With the previous blog we have realized the importance of how CBD is extracted and in today’s post we tell you EVERYTHING!
How is CBD extracted?
CBD is the revolutionary compound of these times and it is no wonder because it is a component of the cannabis sativa plant with numerous properties and therefore with incredible benefits.
The most striking properties of cannabidiol are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, among many other characteristics.
CBD can be presented in different ways, either as CBD flowers, CBD vape or CBD oil, however we must know well how CBD is extracted.
Why is CBD extraction important?
To produce CBD oils, cosmetics, or supplements, the cannabinoid must first be extracted from raw plant material. Fortunately, the most abundant source of CBD is hemp.
How to extract CBD
While there are several ways to extract CBD from hemp, some methods are much more efficient and safer than others. Remember that in the previous blog we saw the importance of creating hemp oil with a quality oil, because a bad mixture can cause side effects such as diarrhea.
The CO₂ extraction method
How are CBD extracts produced without using a solvent? All you need to do is apply heat and pressure or a little friction to the flowers and leaves of the hemp. And how do you do that, you may ask? If you freeze your flowers, you can shake them to loosen the trichomes and bring them together.
The method of CO₂ extraction from CBD is one of the most amazing I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning about. It’s a process so meticulous and sophisticated that it feels like science fiction. But the best part is that it’s real, and it’s one of the best methods to get the precious CBD we value so much.
This process is divided into three categories: supercritical, subcritical and medium-critical, each with its own characteristics and advantages. But what’s truly impressive is how carbon dioxide, a gas that turns into a liquid when heated, is converted into a natural solvent that can break down raw hemp biomass into CBD.
Supercritical extractions are the most efficient, but they are also the ones that pose the most risk to cannabis terpenes and phytochemicals due to high temperatures. Subcritical and mediumcritical extractions are less aggressive and keep more phytochemicals intact.
This process is complex and requires multiple and expensive machines. But each of them is necessary to freeze CO₂ gas below -70 degrees and compress it above 75 psi in a chamber. It is a process that demands perfection and dedication in every detail.
But the real magic begins when liquid CO₂ becomes supercritical and can fill a container like a gas, while maintaining the density of a liquid. In this state, CO₂ is suitable for the chemical extraction of CBD.
CBD extraction is the most exciting moment of the entire process. This is where the pressure and temperature of the liquid supercritical CO₂ is raised by a compressor and heater respectively. And then, the supercritical CO₂ is passed off as the high-quality hemp or cannabis strains that have been carefully prepared for this process. It is a moment of tension, but also of hope.
The end result is a liquid filled with essential terpenes, oils, and trichomes that are passed through a separator so that they can be separated into their necessary parts. And while the essential oils and terpenes are delivered into a collection vessel, the supercritical gas passes through a condenser where it is converted into a liquid that can then be used for another cycle of the process.
Advantages and disadvantages of CO₂ extraction
In terms of advantages, CO₂ is a safe and predictable solvent that has been used by most food businesses for many years. In addition, extraction methods have been perfected to ensure efficacy in CBD production. The purity of the CBD produced is extremely highand any leftover residue is considered safe for people, as CO₂ is a natural, non-toxic substance.
However, it’s also important to consider the disadvantages. The yield of the CO₂ extraction process is lower compared to other methods such as ethanol. In addition, the equipment needed to carry out this process is expensive and can only be used in advanced and sophisticated laboratories.
Despite these disadvantages, many consider the use of CO₂ as an extraction solvent to be a safe and effective option for producing high-quality CBD. It is important to carefully evaluate the needs of each business and consider the costs and benefits before choosing a particular extraction method.
The Olive Oil Extraction Method
First, to perform the olive oil extraction at home, you will need to make sure that the plant material is decarboxylated (activation of cannabinoid acids through heat).
Once decarboxylated, mix the plant material with the olive oil and heat it on a stove for several hours. CBD, the other cannabinoids, and essential terpenes will bind to the fats in the oil, creating an infused product. Finally, let the mixture cool before filtering to remove any traces of plant material.
The process begins with decarboxylation, which involves heating the hemp plant to specific temperatures for a set period of time. This is essential for activating the chemicals in the plant.
Once you’ve decarboxylated the hemp plant, it’s time to mix it with olive oil and heat it to about 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Now is when the magic happens! In this process, CBD is extracted and mixed with olive oil, creating a delicious and effective combination.
It is true that there are other oils that can be used in this process, but olive oil is the most popular due to its flavor and beneficial properties for health.
Advantages and disadvantages of olive oil extraction
Let’s start with the good stuff: cost! This method is an economical and accessible option for small productions, making it ideal if you’re just starting out in the world of CBD. In addition, it is safe, as olive oil is non-flammable and does not pose any risk of explosion or fire. Peace of mind for everyone!
However, not everything is rosy. Purity is one of the disadvantages of this method. Although it is a simple technique, olive oil does not offer the same purity as other extraction methods. In addition, finished products are more limited, so you may not get the variety you are looking for.
Finally, scalability is another aspect to consider. If you’re looking for a commercial CBD extraction, the olive oil method may fall short. It’s not the right thing to do if you want to expand your production and reach a wider audience.
