It is estimated that by 2022, the CBD industry could be worth $22 billion. With the popularity of CBD growing at an exponential rate, manufacturers are looking for ways to create products to meet customer demand. They are turning to technology to help with this process.
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CBD Oil Extraction Methods
CBD oil is made from hemp plants. How CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant impacts the final product that is made. Knowing which CBD extraction method was used will let you know if you’re getting a product that is of high quality. In general, there are three different methods used. The gold standard of the industry, the one that lets you know you are getting a good product, is CO2 extraction.
CO2 Extraction
This is the most advanced and best way to extract CBD from the hemp plant. It is more expensive than other methods, but the final products are safe, potent and free from chlorophyll. This extraction method ensures that the other beneficial components of the hemp plant remain in the raw CBD. Using CO2 also reduces the number of contaminants in the final product.
Olive Oil
When it comes to how to process CBD oil, the oldest and least expensive extraction method is to use olive oil. This process involves heating the raw plant materials to the right temperature for a certain amount of time. Olive oil is then added, and then the mixture is heated up once again, and the cannabinoids then combine with the olive oil.
While this method is safe, the final extract isn’t as concentrated as other methods. In addition, olive oil is also highly perishable, so if this isn’t stored correctly, the product will go bad.
Solvent
This is one of the least expensive extraction methods that uses propane, isopropyl, butane, ethanol or alcohol to extract CBD from the hemp. This is a dangerous method because the liquids are highly flammable.
CBD Oil Making Process
If you are wondering how CBD oil is made, after the raw CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, it then goes through a process called “winterization.” During this step, solvents, waxes, unwanted fats and chlorophyll are removed from the oil. After this step, the product will contain 70 to 90% CBD, along with other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
The CBD can then be processed further to produce CBD isolate crystals, which only contains CBD, or to create broad-spectrum CBD, which removes the THC.
If you are asking how is CBD isolate made, this process is usually proprietary, which means that manufacturers have developed their own process to remove the other elements so that only pure CBD remains.
The CBD oil is then used to create a wide range of products. It is placed into capsules & softgels, made into tinctures and added to foods.
Laboratory Testing
Trustworthy, reputable manufacturers will then send their products to a third-party independent lab for testing. The CBD industry isn’t regulated, so there are no standards of what can or can’t be included in the various products. That also means that the potency of the products can vary widely.
Many manufacturers create their own standards and rules to ensure that consumers are getting a safe, beneficial product. By sending their products to an independent lab for testing, they are ensuring that their products meet their high standards and requirements. This also lets you know that you are getting a high-quality product.
Technology Has Improved the CBD Extraction Process
Using technology to extract CBD from hemp plants has vastly improved the process. However, to ensure that you are getting high-quality CBD, you need to buy from reputable manufacturers. Most of them use the CO2 extraction process, and they will always send their CBD to a third-party lab for testing. Using these products is the best choice when it comes to your wellbeing.
