How To Extract CBD: Full Guide (2021)

Have you ever wondered how to extract CBD from hemp or cannabis plants? Perhaps you have been using CBD products but cannot understand how it ends up ready for consumption. In other words, you are not familiar with the CBD extraction process.

Extracting CBD from hemp or cannabis plants is never an easy process as there are many steps to follow to get the final product. But with proper guidance and instructions, you can even extract CBD by yourself at home. Of course, the exercise should be legal.

The good news is that this guide will help you learn how to make CBD extract at home. But before we get started, it’s essential to understand what Cannabidiol is(CBD).

That said, let’s dive into the facts!

Understanding the Basics of Cannabidiol (CBD)

So, what is CBD? CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp and Cannabis plants. It’s the most beneficial compound in the two plants due to its therapeutic properties. So, many people use CBD in various medical applications.

CBD can help alleviate the symptoms of many medical conditions, including pain relief, stress relief, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Also, many people who consume CBD have reported better health. However, studies are still ongoing to verify CBD’s therapeutic benefits.

Despite the numerous benefits of CBD, one question that strikes the minds of many consumers is, “Can CBD get me high?” Well, the truth is, CBD cannot get you high as it lacks Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive compound found in Cannabis plants.

One thing you should never forget is that Cannabis plants have higher THC content than hemp plants. That is why many CBD manufacturers use hemp-derived CBD to make CBD products. We’re proud of what we make, so please feel free to check out our catalogue today at Zen Bliss. 

But is CBD legal in Canada?

Yes! CBD is legal for recreational and medicinal applications. However, it must not have more than 0.3 percent of THC. Since hemp plants have low THC content, it’s easier for CBD manufacturers to extract CBD from hemp and not Cannabis plants.

CBD is popular because you can consume it in many ways, including smoking, vaping, topical application, and sublingual applications. You can also ingest CBD in the form of gummies. However, the most widely used form of CBD worldwide is CBD oil.

So, let’s turn our attention to the extraction methods of CBD oil.

How to Extract CBD Oil

Now that you know what Cannabidiol (CBD) is, it’s essential to learn how to extract CBD oil from hemp plants. Thankfully, there are many ways of extracting CBD, and each has unique strengths and weaknesses. So, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each method.

Here are the popular methods of extracting CBD.

1. Solvent Extraction
2. Steam Distillation
3. Olive Oil Extraction
4. CO2 Extraction 

Solvent Extraction

This technique involves using solvents, such as propane, butane, or ethanol, to extract CBD from hemp plant trimmings. Since the mixture contains other cannabinoids, it gets refined further to remove the solvent and impurities to remain with refined CBD oil.

The pros are that this extraction method is efficient and relatively cheap. That’s because it doesn’t require specialized equipment like other methods. Also, hydrocarbon solvents are powerful at extracting CBD and preserving the hemp plant’s flavour and aroma.

However, most of the solvents are flammable and can be hazardous when they spill and catch fire. Additionally, some solvents can give the final product a bitter taste, making it tricky to consume the CBD extract as edibles or sublingually in the form of a tincture.

Steam Distillation

Another reliable method of extracting CBD oil from hemp plants is steam distillation. It uses steam to extract volatile Cannabidiol from the hemp plant. The resulting CBD oil vapour gets cooled and condensed in a distillation tube to separate oil and water.

The pros of steam distillation are that it’s a straightforward and inexpensive method. It is also solvent-free, making the final CBD product more edible than the CBD extract from solvents. Besides, it doesn’t require special equipment to extract CBD oil.

Unfortunately, steam distillation is inefficient as it needs more plant materials to produce CBD oil. Also, the steam can easily damage the hemp plant due to excess heat. As a result, the CBD extract can lose its potency. That would waste time and hemp.

Olive Oil Extraction

With this method, the raw hemp plant gets heated to a particular temperature through a process known as decarboxylation. Next, olive oil (natural solvent) gets added to it then heated again to extract CBD. So, you will end up with a mixture of CBD and olive oil.

The pros of olive oil extraction are that it is an easy and inexpensive way to extract CBD at home. It also eliminates all the concerns over safety, residual solvents, and costly equipment. Not to mention, olive oil extraction is the most effective technique to use.

Unfortunately, the CBD-infused oil mixture contains low concentrations of CBD extract. For that reason, consumers must take a larger dosage to feel the effects of CBD. Olive oil is also perishable, reducing the product’s shelf life, especially if exposed to light.

CO2 Extraction

The CO2 extraction method uses an advanced machine to pull Cannabidiol (CBD) and other desirable compounds from hemp plants. The device has three chambers that use carbon dioxide gas to facilitate the extraction and separation of CBD from hemp.

The benefit of CO2 extraction is that it’s the most reliable and efficient CBD extraction method. It is also safe and environmentally friendly since it doesn’t involve any solvent. Most importantly, any CBD extracted using this method is highly potent and pure.

However, the con of CO2 extraction is that it requires a highly sophisticated technology to extract CBD. In addition, the machine used in this method is costly and may not be a perfect choice for DIY enthusiasts. It also requires skills and knowledge of CO2 gas.

Final Words

Now that you know how to extract CBD oil from hemp plants using four methods, you can select what works best for you. If you intend to extract CBD at home, consider olive oil extraction, steam distillation, and solvent extraction techniques. However, if you plan to buy ready-made CBD oil, select a product extracted by the CO2 extraction method.