

A widening of the cannabis playing field

Yet another non-intoxicating cannabinoid, CBG, can now be made dominant in cannabis via selective breeding. We envision a near future in which multiple cannabinoids are all available in cannabis flower in high concentrations. It will be possible to mix and match these cannabinoids to achieve ratios targeted toward specific ailments or applications.

Top 4 minor cannabinoids

The following four cannabinoids are popular enough to have received major attention while still being new or rare enough to be considered minor cannabinoids. Let’s explore each in detail:

1. CBG

Cannabigerol (CBG) is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the origin substance for many major and minor cannabinoids. Most cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid in the chemical synthesis of compounds within the plant. However, a small amount of cannabigerolic acid breaks down into cannibigerol, or CBG. Non-intoxicating like CBD, CBG has a unique slew of benefits that have led to the rapid rise of a domestic CBG marketplace.

Why is CBG used?

CBG is often used alongside CBD as an additional minor cannabinoid. However, some people enjoy the experienced effects of CBG on its own, which are similar to those of CBD while remaining fully distinct.

Why is CBG important?

CBG is currently a primary target of cannabis research due to its crucial role in the cannabinoid metabolism process. ⁴

2. CBN

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is a direct metabolite of THC that appears when cannabis flowers age. This cannabinoid is non-intoxicating enough to be fully distinct from THC even to a cannabis newcomer and provides unique properties that aren’t found in CBD either.

Why is CBN used?

Currently, people tend to use CBN as a sleep aid. However, research is currently being conducted that will likely provide users with a more robust understanding and use case for this highly coveted cannabinoid. 

Why is CBN important?

CBN is currently only obtainable via the conversion of other cannabinoids, and there’s currently no realistic prospect of CBN-rich strains. How the industry overcomes this supply-line challenge will be a defining component of the next 10 years of cannabis history.

3. CBC

Only naturally available in cannabis in minuscule concentrations, it is nonetheless possible to convert cannabichromene (CBC) from CBG, opening up an entirely new segment of the hemp economy.

Why is CBC used?

CBC is primarily being researched for its potential pain-relieving qualities. This cannabinoid has been researched for its activity at the body’s TRPV1 receptors, which regulate inflammatory pain throughout the body.

Why is CBC important?

CBC proves there are exciting cannabinoids beyond the big four of THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN.

4. CBDa

CBDa is the original form of CBD. In cannabis buds, cannabinoids first appear in the form of carboxylic acids. Then, they undergo a process of enzymatic conversion to attain their final forms. As a carboxylic acid, CBDa becomes CBD when exposed to heat, UV light, or other oxidizing stimuli.

Why is CBDa used?

Scientists are primarily interested in CBDa because this cannabinoid precursor has been researched for its affinity at the 5-HT1a receptors, which govern neuropathic pain along with many other critical biochemical processes.⁵

Why is CBDa important?

CBDa shows that the carboxylic acid forms of cannabinoids can be just as used as their decarboxylated counterparts. Eventually, THCa, CBDa, and CBGa will likely be just as valued as THC, CBD, and CBG.

Why minor cannabinoids are important alone

A tendency gradually developed in the history of science to reduce every observable phenomenon to its simplest possible explanation. This philosophy of reductionist materialism led researchers to obsess over THC, excluding all other cannabis components for the last 100 years.

Every component of cannabis, though, is just as important as every other. Just because it appears to be the most psychoactive does not mean THC is any better or more useful than any other cannabinoid, terpene, or even flavonoid present in Cannabis sativa.

Why minor cannabinoids are important in hemp extract

Minor cannabinoids may make hemp extracts more effective. Therefore, hemp extracts with minor cannabinoids offer more value.

The science is still out, but there appears to be a phenomenon called the entourage effect that is triggered when all the natural components in cannabis are kept together. Brands that capitalize on this synergistic phenomenon tend to succeed.

Not so minor anymore

Once deemed minor, cannabinoids like CBN and CBG are taking on major roles in the international cannabis economy. Up-and-comers like CBC and CBDa will soon join them, and from there, a cannabis renaissance will commence.

We aren’t just seeing a few new CBD-like compounds enter the playing field. We’re witnessing a radical transformation of the very definition of cannabis — what it is, what it can do, and perhaps most importantly, what it could be.

Minor cannabinoid FAQs

What are the most important cannabinoids?

It’s hard to classify cannabinoids based on importance since each of these unique compounds offers its own special benefits. It’s true that a few cannabinoids, though, have risen to prominence recently while others remain mostly unknown.

Currently, the most popular cannabinoids — and, by extension, the most “important” — are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). Rapidly reaching the same level of popularity are CBDa, CBC, and CBDv, with more than a dozen additional compounds waiting in the wings.

What are the benefits of minor cannabinoids?

Each minor cannabinoid offers its own benefits that make it uniquely desirable for some purpose or another. Researchers are looking into the potential usefulness of CBG for pain, for instance, while research into CBN for sleep is simultaneously on the rise.

When combined with CBD, minor cannabinoids offer another “hidden” benefit — the entourage effect. Researchers have observed that cannabinoids appear to become more effective when they are used together, potentially making minor cannabinoids desirable for more than just their individual benefits.

Where can I find minor cannabinoids for sale?

Companies that offer CBD in bulk quantities now also commonly offer minor cannabinoids as well. As leaders in the minor cannabinoid industry, we’d be happy to service your needs here at GVB Biopharma.

What is the difference between minor cannabinoids and terpenes?

Both minor cannabinoids and terpenes naturally occur in cannabis and hemp, so it’s easy to get them mixed up. Minor cannabinoids, though, are cannabinoids like CBD — they’re just available in lower quantities.

Terpenes, on the other hand, compose a different class of compounds altogether. These aromatic, volatile oils smell and taste wonderful, but they have different properties from cannabinoids.

