CO2 extracted CBD is a pure and high-quality CBD oil. But what does this extraction method entail?
CBD is derived from the hemp plant, a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana, it does not contain the “high” that's often associated with smoking marijuana.
There are multiple extraction methods for CBD. Today, we'll take a look at the most popular one — CO2 extraction. CBD oil manufacturers tend to use supercritical CO2 extraction as it is extremely efficient.
Table of Contents
What Is CO2 extraction?
CO2 extraction uses pressurised carbon dioxide to take as many of the desirable cannabinoids as possible from the hemp plant, each time.
The process involves collecting the plant’s essential waxes, cannabinoids, and terpenes.
The finished product is a healthy-looking oil, amber in colour. The CO2-extracted CBD oil can then be turned into a tincture. It can also be vaporised.
CO2 extraction is an alternative method for distillation and solvent extraction.
Why is CO2 extracted CBD popular?
Manufacturers use carbon dioxide to extract CBD because it is a versatile solvent. However, it does not have any of the dangers that are associated with solvents.
By extracting CBD with CO2, potentially harmful chemicals and toxins found in the product are completely removed.
As a result, consumers benefit from great quality products with no toxins.
Is CO2 extracted CBD safe?
Still, have concerns about this extraction method?
You should be aware that CO2 extraction is a standard extraction method in the herbal supplement and food industry.
A popular example of another product that uses CO2 extraction is decaffeinated coffee. CO2 extraction removes the caffeine from coffee beans.
What is involved in CO2 extraction?
To keep it simple, CO2 cannabis extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) to pull the CBD from the plant.
CO2 becomes like a solvent at specific temperatures as well as pressures but contains absolutely no dangers or toxins. Hence, why it has become such a popular method of extraction all around the world.
Although it is a safe and effective method of extraction, it also involves very expensive equipment.
This equipment is used to freeze the CO2 gas and then compress it into a supercritical cold liquid state.
Extracting the CO2
CO2 usually acts as a gas at standard pressure and temperature. It can easily assume a solid form. You might be more familiar with dry ice, the solid version of this gas.
CO2 gas can also come in liquid form. This usually happens in a lab. Generally, this process requires special equipment.
The temperature drops below -69 degrees Fahrenheit while simultaneously increasing the pressure to over 75 pounds per square inch.
This then is essentially the starting point of the CO2 extraction of CBD.
Supercritical CO2
When the CO2 is in a liquid state, there is an increase in its temperature and pressure. It must exceed the point where the liquid becomes ‘supercritical.’
Essentially, the supercritical CO2 is capable of filling a container (like a gas) while also maintaining density (like a liquid).
When CO2 is in its supercritical state, it is ideal for chemical extraction because it won’t cause the damage that would make the CBD unfit for human consumption.
Liquid CO2 and the extraction process
This process begins by simply taking liquid CO2 and raising the pressure via a compressor.
While doing this the temperature must also be raised using a heater. After this, the supercritical carbon dioxide is ready. Here, it passes through high-quality cannabis.
Meanwhile, the supercritical CO2 goes through a condenser and is turned back into a liquid.
Finally, the liquid goes to a special storage tank and the process can start over.
Subcritical extraction
This form of extraction involves low temperatures and low pressure. Subcritical extractions take longer than their supercritical counterparts and also produce smaller amounts.
Pros and cons of CO2 extracted CBD
Pros
- CO2 extraction of CBD is extremely safe.
- Used by many companies all around the world.
- Customers receive great quality products free of dangerous toxins.
Cons
- A very expensive method of extraction.
- Requires professional supervision.
Conclusion
Ultimately, where supercritical CO2 extraction is involved, the best CBD oils are produced.
Why? Because it increases the likelihood of getting a healthy product due to the lack of harmful dangers and toxins.
Although a more expensive option, it is worth it as the quality is far superior.
