CBD comes from cannabis. The name cannabidiol comes from right there. But how is CBD made/ what happens in the process of extraction and then infuse in a product we buy online or in our local pharmacy store?
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, the reason we see “hemp extract” label most of the time on our CBD products in the ingredients list. Once the extraction is complete, the CBD is then added to various products in the form of gummies, tinctures, capsules, vapes, etc.
Extraction Of CBD
The most recommended is CO2 extraction. CO2 is also the most expensive extraction method. Still, it produces the highest concentration of CBD, which the result in a high-quality product. Abandoning the neurotoxic residue CO2 is one of the safest extraction methods.
Extracting CBD from the hemp plant is as easy as making cannabutter at home. But for nationwide manufacturing purposes with the full result, there are two primary methods for effective CBD oil extraction.
Each method clear-cuts benefits in creating a high-quality, high potent CBD product.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EXTRACTION
CO2 is a flexible gas with a variety of commercial uses, including extracted compounds from the plant. The CO2 method uses the gas in “Hypercritical liquid” form as well as in its normal state.
During the CO2 extraction, the pressurized chamber is called the closed-loop extractor and the pumps expose high-pressure CO2 to a shallow temperature, resulting in a high amount of CBD extraction.
- In the act of beginning extraction, the two chambers doing their work the 1st chamber will hold pressurized CO2. In contrast, the second pressurized chamber will have a cannabis plant. The CO2 gas is then compressed until it becomes liquid.
- The first chamber pumps co2 into the second chamber. The existence of hypercritical carbon dioxide breaks down the cannabis in the section causing the separation of oil and plant.
- Eventually, the oil and co2 then pumped into the third chamber. The gas then evaporated and what’s left is the pure CBD oil.
The CO2 extraction machinery units build to produce anywhere from 100 – to 1,200 pounds of biomass in a single run. With this method, you can not only extract CBD on a massive scale effectively but can also remove a particular compound like terpenes.
Naturally present compound “terpenes” are infused with cannabis for its signature fragrance and flavor as well as for its potential medicinal benefits.
While the CO2 method is the most expensive because of the advanced machinery used in it, it’s incredibly safe and produces a high concentration of CBD oil resulting 92% and above purity rate.
ORGANIC SOLVENT EXTRACTION
The organic solvent extraction method is relevant to using CO2, but it is mostly cheaper and faster. Butane is used in hemp extraction, but ethanol and propane are famous.
The closed-loop system used for the C02 extraction in the liquid butane, propane, or ethanol flow over the hemp, releasing the CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.
The solvent has to be precisely temperature regulated to separate the solvent from the final extracted result without harming it.
The main disadvantage of solvent extraction is that some solvent comes along with the impurities from the hemp material, which gives the final product not so pleasant taste.
Other extraction methods are = 1. steam distillation, 2. natural solvent extraction.
These methods are inexpensive and leave no toxic residue behind. Still, one disadvantage is that heat damages the CBD oil and the presence of chlorophyll affects the taste and lower concentration of CBD.
What after Extraction?
CBD oil is detailed as “full-spectrum.” It means all the other cannabinoids including CBDA, CBDV, THC, and others are still present. As long as the product has the amount of THC will be 0.3% or less. ( Makes legal in the US and UK)
Full-spectrum also contains other therapeutic elements from hemp, such as terpenes and amino acids. Many people opt for full-spectrum oil because of the “companion effect”.
CBD users believe that it can engage the endocannabinoid system more affected when more cannabinoids are present. Despite this, some people prefer no THC in their oil, even in a very low amount of THC.
CBD isolates are most preferred. CBD isolate is created when the liquid is then cooled and purified into crystalline isolate form. The result is a white powder with no flavor; it’s flavorless, it contains CBD isolate less expensive per milligram, and contains no THC, no flavor, no smell.
Whether it is CBD isolate or full-spectrum, the CBD oil is added to other substances to make a CBD-infused product. CBD oil tinctures are created with the carrier cannabis or coconut oil.
- CBD gummies are created by adding CBD oil and natural flavoring.
- CBD oil can be added to any edible goods, e.g., chocolate, brownies, fresh juice, tea, coffee, cakes daily food, etc.
- CBD oil also comes in capsules and soft gels
- There are CBD vape oils too which are created by the combination of vegetable oil glycerine and propylene glycol, so that’s it’s suitable for inhalation. The natural flavor is added for preferred taste.
Other products of CBD are in various essential oil, body butter, waxes, moisturizer, balm, and other tropical.