Exploring the Different Types of CBD Extraction Methods

As CBD grows in popularity, more and more people find themselves eager to learn of its benefits, potential uses, and how it’s made. Whether you’re interested in trying CBD products or you want to educate people about it, knowing more is highly advantageous. Not only does it give you valuable insight on the kind of CBD you should buy (and where); it also helps you better incorporate it within your own wellness routine.

A vital aspect of CBD production to understand is CBD extraction. CBD is a non-psychedelic compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD extraction refers to the process of separating CBD from the plant, so as to obtain it as a concentrated form. Once the compound is isolated, it can be used in various products, such as oils and edibles.

Not all CBD extraction methods are made equal, and you may find that products which use a particular extraction method are more beneficial to you than others. So, let’s take a look at all the different ways CBD can be extracted from a cannabis plant – and why it matters!

Chemical Solvent Extraction

The “chemical solvent extraction” method involves the use of solvents such as butane, ethanol, propane, or hexane to extract compounds from cannabis plants. “Solvents” are substances that are capable of dissolving other substances to form a solution.

To extract the CBD with a solvent, the plant is trimmed or crushed and then soaked in the solvent. The solvent strips the plant of its compounds, and the remaining “solvent” liquid is then evaporated. The oily residue that’s left behind holds a concentrated amount of compounds, which are then filtered out to obtain the CBD extract.

Each manufacturer has their own steps for extracting CBD, depending on the kind of compound profile they are after. Some may have further processing steps, but overall, this is the gist of it.

Chemical solvent extraction methods are one of the most common ways to extract CBD from cannabis plants. It is extremely cost-effective, and the process is less complex than other methods. It’s also highly efficient, because it allows manufacturers to extract a wide variety of compounds, so they can better obtain the right extract profile.

Hydrocarbon Solvents

A hydrocarbon solvent is an organic compound, which is composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They have unique chemical properties that allow them to dissolve substances, such as van der Waals forces. This allows them to attract other molecules that facilitate the dissolution process. Popular hydrocarbon solvents used for CBD extraction are:

• Butane
• Propane
• Pentane
• Hexane

Pros of hydrocarbon solvent extraction

Here are the perks of using hydrocarbon solvent for extraction:

• Efficient extraction: Hydrocarbon solvents are widely used because of their efficient ability to extract compounds. They can dissolve a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds from the plant, resulting in a highly concentrated CBD extract.
• Targeted extraction: Because of the van der Waals force, hydrocarbon solvents can attract specific compounds, like cannabinoids, allowing for a targeted extraction of specific compounds. This leads to creating the desired cannabinoid profile and enjoying a higher production quality.
• Terpene preservation: Hydrocarbon solvents are great at preserving the natural terpene content of the cannabis plant. Terpenes contribute to the aroma, flavour, and potential benefits of CBD products, so preserving them can enhance the overall experience for consumers.

Cons of hydrocarbon solvent extraction

It’s not a perfect system, however. Here are downsides to using hydrocarbon solvent as an extraction method for CBD:

• Residual solvent concerns: Hydrocarbon solvent extraction is very good at extracting compounds from the cannabis plant, but it’s also very good at extracting unwanted compounds, such as chlorophyll. If the purification process isn’t handled carefully and correctly, the CBD extract can taste bitter.
• Environmental impact: The use of hydrocarbon solvents can have an environmental impact. If not properly contained, these solvents evaporate into the atmosphere, releasing volatile organic compounds that contribute to air pollution. If the solvents aren’t disposed of correctly, they can also contaminate the soil and water.

Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is made with fermented sugar. It’s the main psychoactive component that makes you feel drunk when you drink alcoholic beverages.

Ethanol is widely favoured in CBD extraction because of its polarity. This means that it’s really good at extracting both polar and nonpolar compounds of the cannabis plant. Polar compounds dissolve well in liquids, while nonpolar compounds dissolve better in fats and oils.

Hydrocarbon solvents can only extract nonpolar compounds, while ethanol can extract both. This makes ethanol extraction the preferred method when manufacturers want a specific extract profile, complete with many compounds.

Manufacturers can choose between two methods of ethanol extraction: Cold ethanol and warm ethanol. Cold ethanol is used when manufacturers want to preserve temperature-sensitive compounds and produce a higher yield of CBD extract. Because the temperature is so low during the extraction method, cold ethanol extraction is less likely to evaporate the compounds in the solution.

