CBD Extraction — Converting Cannabis to CBD

When we see CBD, it’s typically in a tincture or oil or edible product. So, how is CBD made? And how is cannabis converted from plant to CBD? CBD is a cannabinoid present in all cannabis plants that needs to be extracted to remove it from the other components.

CBD is often extracted from hemp because it contains more CBD than a typical cannabis plant grown for its THC content.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a specific variety of Cannabis Sativa that’s been grown industrially for many years and was often used to make products like rope, clothes, sails, etc.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in the United States, where hemp is defined as a Cannabis Sativa plant containing less than 0.3% THC.

CBD Extraction — What’s the process?

While CBD extraction takes a few forms, two are used primarily in the cannabis industry: carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction and solvent extraction.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction

As the name states, CO2 extraction uses the gas CO2, both in its normal gaseous state and supercritical liquid form.

Generally, the CO2 extraction process takes place in a pressurized chamber called a ‘closed-loop extractor’ with three chambers. In the first, CO2 is converted into a liquid. It’s then forced into the second chamber with the dried cannabis or hemp material, which strips away the desired cannabinoids. In this chamber, the CO2 is converted into a supercritical state between solid and liquid to run through the plant material — you don’t necessarily need to know that, but it’s pretty cool. The solution is brought back to room temperature in the final chamber, allowing the CO2 to convert back into a gas and evaporate, which leaves behind the extracted cannabinoids.

What are the pros and cons?

There are many pros to this process for both the businesses extracting and the consumers. This extraction method is easily scalable and can produce over 1,000 pounds of biomass in a single run for companies. There is a low chance of the end product containing contaminants; it effectively removes plant matter like chlorophyll and keeps other helpful compounds like terpenes.

The only downside is that the equipment to perform this extraction method is very expensive, so companies require a big investment. That being said, many are willing to invest in this process because of the efficiency and quality of the product.

Solvent Extraction

The solvent CBD extraction process involves using a solvent such as butane, ethanol, propane or isopropyl.

This method also uses a closed system where the solvent completely soaks or washes over the plant material to remove the cannabinoids. Then the solvent needs to be removed carefully without damaging the cannabinoids — this is typically done through heating or cooling.

What are the pros and cons?

While this method is cheaper and relatively fast, it is more dangerous due to the highly flammable contents of the liquids. The compromise with this faster method is that it’s less precise. Therefore, it is more likely to contain impurities like chlorophyll which can give the end product a bitter taste.

Note that both of these extraction methods use highly combustible compounds that are dangerous. So, these methods should not be attempted at home or without proper training.

What Happens After Extraction?

You’re probably asking what happens next. The product that you end up with after extraction isn’t the product that we consume.

The next step of the process is called winterization. This process aims to remove impurities and unwanted elements that snuck through the extraction process due to high temperatures, such as fats, lipids, and waxes. So, essentially this process transforms crude oil into purified oil. It’s called winterization because it involves the cooling of the product. It’s mixed with ethanol and then frozen; the impurities solidify and are then filtered out. Finally, the ethanol is removed.

In some cases, companies may decide to put the CBD through further refinement to create the purest possible CBD. This refinement is called short-path distillation. The solution is heated just enough for impurities to boil off and travel down the ‘short path’ out of the system.

Then What? How Do We Get Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum, and CBD Isolate?

Each of these products are slightly different and may require additional refinement.

Full-spectrum CBD contains additional cannabinoids and compounds that are considered helpful and assist in the entourage effect. No further refinement is necessary, but it may contain trace amounts of THC.

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum, but all traces of THC are removed. This is accomplished through liquid chromatography, which selectively binds to the THC, while the remaining synergistic cannabinoids (all other cannabinoids including CBD, CBN, CBG, etc.), terpenes, and amino acids remain intact.

CBD isolate is cooled further to create a white crystal powder product that contains 99% CBD. While we appreciate the added benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes, there are cases where CBD isolate is the preferred choice.

Can I Extract CBD From Flower At Home?

Yes, you can extract CBD from your cannabis flower at home but not by the methods above as they’re expensive and unsafe.

There are two methods you can use at home for extraction: ethanol and oil.

Ethanol CBD extraction involves soaking the plant in ethanol (95% food-grade ethyl alcohol), filtering, and boiling off the alcohol. Note that it is highly flammable to take every extra precaution if you attempt this method.

Oil extraction involves heating olive oil (can also use coconut oil) with decarboxylated cannabis material. This is the safest method, but because the olive oil isn’t boiled off, the end product is perishable and must be stored appropriately and isn’t as concentrated as other methods. However, this is an excellent method for cooking or for making topical products.

Since extracting CBD can be challenging, dangerous, and difficult to calculate the dose at home, we suggest purchasing reliable CBD products online.

If you want to learn more about cannabis, see my other articles here.

This article was originally posted on Puffland and is intended for informational purposes only.