CBD is a major buzz word these days. It seems that everyone is talking about it from the media to your friends and family members. Almost everyone has tried it and now has an opinion about it. Most who have genuinely given it a try have nothing but great things to say about it. They claim it has helped them with almost every problem under the sun. While scientific studies are limited, it has shown great potential for managing the symptoms associated with a wide variety of conditions from minor ones like anxiety and depression to more serious ones like epilepsy and cancer. This is great news for those who are looking to manage their symptoms before resorting to harmful prescriptions or invasive surgeries. This has led to the entire industry ballooning over the past few years from under $300 million in total revenue to an expected $20 billion in 2020. One thing is for sure, CBD is here to stay, and it is being touted as America’s next gold rush. If there was ever a time to get into the CBD business, then it is now!
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid similar in structure to THC. The huge difference between the two is that THC (the primary cannabinoid in marijuana) produces a euphoric effect known as “high”. Whereas CBD does not produce a psychotropic effect therefore does not get you high. Both of these varieties are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. However, marijuana is high in THC and low in CBD whereas hemp is high in CBD and low in THC. Therefore, most CBD on the market is derived from hemp and only has trace (0.3%) amounts of THC. This is far too little to produce a “high” and CBD derived from hemp is legal in almost all 50 states and many countries around the world. CBD produced from marijuana, in contrast, is generally legal only in states that allow the adult use of marijuana. This is the reason most manufacturers of CBD tend to use the hemp plant so as to not limit their customer base.
How is CBD Extract Made?
CBD is extracted from hemp using one of three main methods. These are solvent extraction, steam distillation, and CO2 supercritical extraction. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to extracting and the quality of the final product. No matter the extraction method the first thing pulled from it is a CBD crude oil.
What Is CBD Crude Oil?
CBD crude oil is the first thing to come from the plant after the initial extraction process. It is what is known as full-spectrum or whole-plant since it contains the entire makeup of the hemp plant. It is loaded with the entire complement of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. This oil tends to be very thick and dark green that appears almost black. This crude oil is then further refined into some of the more well-known CBD products such as CBD distillate, THC free CBD distillate, and CBD isolate.
What Is CBD Distillate?
CBD distillate is produced by further refining the CBD crude oil. It starts with a process called short path distillation where the hemp extract is heated to separate the high volatile cannabinoids and any unwanted terpenes. After that, it is put through a secondary process called wiped film distillation that distributes the crude product onto a film on the inner surface of a heated column. The wiping system assists in removing the low volatile cannabinoids and other unwanted compounds from the desired cannabinoids. This results in what is called a full-spectrum CBD distillate which can then be further refined to create a THC free distillate.
What Is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is created by putting the CBD distillate through another process that is called winterization. This technique further refines the CBD extract and removes all other compounds that are present in the plant. It achieves this by mixing the distillate with pentane and applying heat. When a homogeneous mixture is produced it is then cooled down where the CBD crystallizes and falls out of the solution. What is left behind is a white powder that looks like freshly fallen snow and is composed of 99% pure CBD.
What Are These Extracts Used For?
All of the extracts discussed can be used as-is. A popular method to consume them is to place right under the tongue and let them dissolve. Another popular use is to add them to food and beverages. All of these extracts can also be used to produce homemade CBD products ranging from topicals to edibles. However, each product does have its own advantages and disadvantages when using it. For instance, CBD crude oil has a very earthy taste so when seeking one to use for edibles this should be considered. Additionally, if you are seeking something without THC a THC free distillate or CBD isolate might be the right choice.
CBD Extract Wholesale
Many people seek out these extracts when creating their own CBD business as it is easy to make your own CBD products by simply adding a CBD extract. Whether looking to produce your own CBD infused products for personal use or create your own CBD brand,
