How To Make CBD Oil: How Is CBD Oil Extracted?

Increasingly, people are looking to CBD oil as a natural health supplement. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants, and it's been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties. Recent studies show CBD may help reduce inflammation, anxiety, and pain and improve sleep and overall well-being. 

This guide provides an overview of the different extraction methods and the necessary equipment. Ready to learn how to make CBD oil? Let's get started!

CBD oil, created from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, possesses high amounts of CBD, cannabinoids responsible for the therapeutic effects, and terpenes, which impart a unique aroma and flavor. It's non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you high, because it contains only trace amounts of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); plus, it's non-addictive. Easy to use, CBD oil is available in tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals,

Potential benefits of CBD oil include:

• Insomnia reduction aid
• Pain reduction
• Anxiety relief
• Improved heart health
• Neuroprotective properties
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Anti-cancer properties

CBD oil is generally considered safe. However, talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil, especially if taking other medications.

Different types of CBD oil are available, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

Full-spectrum CBD oil is the most common type of CBD oil. Extracted from the entire cannabis plant, it possesses a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes working together to create the "entourage effect." CBD oil is more effective than CBD isolate, containing other beneficial compounds working synergistically to provide a more potent effect.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum CBD oil. However, it has undergone an additional filtration process to remove all traces of THC, making it an excellent option for those who want to avoid THC but still benefit from the entourage effect.

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and contains only CBD, with no other active compounds. It's usually extracted from hemp and is ideal for avoiding any trace of THC. CBD isolate is also the most potent form of CBD and can be used to make edibles, tinctures, and other products.

CBD distillate is a refined form of CBD oil distilled to remove impurities and other compounds. It is usually made from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil and is more potent than regular CBD oil.

Making CBD oil at home is possible with know-how and the right equipment. First, you'll need to start with high-CBD hemp flowers, which can be purchased online or in dispensaries. Then, after decarboxylation, the hemp flower is extracted using one of three methods: ethanol, CO2, or oil. Each extraction method has its advantages and disadvantages, requiring different equipment.

Yes, you can make your own CBD oil at home; however, if you're not comfortable with any methods, it's best to purchase CBD oil from a reputable source.

The type of extraction method to create CBD oil impacts the quality of the final product. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so select the process that suits your needs.

Ethanol extraction utilizes ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, natural solvents to extract cannabinoids from the hemp plant. 

The process begins by grinding the hemp material into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with ethanol and heated. The heat helps to break down the plant material and release the cannabinoids into the solvent. After the cannabinoids have been released, the ethanol is filtered out, and the CBD oil is collected.

The benefits of ethanol extraction include low cost, speed, and the ability to extract a wide range of cannabinoids. However, the downside is that it can also extract chlorophyll and other plant matter, resulting in a darker, more bitter-tasting oil. Additionally, ethanol extraction can be challenging to control and produce a less pure CBD oil.

CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract phytochemicals and other compounds from plants. This method extracts essential oils, terpenes, and other plant compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD). 

CO2 extraction works by passing pressurized carbon dioxide through the hemp plant material. You can adjust the pressure and temperature of the CO2 to extract different compounds, and the process is often called "supercritical" CO2 extraction.

The CO2 acts like a solvent in the supercritical state, extracting compounds from the hemp plant material. The CO2 is then passed through a separator, separating the compounds from the CO2. The CO2 is then recycled, while the extracted compounds are collected and filtered.

CO2 extraction is a safe and efficient process; the method is clean and doesn't use harsh solvents or chemicals. It's also very efficient, extracting many compounds from the hemp plant material, making CO2 extraction the preferred method for producing high-quality CBD oil.

At BATCH, we use CO2 extraction to produce our CBD oil. We use only the highest-quality hemp plants, and our extraction process ensures our CBD oil is of the highest quality. We then test our CBD oil to guarantee it meets our strict quality standards.

The oil method utilizes a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or hemp seed oil to extract CBD from the hemp plant. First, the hemp plant must be decarboxylated, a process that activates the plant's cannabinoids. Once the plant is decarboxylated, it's heated in a carrier oil, usually for a few hours, allowing the CBD to be extracted. Then the oil's strained, and the CBD oil is ready.

The oil method is straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and preserves some of the other cannabinoids and terpenes so that the CBD oil produced is more likely to have the full spectrum of effects. 

The downside is that it can take a long time to extract the CBD and can also be messy. Additionally, some terpenes and other cannabinoids may be lost during the extraction process, so they may not be as effective as CBD oil extracted using different methods.

