CBD-based products have taken the market by storm as their popularity keeps rising by the day. Due to this, most people may not just know the term but have even used some CBD-based products for their pets.
However, finding an average customer that knows the process of creating these products is rare. But, that you are here means you would love to know more about the process involved in making CBD oil for dogs. Seeing how you are concerned about how a product is made shows that you are a wonderful dog parent. You can visit https://be.chewy.com/ to learn how to become an even better dog parent.
Hence, in this article; we will be discussing the most common CBD oil extraction method. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, so we will equally be discussing these pros and cons. The extraction method oftentimes affects the resulting taste, potency, and quality of the product.
Therefore, by knowing these methods, we believe you would make a better choice when you shop for your pet’s CBD oil.
1. Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is a popular and trusted method used for extracting oils, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is used to make CBD oil. Here, steam is applied to extract volatile compounds from raw materials.
The vapor at the end of the distillation often has the wanted compounds, so it is made to cool after which it is condensed. Finally, the water and oil are separated to get the product.
Pros
This method is straightforward, inexpensive, yet solvent-free.
Cons
Sadly, this procedure isn’t so efficient. The raw materials needed are often more yet the oil that will be gotten at the end is relatively not that much. Also, the CBD concentration is usually inconsistent. It may also ruin the needed chemical properties because some cannabinoids are heat sensitive and heat is used a lot for this process.
2. CO2 Extraction
For this procedure, CO2 (carbon dioxide) removes the cannabinoids from the plant. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds in hemp plants of which CBD is a member. You can go to this article to learn more about cannabinoids.
This method is relatively more scientifically advanced and often involves 3 chambers. CO2 is made into a liquid in the 1st chamber. This is achieved by reducing the temperature while increasing pressure.
Next, the CO2 is made to reach the “supercritical point” which is a point where the carbon dioxide is between a gaseous and liquid state. Then the carbon dioxide is sent into the 2nd chamber, the cannabis plant materials are usually already in this chamber at this point.
When the CO2 comes in contact with the plant, it separates the oil from the materials. The CO2 and oil are then sent to the 3rd chamber where they are now separated from each other and the CO2 is made to evaporate.
Pros
This process is very precise and solvent-free, hence it is safer and more environmental-friendly. The resulting product is usually a high-concentrated cannabidiol oil extract.
Cons
It is a very sophisticated process so the equipment used for it is quite expensive and advanced.
3. Solvent Extraction
When it comes to solvent extraction, a solvent (usually a hydrocarbon such as propane or butane or food-grade solvent like ethanol) is used. The process involves washing or soaking the solvent over the plant’s trimmings. This would bring out the needed compounds.
If hydrocarbon solvent was used, the mixture that is gotten at the end of the extraction (usually contains CBD and other compounds like terpenes) will now be refined again. This refinement is done to remove the solvent from the cannabidiol.
If ethanol was used, the liquid gotten after the extraction has to be distilled so the cannabidiol can be separated from the ethanol.
Pros
This procedure is relatively inexpensive yet efficient. It also doesn’t need specialized equipment used for other methods. Hydrocarbon is also known to preserve the plant’s aroma and flavor.
Cons
This process can be hazardous in some cases as solvents are flammable. Also, if it is not done properly, there may be residual solvents in the product in the end. Finally, some solvents (especially ethanol) sometimes extract some unwanted compounds such as chlorophyll. This may cause the product to have an unpleasant taste in the end.
4. Olive Oil
This method is best suited for CBD enthusiasts rather than for commercial use. This means you can use this method at home to make your own CBD oil. It involves heating the raw plant over a given temperature. Then, the olive oil is added to the plant and reheated. Unlike solvents, the olive oil used won’t evaporate. Hence, the final product is usually not concentrated.
Pros
This method is inexpensive and can be easily done at home. It is also very safe since it is solvent-free.
Cons
When compared to commercial products, the result of this method is relatively perishable. The taste may also be unpleasant and the resulting product is less concentrated.
At the end of the day, every method would produce cannabidiol oil; however, the product will differ in concentration, taste, and so on. The CO2 extraction method is the most efficient and produces the most precise product. You can visit holistapet product for dogs if you want to learn more about getting very good CBD oil made with the ideal extraction method for your pet.
Conclusion
CBD can be extracted via different methods. The method used in extracting the oil oftentimes determines the final product. To be sure you buy only the best product in the market; we have discussed some of the common CBD extraction methods as well as their pros and cons.