Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant. Over the years scientists have discovered that various cannabinoids have various effects on the human body, although research is still ongoing. CBD is one of the most studied elements of the hemp plant, and is now available in most markets in the Western world thanks to the CO2 extraction method.
Despite the fact that the hemp plant is illegal, CBD oil is legal in many countries and therefore it is possible to find this and other products in different stores. With the growing popularity of these products it is already possible to find edibles, vaping liquid or even lotions with CBD.
It is normal that questions arise around CBD mainly due to its origin. One of the main questions people often ask is how it is possible to extract CBD from the hemp plant in isolation, without including other illegal substances such as THC. In this article we are going to explain how CBD is extracted through the CO2 extraction process. To do this, we will first detail what exactly CBD is.
What is cannabidiol?
When people think of hemp, and therefore hemp, even though it is only one type of hemp plant, they often think of a recreational drug that some people use to get “high”. That high is produced by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although hemp and THC are quite stigmatized for their psychoactive properties, the case of CBD is completely different.
Cannabidiol affects the body in a different way than THC. Cannabinoids, once ingested, interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body, a network of cannabinoid and endocannabinoid receptors, which are substances we produce naturally. THC interacts primarily with CB receptors in the brain, which causes the intoxicating effects that are so well known. Although CBD also interacts with CB receptors in the brain, it primarily targets receptors found in the immune system, tissues and organs.
In other words, although it is a cannabinoid, CBD does not cause that mind-altering sensation. Some scholars even argue that CBD may help balance out the excess THC when hemp is consumed. Whether this is true or not, you can rest assured that CBD oil is not going to affect your mind.
The only thing that must be taken into account for CBD to be legal is that it comes from EU-certified industrial hemp seeds, not hemp. Hemp also belongs to the hemp family, but contains less than 0.03% THC, thus complying with current regulations.
Why is CBD used?
CBD oils are purchased as a supplement, so they are easily incorporated into the daily routine to improve overall wellness.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The main function of the SEC is to maintain homeostasis in the body, that is, to make sure that all conditions in the body are kept in the proper parameters to keep us alive and healthy. This is why the SEC is essential for our survival, because it is necessary for normal functioning of the body.
The body produces its own endocannabinoids for the SEC to function properly, but sometimes it may not produce enough. If you feel sick or tired, it is because there is a problem with homeostasis, and the SEC is working hard to get everything working properly again.
By ingesting CBD oil you can give the body extra cannabinoids to improve well-being and lead a healthy lifestyle. That’s why more and more people are including it in their routine.
CBD extraction methods
To meet the growing demand for oils, companies need to use a method that extracts the cannabinoid from the hemp plant in a concentrated form that is suitable for human consumption.
To achieve this, companies need to have access to industrial hemp. As mentioned above, the use of hemp is illegal and therefore CBD cannot be extracted from the plant. Hemp is also regulated due to its membership in the hemp family, but the low THC levels allow the cultivation of its seeds as long as they are certified by the EU.
With a THC content of less than 0.03%, hemp plants are a fantastic choice for CBD extraction because the amount of THC extracted is minute and can be removed if the company wants to sell a 0% THC oil.
Without further ado, let’s explain the four most common methods for CBD extraction.
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