Inside: How Full and Broad-Spectrum CBD Oils Are Made. Collaborative post.
Dutch CBD oil is an effective modern remedy for many physical issues and stress.. Research has shown it helps with managing anxiety, depression, and various skin problems, among many other benefits. Hence, it has a wide range of appliances due to its natural content.
No matter why you are interested in CBD oils, you should look into the production process, and this knowledge will help you decide what kind of CBD oil best suits your needs and preferences. Read more to discover the difference between full and broad-spectrum CBD oils and how they are made.
Difference Between Full and Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
In practice, you’ll often come across full and broad-spectrum CBD oil. Hence, you should learn what sets their formulas apart. Then, you could deduce which is the right one for you.
Full-spectrum CBD oils contain a variety of cannabinoids (compounds found in the cannabis plant), including THC. THC is the active component of the cannabis plant that makes users experience a “high”. Full-spectrum CBD oils can contain up to 0.3% THC. So, while THC is responsible for the euphoric effects, there’s very little of it in any CBD oil product. Hence, if you follow the proper intake cycle, you won’t get “high”. On this note, here’s our favorite 1000mg CBD oil from Premium Jane.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains a wide range of cannabinoids but never has any THC. In other words, it’s the milder of the two variants. When considering the broader spectrum of options, the distinctions between sativa and indica strains play a pivotal role, influencing the overall effects and therapeutic benefits users seek.
How Brands Produce CBD Oils
Firstly, industrial-grade CBD oils come from hemp plants originating on safe, government-regulated farms. Typically, you will find these farms in Colorado, Montana, California, and Kentucky. Hemp plants from these specialized farms are nurtured to have the highest possible levels of CBD.
Brands collect those ingredients after farmers harvest and sort the hemp plants. Then, they proceed to extract CBD. When it comes to industrial-grade CBD oil, this part usually involves a solvent. The solvent breaks down the hemp plant and separates the CBD compounds. In the end, the solvent evaporates, leaving only pure CBD oil.
There are many different kinds of solvents that brands use for this process. Hence, the more reputable ones use higher grade solvents. Below, we’ve summarized the most popular solvents that companies often stock up on.
The Best Solvents for CBD Extraction
In general, these are the most common CBD extraction methods:
- CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction is the most common extraction method currently in use. Companies start by placing liquid CO2 into a compressor under high temperatures and pressure to realize it. Then, the CO2 passes through the hemp plant. On contact, the CO2 will change the state of the hemp plant from a solid to a liquid. Next, the hemp-CO2 solution goes in a separator.
The separator then divides the solution into different compounds. After this, it distills the CBD and other wanted cannabinoids into a collection chamber. One of the main advantages of this method is its high safety factor. Plus, this is by far the most common method present in the food industry. In short, the final outcome of this process is pure and free of harmful contaminants.
- Alcohol Extraction
Another possible method of extracting CBD is with alcohol. For this, various types of alcohol can act as a base, like isopropanol and ethanol. Companies deem this method of extraction as the least complicated one. Also, the main advantage of this route is that it helps maintain hemp’s natural chemical properties.
However, tests confirm it can also sometimes leave a residue on the CBD extract. In other words, even after separating the cannabinoids, trace amounts of alcohol can still persist. Additionally, natural solvents, like alcohol, affect the taste of CBB oil and make it bitter.
- Olive Oil Extraction
This method of extraction is popular among home-brewers and the like. For this to work, companies heat the hemp to around 248 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes (a process called decarboxylation). After those 60 minutes, they add olive oil before further heating the mixture for at least another hour. The end result is cannabinoid extract. As such, this is also a very safe extraction method. At the same time, it is convenient for a DIY project of this sort.
However, it does not produce many extracts. Also, the final content is highly perishable, meaning you’ll have to store it properly as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
The main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils is the presence of THC in the full-spectrum variant. Whichever you choose, remember to double-check the extraction method in question. Also, look for verification in the vein of COAs or a similar third-party lab report. On this note, keep in mind that making CBD oil is expensive, and competing brands might resort to cutting corners for extra profit.