Many have asked us about the benefits of CBD, as well as a more extensive article about it. So without further ado, let’s get started.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD is one of the two most important cannabinoid components of the hemp plant, found in varying proportions depending on the strain. While in some it is minimal, in others it may be the most abundant, or it may be found in roughly equal proportions to THC.
THC is tetrahydro cannabidiol, which is responsible for producing the psychoactive effect in the hemp plant.
Although most people believe that male hemp plants do not contain cannabinoids, it is a recognized fact that this statement is not true. In general, CBD was consistently higher in female plants than in male plants, although there are several exceptions. But how is it extracted?
How is CBD extracted?
CO2 Extraction
The most commonly used method for CBD extraction is CO2 extraction. There are different levels of CO2 extraction, including subcritical and supercritical. Generally, CBD oil manufacturers use supercritical CO2 extraction because of its high effectiveness.
This technique requires specialized equipment and knowledge. It works by using a closed-loop so that the process takes place in isolation without possible contaminants. First, the CO2 is cooled to -56°C and the pressure is increased to 75 pounds (34 kg) per square inch (psi). This puts the CO2 into a supercritical state, i.e., a state that causes it to behave like a gas and a liquid at the same time.
When in that state, CO2 behaves similarly to a solvent and passes into a chamber containing the plant matter. It remains dense as a liquid but has the ability to fill the chamber completely as a gas. These properties are perfect for extraction because they do not denature or damage the final product.
The CO2 extracts the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The result is passed to a separator that breaks it down into different parts. The extracted substances are sent to a collection container and the CO2 goes to a condenser to return to its original state. It can then be recycled again and again to repeat the process.
Subcritical CO2 extraction is similar, although it requires lower pressure and is therefore cheaper. This method is longer and less productive than the previous one.
In summary, CO2 extraction results in a pure, safe, quality oil that makes it the extraction method of choice for manufacturers. Although the specialization of the technique raises the price of the product, the final quality justifies the investment.
Solvent Extraction
Solvents such as low percentage alcohol, ethanol, and butane are very effective in extracting cannabinoids. This method succeeds in obtaining all the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, thus promoting the entourage effect, i.e., the phenomenon whereby the chemicals in hemp are more effective when acting together.
While ethanol and other solvents can produce a good quality product, they also extract chlorophyll from the plant, and chlorophyll is not entirely safe for human consumption because it can cause unpleasant side effects. The chlorophyll can be filtered to separate it from the cannabinoids, but such filtering reduces the potency of the oil.
This method involves the addition of solvent to the plant matter. The liquid separates the cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp with some of its chlorophyll. The mixture is then heated to evaporate the liquid until only the CBD base oil remains.
This technique is also quite simple and productive, but solvents can be harmful to human health. Butane, for example, is very effective at extracting cannabinoids, but it can irritate the lungs. That’s why it’s best to avoid this method and opt for safer ones instead.
Surely you will say, yes, yes that’s fine, but what are the benefits of CBD, well not to leave you waiting we will give you an answer.
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