Hydrocarbon vs CO2 Which is the best extraction method

Since the legalization of CBD, the market has been booming. There are many small- and large-scale manufacturers in the market. Most CBD producers may start making products by procuring CBD isolate or distillate. However, as their business expands, many would like to begin in-house CBD extraction.

The three most commonly used methods for CBD extraction are using ethanol, hydrocarbons, or CO2. Each of these methods has its pros and cons. Among these, hydrocarbons and CO2 are gases, whereas ethanol is a liquid. Gases are generally compressed to create a supercritical mass. It is a condition when gas is somewhere between the liquid and a gaseous state. In this state, it has very low surface tension and is an excellent solvent. Thus, this supercritical mass can readily penetrate cannabis cells and extract various compounds.

Comparing Hydrocarbon Extraction against CO2 Extraction

Handling gases is a complex art and science. Most organizations would buy a closed-loop machine produced by well-known companies. These machines either use hydrocarbons or CO2. Additionally, some equipment would allow the use of ethanol along with supercritical gases.

The major difference between hydrocarbons and CO2 is that hydrocarbons are highly flammable or even explosive. It means that there are strict regulatory needs for operating equipment using hydrocarbon extraction methods. On the other hand, CO2 is much safer.

When it comes to the quality of the end product, it does depend on the solvents, but not only. It also depends on the expertise of the organization. For example, by altering the pressure, temperature and using liquid solvents like ethanol, one may get different products. Moreover, lots would also depend on post-processing.

What is Hydrocarbon Extraction?

It is a method that uses either propane or butane as a solvent. These gases are cheaply available, as they have many industrial uses. In addition, as a supercritical mass, they form an excellent solvent, helping extract a broad range of phytocompounds from cannabis.

Volatile gases like Butane and Propane are highly flammable, which can lead to dangerous explosions.

Many often loved them due to their low-cost and excellent ability to extract broad-spectrum cannabis extract. However, there are some issues in using these gases. They are highly flammable and explosive. It means that every country has some stringent regulations regarding its industrial use. It will include training of the personnel, specific requirements for the infrastructure. The use of hydrocarbon machines would generally require building a special room in many countries that is explosion-proof and has a specific type of ventilation.

Although, running the hydrocarbon machines is not expensive. However, due to other costs like those in personnel and infrastructure, it may ultimately become a costly business. Further, costs are also involved in various inspections, getting licenses, regulatory approvals.

Other hydrocarbon extraction side effects could be a greater number of impurities in the end product.

What is CO2 Extraction?

As the name says, it uses CO2 instead of flammable hydrocarbons. Therefore, it is among the safest gasses to handle. Not only that, CO2 is non-toxic for the human body in small amounts. This means that even if some leakage occurs, it would not be that dangerous. Carbon dioxide may only cause suffocation at very high concentrations, but that is rare.

It is pretty commonly used for CBD extraction. It is often the method of choice for companies starting with extraction. However, it produces a very crude extract that requires further processing through winterization, filtration, etc., which may ultimately add up to the costs.

Since CO2 is safe for human consumption, it is widely used in the food and beverage industry.

CO2 is good for extracting CBD but not that good for other cannabinoids and terpenes. However, that limitation can be overcome. For example, some machines may run the same extract through multiple cycles to extract various phytocompounds. Further, adding ethanol to these machines may help extract terpenes. However, this does slow down the extraction process.

What is the Difference between BHO and CO2 extraction?

Butane hash oil (BHO) uses butane for extraction, whereas CO2 uses carbon dioxide. These are both gases, and they are compressed to create supercritical mass. In the supercritical stage, these are excellent solvents. Generally, butane is regarded as a slightly superior solvent due to its ability to penetrate natural extracts better. However, it has its downside, as it is a highly combustible gas.

Many in the industry prefer BHO over CO2 due to the lower costs of such a method. Using butane is also a faster way of extraction. The extraction cycle with CO2 is longer, which may considerably add up to the costs.

It is worth noticing that in most closed-loop machines, most of these gases are recycled. Nonetheless, about 5% of gases do escape during each cycle. Butane is harmful to the environment compared to CO2.

Hydrocarbon vs CO2: Which Provides the Best Product?

It would be pretty complex to say which methods produce the best product. Each of these ways produces a different kind of product. Hydrocarbons generally produce a superior product because it contains the most vital phytocompounds, like various cannabinoids, terpenes, and much more. Further, products created using hydrocarbons require less post-processing, making it an efficient method for industrial use.

Extracting in separated fractions – the beauty of CO2

Extracting with CO2, on the other hand, requires greater post-processing. Therefore, it is more challenging to get broad-spectrum extract with CO2. However, it is possible with the right kind of expertise and equipment. Moreover, using ethanol along with CO2 is a common practice to get the broad-spectrum extract.

It is true that hydrocarbons may readily produce a better end product. However, those are also more likely to introduce toxic impurities. Further, some residual solvents may also remain in the product. Hydrocarbons are harmful to the human body, even in traces. Thus, if in CO2 extract, extensive post-processing is needed to get pure product. In the case of hydrocarbons, the challenge remains in removing the traces of solvents.

It would be correct to say that both these methods may produce an excellent product. However, it would lot depend on the expertise of the organization.

How Essentia Pura Extract Hemp, Medicinal Plants & More

Essential Pura mainly produces CBD isolate and CBD distillate. It prefers using the supercritical CO2 method of extraction. It may be a slow and lengthy process, but then the company has the expertise in it. Moreover, it produces some excellent CO2 extraction machines.

Essential Pura has experience in creating a pharma-grade pure extract. Thus, it understands how vital is it to ensure that CBD isolate or distillate is free from impurities and solvents.

We believe CO2 extraction is the technology that should be used when maximizing the purity and safety profile of a product. If you would like to give our CO2 extracted products a try, head over to our contact page.

Butane vs. CO2 Which is the best extraction method?

Using water, alcohol, or even oils as solvents is one of the oldest methods of extraction. However, these methods result in very poor-quality crude products with numerous impurities. Although these methods are still widely used, industries prefer more efficient methods that help get purer products with the fuller extract.

One such way of getting high-quality natural extracts is using supercritical gases. Under high pressure and yet maintaining high temperature, it is possible to convert any gas into a cloud-like state. It is something in between the liquid and gaseous state. Supercritical solvents have much greater solubility, and they can readily penetrate natural raw materials, helping extract the most beneficial compounds. Moreover, this method allows altering the solvency of supercritical gas by altering the temperature and pressure, thus getting very different types of extracts.

