CBD Extraction Methods: Which Ones Are the Most Trusted?

Based on modern research, the body only absorbs 20% of the CBD in a product. This means the rest goes to waste and is expelled from the body once ingested. Therefore, it’s essential to choose CBD products such as Tanasi’s because there’s a focus on using the best CBD extraction methods. 

Just knowing a manufacturer is spending time on this goes a long way. It provides peace of mind and leads to a higher quality product. 

A lot of people are unaware of the intricate details of extracting CBD and what goes into CBD products. There is an extensive extraction process from the hemp harvesting to the final extraction.  

 It’s common to come across products that have hemp extract written on them. These are usually products that include CBD oil in them such as Tanasi’s extracts. 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the various CBD extraction methods. We’ll also break down which one is the best method available to companies right now.

CBD Extraction Methods

When it comes to the nuances of CBD and understanding how it’s sourced, the extraction method is very important. This tends to legitimize or delegitimize the potency of a product and the value it will add to your experience as a customer. Here are some of the most popular CBD extraction methods:

Steam Distillation 

Steam distillation refers to the targeted use of steam to separate the CBD oil from a hemp plant. This involves a glass flask with a distinct inlet/outlet setup. The inlet is connected to a glass container, which is then placed right under the plant flask filled with water. The water is allowed to boil, which creates steam leading to the extraction going into a separate tube.

This method involves the steam moving upwards before extracting the oil vapors with CBD in them. This ensures the CBD is appropriately separated without costing a lot of money.

There is an additional step that takes place when it comes to this process. The resulting extracted oil is then distilled to ensure it is separated from the water mixture. This is a technique that has been around for a long time, doesn’t cost a lot, and doesn’t include additives.

This is still one of the more ineffective methods. The CBD concentration will not be as accurate as it needs to be. This means the formulation isn’t going to be accurate and the same applies to the eventual CBD product.

It is also possible for the steam to damage the hemp plant. It may overheat and cause the extract to lose its potency. This can lead to wasted time and hemp plants. 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction

Carbon dioxide extraction involves the use of carbon dioxide to separate the CBD from a hemp plant. In this case, supercritical carbon dioxide is typical as it comes in both liquid and gas form. 

The idea is to make use of specialized pumps and chambers that implement the targeted exposure of CO2. This exposure leads to the extraction. 

For the extraction to take place, the CO2 is set at a higher pressure, while a secondary chamber holds the hemp plant. From here, the chamber with CO2 is pumped directly into the secondary chamber. As soon as the CO2 begins to interact with the hemp plant, the extraction process begins. 

In most cases, a third chamber is set up for the mixture to go. This is when the gas begins to evaporate leading to pure CBD. 

While this is the most effective CBD extraction method, it does require a significant upfront investment. This is an expensive process in comparison to anything else on the market. However, it leads to high-quality CBD products and ensures the potency is never in question. 

It is also the most ideal method for creating any items that are being consumed such as gummies. This is because the taste is consistent and strong.

Solvent Extraction 

Solvent extraction is often compared to steam distillation. In this case, instead of steam, there is a specific solvent. When done properly, the solvent mixes with the CBD leading to a refined extract. As time goes on, the solvent evaporates, which means the only part of the mixture left behind is the CBD. This is a method that can involve the use of natural solvents and/or hydrocarbons. 

While it is similar to steam distillation, this is still more effective without being costly. The typical solvents for this process can include – butane, propane, naphtha, or petroleum, which are an added cost. 

This method also brings along concerns about toxicity for those handling the mixture. This is a serious concern when the process isn’t refined and the evaporation process doesn’t unfold as planned. Traces of the solvent can be left behind during the extraction. 

To make sure this doesn’t happen, some businesses take the time to use natural solvents such as ethanol. These solvents do a good job and don’t lead to the unwanted risk of toxicity.  

Unlike steam distillation, there is a concern with chlorophyll when natural solvents are used. Chlorophyll can be extracted when using natural solvents, which means it changes the taste of the product. This is why the method is generally used for topical products and/or capsules. 

Since the extraction isn’t guaranteed, it can lead to lower doses of CBD in products.

Identifying CBD Extraction Methods in Products

In general, it’s easy to tell which CBD extraction method was used by checking the company’s list of products. Higher priced products are generally going to involve CO2 extraction.

Companies that advertise higher safety standards will prefer to use CO2 extraction. This method is reliable, effective, and simply a higher bar for quality. In most cases, a company will not use a solvent extraction method unless it is for a topical CBD cream. 

Reliable companies should submit their products to be tested for quality by a third party company. This will showcase the extraction method, potency of the CBD, and everything about the product. Having products tested by a third party is the best way for customers to trust the quality of the CBD.

Which CBD Extraction Method is Best? 

Obviously, customers who are aware of multiple possible methods will want to know which is best. Which one offers the most value? Which one is the right option for your CBD needs when it is time to buy new products?

In general, there is nothing more effective and proven than CO2 extraction. 

This method continues to be the gold standard in this industry and offers a long list of benefits. Tanasi takes pride in using a world-class extraction process to provide a consistent, high quality hemp extract. 

The benefits include:

-Highest Concentration of CBD

-No Toxic Residue

-Increased Consistency

-No Chlorophyll

The only con for this CBD extraction method involves the underlying cost. Due to the use of pumps and chambers, it is pricier than some of the other methods above. However, this also means the eventual CBD product that is made available is the real deal. 

Final Thoughts

If you really want the best possible CBD products for your needs, you should know about the various extraction methods we’ve mentioned. 

Tanasi takes pride in testing their products rigorously to ensure the highest quality. This is essential when it comes to trusting a company and the quality of its products.

If that’s what you want, Tanasi continues to set high standards of excellence and remains a great option for all of your CBD needs. By using the best extraction methods, this is a company that goes above and beyond to deliver great value. In a world that is becoming increasingly flooded with cannabis and hemp products, Tanasi stands out.