How was the first CBD Oil Made?
Currently, regulations and standards within the CBD industry are not universal, which means that manufacturers have little oversight into how they make their products. Because of this disparity, the quality of oils can vary significantly between brands. To help you make a more informed decision, you need to know the various options available and the processes used for CBD extraction.
Oil vs. Tincture
First, it is crucial to know the difference between CBD oil and a CBD tincture. Both products can have similar benefits, but usually, the oil is much more effective. Unlike oil, a tincture is much simpler to make, as it is often just the cannabis plant soaked in alcohol and water. The longer it soaks, the more CBD gets into the mixture, but it is not going to be as pure as CBD oil.
Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum
Although most of the benefits of CBD come from the compound itself, the fact is that the cannabis plant has many different elements that make it healthy. So, there is some debate over whether pure CBD is more or less effective than oil that keeps other compounds as well.
CBD isolate is the purest form, but also the hardest to make. The extraction process takes a lot longer and requires more specialized equipment. So, if you want pure CBD, prepare to pay extra for it.
Full-Spectrum CBD oil is one that uses all parts of the cannabis plant, including THC. If you’re not familiar with cannabis, THC is the compound that gets you high. To be legal in the United States, CBD oil has to have less than 0.3-percent of THC. So, when buying these products, you can be sure that you will not get high by accident.
Finally, broad-spectrum oil is one that has the THC taken out. Unless there is a specific reason to avoid this compound, most full-spectrum products are just as effective. However, it is helpful to know the difference when checking the label.
Hemp Seed vs. Cannabis CBD Oil
To ensure that these oils stay within federal guidelines, they are often made from hemp, not regular cannabis. Hemp is a variation of the same plant that does not have as much THC. Again, for hemp to be legal, it has to have less than 0.3-percent of the psychoactive compound.
Since hemp is the primary ingredient, it is common for people to think that hemp seed oil and CBD oil are similar. However, there is a vast difference. Hemp seed oil only uses the seeds of the plant, which means that there is no cannabidiol present. There are benefits to using hemp seed oil, but not in the same way as CBD oil. So, if you want potency, make sure you know which is which.
The Extraction Process
There are multiple ways to get cannabidiol from the cannabis plant. When choosing a CBD oil, knowing these methods can help you make a more informed decision. While we will not get too far into the weeds (pun intended), here is a brief overview of each one.
Carbon Dioxide
Using carbon dioxide is one of the most reliable ways to get full-spectrum CBD oil without any impurities from the plant. Cannabis is soaked in liquid CO2, which extracts the various cannabinoids and flavors. Once that process finishes, the mixture is pumped into a second chamber, where the CO2 is evaporated. Because this element does not remain, this method produces really high-quality results.
Liquid Solvents
Many CBD manufacturers use liquid solvents like ethanol or butane because they are much cheaper and do not require sophisticated equipment. One of the primary downsides of using a solvent is that it can absorb impurities from the plant, such as chlorophyll or pesticides. So, many oils made with liquid solvents can have a more bitter taste. But, the solvent burns off before the oil is packaged so that the product is safe.
Oil Infusion
If you buy CBD oil from a small manufacturer or an independent grower, chances are that it was made by this method. Oil infusion is one of the simplest and oldest processes, but it does dilute the CBD somewhat. First, the plant is heated to activate the compounds inside. Then, olive oil is added to absorb those compounds, and the mixture is cooked at 100 degrees for a couple of hours. Since the olive oil cannot be burned off, it stays with the CBD, hence its dilution.
Winterization
This last method is only used for making CBD isolate. Usually, CO2 extraction occurs first, and then the oil is mixed with 200-proof alcohol and frozen. The alcohol absorbs the non-CBD elements, and the whole solution is run through a filter. Finally, the alcohol gets burned off, so all that’s left is pure CBD.
To help refine the final product further, some manufacturers might go through a process called short-path distillation. This process is a method of burning off compounds that have a lower boiling point than CBD. Many isolates will also go through this process.
Let CBD Unlimited Deliver the Best CBD Oil
Finding high-quality CBD oil can be a challenge unless you know where to look. At CBD Unlimited, we take pride in knowing that our products are rigorously tested for their potency. We have also been in the industry since it started, so we have had time to develop the best methods for testing and refinement. Experience the CBD Unlimited difference today. Contact us for more details.
