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The ABC of CBD: Understanding CBD Extraction and Its Uses
CBD has become a household name, and you’ve likely heard terms like “CBD extraction” or “CBD extracts” thrown around. But what exactly do these terms mean? And how do they relate to the vast array of CBD products available today? It can be confusing, especially with so many common terms for extracts, leaving newcomers feeling a bit lost.
Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems. This six-part series will demystify CBD extraction and get you up to speed on the world of CBD.
What Exactly is CBD?
Many people wonder what CBD is, how it differs from marijuana, and if it’s considered cannabis. The answers are quite straightforward.
First, it’s important to understand that there are two primary types of cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana. Both are variations of the same plant, but they differ significantly in the chemical compounds they produce, known as cannabinoids.
While there are many cannabinoids, the two main ones you need to know about are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
Marijuana is the well-known form of cannabis that produces intoxicating effects. It contains both THC and CBD.
Hemp, on the other hand, is a form of cannabis that contains CBD and only a minimal amount of THC. According to the U.S. federal government, hemp must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
As you might have guessed, THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating effects, or the “high.” CBD, in contrast, does not produce intoxicating effects. Instead, CBD is known for its relaxing properties, its potential to relieve pain, and its ability to reduce stress.
In everyday conversation, when someone talks about CBD, they’re typically referring to products that contain CBD rather than the cannabinoid itself. This can include anything from CBD “bud” or “flower,” which are simply flowers from the hemp plant with high concentrations of CBD.
Why Extract Anything From CBD?
You don’t actually extract anything from CBD. Instead, CBD is extracted from hemp. While most people don’t use the term “hemp extraction,” it’s a more accurate description of the process. Since most CBD products require the CBD from hemp but not the entire plant, the CBD needs to be separated from the rest of the plant material.
This separation process is precisely what CBD extraction is. A CBD or hemp processing company will take cured, chopped, or milled hemp plant material and feed it into a machine. This machine then separates the CBD from the rest of the plant. Sometimes, other desirable parts of the hemp plant are also separated, such as terpenes (chemicals that give plants their smell) or other minor cannabinoids. While including these other compounds can offer advantages, that’s a topic for another discussion. What you should know is that extracts containing solely CBD are called isolates, while extracts that include minor cannabinoids and terpenes are known as full-spectrum extracts.
Regardless of what’s extracted, the resulting product can take different forms, usually as a result of additional processing. Most extraction systems initially produce a thick, syrupy liquid.
What Are CBD Extracts Used For?
CBD extracts have a wide range of uses. In fact, it’s hard to think of a CBD product that doesn’t incorporate some form of extract. For example, a CBD chocolate bar likely doesn’t contain bits of raw hemp. Instead, companies use extracts to infuse their products with CBD without including undesirable plant material.
This means that most CBD gummies, candies, and infused drinks utilize some form of CBD extract. You’ll also find CBD extracts in tinctures, another popular way to consume CBD. If you use a CBD vape, you’re also using an extract, as extracted CBD is a universal component of vape liquids.
While less common, you can also use CBD extracts directly. These highly concentrated CBD forms can be used with a dab rig or similar method and include products like waxes and shatters. Additionally, distillate and isolate forms of CBD are useful for making your own CBD-infused foods and beverages.
At ENTEXS, we specialize in manufacturing the equipment that CBD processing companies use to create these extracts. We have an in-depth understanding of the extraction process and how to produce high-quality CBD extracts. Great extracts with a high degree of purity are crucial for creating high-quality CBD products, and the industry continues to advance and grow.
Be sure to follow our weekly blog series as we continue to delve deeper into the world of CBD extraction!
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