Sources

1. CABI. Cannabis sativa (hemp): Datasheet.. CABI: invasive Species Compendium. Accessed January 19, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/14497#toidentity

2. Ryz, N. R.;  Remillard, D. J.; Russo, E. B. Cannabis Roots: A Traditional Therapy with Future Potential for Treating Inflammation and Pain. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 2017, 21(7). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5628559/pdf/can.2017.0028.pdf

3. Grof, C. P. L. Cannabis: From Plant to Pill. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2018, 84(11), 2463-2467. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29701252/

4. Harvey, D. J.; Brown, N.K. Comparative In Vitro Metabolism of the Cannabinoids. Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behavior 1991, 40, 533-540. Retrieved from: https://static1.squarespace.com 

5. Rock, E. M; Parke,L. A.The Role of 5-HT1A Receptor, and Nausea and Vomiting Relief by Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), and Cannabigerol (CBG). Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies. Academic Press, 2017. 703-712. Retrieved from: https://static1.squarespace.com 

The Canadian hemp market provides impressive opportunities within a highly regulated market. Unlike the United States, Canada places strict regulations on its industrial hemp and CBD industry, and under the Cannabis Act, CBD is treated largely the same as THC despite the fact that these cannabinoids have widely different properties.¹

As a result, hemp entrepreneurs wishing to enter the Canadian hemp market must abide by government regulations and offer their products through a limited network of state-regulated dispensaries. The overall Canadian cannabis industry is expected to grow by $1 billion CAD this year and swell to $8 billion CAD by 2025, so extensive opportunities exist for entrepreneurs who seek to inject high-quality hemp products into this rapidly growing North American cannabis market.

GVB Biopharma is the premier supplier of compliant, non-intoxicating bulk hemp products to hemp entrepreneurs around the world. Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the Canadian hemp industry, and learn how to position your brand for success in this guide.

COVID and Cannabis 2.0

In June of 2018, the passage of the Cannabis Act made Canada the second country to legalize cannabis nationwide. While met with celebration among long-time Canadian cannabis users and newbies alike, Canada’s burdensome bureaucratic apparatus has significantly dampened early enthusiasm and driven cannabis prices sky-high due to imbalanced taxation structures.²

To remedy these concerns, the Canadian government amended its cannabis regulatory scheme with new policies collectively referred to as “Cannabis 2.0.” This updated regulatory structure admitted new product types into the Canadian cannabis market, such as vape pens and edibles, while instating measures to reduce prices and make the industry more consumer-centric.

Instated in phases starting in January of 2020, Cannabis 2.0 emerged just in time to coincide with nationwide Canadian shelter-in-place orders put in place to combat COVID-19. Due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, Cannabis 2.0 has not delivered the sharp boost in industry growth that investors originally anticipated. As the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 begin to stabilize, the market is expected to do the same.

Budget brands are focusing on flower

The Brightfield Group is a professional data-processing company that releases multiple marketing reports about the cannabis industry in the United States and Canada. A Brightfield Group Canadian Market Report revealed that despite the fact that Cannabis 2.0 regulations made beverages, vape cartridges, and edibles legal in Canada, new Canadian cannabis users are using flower and pre-rolls more than any other product type. According to this report, 71% of Canadian adults cite smoking as the main reason they don’t want to try cannabis, but 43% of new cannabis users in Canada reported using flower products in Q2 2020, which is a 15% increase from Q1.

More than two years into legalization, Canadians are simply becoming more acclimated to the idea of smoking cannabis. At the same time, a large number of Canadian cannabis producers and retailers have focused on producing low-budget products to counter the consumer-repelling side effects of the overly taxed domestic market. Since these budget-minded licensed producers (LPs) started taking this path before the advent of Cannabis 2.0, the most inexpensive Canadian cannabis products are flower and pre-rolls with vape cartridges and other new product options commanding higher price points.³

Cannabis entrepreneurs in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, or elsewhere in Canada will, therefore, encounter unprecedented opportunities for success by offering low-priced cannabis products in novel categories that opened up due to Cannabis 2.0 regulations. Familiarity with Canada’s regulatory schemes combined with affordable, high-quality raw materials or white label cannabinoid products will make it possible to profit from these emerging submarkets while competing brands struggle to keep up.

The Canadian cannabis market is becoming less intoxicating

Rising interest in CBD in Canada may pose additional problems for frazzled regulators seeking to remain in balance with the demands of Canadian consumers. From British Columbia to Quebec, however, cannabis users are clearly demonstrating that they’re ready to experience the wide world of cannabis that exists beyond the benefits and detractors of THC.

At present, the Canadian government has only explicitly addressed THC and CBD with its federal cannabis legislation. Soon enough, however, it will become necessary to parse out the distinct regulatory statuses of each of the unique constituents of Cannabis sativa.

The United States has always led the charge in the cannabis revolution, and Canadian culture invariably molds itself to match the dominant cultural trends at play throughout the cities and towns of its densely populated southern neighbor. While seemingly distant on the horizon, the American cannabis industry is gradually being forced to admit an entire extended family of unique cannabinoids, and if the trend toward non-intoxicating cannabis among Canadian consumers is any indication, CBD’s close but distinct group of relatives may be even more at home in Canada than in the USA.

Already, cannabigerol (CBG) is gobbling up an ever-increasing portion of the American cannabis market, and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC) aren’t far behind. While non-intoxicating like CBD, each of these cannabinoids has a distinct chemical structure, and they all exert different benefits and subtly unique experienced effects.

The high percentage of CBD use among new Canadian cannabis users seems to indicate an increasing level of education regarding the benefits and risks of different cannabinoids, so it’s reasonable to assume that Canadian hemp consumers are also becoming more educated about a type of theorized cannabinoid synergy known as the entourage effect.More than two years into legalization, Canadians are simply becoming more acclimated to the idea of smoking cannabis. At the same time, a large number of Canadian cannabis producers and retailers have focused on producing low-budget products to counter the consumer-repelling side effects of the overly taxed domestic market. Since these budget-minded licensed producers (LPs) started taking this path before the advent of Cannabis 2.0, the most inexpensive Canadian cannabis products are flower and pre-rolls with vape cartridges and other new product options commanding higher price points.³

Cannabis entrepreneurs in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, or elsewhere in Canada will, therefore, encounter unprecedented opportunities for success by offering low-priced cannabis products in novel categories that opened up due to Cannabis 2.0 regulations. Familiarity with Canada’s regulatory schemes combined with affordable, high-quality raw materials or white label cannabinoid products will make it possible to profit from these emerging submarkets while competing brands struggle to keep up.

