Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of just over 80 cannabinoids that are extracted from hemp. CBD has a lot of gossip going around about its potential, and there are on-going studies regarding how it is to be used and the effects it can have. CBD is found in almost all varieties of cannabis, but hemp has a higher concentration of CBD than THC, mainly in the seeds and stems.
There are several methods in which CBD is extracted from the trichomes of the plant; some are doable at home and some require heavy machinery. Hempower provides access to the purest CBD oil tinctures by using complex extraction methods that leave the oil with no taste and a golden hue. These are the most popular methods for extracting CBD.
Methods For Extracting CBD
Liquid Solvents
In this method, the plant material is cut into small pieces and put into a container to soak. A liquid solvent is run through the material and it begins to remove the cannabinoids and terpenes (for flavor) from the plant matter and into the solvent. The liquid part of the solvent is then evaporated from the mixture, and the excess is in the form of an oil.
Ethanol, butane, hexane and isopropyl alcohol are all common solvents for liquid CBD extractions. A liquid extraction requires the least equipment and it’s also cost friendly! Unfortunately, this method can leave slight traces of impurities in the end product. The oil from this extraction will also have traces of chlorophyll and other flavors which will create a green color and bitter taste.
Oil Extraction
This method utilizes other oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil to extract chemicals from hemp and cannabis plants. This is a practice that dates back to the ancient times. This method is used by any home producers of hemp products.
The first step of this process is to ensure that the plant material is decarboxylated. A way to do this is by heating the plant to a specific temperature to ensure that the chemicals in the plant are activated. Olive oil is then added to the plant material and then heated at 100 degrees for almost 2 hours. In this method, olive oil is not evaporated. This means that users have to consume more amounts of this oil and less CBD than pure oils produced using other methods. Often times these oils are made to be cooked with and can be added to any recipe that uses oil. These oils are highly perishable and should be stored cool and dark place.
CO2 Extraction
This method is exclusively for people who have access to laboratory equipment and space for the procedure. This method makes use of temperature and pressure in relation to the plant material. The CO2 is compressed and cooled at a pressure of 10,000 psi, and this point CO2 is now in the liquid state. It has the properties of both a liquid and a gas at this point and it is heated and passed over the hemp plant to alter its chemical composition. The process results in a highly concentrated extract that is easy to digest in the body.
How To Use CBD Extracts
There are many options for consuming the CBD extracts nowadays. These are the most popular methods, but not all CBD extracts are created for these purposes. Our Hempower FAQ is full of answers regarding CBD and what it is. It’s important to be informed on what methods your extract was made for and how to consume it in the healthiest way possible.
These are the most popular methods for consuming CBD extracts.
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- Vapes
- Sprays
- Tinctures
- Topical
- Capsules
At Home Tinctures vs. Hempower
Tinctures are a concentration of alcohol and herbal extracts, and can often leave a bad aftertaste. CBD tinctures can be made at home with necessary equipment and an open kitchen. Often times tinctures made at home are consumed in the state they were made in; green colored alcohol with a bad smell and taste. Homemade tinctures are rarely purified and are usually not prepared for consumption. Hempower makes a wonderful CBD Oil tincture that is extract combined with MCT or fatty acid oils, which makes it easy to digest by the liver. This CBD oil has a light gold hue and is flavorless. A great alternative to making oil tincture at home, try Hempower before you buy anywhere else!
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