Two of the most common supercritical gases used in the industrial extraction of CBD are hydrocarbon gases like butane or propane or using CO2. However, both these methods have their advantages and drawbacks.

Comparing BHO Extraction against CO2 Extraction

BHO stands for butane hash oil or CBD extracted using butane as a solvent. Butane and carbon dioxide are very different kinds of gases with entirely different physical properties. It also means that their properties as supercritical gas and solvent differ. It essentially means that CBD extract using these gases would differ considerably. Before looking deeper into the differences, let us understand more about these two ways of extraction.

What is BHO Extraction?

It uses butane gas for extraction. Supercritical butane is an excellent solvent; thus, it has a fantastic ability to penetrate cannabis and strip not only cannabinoids but also terpenes, lipids, waxes. It creates quite a potent and full-spectrum end product.

Using butane for CBD extraction is one of the fastest and efficient methods. By altering the pressure and temperature, one can get different types of resins fit for various uses.

Many professionals like butane as it helps preserve various active compounds, textures, and aroma of the CBD. It is especially good for creating CBD distillate. The end result of such extraction is a high-terpene and broad-spectrum extract.

Since this method is among the faster methods, it results in time-saving and cost savings.

Once the extraction is complete, most modern machines would recycle the butane by removing it from the extract by heating or reducing the pressure. As most modern types of equipment are closed-loop, very little butane would escape along with the end product.

However, critics of butane may not like that some traces of solvent are still left in the final product. In addition, butane is toxic to the human body. Nonetheless, experience shows that it is left in minimal amounts to pose any health hazards. Another worry regarding its use is that butane is a highly inflammable gas, thus issues in handling it. 

Further, it is worth knowing that no closed-loop machine can recycle 100% of the gases. For most, 95% would be a limit. It means that about 5% butane is still released into the environment during each cycle. Thus, butane extraction has its environmental costs.

What is CO2 Extraction?

Supercritical CO2 extraction is the most common way of extraction these days. It is good in the way that CO2 is a highly safe gas. CO2 is present in the air and is also produced as a byproduct of the metabolic activity of the human body. 

It appears that supercritical CO2 is an excellent solvent. However, it is not very good for extracting terpenes. That is why many machines using CO2 may use other solvents like ethyl alcohol to get full spectrum extract, but this can add up to the costs. Nonetheless, solvents like ethyl alcohol are safe for humans and the environment.

Additionally, CO2 extraction results in a resin that must still be processed before use. Thus, it must be winterized and go through fractional distillation to get the usable product.

Despite some hassles, CO2 is relatively safe to handle. Moreover, its leakage does not pose much threat to health.

What is the Difference between BHO and CO2 extraction?

Generally, butane (BHO) helps get CBD resin faster, more efficiently. BHO resins are also rich in the aroma as it preserves terpenes. Therefore, it is an excellent way of producing full-spectrum CBD. When used at an industrial scale, it is also cheaper than supercritical CO2 extraction.

However, things are not so simple as they may sound. Butane still leaves some residue in the end product, and CO2 does not. Further, handling butane requires additional licenses, and investment in the infrastructure, as it poses a threat. Butane comes under highly flammable and hazardous substances.

Every country would have some strict fire safety requirements for using butane. This means high expenses on ventilation. It also requires building an explosion-proof room, considerably adding to the setup costs.

Modern closed loop machines using butane are indeed highly safe. Nonetheless, each year tens of incidences of explosions and injuries caused by butane extraction machines are reported.

BHO vs. CO2: Which Provides the Best Product?

BHO extract is generally of higher quality, with better texture and aroma, and requires less post-processing. However, full-spectrum is not always required as it also means a more significant amount of impurities and residual solvent. Thus, CO2 extracts may have fewer terpenes, but it also has no toxic residual solvent. Thus, BHO may be good, but CO2 appears to be safer.

Further, it would be wrong to say that one cannot get full spectrum or broad-spectrum extract by using supercritical CO2. It is also a matter of expertise. To get various extracts, one can run the extract through multiple cycles, using different temperature and pressure settings. As far as terpenes are concerned, greater amounts of them may be extracted by adding ethyl alcohol as a solvent. Moreover, both CO2 and ethyl alcohol are absolutely safe.

How Essentia Pura Extract Hemp, Medicinal Plants & More

For Essentia Pura focus is on the quality and safety of the products. Supercritical CO2 extraction using solvent helps get either CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD distillate. Both these products are free from impurities. Moreover, equipment like MoSES used by Essentia Pura is safe for the environment. Additionally, Essentia Pura produces both oil-soluble and water-soluble CBD isolate and distillate. As a result, Essentia Pura produces almost pharma-grade pure products for CBD businesses and consumers. 

Do you have any further questions about extracts? Send us an e-mail! For inquiries about our extraction system, please fill out our contact form.

5 Best Carrier Oils for CBD

What is a Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils are various oils that may be used to produce CBD oil from CBD isolate or distillate powder. They help create stable, easy-to-use products with some additional health benefits.

One may use CBD isolate or CBD distillate to create CBD products. However, these have a very high concentration of CBD and are unfit for direct consumption. Even if one extracts CBD using CO2 extraction, it will still result in a high concentration product with poor bioavailability and would be difficult to use for health benefits. 

Since CBD is naturally soluble in oils, it is a common practice to dissolve it in some oil to create an end product. These oils in which CBD extract, CBD isolate, or CBD distillate are dissolved are called carrier oils.

Impact of Adding Carrier Oils to CBD

It is worth understanding that CBD distillate or broad-spectrum CBD is also rich in terpenes, polyphenols, essential oils. Many of these compounds are highly volatile, and they tend to degrade quickly, whereas using carrier oil reduces their volatility and enhances stability.

Additionally, carrier oils may also help boost the bioavailability of CBD products. Most often, people would take CBD oil sublingually, and part of CBD would be quickly absorbed. However, another part enters the intestines, where CBD carrier oils may help protect CBD from the harsh effect of gastric juices.

Olive oil is one of the most popular oils used in culinary and also in the CBD industry.

Benefits of CBD Carrier Oils

Improved stability

These oils form the base of the product, to which one may add CBD isolate or distillate to create the end product. It is also common practice to add various terpenes and essential oils to enhance the aroma and health benefits of CBD products. Mixing these various compounds to carrier oils help create much stable product, as carrier oil are not volatile and have an excellent shelf life.

Improved absorption

CBD is naturally soluble in lipids and does not dissolve well in the water (except specifically created water-soluble CBD). Thus, it is natural to use carrier oils as something to dissolve CBD isolate. These carrier oils also help protect CBD from gastric juices and improve CBD’s absorption through the intestine.

