CBD is a product that has burst onto the market, making itself available in many forms.
The wide range of uses that CBD provides is what makes it so popular for so many people.
The appeal, in large part, is that the product is a natural alternative to a lot of medicines and products that are otherwise bogged down with chemicals.
How is CBD oil extracted? If you’re curious about the answer to this question, keep reading to learn about the techniques used and how they differ from each other.
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How is CBD Oil Extracted?
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, which is host to a number of beneficial cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are considered the active ingredients in marijuana, giving the user the physical and psychological effects that we’re all so aware of.
The feeling of “highness” is caused by THC, which is one of the two most prominent cannabinoids in marijuana. The relaxation, pain relief, and calming effects of marijuana come from CBD, which is THC’s counterpart.
In order to get all of the wonderful CBD products that we get from businesses like Care By Hemp and more, the CBD needs to be extracted from the marijuana plant and isolated.
There are a few common ways that this extraction takes place.
CO2 Extraction
The most common way to extract CBD from the cannabis plant is through carbon dioxide extraction, which is a process used to create a number of oils.
Essentially, CO2 is passed through an area of extremely high pressure and low temperature, which turns the substance into a liquid. The liquid is then run through a tank with the cannabis, absorbing the CBD and natural oils contained within the plant.
That liquid is then run into another chamber which extracts the oils from the CO2 and effectively separates the relevant CBD elements from the gasses. It’s then dropped into a receptacle and moved to be used with other products!
Ethanol Extraction
Another common method is the use of ethanol, which is a cheaper option. The ethanol extraction is particularly effective in creating oils that are used for vape pens and other methods that turn CBD oils into a vapor.
Ethanol is combined with another extracting agent, typically chlorophyll, to create an oil that effectively separates the pertinent compounds within the cannabis plant.
Lipid Extraction
One of the least common methods, but one that could potentially be used at home, is called lipid extraction. This method utilizes the fats and oils contained in things like coconut oil to pull the desired compounds from the cannabis plant.
Lipid extraction doesn’t get a lot of love from the larger companies, but there may be a boutique or two out there who use it because of its natural advantages.
The most obvious benefit to lipid extraction is that it doesn’t utilize any strong chemicals or processes that could contaminate the product.
Want to Learn More?
So, how is CBD oil extracted? There are a number of effective methods and some aren’t too dangerous to explore on your own.
Each has its pros and cons that are worth being aware of before choosing an oil.
If you’re interested in learning more about CBD products, explore our site for the information you need.