Warm ethanol is used when manufacturers wish to speed up the extraction process, or if they want a cost-effective extraction method. After all, cold extraction does require special chilling equipment, but warm ethanol does not.

Ethanol is an alcohol, but it’s important to not confuse it with isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent in CBD extraction too, but since it’s toxic and unsafe for consumption, it is considered less safe than ethanol, which can be consumed safely.

Pros of ethanol extraction

Here are the advantages of using ethanol for CBD extraction:

• Safety: Ethanol is regarded as a safer solvent, especially when compared to hydrocarbon solvents, because it is less flammable.
• Versatility: Ethanol can extract both polar and nonpolar substances, allowing for more versatile extraction.
• Full-spectrum extract: Because of its polarity, ethanol extraction can yield a full-spectrum CBD extract, which contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the plant.

Cons of ethanol extraction

There are cons, however, to using ethanol. These include:

• Selectivity: Like hydrocarbon solvents, ethanol can extract both desired compounds and unwanted substances, such as chlorophyll and plant waxes. Additional steps may be required to remove these impurities.
• Efficiency: Ethanol extraction may require longer extraction times when compared to other methods, because ethanol is not as efficient at dissolving compounds as other solvents. However, techniques such as cold ethanol extraction can improve efficiency.
• Cost: Ethanol extraction can be more expensive than hydrocarbon extraction methods, primarily because of the higher volume of solvent required and the need for additional equipment.

CO2 Extraction

Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction involves using CO2 in a supercritical state. In this state, CO2 is converted from a gas into a liquid, so it can be used as a solvent. This is done by increasing the pressure and temperature of the C02.

One of the biggest differences between CO2 extraction and other solvent methods is the use of machinery. When it comes to CBD extraction, manufacturers can use a closed-loop system or open-loop system. Closed-loop systems use airtight equipment that allows the extraction process to exist in a controlled environment. Open-loop methods involve more basic setups, where the extraction process is done in an open environment.

Ethanol and hydrocarbon extraction can use both closed-loop and open-loop methods. CO2 extraction, however, can only be done with closed-loop extractors, because an airtight environment is needed in order to get the CO2 into a supercritical state.

The process of CO2 extraction is simple. Here are the basic steps:

1. The first step is loading the cannabis plant material into a closed-loop extractor.
2. The extractor is sealed, and CO2 gas is pumped into it.
3. Once the temperature and pressure are adjusted, the CO2 becomes liquid and can be used as a solvent. It permeates the plant material repeatedly and selectively dissolves the plant compounds.
4. After the extraction phase, the mixture of CO2 and extracted compounds is transferred to the separator vessel.
5. Inside the vessel, pressure is reduced, causing the CO2 to revert to a gas state. This separation process leaves behind a concentrated mixture of plant compounds.
6. The extracted mixture is passed into the collection vessel, where any remaining CO2 evaporates, leaving behind a highly concentrated oil.

While other methods are just as valid, many businesses view CO2 extraction as the best way to lift out and condense CBD compounds. That means it’s usually the most popular, especially amongst big companies.

Pros of CO2 extraction

Here is why CO2 is often considered one of the best extraction methods:

• Safety: CO2 extraction is considered to be one of the safest methods, because carbon dioxide is non-toxic and non-flammable. This means fewer risks in production and safeguards for consumers of every kind.
• Selectivity: CO2 extraction allows for precise control over temperature and pressure, allowing selective extraction of specific compounds. By adjusting the parameters, it’s possible to target and extract desirable components like terpenes and cannabinoids, while leaving behind unwanted compounds like chlorophyll. This not only saves time, but enhances purity.
• Quality: The low temperatures used in CO2 extraction help to preserve the integrity of the extracted compounds. This method produces high-quality CBD extract with a full spectrum of beneficial plant compounds, which often last longer on the shelf. As such, the resulting extract better maintains the natural flavours and aromas of the plant.
• Efficiency: CO2 extraction is a highly efficient method that can achieve high yields of CBD oil, faster than other methods.
• Environmental friendliness: CO2 is a naturally occurring compound and can be recycled and reused, making CO2 extraction more environmentally friendly when compared to solvent-based extraction methods. It produces minimal waste and reduces the overall carbon footprint.