Further, dissolving CBD in oils may also help prolong their action. Without carrier oils, whatever CBD will make to the bloodstream would be quickly metabolized by the liver. On the contrary, CBD dissolved in carrier oils takes much longer to metabolize. It may also accumulate in greater amounts in various fatty tissues. 

The unique mechanism of action

Fats are absorbed and metabolized quite differently by the body than carbs, water-soluble nutrients. After digestion, fats are taken up by the lymphatic system. In contrast, water-soluble ingredients go directly to the liver. By bypassing the liver and using lymphatic tissues, fat-soluble substances may have unique health benefits. For example, most lymph is rich in immune cells. Thus, fat-soluble agents may have more significant immune-modulating action.

Easier dosing

Theoretically, one may consume CBD isolate powder. However, since CBD is needed just in a few milligrams a day, dosing CBD isolate or distillate would be almost impossible. On the other hand, dosing CBD oil is much easier, and one can use a few drops of CBD oil a day.

Helps provide unique products

These days it is a common practice to create CBD products for specific needs. It is achieved by adding terpenes from other plants like tea trees, Spanish sage, citrus fruits. Thus, some CBD products may help calm the nerves, while others may help uplift the moods. Therefore, carrier oils help create value-added products. Moreover, not only CBD but most terpenes also dissolve pretty well in oils.

Apart from terpenes, some CBD manufacturers may add essential oils to CBD products like eucalyptus oil and lavender oil. However, essential oils cannot be consumed directly as they may irritate mucus membranes. But, using carrier oil helps create effective and safe products.

Perhaps the most common carrier oil used for CBD drops formulation, offering a true whole plant experience.

Added health benefits of carrier oils for CBD

Carrier oils are not something inert. They may also have their health benefits. Some may be rich in high-quality fatty acids. For example, olive oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and may help reduce inflammation. Some oils may be rich in fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and so on.

Below is the list of carrier oils and their benefits:

Hemp seed oil

It is perhaps the most natural choice. The hemp seed oil contains cannabinoids only in traces, and it may contain other beneficial compounds in small amounts like terpenes. Further, it has an excellent balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.  It means that using it as a carrier oil may help boost the “entourage effect” of the end product. It is especially preferred when creating full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil. Thus, it could be regarded as one of the best carrier oils for CBD.

MCT oil

It is usually created from coconut but may be extracted from palm kernel oil. This oil differs from all other types of oil in the way that it has high amounts of saturated fats. It does not contain inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids. Saturated fats are good for health in small amounts, and they also appear to improve gut health. Saturated fats also absorb quite well and quickly. It is also among the inexpensive options.  

Olive oil

It is the most well-known healthy oil that is exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids. It is also among the lighter oils due to its high content of monounsaturated fats. Moreover, it is one of the most well-studied oils. One of the distinct benefits of using olive oil as carrier oil is that it absorbs pretty well through the skin. Thus, it may be a good choice for creating CBD oil for topical use. In addition, olive oil is thought to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and help prevent age-related cognitive decline.

MCT oil as a CBD carrier oil
Deemed as the best carrier oil for CBD. MCT oil has improved absorption, a neutral taste, and longer shelf life.

Avocado oil

It is another carrier oil gaining popularity. It is especially good for topical use, as it absorbs readily via skin. However, it is among the thicker oils, and not everyone may like it. It is also among the most expensive carrier oils. Nonetheless, it is worth understanding that many people may love the idea of consuming avocado oil along with CBD due to its numerous perceived health benefits.

Arnica oil

CBD is gaining popularity among physically active people and athletes. These are individuals prone to sprains and strains. Arnica oil may be preferred for topical use for reducing inflammation, muscle soreness. In addition, it possesses some pain-killing properties. However, arnica oil may not be a good choice for oral formulations as it may cause side effects at higher doses.

Manufacturing CBD Products

CBD oils are highly popular for a reason; they are pretty straightforward to produce. Thus, one may buy CBD isolate or CBD distillate (THC free broad-spectrum) in bulk. The next step would be deciding about the carrier oil. Thus, one may dissolve CBD isolate or distillate in a carrier oil in the necessary amount to create the desired concentration, and CBD oil is ready! For added benefit or product differentiation, one may add terpenes to it. Generally, terpenes are added in a very small amount (rarely exceeding 2%). They enhance the aroma and health benefits of the final product.

 

Did we miss any carrier oil that would make it to the top 5 list? Send us your opinion! And when placing an order, do not forget which carrier oil you want to see used in your formulations.

Terpene Retention Through CO2 Extraction

Public interest in cannabis compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes continues to rise, as ongoing scientific research shows their therapeutic potential for a range of common neurophysiological conditions. These range from chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis and bursitis to mood disorders like depression and insomnia. But how can consumers ensure their terpene extracts are of high quality, particularly if they aren’t especially well-educated on cannabis compounds and their benefits?

 

Consumers looking to buy weed-extracted terps, CBD and other cannabis isolates with a mind on quality are best served to select products processed via CO2 extraction, rather than solvent or cold pressure extraction. This post goes over different kinds of CO2 extraction, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and Essentia Pura’s CO2 extraction method and system of choice.

 

Extracting Terpenes with CO2

As its name suggests, CO2 terpene extraction is done using carbon dioxide as the solvent. The carbon dioxide is dried and then condensed for use in the extraction process. This process can be used to extract terpenes, cannabinoids or even flavonoids from plants, leaves, flowers, roots, and bark. This is obviously much more efficient than most other extraction techniques, where plant matter is simply decarboxylated before making oil.

 

As of this writing, CO2 extraction is commonly used within the food, fragrance, cannabis, sports medicine and vaping industries. It has proven to be a game-changer in the utilization of medicinal plants and their inherent beneficial properties. The next section briefly explores the differences between different CO2 extraction methods.

Processes of CO2 Extraction

There are essentially two types of CO2 extraction: wet and dry. Each of these come with different costs, ranges of equipment and advantages.

 

  • Wet CO2 extraction

    is cheaper, but it’s generally less environmentally friendly. The machine process for wet extraction basically works like a supercharged coffee machine, pushing CO2 through plant material with enough pressure for the CO2 to dissolve everything that’s soluble into the gas. This draws and isolates cannabinoids (e.g. THC, CBD) as well as other potentially beneficial components (e.g. terpenes, flavonoids) out of everything from cannabis to herbs and spices.

 

Wet CO2 extraction requires lower pressure (5-16 bar) to run smoothly; excessive pressure (>16 bar) can irreversibly damage lipids in the plant cell membranes to turn them into free fatty acids. This is obviously undesirable, as it can have a negative impact on terpene structure, cannabinoid potency and the overall quality of the final product.