The Canadian cannabis market is becoming less intoxicating

Rising interest in CBD in Canada may pose additional problems for frazzled regulators seeking to remain in balance with the demands of Canadian consumers. From British Columbia to Quebec, however, cannabis users are clearly demonstrating that they’re ready to experience the wide world of cannabis that exists beyond the benefits and detractors of THC.

At present, the Canadian government has only explicitly addressed THC and CBD with its federal cannabis legislation. Soon enough, however, it will become necessary to parse out the distinct regulatory statuses of each of the unique constituents of Cannabis sativa.

The United States has always led the charge in the cannabis revolution, and Canadian culture invariably molds itself to match the dominant cultural trends at play throughout the cities and towns of its densely populated southern neighbor. While seemingly distant on the horizon, the American cannabis industry is gradually being forced to admit an entire extended family of unique cannabinoids, and if the trend toward non-intoxicating cannabis among Canadian consumers is any indication, CBD’s close but distinct group of relatives may be even more at home in Canada than in the USA.

Already, cannabigerol (CBG) is gobbling up an ever-increasing portion of the American cannabis market, and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC) aren’t far behind. While non-intoxicating like CBD, each of these cannabinoids has a distinct chemical structure, and they all exert different benefits and subtly unique experienced effects.

The high percentage of CBD use among new Canadian cannabis users seems to indicate an increasing level of education regarding the benefits and risks of different cannabinoids, so it’s reasonable to assume that Canadian hemp consumers are also becoming more educated about a type of theorized cannabinoid synergy known as the entourage effect.^{4 Research suggests that cannabinoids become more potent when they are used together, and this factor alone will spur greater interest in CBG, CBN, CBC, and even rare propyl cannabinoids like THCV and CBDV.}

New users gravitate to CBD products

Since Canadian laws treat non-intoxicating CBD and intoxicating THC roughly the same, CBD products are not as abundantly available in Canada as they are south of the border. Regardless, Canadian cannabis consumers have displayed a remarkable proclivity for products containing CBD, and a significant percentage of consumers seem to prefer products that are CBD-dominant or even CBD-exclusive.

The Brightfield report indicates that in Q2 2020, for instance, 37% of new Canadian cannabis consumers reported using CBD-dominant products, and 30% reported using products that only contained CBD without any THC. At 34%, fewer experienced cannabis users reported using CBD-dominant products, but these analytics still indicate that more than ⅓ of Canadian cannabis consumers, whether new or experienced, actively demand and enjoy CBD-rich products.

Even more intriguing is the fact that THC-dominant cannabis usage among new users dropped from 45% in Q1 to 36% in Q2. While the Canadian cannabis industry was established to be THC-centric, it appears that consumers are voting with their loonies and demanding non-intoxicating cannabinoids.

For Canadian and international entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish CBD companies in Canada, this trend will generate impressive opportunities. License holders in Canada can import cannabis products from other countries under certain circumstances, and since the demand for non-intoxicating hemp products could exceed the available supply, imported CBD products may play a critical role in dynamically adapting to this unprecedented interest in non-THC cannabinoids among Canadian adults.

Trust GVB to navigate the Canadian hemp industry

It will be quite some time until Canadian hemp farms are up to the task of catering to this North American nation’s ever-increasing demand for CBD and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids. For entrepreneurs seeking to enter the Canadian hemp industry, therefore, it’s best to rely on established producers with impeccable track records.
At GVB Biopharma, we have a reputation for excellence, and we do everything by the book. Here are a few examples of the ways we can help you navigate the onerous regulatory structure surrounding the Canadian hemp market to capitalize on one of Canada’s fastest-growing industries:

Wholesale bulk ingredients

We’re here to help if you want to branch out on your own by formulating unique products using bulk cannabinoid ingredients. In addition to the old standbys like isolate CBD, we also offer full-spectrum and broad-spectrum distillate hemp extracts featuring CBD or CBG. Even better for capturing a portion of Canada’s rapidly growing cannabis beverages market, we go so far as to offer each of our extracts in a water-soluble powder or liquid form.

White label services

Marketing a new brand is considerably easier with private label CBD products. At GVB Biopharma, we offer white label CBD, CBG, and CBN products in eleven distinct categories:

• Tinctures
• Pet products
• Balms and salves
• Creams
• Lotions
• Capsules
• Mints and tablets
• Gummies
• Vapes
• Bath Bombs
• Face Serums

If our pre-made product categories don’t align with your brand vision, we can also work with you to develop custom products featuring any of our bulk ingredients or extracts. We test all of our white label products multiple times during the production process to ensure quality and potency.

Expert consulting

When it comes to the regulatory labyrinth surrounding Canada’s convoluted cannabis industry, knowing can be half the battle. Whether you want to know which types of products comply with ever-changing Canadian cannabis regulations or you need help understanding the role that CBD, CBG, or CBN will play in Canada’s evolving hemp market, we’re here to help. Using the latest market data and leveraging our expertise in the industry, GVB Biopharma is standing by to ensure the success of your new Canadian hemp venture.

Canadian hemp market FAQs

1. Can I import CBD products into Canada?

No, in almost all cases, it is illegal to import CBD into Canada. This reality often frustrates even average citizens, who would like an alternative to the tightly controlled options the federal government allows — which often contain intoxicating concentrations of THC.

Do not attempt to bring CBD products into Canada even though they are legal within the nation’s borders. Doing so could result in being tried for a crime in the Canadian court system.

2. Is it legal to ship hemp to Canada?

Depending on the circumstance, it may be deemed legal to ship raw hemp biomass to Canada, where it can be processed by domestic companies. However, you will need to receive the express permission of the Canadian government first, which can be hard to come by for foreign hemp producers.

3. Can you ship hemp seeds to Canada?

Yes, growers can import hemp seeds into Canada, but otherwise, shipping hemp seeds north of the border is illegal. If you attempt to buy hemp seeds in Canada without a government license, you could end up being charged with a crime.

