HOW CBD PRODUCTS ARE MADE
The first step of creating all CBD products begins with extraction. CBD and other cannabinoids need to be extracted from the plant material in order for the benefits to be experienced. The extraction methods create different types of CBD oil. This extracted oil is then used as tinctures and to create edibles or topical products.
CO2 Extraction:
CO2 extraction occurs when carbon dioxide is put under high pressure while maintaining a low temperature. Due to the pressure, the gas is transformed into a liquid which passes through the plant material and leads to a 90% extraction efficiency. This appears to be the most efficient extraction method at this time as the results are a highly concentrated, totally pure oil extract. Since low temperatures are used in this extraction method, the oil will need to be heated (decarboxylation) to activate the cannabinoids. Decarboxylation will remove the acids attached to the cannabinoids and change the molecules from something such as CBDA to CBD or THCA to THC. The raw cannabinoids (CBDA, THCA, etc.) may have additional health benefits to the system which is currently being researched. Some companies are now including raw cannabinoids in their products to provide the consumers all the of the potential benefits from the plant. CO2 extraction oil is created with expensive equipment by individuals who are experienced at this operation. This oil is generally of higher quality than other oils and usually more costly.
Ethanol Extraction:
Ethanol extraction began many years ago by an individual named Rick Simpson. He initially created the extraction to help heal himself from skin cancer and thus the oil is commonly referred to as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil). The extraction process uses an alcohol solvent called ethanol. Using ethanol as a solvent is efficient but may have some disadvantages. Through this process ethanol drips through packed cannabis flower product which pulls through the cannabinoids and the terpenes in the process. Chlorophyll is also extracted in this process and additional filtering is required to rid the product of chlorophyll. During the filtering of the chlorophyll some cannabinoids may be filtered out as well resulting in a lower quality oil. New methods of ethanol extraction are being created to optimize the results of the ethanol extract.
CBD Isolate:
CBD isolate appears as a powder form and usually has around 99% pure cannabidiol (CBD). All other plant materials, cannabinoids, terpenes, and chlorophyll are removed and the result is a white powder substance which is CBD crystals. CBD isolate should have no odor and no flavor. CBD isolate is created after an extraction method has been completed. Chemists use a process called chromatography to remove all other plant materials and cannabinoids. The material is then heated to transform CBDA to CBD. CBD Isolate does not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes that usually work as a team with CBD to provide the optimal benefits which is a disadvantage for some consumers. However, CBD Isolate can be combined with other herbs, oils, etc. to create a synergy that can be beneficial to the consumer. However, this product can easily be added food products or tinctures or dissolved in liquids. This product also works well for people who are especially sensitive to other cannabinoids such as THC. CBD isolate is also a preferred method for consumers who are subject to drug testing and must avoid even trace amounts of THC.
CBD Whole Flower Extract
This extract is known as full spectrum extract and it contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. When these additional cannabinoids and terpenes are consumed together with CBD they create what many people in the industry refer to as an entourage effect. The group of cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create an exceptional therapeutic benefit to the consumer. This extract is generally preferable to the CBD isolate as the medical benefits are greater.
The first step of creating all CBD products begins with extraction. CBD and other cannabinoids need to be extracted from the plant material in order for the benefits to be experienced. The extraction methods create different types of CBD oil. This extracted oil is then used as tinctures and to create edibles or topical products.
CO2 Extraction:
CO2 extraction occurs when carbon dioxide is put under high pressure while maintaining a low temperature. Due to the pressure, the gas is transformed into a liquid which passes through the plant material and leads to a 90% extraction efficiency. This appears to be the most efficient extraction method at this time as the results are a highly concentrated, totally pure oil extract. Since low temperatures are used in this extraction method, the oil will need to be heated (decarboxylation) to activate the cannabinoids. Decarboxylation will remove the acids attached to the cannabinoids and change the molecules from something such as CBDA to CBD or THCA to THC. The raw cannabinoids (CBDA, THCA, etc.) may have additional health benefits to the system which is currently being researched. Some companies are now including raw cannabinoids in their products to provide the consumers all the of the potential benefits from the plant. CO2 extraction oil is created with expensive equipment by individuals who are experienced at this operation. This oil is generally of higher quality than other oils and usually more costly.
Ethanol Extraction:
Ethanol extraction began many years ago by an individual named Rick Simpson. He initially created the extraction to help heal himself from skin cancer and thus the oil is commonly referred to as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil). The extraction process uses an alcohol solvent called ethanol. Using ethanol as a solvent is efficient but may have some disadvantages. Through this process ethanol drips through packed cannabis flower product which pulls through the cannabinoids and the terpenes in the process. Chlorophyll is also extracted in this process and additional filtering is required to rid the product of chlorophyll. During the filtering of the chlorophyll some cannabinoids may be filtered out as well resulting in a lower quality oil. New methods of ethanol extraction are being created to optimize the results of the ethanol extract.
CBD Isolate:
CBD isolate appears as a powder form and usually has around 99% pure cannabidiol (CBD). All other plant materials, cannabinoids, terpenes, and chlorophyll are removed and the result is a white powder substance which is CBD crystals. CBD isolate should have no odor and no flavor. CBD isolate is created after an extraction method has been completed. Chemists use a process called chromatography to remove all other plant materials and cannabinoids. The material is then heated to transform CBDA to CBD. CBD Isolate does not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes that usually work as a team with CBD to provide the optimal benefits which is a disadvantage for some consumers. However, CBD Isolate can be combined with other herbs, oils, etc. to create a synergy that can be beneficial to the consumer. However, this product can easily be added food products or tinctures or dissolved in liquids. This product also works well for people who are especially sensitive to other cannabinoids such as THC. CBD isolate is also a preferred method for consumers who are subject to drug testing and must avoid even trace amounts of THC.
CBD Whole Flower Extract
This extract is known as full spectrum extract and it contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. When these additional cannabinoids and terpenes are consumed together with CBD they create what many people in the industry refer to as an entourage effect. The group of cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create an exceptional therapeutic benefit to the consumer. This extract is generally preferable to the CBD isolate as the medical benefits are greater.