CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular as more people are learning of the range of health benefits that it is renowned for. But not all CBD is made equal. At HighKind, we produce the purest and most potent CBD products following a CO2 extraction method that we have perfected over several years. To help you choose the best CBD oil out there, we explain how it can be made below.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol oil (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound found within cannabis and hemp and is one of the plant’s non-psychoactive compounds. Studies suggest that CBD can have myriad health benefits and is often used to treat conditions including anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction. Although using CBD oil may result in some minor side effects, it does not get you high or cause any of the psychoactive states associated with smoking cannabis.
How is CBD oil made?
CBD oil is created by extracting the compound from a hemp or cannabis plant. CBD only exists in hemp or cannabis alongside various other compounds, including THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana responsible for the ‘high’ sensation. To ensure that CBD products only contain trace amounts of THC, four possible extraction methods are widely used in the industry:
- Liquid Solvent Extraction- (Using the likes of Co2 or Ethanol)
- High-Pressure Press Extraction
- Ice Water Extraction
- Dry Sifting
Liquid solvent extraction
The cheapest and most effective way of extracting CBD oil is the liquid solvent method. This can be done using low-grade alcohol like ethanol or via CO2 extraction.
When using ethanol, the cannabinoids are extracted after the plants have been soaked in the liquid for a specified period of time. The resulting liquid is heated, and the cannabinoid concentrates exist in oil form. The problem with this extraction method is that it’s dangerous, flammable, and often results in CBD oil that tastes bitter. It’s by far and away the cheapest and least desirable way to extract CBD oil.
The more technically advanced method of extracting CBD from the cannabis plant via liquid solvent extraction is by utilising CO2. It results in the purest oil that is potent and safe to consume. The most prevalent method is known as the supercritical CO2 extraction method, which begins by putting ground cannabis into a container. Supercritical CO2 is then added, where it extracts the terpenes, trichomes, and cannabinoids. The contents are then separated, and the oil is collected from a separate chamber. This process kills off mould, bacteria, and other chemicals and ensures the resulting oil is entirely pure.
High-Pressure Rosin Extraction
A fairly straightforward extraction process, this form of CBD extraction uses a high-pressure press and elevated temperatures to press the cannabinoids and terpenes out of the cannabis.
Ice Water Extraction
A method of CBD extraction that gives a very high high quality extract is ice water extraction. This uses dry ice or freezing water to freeze the trichome resins so they can be shaken off the cannabis. Different size filters are used in this process to produce different strains of the extract. A clean solventless process that gives a moderate yield of high quality resin and does not compromise potency, ice water extraction results in extremely pure CBD extract.
Dry Sifting
A relatively straightforward and older method of CBD extraction, dry sifting uses micron screens to extract trichome heads. The process uses no solvents, the cannabis is simply rubbed against the micron screen which acts as a sieve. Different size micron screens can be used to extract different compounds from the cannabis. Although time-consuming, dry sifting gives undiluted CBD concentrate which is solvent-free and the method was very popular before technical advances allowed the extraction process to develop into what it is today.
Choose your CO2 extracted CBD oil today
At HighKind, we extract CBD from the cannabis plant using the CO2 method – the most advanced extraction process. We have mastered our technique over several years, maintaining exceptionally high standards, which are reflected in the quality of our CBD products. Take a look through our collection of Raw CBD Oils today to find the perfect CBD oil loaded with flavanoids and phytonutrients, so you can enjoy the multiple benefits that this cannabis compound is renowned for.