4. Do you need a permit to grow hemp in Canada?

Yes, it is only legal to grow hemp in Canada if you have received a permit from the federal government. Even if they jump through the hoops necessary to become permitted hemp producers, though, hemp growers in Canada must still obey the government’s strict cannabis agriculture codes. Farmers who do not comply will lose their licenses.

Sources

1. Watson T. M; Erickson P. G. Cannabis legalization in Canada: how might ‘strict’ regulation impact youth?. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy. 2019, 26(1):1-5. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2018.1482258

2. Mahamad S, Wadsworth E, Rynard V, Goodman S, Hammond D. Availability, retail price and potency of legal and illegal cannabis in Canada after recreational cannabis legalisation. Drug and Alcohol Review 2020. 39(4):337-46. Retrieved from: http://cannabisproject.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Mahamad-et-al.-2020-Availability-retail-price-and-potency-of-legal-and-illegal-cannabisin-Canada-after-recreational-cannabis-legalisation.pdf

3. Israel, S. Canadian Cannabis Retail Prices Declined in 2021, Led by Vapes Concentrates, January 20, 2022. MJ Biz Daily. Retrieved from: https://mjbizdaily.com/canadian-cannabis-retail-prices-declined-in-2021-led-by-vapes-concentrates/

4. Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology 2011. 163(7):1344-64. Retrieved from: https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x

GVB Biopharma is the world’s premier producer of bulk cannabinoid and white label cannabinoid products. With a robust array of domestic facilities and operations across multiple continents, we’re standing by to craft custom products featuring any of the following optional ingredients.

Topicals

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is rich in antioxidant vitamins, and this natural plant oil also includes linoleic acid, which moisturizes the outer layer of your skin and can offer benefits for skin conditions like acne and dry skin. This oil has a light, mild scent.

Olive Oil

When applied topically, olive oil has moisturizing and antibacterial effects, and this mild, natural oil is also a great source of vitamins A, K, and E. By reducing sun damage and preventing dry skin, olive oil can help prevent common signs of aging.

Beeswax

As an ideal ingredient for salves, beeswax has potent properties and forms a barrier between your skin and the outside world. A common treatment for skin conditions, beeswax traps water under your skin which can promote healing.

Camphor Oil

Camphor is believed to have potent antioxidant effects, and this oil’s powerful aroma adds an exotic allure to any cannabinoid topical. Camphor can also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Clove Oil

Clove oil has a distinctive aroma, and this topical ingredient is a common solution for inflammation and itchiness. With a subtle warming effect, clove oil is also useful for acne and bacterial infections.

Rosemary Oil

In addition to adding a piney, woody aroma to any cannabinoid topical, rosemary oil also can offer antioxidant, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects. It’s one of the only natural sources of rosmarinic acid, and rosemary oil also contains a variety of different terpenes and is a great addition to any hemp product.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint has a slightly spicier aroma than other mint varieties, and this substance can have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. While it is commonly to help with acne, peppermint oil is also believed to help relieve headaches and muscle aches.

Organic Aloe

Packed with antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C, aloe vera can help reduce common signs of aging. Aloe is also utilized as an effective wound healer, and sunburn soother.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is often used to help heal scars, and it also can reduce the symptoms of sun damage. As a result, this sweet-smelling oil is a common component of anti-acne topicals, and it’s also present in many anti-aging balms and creams.

Organic Sunflower Oil

Since it’s non-comedogenic, sunflower oil won’t block your pores, but this oil can deliver high concentrations of the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E deep into your skin. Sunflower oil also appears to be a potent antiseptic agent, and it’s commonly used to fight skin infections.

Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that have acne-fighting and antimicrobial qualities, and this simple, plant-based substance keeps your skin moisturized. Vitamin E and vitamin A are also found in coconut oil.

Shea Butter

Derived from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter has potent moisturizing properties. Shea butter adds a creamy, smooth consistency to creams, lotions, balms, and other types of topicals.

Kukui Nut Oil

As one of the most absorbent topical oils, kukui nut oil can rapidly pass through and hydrate every layer of your skin. Commonly used for eczema and psoriasis, kukui nut oil also appears to have wound-healing properties.

Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil

With high concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and omega fatty acids, organic pumpkin seed oil is believed to have potent skin-nourishing properties. This light oil absorbs rapidly into your skin without leaving behind a greasy film.

Avocado Oil

As an excellent source of oleic acid, potassium, lecithin, and vitamin E, avocado oil can stimulate collagen generation, which helps heal wounds and prevents common signs of aging. Avocado oil is also an excellent moisturizer and topical antioxidant.

Organic Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is one of the most commonly used anti-acne topical oils. This substance is believed to have potent antioxidant properties, and jojoba oil contains high concentrations of both vitamin E and B vitamins.

Vitamin B5

Also known as pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 helps your skin heal and stay moisturized. This essential vitamin has UV-protective qualities, and it also can remove comedones from your pores.

Vitamin E

As one of the most potent essential antioxidants, vitamin E can protect your skin from oxidation by fighting back against free radicals. Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier and has powerful moisturizing properties.

Organic Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract contains high concentrations of polyphenols, which promote proper moisturization. This natural substance also appears to prevent acne by reducing sebum production in your pores.

Organic Gotu Kola Extract

Frequently used as an anti-aging topical ingredient, gotu kola promotes collagen production and can increase the concentration of antioxidants in newly formed skin. This organic plant extract is also believed to tighten skin and reduce wrinkles.

Horsetail Extract

With high concentrations of silica and potent antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities, horsetail extract is believed to be an excellent wound-healer and collagen-builder. Horsetail extract is commonly used as an anti-aging ingredient.

Wild Geranium Extract

Along with its delicate, floral aroma, wild geranium extract also is shown to exert topical antioxidant benefits that can prevent acne, and reduce the signs of aging.

Organic Dandelion Extract

Dandelion extract can help your skin grow new cells, and it also can aid in collagen production. Due to its hydrating and antioxidant properties, dandelion extract can also help reduce redness.

Lemon Essential Oil

As a mild exfoliant and potent antioxidant, lemon essential oil has topical benefits that complement its sharp, citrusy aroma.

