Hello everyone, CEO Olivia here. We’re continuing our exploration of CBD, cannabinoids & endocanabinoids. Today I’ll explain the three primary methods of extracting CBD cannabinoids from the plant.

The first method uses solvents like ethanol, butane, propane, isopropyl, or alcohol. It is one of the least expensive options & it’s also fast. But it’s also dangerous due to the highly flammable contents of the liquids.

To begin the liquid solvent process, flowers & plant trimmings are put into a container. Then the solvent is soaked or run through the material, drawing out the cannabinoids. Then the solvents are evaporated leaving the concentrated cannabinoids in an oil form. The downside of this method is that the solvent residue can be toxic if it’s not completely eliminated during the evaporation step.

The olive oil extraction process is the oldest method of extracting CBD. It’s the safest method & it’s simple to do. This process begins with the raw plant materials being heated to a desired temperature for a specific amount of time so that the chemicals in the plant are activated. Olive oil & the plant material are mixed & heated again. This is when the cannabinoids are extracted. The olive oil isn’t evaporated, so the resulting extract won’t be as concentrated as with other methods. Further more, its highly perishable & must be kept in a cool, dark area.

Finally there is the CO2 method of extracting CBD. Its the most expensive & complex method. The CO2 extraction process is done by using a machine called a closed-loop extractor. This machine contains three chambers. The first one holds pressurized, solid CO2 or dry ice; the second chamber has dried plant material in it. The final chamber separates the resulting product.

From the first chamber, CO2 is pumped into the second chamber, which takes on the form of supercritical CO2  (in between a gas & liquid state). The supercritical CO2 then permeates the plant material & extracts the cannabinoids. It’s then pumped into the final chamber where the CO2 rises to the top. This leaves the extract at the bottom. This method produces the highest quality concentration of CBD with no toxic residue.

After extraction, the CBD oil is further refined & purified to create either a full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, or a CBD isolate. I’ll explain what those are next week.

CEO Olivia ❤

Part 1 – CBDs, Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids & Canines

Part 2 – What is Cannabis?

Part 3 – How CBD Is Extracted?

Part 4 – CBD Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum & Isolates

Part 5 – CBD Oils & Tinctures, What’s In the Bottle?

Part 6 – Understanding a CBD Certificate of Analysis

Part 7 – CBD Oils, What Should Be On the Label?

Part 8 – CBD Micro Dosing Explained

Part 9 – CBD & the Liver