In some states, medical marijuana use has been legalized for many years. Research facilities were set up to study the health benefits of marijuana further. The most widely used component of marijuana is cannabidiol or CBD.
CBD is the second most popular and most active ingredient in marijuana. The other is tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), the most common. CBD is one of the most popular products of marijuana, particularly for medical purposes. It’s beneficial in many ways, and this is why many ways of extracting it from hemp plants were developed.
What is Carbon Dioxide Extraction?
Herbs have volatile oils that you only get by extracting them from the plant. The same is true for marijuana. An extraction process is necessary to extract and separate cannabidiol from tetrahydrocannabinol.
Carbon dioxide extraction, also known as CO2 extraction, is one of the most popular, safe, and non-toxic methods for extracting CBD. The CO2 extraction method extracts CBD from cannabis plants using pressurized carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide changes its state when it reaches certain temperatures. The CO2 extraction process involves changes in temperature and pressure to turn carbon dioxide into a solid. Further changes in temperature and pressure allow carbon dioxide to reach its superficial state, where it can simultaneously exhibit both liquid and gaseous properties. CO2 in its superficial state is used to make CO2-extracted CBD.
Carbon Dioxide Extraction for CBD
There are three types of carbon dioxide extraction for CBD: supercritical, sub-critical, and mid-critical. The supercritical method, which is more widely used than the others, yields a pure product. However, the right equipment is needed to extract and freeze the carbon dioxide gas and compress it for it to reach its supercritical state.
Supercritical Extraction
The first step in extracting CO2 from CBD is to get liquid carbon dioxide. Use a compressor and a heater to increase the temperature and pressure. The next step is to extract the cannabis. The carbon dioxidet will pull out elements such as terpenes or CBD from the plant material and return it to its container for future use.
Subcritical Extraction
Subcritical extraction is another method of extracting CBD using carbon dioxide. Subcritical extraction involves low temperatures and low pressure. This type of extraction is slower than the CBD CO2 extraction process. Subcritical extraction allows you to extract CBD and terpene oils without extracting other substances such as chlorophyll.
Extracting Mid-critical Materials
Mid-critical extraction is somewhere in the middle of supercritical and subcritical extraction. Some companies can use a combination of supercritical and subcritical CBD extraction methods to make a blended oil.
Carbon Dioxide Extraction vs. Ethanol Extract
Two of the most popular extraction methods in the cannabis industry are carbon dioxide extraction and ethanol extraction. What is the difference between CO2-extracted CBD and ethanol-extracted CBD?
Ethanol and carbon dioxide are used as solvents in cannabis extraction. Cannabis plants are soaked in these substances to draw out the CBD from the plant material.
Ethanol is a widely-used solvent because it is cheaper than CO2 and can process large amounts of cannabis with just a small amount.
Carbon Dioxide Extraction: Advantages
According to reputable sellers of CBD oil in Lakewood many products claim to contain CO2-extracted oil when you shop for hemp-based products. It is not surprising that many manufacturers are moving towards carbon dioxide extraction.
Carbon dioxide extraction has a few advantages over other methods of extraction, which include:
Higher Potency
Potency is a significant concern for people who use marijuana. The CBD extracted from the surface of the CO2 can be more potent than other CBD oils on the market. Subcritical and superficial CO2 CBD extractions take longer processing times under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, which ensures that all the good stuff is extracted from the plant. To reap this benefit, make sure you only buy CO2-extracted CBD oil.
Different Consistencies
The world of cannabidiol extraction is now open to creativity. It is easy to extract CBD oil from CO2 using this method. You can customize the process and make products such as wax, shatter, and even a budder.
Kills Bacteria and Other Unwanted Substances
CBD extracted using carbon dioxide is 100% pesticide-free because the subcritical and superficial processes can kill bacteria. They are meticulous processes that ensure no bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms accidentally enter your CBD oils.
Gives Better Flavor
Some CBD oil manufacturers may not have the right flavors. The solvents used are often the reason for this. You will taste the substance even if it isn’t adequately removed or appropriately processed. The natural flavor of cannabis is preserved by CO2 CBD extraction.
Promotes Sustainability
Beginners often avoid carbon dioxide extraction because of the expensive equipment. But, these last longer than most, saving you from yearly repairs and maintenance.
Carbon dioxide is also non-toxic and non-flammable, making it safer.
Key Takeaway
Carbon dioxide is the best option if you want to maximize yield and leave behind less.
Carbon dioxide-extracted CBD is also extremely safe to use. Make sure the CBD products you purchase are from a reliable and trustworthy source so that your safety and a high-quality experience are ensured.
