Before a single drop hits your tongue or a gummy lands in your palm, your CBD has been on a long, carefully controlled journey from green, sun-grown hemp fields to lab-tested, precisely dosed products.
At Goodrays, that journey matters. It's what turns a natural compound into a trusted daily ritual that is clean, consistent and crafted for modern wellbeing. We're here to show you exactly how raw hemp becomes the premium CBD in our products with the ultimate care and zero compromise along the way.
What is CBD and where does it come from?
CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of over 120 naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. It's become popular for its ability to support the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping to regulate mood, sleep, recovery and maintain daily wellbeing – all without the “high” associated with THC.
CBD is typically extracted from industrial hemp, a strain of cannabis that's naturally rich in CBD but contains only trace amounts of THC. Hemp-derived CBD is fully legal in the UK as long as it meets strict regulatory standards.
You might be surprised to learn that UK farmers can grow hemp, but they can't legally use or process the flowers, which is where most of the CBD is found. That's why most British CBD brands turn to international growers.
From seed to flower: growing the hemp plant
Hemp grows fast, which is one of the reasons it's such a sustainable crop. Within just a few months of planting, the tall green plants are ready for harvest. We work with farmers who specialise in female hemp plants (they produce the highest concentration of CBD in their flowers) and prioritise non-GMO growing methods.
The flowering stage – when the hemp plant produces resin-packed buds – is when the CBD levels are highest. These trichome-covered flowers are carefully harvested by hand or machine to preserve the delicate compounds inside.
Harvesting and curing: quality starts early
After harvesting, the flowers are cured. This is a slow drying process that typically takes 3-4 weeks. It's essential for preserving the full integrity of the cannabinoids, removing moisture and protecting against mould.
Curing isn't just about safety, it also improves the flavour and stability of the CBD extract. At Goodrays, this step is a non-negotiable part of maintaining the quality of our final products.
Extraction: the science behind the calm
Extracting CBD from hemp is where things get technical. The goal is to isolate CBD from the other plant compounds, including THC, waxes and chlorophyll. There are several methods used across the industry, but at Goodrays we use CO2 extraction, which is considered the gold standard.
CO2 extraction uses pressurised carbon dioxide to separate CBD from the rest of the plant material. It's clean, precise and free from harsh solvents. The result is a high-purity CBD extract with no residual chemicals and consistent potency. The CBD extract is then refined further through chromatography – a process that isolates the CBD and removes any remaining unwanted compounds. What remains is CBD isolate: 99.9% pure cannabidiol in its most potent and stable form.
From lab to label: why third-party testing matters
Before our CBD reaches your hands, it's independently tested by accredited third-party labs. This is an essential part of our commitment to transparency and trust. These lab reports check for:
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CBD potency (to make sure you're getting exactly what we claim)
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The absence of THC
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Microbial and heavy metal content
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Residual solvents
You can also view the lab results for every Goodrays product, as we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're putting in your body.
Is CBD safe to take?
Yes. CBD is considered well-tolerated, non-intoxicating and non-addictive when used responsibly. The World Health Organization has stated that CBD poses no risk of abuse or dependence.
If you're new to CBD, we always recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it based on how you feel. You can read more about this in our guide on how to dose CBD.
When you know where your CBD comes from – and how it's made – you can feel confident about the calm it brings.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.