How is CBD extracted?

The skin is constantly exposed to various forms of assault. Although it has natural defense mechanisms (such as the hydrolipidic film, skin microbiota, hair, etc.), our modern lifestyle (lack of sleep, pollution, UV rays from the sun, smoking, etc.) can sometimes put these defenses under severe strain. In addition to these factors, there are also skin diseases that progress through inflammatory flare-ups (such as psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, acne, etc.).

The CBD can be a valuable ally in aiding the skin to fulfill its protective function for the body without being overwhelmed by inflammation, particularly due to its recognized local anti-inflammatory properties . Moreover, CBD has the potential to combat most skin problems and skin diseases. It could reduce acne, fight against psoriasis or even eczema, as well as speed up the healing process and slow down skin aging.

The type of CBD oil extraction is an important criterion that will be a guarantee of the quality of your CBD. There are different extraction methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of the main CBD extraction methods available.

• Cold-press extraction.

  This method involves freezing the flowering tops of hemp, then crushing them using a mechanical press to extract all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components present in the hemp. Although this type of extraction does not require the use of chemical substances, it does however result in a relatively low yield of CBD. Indeed, a lot of raw material is needed to produce a small amount of oil.

• The extraction using a carrier oil.

  Easy and quick to accomplish, it is possible to extract CBD oil using a vegetable oil with a high amount of saturated fatty acids (coconut, sunflower, olive...) to enhance the bioavailability of CBD. This production of CBD oil is achieved by heating hemp flowers in the chosen carrier oil for a set period. The CBD and cannabinoids then become active and naturally bind to the fatty acids of the carrier oil during infusion. All that remains is to let it cool and filter.

  However, even though this is a handcrafted method, due to the high temperatures used, the properties of cannabidiol may possibly be altered and some molecules deteriorated during the process. Moreover, the CBD content is low and this type of extraction does not allow control over what is extracted from the hemp, particularly other cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBA, CBC...). Another major drawback of this extraction is the limited shelf life of the final product, making it quickly perishable.

• The process of liquid solvent extraction.

  Easy to implement, this manufacturing method allows for a high yield at a lower cost. Hemp plants are immersed in the solvent: this can be ethanol, butane, propane, hexane... Then, the CBD oil is recovered by evaporation. However, using chemical solvents can pose a risk to the body. Indeed, there will always be the presence of a minute amount of solvent residues in the final extract. Another major drawback is that this process tends to diminish the beneficial effects of the CBD oil.

• The Supercritical CO2 Extraction.

  This is the most suitable method for industrial-scale CBD extraction. Without any additives, this process involves manipulating carbon dioxide (CO2) in a specific way to reach a supercritical state. The goal is to selectively extract molecules based on their chemical nature. To achieve this, a state change of carbon dioxide into a supercritical state is carried out using controlled temperature and pressure. This process is conducive to the decarboxylation of hemp cannabinoids. Decarboxylation is the activation of the properties of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, CBA) through heat. This extraction method preserves the integrity of CBD molecules, not to mention that it is a environmentally friendly method because the CO2 is condensed and re-transformed into a liquid for reuse.