CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants and is touted for its therapeutic potential. It’s classified as a cannabinoid, along with THC, CBN, and over one hundred other compounds found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating.
Among CBD oils reported benefits is its ability to relax the body and mind, relieve depression and anxiety, alleviate pain, improve mood, and more.
Generally, CBD oil is sourced from hemp and thus considered natural. However, with the rise in popularity of CBD, synthetic versions are starting to hit the market, too. We explore the difference between natural and synthetic CBD oil in more detail below.
But first, if you’re looking for high quality, naturally derived CBD tincture, be sure to check out Premium Jane’s line of CBD oils, like their 600mg CBD oil drops.
The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic CBD Oil
Natural CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and extracted using one of several different methods, including CO2 or ethanol extraction. Once the CBD is extracted, additional processing can be done.
Typically, other cannabinoids are extracted with CBD. The initial extract can be retained, selectively removed, or completely removed to produce full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD formulas, respectively. Each formula is suitable for different CBD users. CBD isolate refers to an almost pure CBD formula, whereby all other cannabinoids have been removed.
As for synthetic CBD oil, it’s produced in a laboratory either by chemical synthesis using ingredients like limonene or biological synthesis using something like modified yeast. High-quality synthetic CBD is considered chemically identical to the natural compound and works in the body the same way.
The key difference is that a synthesized CBD tincture does not contain other naturally occurring compounds, like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Instead, it’s manufactured to yield pure CBD, thus mimicking natural CBD isolate.
Natural vs. Synthetic CBD Oil: Which is Better?
Currently, there is an ongoing debate in the CBD space regarding the pros and cons of natural versus synthetic CBD oil. In general, the two types of CBD are not very different and produce similar effects. However, there are some key differences.
Natural is always better, right? And synthetic is an artificial and cheap imitation? Proponents of synthetic CBD tinctures argue otherwise. One of the greatest comparisons made is to other over-the-counter “natural” supplements, such as vitamin C and D.
It may surprise some people to learn that their daily vitamin C tablet does not come from a fresh lemon or other fruit. Instead, it’s synthetically produced in a lab to be chemically identical to its natural counterpart. The same is true of a synthetically produced CBD tincture.
Those in favor of synthetic CBD argue that it can be produced more efficiently and cost-effectively than its natural equivalent. Moreover, it’s easier to produce a pure and precise product and may require less costly resources such as land and water. Plus, some argue that synthetic products may be “purer” since many compounds in the hemp plant need to be removed before a pure extract is obtained.
However, there is an argument for natural CBD oil, too. Hemp-derived CBD is rich in a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. All these compounds work together to support the various effects of CBD in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. The idea is that when all these compounds are used together, they’re more effective than CBD alone.
Finally, as of 2022, the most reputable and trustworthy CBD brands produce natural, hemp-derived CBD oil. That is not to say that we won’t see a move towards synthetic CBD in the future. But, for now, natural CBD oil seems to be the preferred option for most CBD users.
Final Thoughts: Is CBD Oil Natural or Synthetic?
The answer is that it depends; CBD oil can be both natural and synthetic. Generally, synthetic CBD is chemically identical to its natural counterpart and produces similar effects. However, you need to consider how the CBD was produced.
One of the biggest advantages of natural CBD oil is that it’s available in full-spectrum formulas. This means that it contains a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which work together to produce an enhanced effect. Synthetic CBD oil, on the other hand, is “pure” CBD that does not contain any other compounds.
For now, the debate around natural versus synthetic CBD oil is far from being over. Proponents of synthetic CBD present some valid points, claiming that at the very least, the synthetic version is as good as the natural. However, more research is needed before any conclusive verdict can be given about which is better.
