Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that is known for its restorative properties. It does not contain traces of THC, so it is legal and non-intoxicating. To make CBD available for consumption, it must first be extracted from the hemp plant and then mixed with a “carrier” oil. There are several methods of extraction, each with its own pros and cons.
The oldest form of extraction is to immerse the plant in ethanol or a high-profile alcohol. This method is ideal for creating a full spectrum of hemp extracts and tinctures, as it aims to extract all cannabinoids, not just CBD. It is also classified as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the FDA. Another method is to separate CBD from wax and lipids that may remain, while decarboxylation activates CBD.
This refers to CBD distillate, a viscous (thick) golden to amber liquid that tends to contain around 85-95% CBD and crystallizes or “sugar” when left at room temperature. If you want to do CBD extraction at home, you can opt for a solvent-based method with cooking oils or use a solvent-free approach and use dry ice to capture the desired compounds in the CBD DIY hash. In recent years, consumers and researchers have become increasingly interested in the potential health benefits of CBD extract. This is one of the newest ways to produce CBD oil and offers the purest oil extract, called CBD Isolate, free of any additional compounds.
It is important to note that despite the benefits of CBD, it remains an alternative treatment for limited number of FDA-approved seizure disorders. Additionally, users should avoid using CBD with any medication that carries a grapefruit warning, as CBD and grapefruit interact with similar medications.