 

Too much pressure causes less desirable compounds to dissolve into the gas phase making it harder to remove, and giving the resulting solution a more pungent smell. On the other hand, if pressure is too low, not all desirable components may be properly extracted. Low pressure may even cause some degradation due to the lower temperature used for extraction, as higher temperature causes higher solubility.

 

  • Wet extraction has been used for over 50 years to extract CBD from hemp plants, using a process called supercritical fluid extraction. During the 1980s, scientists discovered that exposing CBD-saturated solvent to extreme heat and pressure separated the compound into layers. This process beca me known as subcritical extraction.

 

  • Dry CO2 extraction

    can be used for both solventless and solvent-based extractions, but the latter requires higher pressures and temperatures. Dry ice is placed in a closed container filled with product at atmospheric pressure, which causes carbon dioxide to evaporate from solid CO2 (dry ice) into gaseous CO2 (CO). The pressure difference forces liquid molecules through the plant material, extracting desirable oils and leaving behind undesirable solids such as chlorophylls, lipids, waxes and terpenoids.

 

The dry ice CO2 extraction method was pioneered by Dave Watson in 2007, but its use didn’t become widespread until 2010. The equipment required for this process consists of a closed system which is filled with liquid nitrogen and plant materials. Other than that, there are no special tools or equipment required.

Due to its low risk profile and cost efficiency, dry CO2 extraction is becoming more popular than wet methods for many industries, such as food processing plants where cleanliness is most important.

Do Terpenes Degrade in the Extraction Process?

Compared to conventional solvent extraction, much less terpene degradation takes place in CO2 extraction. This is due to two primary factors: low process temperature, and the preservation of terpene structure due to pressurised CO2 passing through plant matter like gas, while simultaneously being able to dissolve desirable plant material like a liquid.

 

Retaining Terpenes through CO2 Extraction

An added advantage of CO2 extraction that leads to increased terpene retention is the lack of a decarboxylation step in the process. The cold separation procedure further aids in protecting fragile plant compounds. For even greater terpene retention, shorter, lighter CO2 runs (i.e. subcritical extraction) can be utilised to afford maximum protection and selectivity between desirable plant components.

 

Finally, the use of CO2 produces the “cleanest” possible terpene extracts as of this writing, with next to no leftover residue whether from plant matter or solvents — many of which can harm the quality of the final product. This is true for the extraction of terpenes from everything from hemp to herbs and spices.

 

How Essentia Pura Extract Hemp, Medicinal Plants & More

 

Essentia Pura prefers to use supercritical extraction (SCE) to extract cannabinoids from hemp and other medicinal plants, using Škrlj MoSES SCE systems. These systems are designed for bulk-scale, fully automated operations, and come with a number of advantages including:

 

  1. High selectivity, extracting maximal yields of target compounds while simultaneously filtering out undesirable components like chlorophyll.
  2. Utilisation of inert, non-toxic supercritical fluids for optimal extraction with no leftover residue carried over.
  3. Closed CO2 loop, allowing for supercritical solvent recirculation without contamination and with minimal solvent loss.
  4. Full software integration for efficient monitoring, management and date logging via connected computer systems.
  5. A low temperature process, protecting desirable extracts from degradation or wastage.
  6. User-friendly and high throughput system with multiple quickly opening closures.

Whether for the manufacture of cannabinoid, terpene, broad- or full-spectrum products, CO2 extractors stand as the superior choice in a burgeoning cannabis industry. Despite the high initial investment required for acquisition, the low risk profile, cost effectiveness and high selectivity of CO2 extractor machine processes make them a no-brainer for any cannabis company who can afford them.

To know more about our extraction system, send us an e-mail. For inquiries and quotes, complete our web form here.

Advanced CO2 extraction equipment

Humans have used various ways of extracting active compounds from herbs, like soaking them in water, alcohol, or oils. Further, many would heat the oil or boil the water to get more herbal compounds. However, these traditional extraction methods had numerous limitations. On the contrary, the CO2 supercritical process is a highly efficient way of extracting herbal bioactive compounds.

Each liquid has different physical properties and is only suitable for extracting certain types of extracts from specific herbs. Moreover, these traditional methods produced highly crude extract and thus often needed further complex processing. Even then, there was limited control over the extraction methods, meaning that large amounts of active or essential compounds were lost, and numerous unneeded impurities were introduced.

In modern times, these methods are still used, but by deploying complex equipment. Further, researchers discovered that using gases for extraction has some unique benefits. Modern technology allows liquifying the gases even at room temperatures. Moreover, by altering the pressure and temperature, the same gas would display different properties as a solvent. Thus, helping extract a broad spectrum of compounds. Using various pressures also allows extracting multiple extracts from the same herbal source.

Moreover, at the end of the extraction process, gas will readily escape when temperature and pressure are raised without leaving any residues (unlike liquid solvents) behind. Moreover, gases are also cleaner and lack impurities, whereas most liquid solvents would have some amounts of contaminants.

CO2 supercritical extraction is preferred among various gases, as it is safer and easier to handle than other gases. Further, it has some unique properties, making it an excellent solvent at specific temperatures and pressures.

Process of CO2 Extraction Overview

Supercritical CO2 extraction is the most common way of extracting cannabis extract or CBD and various other herbal extracts. CO2 is preferred over other gases due to its safety profile and ease of handling, but more importantly, it does not leave a residue. Thus, it is used to extract various bioactive compounds.

Supercritical is a unique state of matter. Everyone knows that most compounds may exist as liquid, solid, or gas, depending on the storage temperature and pressure. Thus, under pressure, gas may become liquid. Further, increasing the pressure and lowering the temperature may even covert gases to solids.

For creating supercritical fluids, one increases pressure without lowering the temperature much. Gas is pressurized at temperatures, where it would generally be in a gaseous state. However, high pressure forces it to achieve a state between gas and liquid (refer to Table 1). It reaches a cloud-like state. In this state, it is a highly penetrating solvent with extremely low viscosity and surface tension. Further, this supercritical mass of gas can be altered by changing pressure and temperature.

