CBD oil over the past few years, has become one of the most trending health and well-being products. However, very few of the users know how this product is made. In this article, discover the process and gather an overview of how this natural remedy from the Cannabis Sativa plant is created.
Growing the Hemp Plant
Unlike its relative, cannabis, which has a high amount of THC, hemp farmers opt for hemp breeds with high contents of CBD and minimal levels of THC. Most often than not, hemp is grown naturally to deter pesticide pollution so that the final product is free of impurities and can be consumed safely.
Harvesting Hemp
Hemp plants are typically harvested from the end of summer to early fall, when they achieve their maximum level of concentration of CBD. This timing is critical at harvest, because CBD increases or decreases in potency, if it is done too early or too late respectively.
Extraction Process
After drying, the hemp is taken either to the processing facility for the actual extraction of CBD. There are several ways of extracting it:
- CO2 extraction: This method uses supercritical carbon dioxide that allows the drawing out of CBD, together with other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant. It is very effective and produces an end product without residual solvents.
- Ethanol Extraction: In this method, ethanol serves as a solvent for removing CBD from hemp plants. The one downside to this process is that it usually leaves traces of the solvent in the final product.
- Oil Extraction: This method uses carrier oil, typically olive or MCT oil. It is quite a safe process and easy to go about. The finished product can end up being rather low in potency compared to other common methods.
Refinement and Distillation
After extraction, the crude CBD oil is then refined to purify it by getting rid of any impurities or unwanted compounds. The oil is winterised, this means it mixes the oil with alcohol, followed by freezing that removes fats or waxes. This mixture is later filtered and alcohol removed.
Following distillation, the oil is heated and evaporated and condensed again to purify the CBD further. The final product should contain no contaminant like CBD products from companies, such as Honey Heaven.
Testing and Quality Control
Final batches that go to the market should be tested for their potency, purity, and safety. This is mostly done through third-party testing to ensure the results from the tests remain unbiased. The labs will test for the presence of cannabinoids, terpenes, and contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.
After passing quality control, it is then ready for formulation into various products. Examples of such include tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles. Reformulation involves blending the CBD extract with other ingredients to make a formulated product.
Before the products are made, they are first formulated at particular quantities. After formulation, they are measured and packed in bottles or other packaging containers. The bottles are labelled with the amount of CBD concentration and different ingredients used. Correct method of packaging is necessary since light, air, and moisture will eventually degrade the CBD over some time.
Wholesale and Retail
The bottled products are finally distributed to retailers, both online and in physical stores. Corporate companies use secure, trackable forms of shipment that guarantees the safety, and tracking of the products they are sending to the desired destination.
Final Thoughts
From careful cultivation and harvesting of the raw material to precise extraction, rigorous testing, and careful formulation, these steps are needed for a high-quality CBD oil. Knowing this would surely get consumers more informed and appreciate the efforts made to produce such fine natural remedies.
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