Orange Essential Oil

In addition to its uplifting, stress-reducing aroma, orange essential oil is also a great source of antioxidants and other skin-protecting compounds.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has potent antibacterial properties, which makes this natural extract a great addition to acne-fighting topicals. The aroma of lavender is also uniquely soothing and relaxing.

Cayenne Infusion

The primary ingredient in our topical Cayenne Infusion is capsaicin, a natural, beneficial compound that can help with a wide range of bodily functions. When added to topical products, our Cayenne Infusion creates a sensation of heat that pairs well with cooling ingredients.

Menthol Crystals

Completely natural and derived from Mentha arvensis, our Menthol Crystals provide concentrated cooling power when added to topicals. Research also indicates that menthol may have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has cooling properties that are similar to menthol, but this natural plant extract also has unique properties starting with its potent, exotic aroma. Studies show that eucalyptus can have antioxidant benefits, and this substance may even help with wounds and burns.

Tinctures

Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT Oil)

MCT oil is an excellent base for tinctures. While its taste is practically imperceptible, this natural coconut oil derivative can, increases energy levels, and may even have neuroprotective properties.

Terpenes

While fully non-intoxicating, cannabis terpenes have unique aromas and flavors that add depth and distinctiveness to any tincture. Terpenes also can have antioxidant properties and may boost the effects of cannabinoids.
Vapes

Natural Terpenes

Cannabis terpenes improve the flavor and aroma of vape cartridges without contributing any undesirable intoxicating effects. With dozens of terpenes to choose from, there’s no limit to the ways you can customize the way your vape cartridges smell and taste.
Active Ingredients – Ingestibles

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that most people don’t get enough of in their daily diet. This substance is also one of the world’s most potent antioxidants, making it a great addition to any cannabinoid-infused capsule.

Valerian Root

Prescribed for centuries as a treatment for sleep-related disorders, valerian root has historically been used for stress and anxiety. Making this ingredient a perfect addition to any sleep-oriented product.

Melatonin

Widely used as a natural sleep aid, a few milligrams of melatonin go a long way when added to capsules and other ingestible products.

Skullcap Infusion

Skullcap has dozens of different uses, and this natural substance is considered to be a sleep aid. Additionally, skullcap is believed to help with anxiety, and may reduce inflammation.

Ginseng Infusion

As a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng is a root-derived substance that may possess potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Ginseng is also believed to reduce blood sugar, boost the immune system, and increase energy levels.

Maca Root Infusion

In addition to its impressive nutrient profile, maca root extract is believed to improve sexual functioning in both men and women. This natural substance also may have mood-boosting properties, and improve athletic performance.

Ginger Root Infusion

An ancient digestive aid, ginger root extract appears to help with nausea, improve gastrointestinal health, and help boost your immune system. This natural extract contains gingerol, a potent medicinal compound with remarkable antioxidant properties.

Ginkgo Biloba Infusion

The leaves of the ancient ginkgo tree contain potent antioxidants and other compounds that appear to improve circulation, and exert neuroprotective properties, which can help with mood disorders. When ingested orally, ginkgo may improve your eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration.

Chamomile

When added to tinctures, chamomile has an apple-like, honey-sweet taste that perfectly complements the flavor of hemp oil. Chamomile also retains its immunity-boosting and sleep-aiding effects when ingested in tincture form.

Orange

Orange tincture flavoring accentuates the citrus terpenes present in full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp extract, and it also obscures the somewhat bitter taste of cannabinoid isolates.

Vanilla

Perfect for tinctures that lean toward the relaxing or sumptuous, vanilla has a flavor that’s reminiscent of sweet treats like ice cream or cookies. Natural vanilla extract is also high in antioxidants.

Yuzu

Yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit that tastes like a mix between a grapefruit and a lemon. This tart, citrusy natural flavoring is a great standalone addition to tinctures, and it also combines well with other citrus flavorings.

Tangerine

Sweeter than oranges and equipped with a full, lingering flavor, tangerines evoke a simultaneously relaxing and energizing ambiance. Tangerine flavoring captures the zest of citrus without being overly tart.

Lemon

The epitome of tart and refreshing, lemon flavoring brings out the flavor of the cannabis terpene limonene to the absolute fullest, and it’s a great addition to tinctures that are designed to be invigorating or energizing.

Hibiscus

Made with the central calyces of the hibiscus flower, hibiscus tincture flavoring is reminiscent of tart cranberries. Even when simply used as a flavoring, natural hibiscus has potent antioxidant and antibacterial benefits.

Citronella

While not a citrus fruit, citronella grass has a lemony, woody flavor that’s become associated with insect-repelling candles. In cannabinoid tinctures, citronella has a delicious, lemongrass taste.

Lavender

Lavender shares the terpene linalool with many Cannabis sativa strains, making soothing lavender extract the perfect addition to any tinctures. In addition to offering antioxidant and antibacterial benefits, lavender’s unique taste and aroma are believed to have relaxing qualities.

Grapefruit

As one of the tartest and tangiest citrus fruits, grapefruit flavoring adds a zesty punch to cannabinoid tinctures. Grapefruit flavoring pairs well with other citrus tastes, and it also excels as a standalone flavor.

Peppermint

Named for its slightly spicy taste, peppermint pairs well with citrus flavoring. Peppermint extract is also believed to have digestive and antioxidant benefits.

Passionfruit

Passionfruit has a tropical, tangy taste that reduces the bitterness of hemp extract. Plus, this fruity flavoring has a powerful aroma that makes tinctures more enticing.

Wintergreen

Less spicy than peppermint, wintergreen has a sharp, refreshing flavor that’s reminiscent of the winter-time plant from which it is derived.

Mint

If you’re looking for a generally minty flavor that tastes like a mix between peppermint, wintergreen, and spearmint, look no further than our mint tincture flavoring.

Spearmint

Spearmint is one of the mildest of all the mint flavors, but it still provides a cooling, numbing sensation throughout your mouth when ingested as a tincture flavoring.

Gummies

Strawberry

This tangy, sweet flavoring brings to mind the unique experience of biting into a fresh strawberry in the middle of summer.