Studies show that CO2, a gas at room temperature, may be converted to supercritical mass at temperatures above 31.2 degrees Celsius and pressure above 7.3 MPa. However, the choice of temperature and pressure would differ for other gases.

supercritical CO2

Figure 1 supercritical CO2 (Image source: 1. Capuzzo A, Maffei ME, Occhipinti A. Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Plant Flavors and Fragrances. Molecules. 2013;18(6):7194-7238. doi:10.3390/molecules18067194)

Supercritical Carbon dioxide

Once this supercritical stage is reached, it may be further altered to control its physical and solvent properties. Thus, one may increase temperature or pressure or alter its flow rate. It means that by changing the pressure or even temperature, one may extract different bioactive compounds from the plants. Of course, these alterations can be done manually. However, many automated machines would allow doing this at the touch of a screen, thus allowing to extract a range of bioactive compounds from any given plant. Therefore, it may help manufacturers to create unique products in a short time.

Further, most of the modern and automated systems would be closed loop. It means that after the extraction process, CO2 is recycled and reused.

Can one use the same CO2 machine to extract bioactive compounds from different herbs? Yes, definitely, though one may need to know more about specific parameters like the pressure, temperature, and flow rate to use. Similarly, altering pressure may help control what fraction of any herb, including cannabis, one wants to extract. Thus, cannabinoid extractors may use various regimes to get terpenes, full-spectrum extract, and so on. So, as one can see that CO2 extraction provides lots of flexibility.

schematic diagram of the MoSES extraction system

Adding solvents to extraction machines

Quite like any other solvent, CO2 also has its downsides. For example, some compounds are insoluble or poorly soluble in CO2. Thus, adding another solvent to these machines solves these problems helping to extract terpenoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, and other compounds.

Moreover, since most good equipment would allow changing pressure and temperature, thus it may help target and extract specific compounds.

List of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Extraction Equipment

CO2 extraction is not cheap in the short run, but it may readily help recover the cost of equipment in the long run due to its high efficiency and ability to produce quality extracts. Many manufacturers are making CO2 supercritical extraction machines, but few stand out. These are usually manufacturers from North Americas or Europe, where Industrial hemp extraction equipment is most needed.

The Boss 

It is good in a way that it is simple to install, set up. However, the company is more focused on high-volume machines. Thus, this machine can extract up to 200 pounds if used continually. Like many machines in its class, it is fully automated, controlled from a tablet or phone, and built for continuous use.

On the downside, it is relatively expensive and costs above 250k USD. It does not allow adding of solvents, which may have certain downsides and limitations. It is a Canadian company with US and Canadian certification. However, it may lack specific certifications needed to operate such types of machinery in the EU.

Cannabis SFE

It is a company focused mainly on the US market and has numerous machines for every need. Their machines are especially good for subcritical and supercritical extraction. However, they rarely provide the option of adding solvent for the extraction of specific bioactive compounds. Although these machines are highly versatile and can be adapted to various needs, they are generally regarded as overly complex. Even small extraction volume machines are quite complex for their category, meaning issues with maintenance. Despite pros like affordable cost and scalability, they remain complex systems, and these machines also operate at high pressures.

Apeks Supercritical – The Force

These are a state of art, powerful, fully automated machine from one of the US manufacturers. The machine is highly efficient, relatively easy to set up. However, it is primarily focused on large-scale manufacturers, and thus it may be pretty expensive for small to mid-manufacturers. The base model cost is about half a million USD, and other setup costs may be involved. Though it is an automated solution, it is for experienced professionals, as it still requires a high degree of expertise to operate. If the plans are big, this machine could be an option. However, for small to mid-cap companies, there are many other options, too.

SEF process

It has numerous models for supercritical extraction with various capacities. Some of these machines are made explicitly for cannabis extraction, like the SFE PROD 2X10L 400 BAR. The company has a high focus on producing machines for pharma and large-scale extract manufacturers. Its machines are made by keeping GMP standards in mind. However, as one can expect, these machines might be pricy and difficult to operate. Therefore, these machines are created by considering that the facility already has some machines and experience in handling complex systems.

Sub-critical MoSES CO2 extraction system
Our Super and Sub-critical CO2 extraction system – MoSES

MoSES 

Moses is produced in Europe and has all the European certifications. It belongs to the new class of machines called modular machines. Thus, MoSES stands for Modular Supercritical Extraction System. These machines are specifically made by keeping in mind the various requirements of the CBD industry.

Some of the features that make it stand out are:

  • Modular design, and thus the ability to expand machines according to business needs.
  • Fully automated control.
  • Ability to extract various fractions in a single run.
  • Faster extraction time, as it operates at increased pressure.
  • Flexibility to add polar co-solvents for extracting phenols, terpenoids, and other compounds.

MoSES systems are equally suitable for small to large manufacturing needs, and these machines can be upgraded accordingly. Moreover, these machines are specifically produced for the European market, with all the needed approval. 

Further, these machines are also tested for extracting various extracts apart from CBD, providing greater flexibility to manufacturers.

Which CBD/Hemp Products can CO2 Extraction Produce?

CO2 supercritical extraction is generally accepted as one of the best ways of extracting “full-spectrum” hemp extract. The end product is a light-colored paste or resin rich in CBD/CBDA (60-70%). Along with other beneficial compounds like polyphenols, terpenes, and other minor cannabinoids. 

Generally, this full-spectrum extract is appreciated by CBD lovers due to its intense flavour and presence of entourage effect. 

However, it is vital to understand that one may extract different kinds of CBD extracts by tweaking temperature and pressure settings. Further, one may enrich the extract by adding various solvents. Thus, the quality of the final extract would depend on the specific machine parameters used, along with what solvent was used or wasn’t used. 

It means that though these machines are highly automated, they leave room for lots of experimentation so that any producer can come up with a unique end product. Although ethanol is the most commonly used solvent along with CO2 extraction, one may create quite a different end product by using other solvents. Similarly, extraction temperature and pressures have a significant influence on the end product.

One may use this extract for further processing and creating either CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD. Generally, this extract would still require to go through processing before making its way to the final product. Thus, winterization and filtration help remove fats, oils, and waxes. Other processes involved in getting CBD isolate are decarboxylation, distillation, and crystallization. 

extracting CBD

Certifications to Look For

Needless to say, that it would depend on the location of the manufacturing facility, as requirements vary from place to place. Generally, European companies are pretty good at meeting local European and global requirements.

If someone is planning to install a unit in the EU zone, most machines for CO2 extraction should preferably include the EC declaration of conformity. Furthermore, it would include additional certificates for pressure tests, control procedure reports, material certificates, welding specifications, to name a few.

One may ask the manufacturer to provide component conformity, material conformity, leakage test, tank cleaning ability, and other reports as per the requirements.

Many high-quality machinery producers would also produce radiographic weld testing reports to ensure the quality of their products. In addition, the EU also requires pressure testing of the tank as mentioned in the EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU).

