How is CBD Oil made? | CBD Oil Extraction Explained
Is it just me or does it seem like everyone takes CBD Oil these days? The health and wellness supplement burst into public consciousness in 2018, with the legalisation of medical cannabis.
Now CBD Oil is made into a wide range of products and forms. For example, high strength Cannabis Oil is available on prescription, for more severe treatment requirements. In other instances, CBD can be purchased online or in-store in the UK’s biggest supermarkets and pharmacies, such as Boots, Tesco and Sainsbury’s!
As a relatively new product, many are unfamiliar with how CBD Oil is made and where it comes from. Read on to learn more about how Dragonfly makes its CBD Oil from seed to shelf.
Where does the compound come from?
CBD is a shortened term for the full scientific name of the compound, Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is just one of 113 Cannabinoids, which are found in Cannabis plants. It is the most abundant Cannabinoid and has become famous for its purported ranging medicinal benefits.
In Europe, CBD Oil is derived from a specific strain of Cannabis known as Cannabis Sativa or Hemp. This strain is low in THC (below 0.2%) but high in Cannabidiol.
This is important because, unlike THC, it does not have any psychotropic properties. As a result, consuming the compound cannot cause a ‘high’ effect, which is a mainstream concept of cannabis. Especially if smoked.
Dragonfly CBD cultivates all its Cannabis Sativa L. on organically certified land. This is not just important for health, society and the local ecology but also because Cannabis is very good at sucking up toxins from the soil. Learn more about the importance of organically grown CBD for reasons specific to Cannabis.
How is CBD obtained from the Plant?
In order to obtain the chemical from the Cannabis plant, an extraction process is required. Extraction methods vary, some use CO2 extraction, whereas others claim Cold Press to be the best.
However, in reality Ethanol is the purest and most effective form extraction, which is why we use it. Find out more about different extraction methods.
Ethanol Extraction Makes the Best CBD Oil
Although ethanol is a form of alcohol, it is a misconception that it’s dangerous or synthetic. In reality, ethanol is a natural substance and the most pure form of pharma-grade extraction. Like your favourite wine, ethanol is a natural by-product of fermenting plants. Unlike your favourite wine, it is sterile and amazing at protecting CBD extract from bacteria and fermentation.The Extraction Process
The creation of CBD Oil follows a simple, yet complex scientific process to extract the compound from the plant.
Firstly, the crop is harvested and the CBD-rich leaves are separated from the flowers, seeds and stems. Next, the leaves are soaked in ethanol for a short period of time. This creates a ‘full spectrum’ extract, including other Cannabinoids, terpenes and waxes.
From this point, the extraction process varies depending on the type of finished product. For example, Broad Spectrum Dragonfly CBD Oil undergoes a double distillation process that removes any excess THC. Other cannabinoids, terpenes and waxes are retained for the harmonising entourage effect.
Constratingly, Narrow Spectrum Dragonfly CBD Oil undergoes an advanced chromatography and fractional distillation process, to create a smooth, ‘super distilled’ oil.
All ethanol evaporates off during the extraction process, ensuring any alcohol doesn’t wind up in your bottle!
Why CBD is mixed with a Carrier Oil
Once the HPLC process is complete, an extract is left, which is free from THC. The extract must be blended with a carrier oil, to give it its name – CBD Oil.
Prof. Saoirse O’Sullivan, our resident scientific expert, has stated that its absorption is improved when combined with a healthy fat. CBD is fat soluble and highly lipophilic, so it dissolves in fat. This protects the molecules as they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Once into the bloodstream, the chemical works its way to the relevant receptors located all over the body.
Dragonfly CBD uses organic hemp seed oil in its award winning range of CBD Oil, to more closely replicate the original plant. Plus, hemp seed oil has a mild nutty taste and is very low in saturated fats compared to other oils like olive or coconut.
Once formulated with a carrier oil, it is then bottled, packaged and shipped straight to the shelves or your doorstep. Dragonfly CBD controls this entire process. So you can trust that we have maintained the highest quality standards throughout the 9-month process to create every single product!
Where can I buy CBD Oil?
The award winning Dragonfly CBD is available all over the UK and can be found at your local supermarket or pharmacy. We’re stocked in Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Harrods and Day Lewis Pharmacy, amongst many other independent stores.
Alternatively, you can find our products online, alongside an exclusive range of products. These include the Best Value CBD Oil range and the fresh and vibrant Flavoured Range.