Watermelon

With a slightly tangy flavor that’s reminiscent of a mix between the pink center and white rind of a slice of watermelon, this cannabinoid gummy flavoring is undeniably mouthwatering.

Mango

Mango is one of the best non-cannabis sources of myrcene, a common terpene found in hemp. Therefore, the tropical, tangy taste of mango pairs perfectly with most types of cannabinoid-rich hemp extract.

Pineapple

This undeniably tropical and unapologetically sour gummy flavoring pairs perfectly with gummies that are designed to impart energizing or invigorating effects.

Green Apple

Sour and tart just like a Granny Smith apple, our green apple gummy flavoring recreates the sensation of biting into a crisp, juicy apple.

Mixed Berry

With hints of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry, this mixed berry flavoring evokes the adventurous spirit of wild berry picking with every gummy bite.

Orange

Citrusy flavors like orange bring out the most delicious tastes present in hemp extract while covering up any bitter or unwanted flavors. Our orange gummy flavoring pairs especially well with full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp extract.

Lime

Tangy, tart, but slightly sweeter than lemon, our lime gummy flavoring brings to mind tropical, sunny climes and fills your mouth with a refreshing taste.

Grape

Reminiscent of the potent sweetness of concord grapes, our natural grape flavoring is mild, scrumptious, and is the perfect complement to gummies with tangy or citrusy flavors.
Tablet

Peppermint

Our peppermint flavoring makes our tablets taste just like conventional breath mints.

Spearmint

Less sharp and spicy than peppermint, spearmint imbues cannabinoid-rich tablets with a smooth, cooling flavor. This familiar flavoring makes it easier for customers to replace their favorite breath mints with your cannabinoid-infused tablets.

Cherry

Overwhelmingly sweet but with a jolt of tartness, our cherry flavoring will make you want to hold your cannabinoid tablet in your mouth as long as possible as it slowly dissolves.

Lime

Cool and refreshing without being minty, our citrusy lime cannabinoid tablet flavoring brings to mind tropical, fruity drinks and the world’s most beloved hard candies.

Grape

Grape-flavored tablets bring to mind delicious hard candy, and this mild flavor is perfect for products that are designed to be relaxing or induce sleep.

Orange

The king of the citrus flavors, orange provides an exotic yet relaxing taste that brings out the terpene-richness of full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp extract.

Green Apple

Tart, tangy, and playful, green apple tablet flavoring isn’t quite as overwhelming as citrus, making it a great choice for tablets that are designed to either be invigorating or relaxing.

Lemon

There’s nothing quite like the energy that lemon tablet flavoring provides. If your tablets are designed to put a little spring in your step, lemon is the perfect flavoring to accentuate these energizing effects.

Cinnamon

Soothing yet subtly stimulating, the spicy and sweet flavor of cinnamon is right at home when added to tablets. Even when simply used as a flavoring, natural cinnamon extract can have antioxidant properties.

Vapes

Strawnanna

Why separate strawberry and banana when these flavors are practically designed to be paired? Our Strawnanna vape flavoring is recognizable to customers who have tried other vape products, making it easy to switch to vaping cannabinoids instead.

Watermelon Mint

Combining the tangy sweetness of watermelon with the refreshing coolness of mint, our Watermelon Mint flavor is the perfect addition to vape products that are designed to supply a summertime vibe.

Lemon Haze

This flavoring takes the unmistakable taste of Lemon Haze cannabis and infuses it into your vape products. The sativa terpenes in this flavoring blend perfectly with vape products that are designed to be energizing.

Grand Daddy Purp

This flavor evokes satisfied indica contentment. Grand Daddy Purp is considered to be one of the most delicious connoisseur indica strains, and it’s the perfect flavoring for relaxing or bedtime vape products.

Lemon Cake

The cannabis strain Lemon Cake combines sativa citrus with the musky earthiness of indica strains, and our Lemon Cake vape flavoring captures this cultivar’s unique terpene profile at its prime.

Gelato

Gelato is one of the world’s most famous hybrid cannabis strains, and our Gelato flavoring recreates this cultivar’s distinctive mix of berry, citrus, and lavender tastes.

Tangerine Banana

Mixing the sweet and mellow taste of banana with the mild citrus flavor of tangerine, our Tangerine Banana vape flavoring is perfect for customers who want to indulge their sweet tooth.

Scents – Topicals

Vanilla

Our vanilla topical scent takes the sweetness of this natural extract and imbues it into your skin. This rich, somewhat floral aroma mixes perfectly with creams.

Chamomile

Even the mere aroma of chamomile evokes a sense of sleepiness that makes this scent perfect for bedtime cannabinoid creams or salves.

Lavender

Lavender has a unique scent that is shared by linalool-rich cannabis strains. This aroma can produce a relaxing effect that’s perfect topicals designed for pain-relief

Calendula

Calendula is a unique plant with flowers that smell like an eclectic mix of sap, caramel, and freshly split wood. This natural aroma evokes the healing powers of the forest, and it’s the perfect pick for oil-based salves.

Orange

As a topical aroma, orange embodies the very spirit of relaxing luxury. Our orange topical scent is ideal for body lotions or any topical that can benefit from a touch of citrus.

Yuzu

With the faint bitterness of grapefruit and the overpowering zest of lemon, yuzu is an invigorating aroma that lends itself well to any type of topical.

Tangerine

With all the sweetness of orange but without its overpowering tang, our tangerine topical scent is perfect for citrusy topicals that are designed to be more relaxing than invigorating.

Rosemary

Rosemary needles have an utterly unique aroma that, for some people, will trigger the aroma memory of freshly-baked bread. This aroma oozes contentment and domestic bliss.

Lemongrass

The aroma of lemongrass combines a unique mix of orange blossom, lemon, ginger, and grass, and it’s an invigorating scent that mixes well with genuine citrus aromas.

Lemon

As the most energizing and uplifting citrus aroma, our lemon topical scent is the perfect pick for any creams, lotions, or balms that are designed to create a sense of peppy contentment.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has a unique scent that’s fresh, powerful, and somewhat minty. Even when used as an aroma ingredient, tea tree oil has potent antioxidant properties.