For some manufacturers located in less regulated places, many of these certificates may not be needed. However, it is still good to ask for these certificates as the presence of these certificates helps confirm not only the quality of the product but also the presence of quality control measures.

It is vital to understand that though many products may appear to have similar specifications, some are produced using better safety standards. Certifications can only confirm these standards. Many of the mentioned certifications are given by third parties to the manufacturers.

Buying CO2 Extraction Equipment 

CBD extraction machine price always remains the prime concern. However, it is good to start by identifying the capacity of the machinery. Understand if a particular machine is made for small to mid-level or large-scale producers. The decision in this respect would be based on the buyer’s needs. Nonetheless, it is also good to know if its capacity is expandable or not, about automation, safety features, installation, and training. 

It is also good to look deeper into technical specifications regarding maximum pressure, temperature, and other features.

Also, pay particular attention to additional features like the possibility to use solvents along with CO2 usage. It is also vital to know how much CO2 is recycled. Pay attention to the power usage by the machine, as it is often neglected but may ultimately add to the bills.

Next, inquire about all the safety certifications that any equipment has. It is essential to ensure safe operation, reduce operational costs, and, more importantly, meet regulatory requirements.

Generally, it is a good idea to buy equipment from a company that is good at providing post-sales services. If needed, a company that can help expand production in the future, as having multiple machines from different manufacturers is rarely a good idea.

Additionally, one may inquire about specific needs for machine installing, kind of infrastructure needed, space, ventilation, environmental temperature.

Finally, try to figure out about its about maintenance issues with it, workflow with equipment. It is also good to know about labour requirements and any other expertise needed to run the machine.

If you would like to inquire about MoSES extraction system, use the contact form on our website. For any further questions about supercritical CO2 extraction reach out to us at info@essentiapura.com

Does CBD Affect Heart Rate?

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality. But, more importantly, it remains the primary cause of disability and mounting costs in healthcare. 

Most cardiovascular conditions are chronic, like hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and heart failure.

In heart conditions, a high heart rate is not good, as it makes the heart work faster and increases its needs for oxygen and other nutrients, thus increasing the risk of a heart attack. On the other hand, keeping heart rate lower is preferred, as it helps control blood pressure and lowers stress on cardiac muscles.

For a long time, researchers knew little about the influence of cannabinoids on heart health. Since CBD was illegal just a few decades back, it was impossible to carry out clinical trials or even lab studies. However, now things have changed, and using CBD in clinical trials is legal and ethical.

Effects of CBD on your Heart Rate

The most beneficial effects of CBD seem to occur due to its impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). At first, researchers thought that ECS is mainly present in the brain. However, now they understand that it is present in almost every organ. Thus, it is present in blood cells, adipose tissues, heart muscles, blood vessels. It can influence inflammatory responses, blood pressure, heart rate, platelet aggregation, and much more.

It seems that now researchers understand how cannabis can affect heart rate. Judging by this research it appears that ECS activates or deactivates the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1). Studies point to TRPV1 being activated by THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). And on the contrary, the cannabinoid is a strong desensitizer of TRPV1.

Additionally, the latest studies also show that CBD may have a much broader impact on heart health. It may alter inflammatory responses, help prevent the formation of plaques, may exert a protective action on the cardiovascular system.

CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) cohort study confirmed that not only CBD but even recreational marijuana appears to be safe for heart health. However, unlike CBD, marijuana is more complex, as it contains various compounds with opposing effects on ECS receptors. Therefore, understanding a single compound and its impact on heart health is more straightforward.

What does CBD do to your heart rate?

Since CBD is a desensitizer of TRPV1 channels, it has a mild calming effect on the heart. In addition, it tends to slow down the heart rate, which is beneficial for those living with hypertension or those at the risk of a heart attack. It also lowers the metabolic rate in heart muscles. However, it is worth noticing that CBD only has a mild effect on the heart.

Generally, the THC heart rate effect may be stimulating, and the CBD heart rate effect would be calming.

At present, there are not many studies regarding its impact on heart rate. Nonetheless, most observations indicate that it may help keep the heart calm. It is vital to understand that it mildly lowers the heart rate and, more importantly, may slow down unnecessary cardiac response to minor stressors. It means that it reduces the heart rate variability, which may be pretty good for the heart. 

Heart rate variability and CBD

There is a difference between the heart rate at rest and the heart rate under stress (physical or emotional). Greater variability in the heart rate is bad for heart health. 

However, it is essential to know that individual sensitivities differ, and in some, CBD may instead cause a mild increase in heart rate along with lowering blood pressure. This increase in heart rate is more common after the first few dosages (acute ingestion) and only when CBD is used at extremely high doses like 600 mg a day. However, in most people, a moderate dose of 70 mg a day would only have a calming effect. Nonetheless, it is vital to remember that its heart action will depend on the dosage and will change over time.

Additionally, it is also worth noticing that CBD has many indirect benefits for heart health. It may lower fast heart rate due to its ability to counter anxiety and other emotional responses.

This means that CBD may be suitable for controlling heart arrhythmia. It can lower heart rate, and it may even help prevent irregular heartbeats. Thus, one can also use CBD for heart palpitations, which are commonly caused by either fast heart rate or irregular beating of the heart. Although its effect would be mild, but beneficial. In fact, its mild effect is a good thing, as it means that people can use it frequently without worrying about the side effects or the need for consulting a doctor.

 

Taking CBD when you have Heart Issues

There could be many reasons to take CBD when living with a heart condition:

  • Hypertension: CBD generally lowers blood pressure. Its blood pressure-lowering action appears to be mild at the recommended dosage of below 70 mg/day.
  • Heart rate control: its effect will vary. At the recommended dosage of 70 mg/day or below, it will have a calming effect. However, a very high dosage of 600 mg may cause an increase in heart rate. Further, the body will get used to it with time, and it will have a minimally calming effect. Additionally, CBD will also reduce heart rate variability.
  • Myocardial infarction: usually, it would help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and thus boost cardiac function. It may reduce episodes of cardiac pain.
  • Atherosclerosis: ECS system is also widely present in macrophages and vascular smooth muscles. Its dysregulation increases the risk of plaque formation. CBD may help regulate ECS and thus lower the risk of atherosclerosis.

 

ECS regulation with the help of CBD appears to be one of the promising approaches for managing heart issues. CBD oil is good for lowering heart rate, overcoming palpitations. It also helps prevent or manage more severe conditions like arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease. However, these are still early days, and there is a need for more studies in humans.

