How to Use CBD Crystals

These are not your grandmother’s amethysts. CBD crystals – also known as CBD concentrates, CBD isolates, or crystalline CBD – contain 99.9% CBD oil. For CBD enthusiasts, that means one of the most potent treatment options on the market.
How is this possible?
For starters, CBD concentrates derive from a different extraction method than other CBD products like full spectrum CBD oil. Before discussing how to use CBD crystals, we must understand the difference between these extraction methods.
- CBD crystals derive from an isolated hemp extraction. Hence the name “CBD isolate.” Processors target only the CBD molecules found in the hemp plant to create these crystalline CBD products.
- Full spectrum & broad spectrum CBD products derive from whole-plant extractions of the hemp plant. Because of this, these products contain a variety of other natural constituents found in the hemp plant.
What do we mean by “other natural constituents”? Well, like all plants in nature, the hemp plant contains a variety of microscopic chemicals. These additional constituents include:
- Other Cannabinoids (including CBN, CBG, and THC).
- Terpenes (responsible for scent and some therapeutic benefits).
- Amino Acids (necessary for a wide range of bodily functions).
- Essential Fatty Acids (provide a variety of wellness benefits).
When you take a full spectrum CBD oil, you’re also ingesting all of these natural compounds. To many CBD users, this is a good thing: it contributes to a phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect. But if you’re looking for a pure, no-frills, extra-strength CBD treatment, these additional natural constituents might get in the way. That’s where CBD concentrates come into play!
Everything You Need to Know About CBD Crystals
So we don’t get lost in all this cannabinoid terminology, let’s review what we’ve learned thus far!
- CBD crystals are known as CBD concentrates, isolates, and other names.
- They are made of 99.9% pure CBD.
- They derive from an isolated hemp extraction method.
- They do not contain other hemp plant constituents, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.
When learning how to use CBD crystals, it’s essential to know how these CBD isolates differ from other popular products. Let’s compare CBD crystals to perhaps the most popular (and strikingly different!) product on the market: full spectrum CBD oil.
Full Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Crystals
- Full spectrum products possess a distinct scent and taste, known for their earthy, cannabis-like aromas. Crystalline CBD products, on the other hand, have no flavor or taste whatsoever. If you dislike the natural taste of full spectrum CBD oil, CBD crystals might be right for you!
- CBD isolates contain 99.9% pure CBD. Contrarily, full spectrum CBD products contain CBD, terpenes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and other natural constituents of the hemp plant. No scientific evidence has proven that one product is better than the other. We recommend trying both for yourself and finding a product that’s right for your individual CBD treatment!
- Full spectrum CBD oil is most commonly found as (you guessed it!) a CBD oil tincture. CBD crystals, however, come in a variety of forms, including wax, crumble, and dabs.
- Full spectrum CBD is commonly infused with other ingredients, including fractionated coconut oil (MCT) and essential oils. CBD crystals contain just one ingredient: pure, uncut CBD. However, you’re able to infuse CBD concentrates with essential oils yourself!
How to Use CBD Crystals
We know that CBD concentrates are the purest form of CBD on the market. However, they might seem tricky to use, at least at first. CBD wax, shatter, and other CBD isolate products come as oily, concentrated crystals. These crystals can be flaky, crumbly, or even solid. How on Earth do you ingest crystals?
Vaping CBD Crystals
If you own a vaporizer built to withstand the complex needs of smokable oils, you can easily vape CBD crystals! This is the most common use of crystalline CBD products. To vape CBD crystals, simply load your preferred dose of CBD concentrate into your vaporizer and inhale.
In addition to vaping CBD crystals, you can smoke these concentrated products using a dab rig. We only recommend this method to seasoned CBD users, as the high-concentration inhalation might be too powerful and too fast-acting for novice CBD consumers.
Eating CBD Crystals
Did you know that crystalline CBD products are edible? You can quickly and easily add CBD crystals to your favorite recipes. At CBD Choice, we’ve already covered a variety of recipes, including for CBD candy and other CBD gummies. Simply replace “CBD oil” in the instructions with your desired amount of CBD isolates, and enjoy!
If CBD edibles aren’t your thing, there are plenty more ways to ingest CBD crystals orally. One unusual but effective method? Simply place your CBD crystals directly beneath the tongue and wait! The oils will begin to break down and target sublingual capillaries found beneath the tongue. These capillaries have a direct line to the nervous system, quickly offering you the benefits of CBD! This is the same ingestion method commonly used for full spectrum CBD oil tinctures.
Making Your Own CBD Tinctures Using CBD Crystals
Speaking of CBD oil tinctures, you can use CBD crystals to effectively create your own! All you need is a carrier oil: a base oil that “carries” the CBD molecules into your system. Popular CBD carrier oils include:
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT)
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Argan Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
You probably have at least one of these carrier oils in your kitchen right now! To create your own CBD crystal-infused tincture, simply dissolve your CBD isolate products into your carrier oils. Tinctures work best when kept in a dark glass container and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Creating CBD Crystal Skincare Products
The DIYs don’t stop with tinctures! In fact, when you first asked about how to use CBD crystals, did you think you’d end up making your very own skincare line? Probably not! And that’s just one example of the versatility available with CBD concentrates.
To craft your own CBD crystal-infused skincare products, simply add your favorite crystalline CBD products to any number of at-home skincare recipes. This will allow you the topical benefits of CBD treatments that target endocannabinoid receptors found in the dermal layers of your skin!
CBD Crystals Really Do It All!
After examining how to use CBD crystals, one thing stands out: these products do it all! With CBD crystals, you can take advantage of 99.9% pure CBD and get exactly what you’re looking for in a CBD treatment.
- Do you enjoy CBD vapes? You can vape CBD isolates!
- More of an edibles fanatic? Make your own concentrate-infused CBD edibles!
- What about fans of CBD oil tinctures? You can use CBD crystals for that, too!
With CBD crystals and the right equipment, the possibilities are endless. We expect to see many, many more of these concentrated products on our shelves in the near future. Until then, make sure to stay up-to-date with all the latest CBD news, including DIY recipes that incorporate crystalline CBD formulations. Or share some of your creations with us in the comments!