Jasmine

With an exotic aroma that immediately brings to mind the Far East, our jasmine scent lends an intense, sensual, and almost intoxicating aura to any cannabinoid topical.

Frankincense

Harvested from the bark of boswellia trees, frankincense has a woody, lemony aroma that has been associated with wealth and grandeur for millennia.

Ginger

Sharp, spicy, and woody, the aroma of ginger is ideal for topicals that are designed to provide a warming or relaxing effect.

Camphor

The aroma of camphor is so piquant that it can cause a pleasant, nose-tingling effect. This powerful antioxidant remains beneficial even when it is simply used as an aromatic ingredient.

GVB ingredients FAQs

1. What ingredients do you offer?

Some examples of rare or unusual ingredients we can add to our tinctures include authentic cannabis terpenes, maca root, hibiscus, and yuzu. In our gummies, we offer beloved classics like Orange, Grape, and Cherry, and for the more adventurous, we have options like Green Apple and Lime. In our topical blends, we commonly use rare botanical ingredients like kukui nut and sweet almond oil, and we’d be happy to incorporate any custom ingredients you may desire.

2. Are different flavors available?

Almost all of our products that are intended for ingestion are offered in a variety of flavors. In addition to the flavors listed in this guide, we can be flexible by incorporating specific flavoring agents or profiles that you want to achieve in your product. Simply talk with a client services representative to come up with a list of options.

3. What types of products are available?

Some of our most popular product offerings over the years include tinctures, capsules, and gummies. Recently, however, the CBD industry has been evolving and diversifying, resulting in a much wider range of popular products than anyone initially anticipated. If you have a specific type of product that you would like to bring to life for your brand, start a conversation with a client services representative today.

4. Are the ingredients in your products legal?

All of our products are in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill by containing less than 0.3% THC. In every capacity of our operations, we constantly strive to achieve the utmost level of available certification and approval from all relevant state, federal, and local bodies. Contact us today to learn more about the legality and regulatory status of the products we offer.

At GVB Biopharma, we leverage our vast catalog of optional ingredients to craft unique and attractive products for our valued clients. To learn more about the private label hemp products we can produce and our other services, book an introductory consultation call today.

Broad-spectrum distillate (BSD) is a high-end extract that’s desirable for products that capitalize on the entourage effect while avoiding any traces of THC. This honey-like, distilled extract is easy to work with, and it’s applicable for a wide range of different product types. Learn about the properties of BSD, why it’s perfect for CBD products, and why GVB Biopharma is one of the world’s most trusted suppliers of broad-spectrum distillate and other wholesale cannabinoid extracts.

What is Broad Spectrum Distillate?

GVB Biopharma Broad-Spectrum Distillate is a highly refined form of CBD concentrates that contains undetectable levels of THC. While CBD extract only needs to contain less than 0.3% THC to be compliant, BSD extract is the result of a process that removes all traces of THC, which may be desirable for certain product types and verticals.¹

In addition to containing approximately 85-92% CBD, broad-spectrum distillate also contains around 2-5% minor cannabinoids. Examples of minor cannabinoids include CBG, CBN, and CBC, and each of these hemp constituents has unique phytomedicinal properties that make them desirable for various product types.

On top of their individual properties, the minor cannabinoids present in BSD collectively contribute to a theorized phenomenon called the entourage effect. According to hemp research, each cannabinoid becomes more potent when it is paired with other cannabinoids, and the more cannabinoids work in concert with each other, the stronger the entourage effect becomes. For example, research has shown the benefits of the entourage effect on psychiatric disorders and the improvement of debilitating symptoms from the synergistic effects of cannabinoid compounds taken internally.²

After it has been purified by removing chlorophyll, waxes, and other undesirable components, BSD extract takes on a translucent, honey-like appearance. This distilled concentrate expresses the unique flavors and aromas of hemp extract because it retains the terpenes and flavonoids that naturally occur in hemp flower.

Which product types are ideal for Bulk Broad-Spectrum Distillate?

Broad-spectrum distillate is ideal for product applications in which high levels of CBD accompanied by minor cannabinoids are desirable but any concentration of THC is unacceptable. To label a consumer product as “THC-free” while still offering the benefits of the entourage effect, for instance, it is necessary to use broad-spectrum distillate extract or a similar form of concentrate that retains minor cannabinoids while eliminating THC.

Since it is highly refined, broad-spectrum distillate has a milder taste than other types of CBD extract, which makes it ideal for tinctures, edibles, and other ingestible CBD products.³ Broad-spectrum distillate also has a clearer, lighter appearance than other types of CBD extract, which makes it perfect for adding to products in which discoloration is undesirable.

Keep in mind that BSD is oil-based, so it may not combine well with water-based products. For these applications, GVB Biopharma water-soluble CBD liquid or powder would be more desirable.

Why is GVB Biopharma the best source of bulk Broad-Spectrum Distillate?

GVB Biopharma is widely renowned as being one of the most reputable and compliant suppliers of bulk raw materials and white label cannabinoid products in the industry. While other cannabinoid suppliers outsource their supply chains we oversee every stage of the process from seed acquisition to cultivation to extraction and processing.

We actively pursue all compliance measures we can undertake, and we promote transparency by offering comprehensive lab reports and encouraging tours of our facilities. Here are a few of the reasons that GVB Biopharma extracts are so renowned around the world:

Testing and Quality

All GVB Biopharma products are tested multiple times throughout the production process. First, we test the seeds that we use to grow our hemp crops to ensure that they meet our purity and quality standards. While our hemp matures from these verified high-quality seeds, we engage in constant quality control measures to ensure that no pesticides, or other toxins contaminate our crops.

We test our hemp flower immediately after harvesting to make sure that our quality control measures were successful. Then, we test the crude extract that we derive from our hemp flower to ensure that no residual solvents are present. Once the THC and other undesirable components in this crude extract have been removed, we test the resulting broad-spectrum CBD distillate to ensure that it only contains desirable substances like CBD and the minor cannabinoids that help make BSD such a useful extract.

You have the option of buying our BSD extract and manufacturing your own products or allowing us to infuse BSD extract into pre-made white label products that you can then market yourself. If you select this all-encompassing service, we will test the final product before shipment for purity and potency.