The solvent extraction method
This extraction method involves circulating a liquid solvent (butane, ethanol, or hexane) through decarboxylated hemp to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes. After extraction, any remaining solvent will need to be safely evaporated in order to achieve a usable CBD extract.
One of the most commonly used processes to obtain the valuable cannabinoid is ethanol solvent extraction. This method ensures the separation and extraction of CBD from hemp biomass, using a highly purified alcohol.
While there are other solvents such as butane, ethanol is preferred by industry experts as it ensures safe CBD extraction without interfering with the functioning of your lungs. In addition, ethanol has the ability to extract the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids present in cannabis.
It is true that ethanol can also extract chlorophyll, which could reduce the potency of the oil, but this does not imply a major problem since the extract can be filtered and thus obtain a purer and more powerful oil.
The extraction process is simple and is carried out with the chosen solvent. The liquid acts on hemp biomass by removing some of the natural cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytochemicals present in the plant, in a process known as decarboxylation.
Once the excess solvent has evaporated, the result is a decarboxylated crude CBD oil. This oil can be converted into CBD distillate and distillate into pure CBD isolate, thanks to simple and effective conversion processes.
Advantages and disadvantages of solvent extraction
Let’s start with the advantages. One of the most important is that ethanol and solvent extraction is a more cost-effective process than CO₂ extraction. This process involves less sophisticated machinery, which translates into a lower cost. In addition, it has a higher CBD yield per kilo of biomass than the CO₂ extraction method, which means you get more CBD for the same amount of raw material.
Now let’s talk about the disadvantages. First, ethanol and solvent extraction is limited in terms of the products you can obtain. It is suitable for high-performance CBD isolate and distillate, but not for full-spectrum, essential oils, and waxes. This is because it damages phytochemicals and terpenes, important components of cannabis that have beneficial effects on health.
Second, the solvent extraction method is more dangerous than CO₂ extraction. The solvents used are highly flammable, which means there is a higher risk of accidents. That’s why it’s important that this process is carried out by experts in suitable facilities.
CBD Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is a technique that involves applying heat to convert cannabinoid acids into active cannabinoids. In other words, it is the process that transforms CBDA into the CBD you want so much. But here’s a little secret: It’s not as easy as it sounds.
In reality, decarboxylation of CBD oil on a commercial scale is a complex and delicate process that requires specialized experience and knowledge. Therefore, it is crucial that it is carried out in a laboratory under the guidance of experts and with equipment specially designed for it.
However, if done correctly, decarboxylation can ensure that the CBD oil you use has maximum potency and effectiveness. Exactly what you need to get the maximum benefits for your health!
CBD Purification
At Gorilla Grillz, we are passionate about providing our customers with the highest quality CBD oil. That’s why we employ a specialized purification process that transforms raw, dark CBD oil into a pure, light-colored liquid formula.
This filtration system carefully removes unwanted greases, chlorophyll and chemicals so that our customers enjoy an unparalleled user experience. The purified oil has a discreet and natural aroma, unmatched potency and a liquid and pure consistency.
In addition, at Gorilla Grillz we spare no effort to make sure that our products are safe and healthy for our customers.
We perform extensive testing to remove any artificial contaminants, additives, or harmful microorganisms. And to ensure that our products are as pure as we say they are, we subject our formulas to third-party testing.
Enriched with terpenes
These aromatic compounds, present in cannabis, are a true wonder of nature. Each of them has unique properties, which can be used for therapeutic purposes. The terpene myrcene, for example, has an earthy aroma and has been shown to relieve pain, inflammation, and even depressed mood. Incredible!
However, we should keep in mind that the process of extracting CBD from the hemp plant can lead to the loss of terpenes. What to do then? Do not worry! At Gorilla Grillz we have come up with an innovative method so that you can enjoy all the benefits of terpenes in your CBD oil.
We’ve added a terpene enrichment step to our CBD oil production model. In this way, we can retain the maximum amount of terpenes by using a proprietary steam distillation process. That’s right! With this innovative process we can preserve more of the holistic benefits that the hemp plant has.
Bibliography
- Alba Naranjo M.N., Minchala Espinoza L.A. (2022). Extraction of Cannabidiol (CBD) from the Cannabis sativa L. plant with SFE-CO2 technology. Salesian Polytechnic University of Ecuador.
- Pavlovic, R., Nenna, G., Calvi, L., Panseri, S., Borgonovo, G., Giupponi, L., … & Giorgi, A. (2018). Quality Traits of “Cannabidiol Oils”: Cannabinoids Content, Terpene Fingerprint and Oxidation Stability of European Commercially Available Preparations. Molecules, 23(5), 1230.
- Roda, G., Pasqualone, D., Dugo, G., & Russo, M. (2021). Extraction and purification of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. for industrial applications. Journal of Cleaner Production, 307, 127147.
- López Moncholí, J. (2021). Design of a Snow Extraction System
hemp oil for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Polytechnic University of Valencia. - Antunes, Raimundo, J.F. (2022). Development of a cannabis-based formulation/desenvolvimento de uma formulação à base de canábis. Egas Moniz University Institute.
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