There’s been a lot of talk about marijuana legalization, THC, CBD and all the ways they can transform your health and your recreation. With all this conversation, there hasn’t been much said about how these things are made. What many fail to understand is that CBD oil isn’t actually made or created. It’s a botanical extract. It exists in the plant and can be isolated and purified. So, how does a trusted source for CBD hemp oil do it?
Ethanol Extraction
In order to get the CBD out of the hemp, an ethanol extraction can be used. The process begins with a high-proof alcohol (ethanol) solvent. The dried hemp is mixed with the ethanol to draw out the CBD from the plant material. After allowing a predetermined time to pass, the CBD and alcohol mixture can be poured off. Now the solution is heated to evaporate the alcohol, leaving the CBD oil behind. This method typically extracts all of the alcohol soluble compounds from the hemp, so without purification, the final product may have other cannabinoids and terpenes along with the CBD.
CO2 Extraction
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction uses carbon dioxide to release the CBD from the hemp. Its efficiency lies in its ability to be both a gas and a liquid. Introducing highly compressed carbon dioxide in a sealed and pressurized environment, allows the CBD to be safely extracted without harmful byproducts. After the extraction, the CO2 evaporates leaving behind the CBD oil.
Hydrocarbon Extraction
The hydrocarbon method is very similar to ethanol extraction. The only difference is that the solvent is butane, hexane or propane instead of alcohol. Hydrocarbons are very efficient at extracting CBD when they are placed under pressure, these gases bond to the CBD quickly and efficiently. Hydrocarbons are flammable and can leave behind residues in the finished CBD product once it’s removed from the CBD oil. Removing the hydrocarbons is a highly specialized process.
Oil Extraction
A favorite of DIY extractors, oil extraction is a very simple method that puts the dried hemp in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. The oil and hemp are heated so that the oil will pull out the CBD. It isn’t very efficient because it usually leaves behind quite a bit of CBD and extracts unwanted waxes and compounds. Usually the carrier oil is not separated from the CBD oil.
Purification
After the CBD is extracted, commercial manufacturers will purify the CBD to get rid of any impurities. The plant resins and fats are often solid at room temperature and can make the final product undesirable. This process is called winterization and filtration. It makes for a better flavor and more potent end product.
Keep in mind that although hemp and marijuana are related, they are not the same plant. Hemp has very little amounts of THC in it, so CBD oil, whether it’s broad spectrum, full spectrum or pure isolate, is not going to give you a marijuana type high. It is intended to be a supplement or a way to support your body and its functions.