Cons of CO2 extraction

Some manufacturers opt for other extraction methods, though, because of these disadvantages in CO2:

• Equipment Cost: The equipment required for CO2 extraction can be very expensive, especially for commercial-scale operations.
• Complexity: CO2 extraction is a complex process that requires specialised equipment and technical expertise, so as to optimise extraction parameters.
• Cost: Gas is expensive and CO2 is no exception. That’s why this extraction method isn’t widely used by small-scale operations.

Non-Solvent Extraction

Non-solvent extraction is any method that doesn’t rely on the use of solvents to extract CBD content from a cannabis plant. Instead of soaking the plant in a solvent that strips the compounds off the plant, non-solvent methods use non-chemical substances or mechanical processes to extract the CBD. Here are the most popular non-solvent extraction methods:

Olive Oil Extraction

Olive oil extraction is a common method used for extracting CBD oil from hemp or cannabis plants. It is a non-toxic and relatively simple process that doesn’t require special equipment, and it is commonly done at home by CBD enthusiasts.

It’s important to note that this process only yields CBD-infused oil, not a concentrated CBD extract. The resulting oil will have a relatively low potency compared to other extraction methods. Here’s how it’s typically done:

1. Before extracting CBD, it’s important to decarboxylate the plant. This simply means heating it at a certain temperature. Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids in the plant, including CBD, by converting their acid form into active forms.
2. Once the plant has been decarboxylated, it is grounded or chopped into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
3. The plant is then combined with olive oil in a heat-resistant container, such as a mason jar, and then thoroughly stirred. Extra virgin olive oil is often preferred due to its high fat content, which allows for better extraction.
4. The jar containing the plant and olive oil is heated for a few hours, using a water bath or a slow cooker set to a low temperature. The low heat helps to complete the extraction process without degrading the cannabinoids.
5. The plant and olive oil mixture needs to be stirred occasionally while it’s heated.
6. After the extraction period, the mixture is strained to separate the plant material from the infused oil. Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer can be used.

Pros of olive oil extraction

Here are reasons why some opt for olive oil extraction as a more natural solution:

• Safety: Olive oil extraction is a completely safe method that can be performed at home without the need for specialised equipment or potentially hazardous solvents.
• Accessibility: Olive oil is widely available, making it an easily accessible option for CBD extraction.
• Cost-effective: Compared to some extraction methods, olive oil is far less expensive.
• Gentle extraction: Olive oil extraction is a gentle process that can preserve some of the beneficial compounds found in the plant.

Cons of olive oil extraction

Olive oil is not the most popular method used, though, for these reasons:

• Lower efficiency: Olive oil extraction is not as efficient as other methods, like CO2 extraction. It may not extract the maximum amount of cannabinoids from the plant material, resulting in a less potent product.
• Short shelf life: CBD-infused olive oil has a reduced shelf life when compared to other CBD extracts. It spoils and degrades more quickly, because of the fats and lipids in olive oil.
• Extraction of chlorophyll: Olive oil extraction also extracts chlorophyll from the plant, resulting in a bitter-tasting final product.

Dry Ice Extraction

Dry ice extraction, also known as dry ice hash, is a method that uses dry ice to extract CBD from the cannabis plant. Dry ice is just CO2 in a frozen state, so this is a popular DIY method; dry ice is easy to obtain and cheap to buy.

Here’s how CBD is extracted using dry ice:

1. The cannabis flowers must be completely dried and cured. Then, they are ground into a fine dust to increase the surface area for extraction.
2. The ground plant is evenly mixed with the dry ice in a large container.
3. The mixture sits for a few minutes. The freezing temperature of the dry ice causes the cannabinoids to become brittle and easily break away from the rest of the plant.
4. The mixture needs to be shaken aggressively to fully separate the compounds from the plant.
5. The mixture is then poured through a series of screens or fine mesh filters to isolate the compounds from the plant.
6. The separated compounds are collected in the form of a powder.

Pros of dry ice extraction

Here are the perks to expect when using dry ice extraction:

• Simplicity: Dry ice extraction is a relatively simple process that can be performed with minimal equipment.
• Safety: Dry ice is considered a safer and natural extraction method, especially when compared to those that utilise chemical solvents.
• Retains terpenes: Dry ice extraction is known for preserving the natural terpene profile of the cannabis plant. Terpenes contribute to the aroma and potential therapeutic effects of CBD, so retaining them enhances the quality of the extract.
• Full-spectrum extract: Dry ice extraction often results in a full-spectrum extract that contains a wide range of cannabinoids.

