How Is CBD Oil Made? The Amazing Seed to Shelf Process

CBD oil is made from hemp plants, which are cannabis plants bred to contain deficient levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the psychoactive compound that gets users high. This article explains how best CBD oil can be obtained through the excellent seed-to-shelf process.

The CBD oil production process is a unique and lengthy journey that begins with selecting the right cannabis seeds. Once the sources are chosen, they are carefully planted and monitored until they reach the perfect stage of maturity. Once they are ripe, the plants are harvested, and the precious CBD-rich resin is extracted. This resin is then purified and turned into CBD oil. The entire process is carefully monitored to ensure the highest quality and purity of the oil.

From the Seed

The CBD oil production process is a unique and lengthy journey that begins with selecting the right hemp seeds. The CBD oil production process starts with the passage of the right hemp seeds. The growers must choose the sources that will produce the highest levels of CBD. Once the seeds are selected, they are carefully planted and monitored until they reach the perfect stage of maturity.

Harvesting

The hemp plants are grown together, and the entire field is harvested at once. Chandra et al. (2020) explained that hemp harvesting is a process that begins with the identification of mature Hemp plants. Once the plants are identified, the leaves and buds are dried and packaged. The dried leaves and buds can then be used to make various products, including food, body care products, and biodiesel. The Hemp plant is a low-THC Cannabis Sativa plant harvested for its fiber, oil, and seed. The stalk of the Hemp plant is the primary source of fiber, which is used to make a variety of products, including clothing, paper, building materials, and biofuel. The Hemp plant's seed is a source of CBD oil, which is used to make various products, including food, body care products, and biodiesel.

The Extraction Process: CBD Oil

The extraction process for CBD oil is complicated and includes many steps. The extraction process is one of the most critical steps in producing CBD oil. Raw materials grown in healthy soil and free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals have higher-quality CBD oil. Oseyko et al. (2020) explained that the purity of CBD oil is also determined by the extraction process and the quality of the raw materials. CBD is often extracted using a chemical solvent but can also be removed using CO₂, alcohol, or vegetable oils.

Different Extraction Methods

Different extraction methods create different grades of CBD oil. Dei Cas et al. (2020) explained that the rates of CBD oil are determined by the extraction process chosen, the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids extracted, and the quality of the raw materials. The quality of the raw materials used in the extraction process is critical in determining the rate of CBD oil.

CO₂ Extraction Method and Alcohol Extraction

CBD oil extractions that utilize CO₂ or alcohol extraction are considered the purest, as these extraction processes remove any excess plant material that could contain contaminants. CO₂ extraction uses liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to extract CBD from cannabis plants. The alcohol extraction process uses alcohol to remove the CBD from the cannabis plants. Since alcohol extraction is a gentler process and is cheaper to produce, this is a popular choice when creating CBD oil.

Purification

Ramaraj & Dussadee (2015) explained the purpose of any purification method is to remove the impurities or unwanted components of the CBD oil. CBD oil is purified in various ways, including chromatography and distillation. Purifying CBD oil begins by extracting the hemp oil using a solvent. The solvent is then evaporated, and the remaining oil is then distilled. The result is a high-grade CBD oil. The purpose of any purification method is to remove the impurities or unwanted components of CBD oil. In this case, the unwanted parts are the THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that creates the high).

Distillation Process

CBD oil is heated in the distillation process, and the volatile substances, including terpenes, chlorophyll, and other compounds, are vaporized and separated from the plant material. The distillation process can be carried out using either a simple still or a reflux still.

Chemical Extraction Process

In these processes, cannabis plant material is mixed with a solvent such as ethanol, butane, or hexane. The mixture is then heated to extract the cannabinoids, including CBD. The first process is less expensive and produces purer CBD oil if performed correctly. However, the second process is more commonly used because it is faster and cheaper. The second process can leave chemical residues and other undesirable materials in CBD oil.

Bottling And Packaging:

CBD oil is bottled or packaged in various ways, including capsules, tinctures, and vape oil. As long as CBD is sourced from hemp and not from the marijuana plant, it is legal nationwide.

CBD Oil Quality Control

A quality inspection should be done before and after production.

Every batch of oil is tested according to the following criteria:

• Physical Property Test

Appearance, Odor, Refractive index

• Chemical Property Test

Pesticide residue, Microbiological test

• Heavy Metal Test

Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury

• Other Test

Heavy metal, E. coli, Yeast & Mold, Salmonella, Egg, Pesticide

Microbiological test

• Heavy

Conclusion

CBD oil is made from industrial hemp, a plant grown for centuries as a food crop. The initial process starts with the hemp seed. Nature’s Living Organics cultivates the hemp plants to grow in organic, pesticide-free fields. The seeds are harvested, and cold pressed to extract the oil. This oil is the base of CBD oil. The oil is then blended with carrier oil, such as olive oil. It undergoes more refinement to remove any impurities. This oil is put through a vacuum distillation process to create CBD isolate. The isolate is combined with other oils, such as peppermint and lavender, to create a blend. This blend is then put through a filter to remove any remaining solids. The final product is high-quality CBD oil.

References

Chandra, S., Lata, H., & ElSohly, M. A. (2020). Propagation of cannabis for clinical research: an approach towards a modern herbal medicinal products development. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 958.

Dei Cas, M., Casagni, E., Casiraghi, A., Minghetti, P., Fornasari, D. M. M., Ferri, F., ... & Roda, G. (2020). Phytocannabinoids profile in medicinal cannabis oils: the impact of plant varieties and preparation methods. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 570616.

Oseyko, M., Sova, N., Petrachenko, D., & Mykolenko, S. (2020). Technological and chemical aspects of storage and complex processing of industrial hemp seeds.

Ramaraj, R., & Dussadee, N. (2015). Biological purification processes for biogas using algae cultures: a review. International Journal of Sustainable and Green Energy, 4(1), 20-32.