Recommended CBD Dosage

Since individual sensitives vary, so does the dosage. 10 to 20 mg a day would be a good starting point for those taking CBD for the first time. Generally, a dosage of 70 mg a day is regarded as moderate and highly safe. However, one should be a little careful if exceeding this dose. Nevertheless, it is worth noticing that CBD is safe even at much higher dosages like 600 mg or even 1000 mg a day. But, at higher dosages risk of adverse effects is also higher.

Safe and legal, CBD has the potential to change the shape of people’s health for the better. Get in contact with us and find the various CBD options we offer!

Is CBD Oil Suitable for Pet Rats

Though keeping rodents as pets may not be for all, but they can be a good friend. Rats are highly social animals. They might be considerably smaller than dogs or cats, but they are highly intelligent and have an excellent memory. Though their vision is not very sharp, once they have learned to navigate places, they never forget the path.

A more important reason for keeping rats as pets is that they are indeed social animals. They like to live in families. It means that they can accept their human companion and show affection. For example, they may enjoy a massage and may even react to tickling. 

For humans, keeping rats as pets can also be quite rewarding. They recognize various emotions. They would do various things to attract the attention of their human friends. Thus, rats can also be good companions for humans.

Would CBD oil work for rats?

Mammals come in various sizes and forms. Even dolphins and whales are mammals, but they have quite a different metabolism compared to rats and cats. So, what may work well for one species may not necessarily work well for another.

Nonetheless, it is worth noticing that many hormones, receptors, hormone pathways are well preserved within all mammals. So, despite the differences, mammals do share a lot. That is why insulin extracted from swine works in humans. It does not mean that swine insulin is precisely the same. It differs. Swine insulin has different chemical structures, but amazingly most parts of the molecule responsible for its function are well preserved in various species. It means that even insulin from a fish would influence humans.

It means that generally, most drugs have a similar action in various mammals, but with some differences. For example, some mammals may be more sensitive to alcohol, marijuana, or CBD, and others less. Nonetheless, the effect is generally predictable. It also means that what works for humans would mostly work for other mammals, including rats.

Another proof of the concept could be veterinary medications. Most medical drugs used in humans work in other mammals, too.

However, there are some challenges in using substances in mammals. There is a massive variation in metabolic rate, and even more importantly, in body sizes. In animals, this variation may be huge, even within a single species. It means that rats would generally require a very low dose of CBD.

Rats are pretty similar to humans

Ever wondered why rats are so commonly used in lab experiments? Why are drugs often tested in rats and mice before they are given to humans?

The explanation is simple. These small and humble beings share many traits with humans. Modern studies show that their genome contains an almost similar number of genes as humans. Thus, humans have 2.9 gigabases (Gb) of genes, and rats have slightly less at 2.74 Gb. But, that’s not all. Studies show that at least one-fourth of all genes between rats and humans are exactly the same.

So, the answer to can rats have CBD is yes.

Rats have similar kind of health issues as their humans

These days, for humans, the greater concern is non-infectious diseases or metabolic disorders. These disorders are the result of an altered lifestyle. Human diet has changed considerably in the last century or so and the level of physical activity.

Pet rats also have challenges similar to their human companions. They are physically less active than non-pet rats. In addition, they have a very different dietary pattern. It means that pet rats are also prone to metabolic disorders, obesity, bone disorders, hypertension, pains, and even oncological conditions.

Pet rats are fed differently. In addition, they have limited space to move around. As a result, pet rats have a very different lifestyle compared to rodents dwelling in the wilderness.

Why use CBD oil for pet rats?

One of the issues is that veterinary medicine is not ready to take care of pet rats adequately. It is mostly focused on preventing lice, fleas, worms, and some infections in rats. However, there is almost no focus on non-infectious diseases. Neither much effort is made to improve the quality of life, prevent metabolic disorders, help with pain, improve anxiety, help with sleep issues.

It means that many pet owners have to tackle these issues of their small companions by themselves. And it is where CBD may help. Moreover, CBD oil for pets may help prevent various disease conditions.

Some of the ways in which CBD oil may help pet rats

Pet rats are prone to metabolic disorders, eating disorders, and much more. This is because their diet when living with humans is quite different. Moreover, their human counterparts cannot understand all the intricacies of rodent diet.

Studies show that CBD oil may help prevent obesity and related disorders in rats. It may help by influencing dietary habits and boosting metabolism. 

Similarly, CBD may also help overcome pains, boost memory and learning in rats. It may help slow down age-related disorders. Thus, supplementing the diet of a pet with CBD may help keep it active.

CBD may also help reduce pain, have a calming effect. Studies show that it may reduce nausea, exert an anti-emetic influence. And thus, it may improve appetite in ill pets.

However, here is a word of caution. One should use much lower dosages of CBD in pet rats than in experimental studies. It is essential to remember that experimental studies are not done by keeping rats’ well-being in mind. They are simply done to demonstrate certain concepts so that similar ideas can be later applied to humans. Thus, most experimental studies may give toxic doses for quick results. 

Thus, for example, CBD dose for rats with tumors would be just a few milligrams. Perhaps 1 to 3 milligrams would work for most, considering that 70 mg is considered a moderate dosage for humans.

Another essential thing to remember is that it would be better to avoid THC in the rats. It is not because it is toxic for rats, but its effects may be challenging to predict. Instead, it would be a good idea to use CBD isolate. Even broad-spectrum CBD may have unpredictable results. 

To conclude, rats can be excellent companion animals. However, there are specific challenges in taking their care. CBD may help prevent various disorders in rats. It may have a unique role in preventing some diseases in rats, especially considering that veterinary doctors are not much aware of non-infectious conditions in pet rats.

Have you ever thought of adding CBD to your pet’s diet? Reach out to us and find out which option we offer as white label CBD for pets.

Can you add CBD Oil to Essential Oils?

CBD and Essential Oils

Essential oils are derived from various parts of the plants, and they usually retain the odor of that particular plant. They are pretty volatile. They might be extracted from leaves, peels, flowers, bark, seeds, and so on.

There are thousands of known varieties of aromatic plants. It means that there are thousands of types of well-documented essential oils. These plants are also commonly referred to as medicinal plants due to the innumerable health benefits of these essential oils.

Researchers are still trying to decode the secrets of essential oils. They are made up of hundreds of complex organic molecules like terpenes, phenol-derived aromatic compounds, and much more. These compounds also have multiple health benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory. 

More interestingly, they have a wonderful aroma that may cause various psychological responses like relaxing, stimulating, mood-elevating, and much more.

Since these molecules are so complex, researchers still have a very limited understanding of essential oils in any given plant. Nonetheless, science has identified thousands of aromatic molecules in essential oils like beta-pinene in basil or alpha-limonene in lemon.