Very few cannabinoid producers take such stringent measures to ensure that the BSD extract they produce is high-potency and free of contaminants. Lab reports are readily available for both our bulk BSD extract and our pre-made products that contain this type of cannabinoid-rich CBD concentrate.

Certified Producer

At GVB Biopharma, we proactively seek any and all certifications that may be relevant to our business operations. We were one of the first hemp facilities in Oregon to receive food-grade certification, and we work extensively with local fire marshals to ensure that all of our facilities are compliant with fire safety standards.

Most importantly, GVB Oregon is ISO 9001:2015 certified and holds an NSF International’s Good Manufacturing Practice Registration for dietary supplements. NSF International is a leading certification agency that verifies a manufacturing facility has the proper methods, equipment, facilities, and controls in place to produce dietary supplement products in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulations on dietary supplements.

GVB also recently received our Handling certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and has started producing Certified Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), which affirms GVB Biopharma’s position as one of the industry’s leading hemp processors. 

Each of our certifications speaks to our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality control and quality assurance possible. Furthermore, we observe all OSHA workplace safety standards, and fire code requirements at our facilities to ensure they are free of hazardous contaminants. 

Regardless of any claims we may make about the quality of our bulk CBD isolate and other products, third-party validation is necessary to confirm the purity of our products and the integrity of our organization. Every certification effort we have pursued has proven that GVB Biopharma is one of the nation’s most reputable suppliers of CBD isolate and other cannabinoid extracts and finished products.

Fast Shipping

GVB Biopharma has locations throughout the United States, and we also have a facility in the UK. Plus, we’re in the process of opening a mainland European office, and GVB is one of the only cannabinoid producers to have a presence in South America with our Bogata, Colombia location.

Due to the diverse spread of facilities we’ve established around the world, we offer fast shipping services to more nations than nearly all of our competitors. Once you’ve placed an order with us for bulk water-dispersible powder, you can usually expect fulfillment within 24 hours. We can also use expedited shipping services to make sure your products arrive as quickly as possible.

With full tracking enabled with every order, you’ll never have to wonder about the location of your broad-spectrum distillate. Our customer service team is also available if you have any questions about your order.

Easy Reordering

At GVB Biopharma, we impose a 1-kilo minimum on all of our BSD extract wholesale orders. From your first order onward, our knowledgeable customer service staff will be standing by to discuss potential order quantities and pricing.

You’ll be supplied with a dedicated customer service contact for your first order and beyond, and we will keep in touch to make sure your order provided everything you hoped for. When it’s time to reorder, simply get in touch with your designated GVB Biopharma associate or contact us directly at support@gvbbiopharma.com to place another order.

Add BSD distillate to your product lineup today

Broad-spectrum distillate offers many of the same benefits as cruder forms of CBD extract while entirely eliminating THC and providing a variety of other purity advantages. Think of BSD as the bridge between compliant CBD extract and CBD isolate—like forms of extract that contain up to 0.3% THC, broad-spectrum distillate offers the entourage effect, but like isolate CBD, BSD does not contain detectable levels of THC.

To provide you with the security of knowing that the supply of high-quality GVB Biopharma BSD you need to support your brand will never run dry, we make reordering easy, and we offer tracking on every shipment we send out. At every stage of the sales process, transparency and accountability is the name of the game at GVB Biopharma, and we’ll always be here to support you in your cannabinoid industry endeavors.

Experience the difference that a firm focus on certification, transparency, and quality offered in the bulk CBD industry. Contact GVB Biopharma today to find out how we can help you make your cannabinoid brand dreams come true both in the United States and abroad.

Broad-spectrum distillate FAQ

Learn more about how to buy the best THC-free broad-spectrum distillate in the FAQ section below:

1. What is the best CBD distillate?

While many customers consider THC-free CBD distillate to be the best option for their needs, objectively speaking, there is no “best” form of CBD distillate. It is objectively true, though, that some CBD distillate manufacturers produce better products than others.

If you want to make sure absolutely no trace of THC makes its way into your products, THC-free broad-spectrum distillate may, indeed, be the right option for you. Some customers, however, don’t mind if small amounts of THC are present in their finished products, potentially making alternative extract types more ideal.

2. What is TFBSD?

In the hemp industry, “TFBSD” usually refers to THC-free broad-spectrum distillate, the type of cannabinoid extract we covered in this article. While relatively rare, some manufacturers choose to use this clunky abbreviation to refer to THC-free BSD, which is already a short-enough name for most purposes.

3. Does broad-spectrum extract really not contain any THC?

Yes, it’s true that broad-spectrum hemp extracts are designed to not contain any detectable concentrations of THC. Even in the best broad-spectrum extracts, a few THC molecules may still be present (especially in larger volumes), but not in detectable concentrations. A CBD extract isn’t guaranteed to be truly broad-spectrum just because it’s labeled as such, though — always check lab tests for confirmation that the claims a manufacturer makes about its CBD extracts are accurate.

4. What is ultra broad-spectrum CBD extract?

In the CBD industry, the term “ultra broad-spectrum CBD extract” usually refers to a type of extract that contains no THC but boosted concentrations of other non-CBD cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC. This extract type is often desired solely for its high minor cannabinoid content.

Sources

1. Ohtsuki, T.; Friesen, B.; Chen, S.-N.; McAlpine, J. B.; F. Pauli, G. F. Selective Preparation and High Dynamic-Range Analysis of Cannabinoids in “CBD Oil” and Other Cannabis sativa Preparations. Journal of Natural Products 2022, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00976. Retrieved from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00976

2. Ferber, S. G.; Namdar, D.; Hen-Shoval,D.; Eger, G.; Koltai, H.; Shoval, G.; Shbiro, L.; Weller, A. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 2020, 18, 87-96. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31481004/

3. Nelsona, K. M; Bissonb, J.;Singha, G.; Grahamb, J. G.;Chenb, S.-N.; Friesenb, B.; Dahlind, J. L.; Niemitzf, M.; Walters, M. A.; F. Pauli, G. F. The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Cannabidiol (CBD). Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2020. 63(21): 12137–12155. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7666069/pdf/nihms-1621841.pdf