To make sure that the premium quality CBD oil has been extracted, careful experimentation is performed. The most important aspect involved in the extraction of CBD is its processing.
Why is choosing the right method important?
If you fail to choose the right extraction method, even the highly CBD enriched plants won’t be enough. And it is not only the CBD yield that gets affected by the extraction method but also the purity. In addition, the quality of the CBD oil, its potency and also the effectiveness being produced will be affected.
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What are different CBD extraction methods?
There are three different extraction methods that are used for the perfect extraction of CBD oils, according to cbdcentral.com. All these extraction methods have been selected after several tests and experimentation.
- Ethanol solvent
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Olive oil extraction
1- Solvent (ethanol) extraction method
Not only ethanol but also isopropyl, propane, butane and even alcohol is also used in the solvent extraction method. This is the easiest one and also provides you with fast results. In addition to these benefits, solvent extraction method is the least expensive one, considering the other options.
Methodology
“In solvent extraction, plant wax (containing some of the nutrients) is dissolved by using the solvents. Thus, you get the final CBD oil and sometimes chlorophyll also gets extracted, which gives a bit of bitterness to products.”
The process starts by trimming the plant parts and also flowers into the container. Afterward, the selected solvent is passed through the plant material for enough time to soak it. The solvent strips them off the cannabinoid. After that, the solution obtained is allowed to evaporate. This evaporation step lets the solvent evaporate and leaves behind the cannabinoids in the oil form.
Cons of using this method
Solvents are being used in the extraction, which are quite flammable. Therefore, you have to be extra careful while using this methodology. And make sure to get rid of any flammable object or activity around the area.
Secondly, the solvent residues must be completely evaporated from the CBD oil. Because the remaining residues gets toxic sometimes. Therefore, the evaporation step is of great importance. Furthermore, several studies have also shown the traces of naphtha hydrocarbons in the final products.
2- Carbon dioxide extraction method
Using the carbon dioxide has been considered as the most suitable and safe way of extracting the CBD oil. As carbon dioxide is a gas, it turns in to the liquid after heating and pressurization. Afterwards, the carbon dioxide becomes a natural solvent and extract CBD oils.
Methodology
This works by freezing the CO2 gas and afterwards pressurize it before it gets heated till a super critical state. Thus, through this technique, the carbon dioxide gets a liquid form. This liquid carbon dioxide is passed to the hemp flowers, as in the solvent methodology. Both the liquid carbon dioxide and plant parts are placed in the extracting machine and wax is being dissolved. Thus, the CBD oils are left behind.
The remaining method is similar to solvent extraction. Because the liquid carbon dioxide will act as the natural solvent, it will then dissolve the plant waxes and will leave the cannabinoids extracts behind. This oil will be collected in a separate container after carbon dioxide is condensed. This condensed carbon dioxide is then reused.
Sub-classification
As mentioned above, the carbon dioxide is heated and pressurized to attain a specific texture. Therefore, on the basis of the heating and pressurization, there are 3 different categories of texture.
- Super-critical CO2
- Sub-critical CO2
- Mid-critical CO2
Cons of using the carbon dioxide method
Although the carbon dioxide method is quite safe and accurate. It is a rather expensive method then the others. It is because of the need for sophisticated and expensive equipment. In addition, this equipment also requires intensive maintenance.
Another drawback of using this method is the lower yield as compared to the other methods.
3- Olive oil Extraction
Olive oil extraction method is equally important. It is one of the oldest method of cannabinoid oil extraction. This method is also the most popular method of cannabinoid extraction. It is equally productive in commercial as well as small scale. You can also use this method at home to get the CBD oil. In addition, you do not have to be an expert to use this method.
Methodology
The first step of this technique is the activation of the chemical compounds, which are present in the hemp flowers. This process is called “decarboxylation”. After decarboxylation, you will have to add the olive oil gradually. While the olive oil has been added in the mixture, it is also being heated to 215 degrees Fahrenheit. This process is done for two hours, i.e. the heating of the material. During this process, the cannabinoid has been extracted.
After the completion of the process and as you get the cannabinoid is extracted, you have to keep it safe. Place the oil in the cool and also a dark storage space. It is necessary to maintain a dark and cool space because the CBA oil got thorough olive oil methodology is quite perishable.
Cons
Although the olive oil extraction method is quite safe, it is also having some cons. The process is a bit rigorous and slow and therefore, it cannot be used at a large scale.
Another drawback is that the oil obtained through this extraction is the least pure among the others. Therefore, commercial use is not practiced.
You have to ensure proper space. The CBD extract must be stored in a dark and cool space. This rigorous storage is a bit extensive thing to do.
