The processing of CBD oil typically begins with extracting compounds from the hemp plant, often utilizing advanced methods like supercritical CO2 extraction.
The Initial Step: Supercritical CO2 Extraction
According to the provided information, the processing of CBD oil starts with supercritical CO2 extraction. This is a widely used method in the industry for its efficiency and cleanliness.
How Supercritical CO2 Extraction Works
In this process, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to pull the entire profile of cannabinoids, waxes, fats and terpenes from the hemp plant. By controlling temperature and pressure, CO2 enters a "supercritical" state where it has properties between a liquid and a gas, allowing it to act as a safe and effective solvent.
Key aspects of this initial extraction step include:
- Using Pressurized CO2: High pressure is applied to CO2.
- Extraction of Compounds: The supercritical CO2 passes through the hemp plant material, dissolving and separating beneficial compounds like:
- Cannabinoids (including CBD)
- Waxes
- Fats
- Terpenes (aromatic compounds)
- Solvent-Free Process: This CO2 extraction process doesn't require any solvents, which is a significant advantage.
- Cleanliness: Because no harsh chemical solvents are used, it's a very clean process, leaving behind pure extract free from residual chemicals.
This initial extraction yields a crude oil containing the desired cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant materials. Further processing steps, which can vary depending on the desired final product (e.g., full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate), may follow this initial extraction to refine the oil. However, the foundational step described is the extraction of the plant's profile using supercritical CO2.
