CBD oil Co2 or alcohol extraction?

Comparison of methods of obtaining CBD extracts from hemp.

Currently, the most commonly used methods of obtaining CBD oils from hemp are extraction methods using supercritical CO2 and ethanol (alcohol). At least these are the methods you hear the most about.

Looking for the best products for our store, we had to find out which of the methods is the better one, and what oils we can offer our customers with a clear conscience. Searching for real knowledge on the Internet is not the easiest nowadays. Anyone can post their own opinion article, which is often not true. Most of these entries are based on other articles of the same type. Our entry will also not be a scientific article, because we did not perform any research, but we tried to be as objective as possible.

CBD oil alcohol extraction vs. supercritical CO2 extraction

Extraction with alcohol is an old method that was used e.g. in the United States for the extraction of hemp oils, until 1937. This year, unfortunately, cannabis was banned.

CO2 extraction is one of the newer and more expensive methods. It was invented to extract oil from shale during the war. After the war, most of the devices intended for CO2 extraction were used, among others, in for the extraction of hops for the production of beer. So far, the most commonly used method of hop extraction is supercritical CO2 extraction. Among other things, this method, if done correctly, preserves any terpenes from the plants. In the case of beer, the aroma is the key thing for connoisseurs. In the case of hemp and other plants, the terpenes in the extract are a great health supplement.

CBD oil from alcohol extraction or CO2?

During CO2 extraction, to obtain this compound in a supercritical form, it must be subjected to high pressure. This is done in metal tanks. Carbon dioxide in a supercritical form extracts beneficial compounds from hemp flowers and is separated from the rest of the mass in the same form. The process itself is considered "clean", i.e. it allows you to extract beneficial compounds, e.g. from hemp, without e.g. heavy metals or pesticides contained in the plant. This is great, but we would like the crops from which hemp comes to be as ecological as possible. In the case of the supercritical CO2 method, details are very important. Product contamination can occur at many stages of production. However, if we take care of the smallest detail, the final product should be worth recommending!

CBD oil alcohol or CO2 extraction

Alcoholic extraction is nothing more than soaking cannabis flowers in ethanol, which acts as a solvent. Organic compounds (polar and non-polar) remain in the fluid. The resulting liquid must be filtered from the dry matter, and then the alcohol is evaporated. Alcohol allows us to obtain cannabinoids and acidic forms of cannabinoids, e.g. CBDA CBGA. Unlike the CO2 method, alcohol extraction allows you to obtain polar compounds, i.e. acidic forms of cannabinoids or esters. The presence of esters is caused by the reaction of the acidic forms of hemp cannabinoids with alcohol (our solvent). Carboxylic acids, which are contained in complex organic acids, are esterified, which makes the obtained extract better assimilable by the body, i.e. better soluble in water. Such a CBD extract (with the presence of esters instead of carboxylic acids) will work better, among others in ailments related to disorders of the digestive system. In the case of alcohol extraction, the oils are greener, which of course also depends on how the extract is filtered. This is due to the presence of certain amounts of chlorophyll from the plant.

As you can see, both methods can provide a valuable product. In the issue of the magazine  Marijuana Business Magazine from 2018, the subject of the strengths and weaknesses of both hemp extraction with alcohol, CO2 and hydrocarbons was discussed, which we will not mention.

The conclusion is not unambiguous, no undisputed favorite has been selected. It is known that the Co2 method is the most expensive, and the quality of the product depends on the type of extract that the manufacturer wants to produce. Using this method, you can extract valuable terpenes from the plant. Alcohol extraction, on the other hand, has no competitors when it comes to efficiency in capturing the simple cannabinoids contained in hemp.

Perfect CBD Oil

As you can see, both methods can provide us with a healthy, valuable product, as well as the oil produced by alcohol or Co2 extraction may turn out to be worthless. The final product depends on each stage of production, and on the manufacturer's approach and knowledge. It is important both the origin and method of cultivation of the raw material - hemp, as well as proper extraction, and even further storage and packaging of finished products. When it comes to the composition of the oil, in our opinion, the best ones are those closest to nature, i.e. those that contain the most compounds obtained from the plant. Both CBD, CBG, or their acid forms CBDA, CBDG in many studies have proven to be health-promoting for the human body. The same with terpenes and flavonoids. That is why, in our opinion, Hemp oils full spectrum will be more beneficial for health. Thanks to the fact that each oil must be tested, you have the opportunity to compare the composition of different oils, so do it.😊

The last, in our opinion, the most important indicator of a good CBD oil for us is its effect on our body. Did you make the first selection in terms of composition, possibly the method of extraction, or the opinions of others? Now try the oil on your ailments and on your own body. After all, each of us is different! If this verification is successful, you have a valuable and proven product! And that's probably what it was about.

What is important!

CBD has been recognized by the WHO as a substance that is safe for health and does not cause addiction. Yes, there are studies in which it turns out that for certain groups of people, given doses of CBD simply do not work, or (rarely) exacerbate adverse ailments. Therefore, do not be guided by doses that are appropriate for your friends, family, etc. Listen to your body yourself, check for yourself whether CBD will also be effective in your case.

A tip on how to choose the right dose of CBD:

Each organism is different, therefore the dose should be selected individually, depending on the body weight and the degree of the disease / ailments. It is recommended to start dosing CBD from 0,2 to 1 mg per 1 kilogram of body weight. If the dose turns out to be insufficient, you can increase the daily dose by 2,5-5 mg until the desired effect is obtained. The goal is to find the minimum effective dose of CBD for yourself. For some it will be, for example, 10mg a day, for others it may be even 1500-2000 mg a day.

We invite you to test the oils available in our store.

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CBD Oil Extraction | alcohol | Co2