Your CBD extraction journey begins with gathering the right supplies. Depending on your extraction method, supplies will vary. Here's a list to get started:

High-quality CBD hemp flower is an essential component of making CBD oil. Unfortunately, many hemp flower products on the market are low in CBD, so read the label carefully. The ideal hemp flower has a high CBD content, usually 8-20%, and is free of contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals, preferably organically grown and free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

It's vital to decarboxylate the flower before beginning the extraction process. Decarboxylation heats the hemp flower to activate the CBD molecules, allowing more efficient extraction.

The temperature should be kept low, usually between 220-250°F. Heat the hemp flower for at least one hour to ensure that all CBD molecules are activated. 

Using high-quality, healthy fat is an essential step in the extraction process of CBD oil. Coconut oil is popular because it's rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known for absorbing cannabinoids rapidly, making them an ideal choice for extraction.

It's crucial to choose a high-quality, organic option, ensuring the oil's free of any potentially harmful chemicals or toxins. It's also vital that the fat is solid at room temperature, which helps ensure a successful CBD oil extraction process. 

Measure the correct amount of fat equal to the desired CBD oil. For example, if you want one cup of CBD oil, use one cup of fat. Melt the fat down and mix it with the CBD flower. Heat the mixture for a few hours to allow the cannabinoids to dissolve into the fat. After the extraction process, the CBD oil is strained and stored in a cool, dark place.

Extracts such as mint, vanilla, or citrus add flavor and scent to CBD oil. However, be mindful of their potency and the type of extract used. For example, extracts with high alcohol content are more potent. Additionally, some extracts may cause the oil to become cloudy or discolored, so consider this when deciding which extract to use.

Start with high-quality extracts free of additives or preservatives. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until achieving the desired flavor. And unlike death and taxes, extracts are optional.

When extracting CBD oil, your technique determines the right equipment and supplies. Here's a breakdown for each.

Ethanol Extraction

For ethanol extraction, you'll need:

1. Food-grade ethanol solvent
2. Large container to hold the solvent
3. Stirring rod
4. CBD-rich hemp material.
5. Strainer 
6. Cheesecloth.
7. Separator funnel.

CO2 Extraction

CO2 extraction is more complex and requires more specialized equipment. First, you'll need a CO2 extraction machine consisting of a pump, a vessel, a separator, and a controller. The pump pushes the CO2 through the hemp material while the vessel holds the CO2 and the hemp material. The separator separates the oil from the solvent, while the controller regulates the pressure and temperature of the system.

Oil Method

The oil method is the simplest and requires the least equipment. You need high-quality oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or MCT oil, a double boiler to heat the oil and the hemp material, and a strainer or cheesecloth to separate the oil.

Which Extraction Method Is Easier To Do At Home?

Deciding which extraction method is easiest at home depends on your experience level and available resources. 

The oil method is the most straightforward and accessible extraction method. To start:

1. Grind up the hemp flower and mix it with the fat in a pan over low heat.
2. Stir the mixture for about 20 minutes, then strain through a cheesecloth.
3. Add any optional extract, such as mint or vanilla, and stir again.

This method works best with a full-spectrum CBD oil, preserving all of the plant's compounds.

CO2 extraction is the most efficient and safest method; however, this technique employs pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the cannabinoids from the plant material. A complex process requiring precision, specialized tools, and expertise, and for those reasons, not recommended for at-home extraction.

Understanding any extraction method's process and safety precautions is essential to ensure you're creating a quality product. 

The CO2 extraction process is called "supercritical" because it uses pressure and temperature to create a state of CO2 that is neither liquid nor gas.

When the CO2 is in this supercritical state, it can extract the cannabinoids from the plant material while leaving behind unwanted compounds like chlorophyll. As a result, the CO2 extraction process doesn't involve hazardous chemicals, making it a much safer option than other extraction methods.

At Batch, we use the CO2 extraction process to create our high-quality CBD oil, which we then send off for potency and purity testing to fulfill our mission of delivering our customers the highest quality CBD oil. 

You can make your own CBD oil at home with patience and the right equipment. Or you can visit BATCH online today to discover the many CBD products that can calm, soothe, and provide relief from a wide range of health conditions.

A: Ethanol extraction usually takes about one hour; CO2 extraction can take several hours; the oil method is the quickest, taking only a few minutes.

A: Decarboxylation is a crucial step involving heating CBD-rich hemp flowers to activate the compounds in the plant material, making them more bioavailable for the body. 

A: In most cases, CBD extracts contain trace amounts of THC. However, some manufacturers remove all traces of THC from their products, resulting in an entirely THC-free extract.