CBD short for Cannabidiol is among over 100 active substances present in cannabis plants. Naturally, the compound is beneficial in the restoration of the body to optimize its level of functionality. It does not cause ‘a high’ to the user, unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in marijuana. You can extract CBD and THC from the plant.
Through its therapeutic properties, it helps in the management of several conditions. Ongoing research shows that CBD has the potential to relieve and treat conditions such as psychosis, insomnia, pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, and depression, among others. FDA approval of Epidiolex was a big win for CBD. Epidiolex is the first CBD infused medication and is useful in the treatment of rare types of epilepsy.
Extraction is the first stage in obtaining CBD extract from the hemp plant. Generally, the idea is to pass a solvent via the hemp plant matter to separate the compounds. The resultant terpenes, cannabinoids, and other components such as chlorophyll undergo further processing to make the final product. There are several methods of extracting CBD extract from hemp.
How to Extract CBD from Hemp
1. Supercritical CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction is a reputed method in the removal of CBD from hemp. The technique involves the use of carbon dioxide at low temperature and high pressure. The pressure converts the gas into a liquid.
The liquid carbon dioxide passes through the hemp plant matter extracting the CBD with an efficiency of up to 90%. The oil extract has a high concentration of CBD, as it is entirely pure.
The drawback of the process is the cost of equipment. Besides, it calls for skilled expertise. Due to that, the CBD oil obtained from CO2 extraction is expensive, although the end products are of the highest quality.
2. Alcohol Extraction
The alcohol extraction method is cheaper than the CO2 technique. It is also capable of producing high-quality CBD from hemp. However, to achieve that, it requires more technical know-how and further processing after extraction.
The most commonly used alcohol solvent to extract CBD from hemp is ethanol. The polar solvent is miscible with water and dissolves molecules that are soluble in the water together with the desired hemp compounds. The oil is usually dark and bitter because ethanol also extracts chlorophyll in the process.
3. Hydrocarbon Extraction
The method utilizes light hydrocarbon solvents such as propane, butane, pentane, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and hexane. Due to their low boiling point, they easily derive the CBD from hemp. Although the method is cheap, it has several drawbacks. The oil extract has a low concentration of CBD. Besides, the unhealthy residue may remain in the final product.
4. Lipid Extraction
The method extracts the CBD from hemp using lipids; therefore, it does not require CO2 or any harsh solvents. Organic coconut oil is a frequently used lipid in the technique. However, the technique has its downsides too. You can’t evaporate the lipid from CBD oil, meaning you need more oil to have a similar effect.
The popularity in the use of CBD extracts in the world is growing tremendously. However, the non-existence of proper standards can lead to problems. It is crucial to know the technique used in the production of the CBD extract. Besides, enquire how your supplier removes impurities to ensure the CBD product is of the best quality. CBD is used to make beauty products like lip balms and skincare products.
Leave a comment