How Is CBD Oil Extracted from Hemp?

Although there are several methods for extracting CBD from hemp plants, ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction are the most popular. Both have pros and cons, both can produce a high-quality product, but it's important to understand the differences.

Extraction of Ethanol

When using ethanol extraction to extract CBD oil from hemp, the first step is to heat the plant material to achieve decarboxylation (the process of removing carbon atoms from a carbon chain). This gives a fine green powder, which is then soaked in a solvent, in this case ethanol. The solution is diluted after a while, the liquid gets separated from the plant matter, and the ethanol finally evaporates.

One of the benefits of ethanol extraction is that it preserves the chemical ratios found in hemp plants naturally. So you get the terpenes and flavonoids that help CBD work better, and you get them in the right quantities. Ethanol extraction also removes chlorophyll effectively, which is both a plus and a disadvantage. Chlorophyll has many health benefits, but it has a bitter, grassy flavor that not everybody enjoys. CBD oil has different usage and oil treatment is one of the beneficial ones in this.

Extraction of CO2

Another method for extracting CBD oil from hemp is CO2 extraction, also known as supercritical CO2 extraction. (At 88 degrees F temperature carbon dioxide can act as both a gas and a liquid at the same time is called supercritical)

The trichomes and terpenes dissolve in supercritical CO2 when a chamber with the plant material is filled with it. One of the few drawbacks of CO2 extraction is this. CO2 extraction, while providing an exceptionally pure CBD oil and technically being "cleaner" than ethanol extraction (the main word being "theoretically"), often eliminates essential synergistic nutrients. (This is why Barlean's herbal, CO2-extracted CBD oil contains additional beta-caryophyllene, a terpenoid contained in the oil of black pepper.)

Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.

Both methods of extraction have advantages and disadvantages, but when the source plant material is of excellent quality and extraction is carried out according to best practices, these variations become less important. Despite the risk of solvent residual, scientists use solvents to remove hundreds of compounds, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It leaves no discernible trace when done correctly.

Our CBD Oil (10 mg per dose) is an excellent alternative for those who insist on only using organic products. Choose the ethanol-extracted Extra-Strength Ideal CBD Oil if you want a higher dose (25 mg per dose).

Any method of extraction can produce a reliable, secure, and successful product if you trust the manufacturer, the quality of the raw material (hemp), and the reputation of the business manufacturing it.

See us at Full Circle Health for CBD oil treatment in OKC. For more information, visit us.