Cons of dry ice extraction

Here are the disadvantages that can muddy up the perks and efficiency of dry ice extraction:

• Limited purity: Dry ice extraction doesn’t usually result in a well-refined or purified extract. The result may contain small, residual particles that pass through the screens or filters, which affects the quality and texture of the final product.
• Potential contamination: If not conducted properly, dry ice can introduce contaminants into the final product. It’s vital to ensure that the dry ice is food-grade and free from any impurities.
• Time-consuming: Dry ice extraction is a very time-consuming process. It requires multiple steps, such as freezing, agitation, straining, and pressing, which can stretch out the extraction process.

Press Extraction

There are several types of press methods used for CBD extraction. They typically use special machinery to apply pressure, as well as heat, to extract compounds from the plant. Here are the most commonly used press methods:

• Hydraulic press: Hydraulic presses are a favoured choice for CBD extraction. This uses hydraulic pressure to apply force to the plant. The pressure causes the cannabinoids and other compounds to be squeezed out for easy collecting.
• Rosin press: The rosin press method has gained significant popularity in recent years. It involves using heat and pressure to extract the cannabinoids. The plant is set between parchment paper or filter bags, and pressurised from heated plates. The heat and pressure cause the cannabinoids to melt and ooze out as a sticky resin, which is then collected.
• Pneumatic press: Pneumatic presses use air or gas pressure to extract cannabinoids. They feature an air compressor that applies consistent pressure to the plant. As such, they’re normally used in commercial extraction.

Pros of press extraction

Straightforward and efficient, here are reasons why some businesses rely on press extraction for their CBD:

• Solventless extraction: Press methods offer a solvent-free extraction process, eliminating the need for toxic chemical solvents and making the extraction process safer, both in terms of handling and product purity.
• Purity and quality: The press method can yield a pure extract, because it allows for the separation of cannabinoids from unwanted plant material.
• Retention of terpenes: The press method (especially in regards to rosin pressing) is favoured for preserving the natural terpene profile of the plant.
• Real-time extraction: Press methods lead to immediate extraction. There are no long extraction times or additional, post-extraction processing. This makes it an efficient method for commercial operations.

Cons of the press method

Despite the above points, not all businesses prefer the method. Here’s why:

• Limited scalability: Press methods are better suited to small-scale operations. Scaling up the extraction process using press methods can be challenging, and may require larger and more advanced equipment.
• Equipment: The effectiveness of the press method is highly dependent on the quality and capabilities of the equipment used. Lower-quality or less advanced presses may result in an inconsistent final product.
• Compound degradation: The application of heat during the press methods has a chance of degrading certain heat-sensitive compounds. This may result in a loss of aroma or unwanted effects in the final product.

Which CBD Extraction Method is the Best?

Whether you intend on making your own CBD extract or buying CBD products, it’s valuable to understand which extraction process is right for you. It can affect your decision-making and influence expectations for CBD.

In the DIY sphere, olive oil extraction is the most popular, due to how easy and inexpensive the entire process is. When it comes to commercial CBD products, CO2 extraction is widely viewed as the best. That’s because the process is:

• Environmentally friendly
• Capable of producing full-spectrum CBD
• Non-toxic
• Capable of producing CBD extract of the highest quality
• Safe
• Capable of preventing compound degradation

The only downside is the cost of production, but this isn’t an issue for professional, commercial-scale operations. CO2 extraction also requires expert knowledge to operate the machinery and to set the parameters needed to control the substance.

You can rest assured that CBD products which use CO2 extraction are manufactured by experts who understand the extraction process through and through. This is why, here at Blessed CBD, we are proud to use CO2 extraction for all of our products.

Conclusion

The extraction methods described above are only some of the many approaches used to extract CBD from hemp and cannabis plants. They are the most popular, however, for commercial operations, small-scale operations, and DIY settings alike.

Now that you understand how CBD can be extracted, you can better decide on the right CBD product for your needs. Depending on the extraction method, CBD may contain a different flavour or potency than you’d like, or lack compounds that you’d prefer included. Be sure to consider what you expect from your CBD experience, and look for products that are extracted to enhance those traits.