For those interested in learning more about essential oils (as there are so many essential oils) and various aromatic and non-aromatic compounds in them, there are few excellent freely accessible databases like AromaDB or EssOilDB. One may use these databases to learn more about different essential oils and creating unique products.

Is CBD an Essential Oil?

Users often ask, is CBD considered an essential oil? CBD is just one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is a short form for a compound called cannabidiol (CBD). Since essential oils are a mix of numerous aromatic and volatile compounds, CBD isolate cannot be regarded as an essential oil. It is just one of the compounds found in cannabis oil.

It is also vital to understand that CBD oil and Cannabis oil are different terms. CBD oil may be created by adding CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD distillate to any carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, and so on). Cannabis oil, on the other hand, is a raw product, an essential oil extracted from the cannabis plant.

Nonetheless, broad-spectrum CBD distillate is quite close to essential oils, as it contains other organic compounds, cannabinoids, terpenes, and so on.

The reason why the industry does not use cannabis oil and instead utilizes CBD isolate or distillate to make products is that cannabis oil has very low CBD content. 

However, researchers understand that the benefits of CBD products can be considerably enhanced by combining CBD with various other essential oils. Or another approach is to add different terpenes to CBD products to create designer, value-added products.

Combining CBD with specific essential oils or terpenes results in products with known particular properties. Researchers believe that in the future, this would help create CBD products for specific health conditions. 

Adding CBD to Essential oil

There are many reasons to add CBD to essential oil. One of the simple reasons could be that there is a need for a carrier oil. Further, CBD oil and essential oils may help boost the health benefits of each other (via entourage effect).

Some benefits of adding CBD to essential oil

Here possibilities are innumerable, and one may add CBD to lavender or chamomile essential oil for creating stress relieving product. It may help relax better, induce sleep, and have an enhanced calming effect.

If one wants to create something with a mood-elevating and energizing effect, adding CBD to lemon essential oil would be good.

Similarly, adding CBD to eucalyptus essential oil may help create a product with good anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

Some people love the cooling effect of peppermint oil. In addition, CBD-infused Peppermint oil may also be suitable for pain relief.

Jasmine has a mild mood-elevating effect. It may help counter stress, help with depressive mood, and much more.

Adding terpenes to CBD oil

It is another new approach to creating products with remarkable health benefits. Some manufacturers are now adding terpenes to CBD oil. Here too, the possibilities are innumerable, and hundreds of terpenes are commercially available with distinct health benefits.

  • Limonene– as the name suggests, is extracted from citrus fruits and can add to CBD oil a citrusy aroma. It is especially good for reducing inflammation and helps combat stress. Researchers are also exploring its other health benefit like antimicrobial properties.
  • AlphaPinene– is derived from pine needles, basil, rosemary, and other plants. Pinene can provide good anti-anxiety properties. It is also suitable for respiratory health and has mild bronchodilatory action. Meaning it’s better for those living with various chronic conditions of the respiratory tract.
  • Myrcene– a terpene with a musky smell, has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It has a sedating effect on the mood and thus may be suitable for improving sleep quality. 

Here the possibilities are countless like beta-caryophyllene (spicy aroma) is good for neuroprotection, linalool (floral scent) relieves anxiety.

Some people like to use CBD essential oil diffusers for aromatherapy, too. So, one of the questions asked is, can I put CBD oil in my oil diffuser? Well, the answer is that it is possible in some cases, but not all cases. If CBD is added to essential oil, then it is suitable for use with a diffuser. However, many CBD oils do not contain essential oils and are made explicitly for ingestion. 

CBD Essential Oil benefits

Essential oils are not just carrier oils; they also provide the so-called “entourage effect,” thus considerably enhancing the health benefits of CBD. 

Cannabis essential oil is generally regarded as moderately antibacterial. It is good for anxiety, mood issues, countering pain and stress, improving sleep quality. 

However, combining CBD with other essential oils or adding terpenes to CBD oil provides greater creative freedom to manufacturers. It opens doors to almost endless opportunities to create products for different health benefits. 

Although cannabis is accepted as one of the medicinal plants, it is vital to understand that most of its health benefits are mild and occur on prolonged use. These products are not a replacement for any medication or treatment. They are just utilized for added benefits.

To conclude, CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD distillate are safe, free from impurities. However, they either lack or have a low entourage effect. Combining CBD with various essential oils and terpenes may help create products with unique aromas and benefits.

Which are Essential oils do you think are best combined with CBD? Mail us your opinions! Or if you are willing to try CBD blended with your desired essential oils, complete the contact form to make an order.

The Rising Trend of CBD Edibles: CBD Gummies

The most popular CBD product remains CBD oil in the form of CBD drops. While the bottle and pipette might look archaic, CBD drops are the most convenient and effective solution for those who seek CBD benefits. It is also the first product which was made CBD consumption available. And if something works, why fix it? 

 

But we always try to find new and creative ways to spice up our cuisine and so is with CBD. As shown in one of the previous blogs on the most innovative CBD products, CBD already made itself available in almost every form imaginable. And why reinvent the wheel, when we can just incorporate CBD into the recipe we desire.

 

This is what happened with CBD gummies. A hundred-year-old formulation by a German confectioner named Hans Riegel just got reinvented. First, the sweet jellies were popularised with infused THC in the legal states and countries. Now sweets are available in the non-intoxicated CBD variant all around the world.

 

A Novel (& Delicious) Method of Consuming CBD Oil

 

CBD just got available in everyone’s sweetest childhood memory! It is not just the CBD gummy bears, the cannabidiol is available in every jelly form possible. CBD gummies are found in shapes of cubes, spheres, animals, fruits, hearts, hats,  stars, and rainbows,.. We can taste CBD gummies in various flavours and they can taste sweet, sour, tart, juicy,.. The CBD gummy can be also available sugar-free, gluten-free, THC-free and vegan.

Essentia Pura CBD gummies come in 4 different tasty fruit flavors!

The shapes, flavours and colour are limitless and provide for an exciting CBD experience. But most importantly, CBD gummies have a precise CBD content. This enables the user to have an accurate amount of CBD intake with every serving.

Benefits of CBD gummies

The practical solution of having the desired dose of CBD intake with every gummy is what makes them worth it. CBD gummies come in various strengths, but whether we have a 10mg CBD gummies we can:

  • Consume a CBD gummy in the morning to take on a new task with more enthusiasm
  • Take two 10mg CBD gummies when we want a Sunday to be what it is supposed to be
  • And take 3 of them to ease out after a long day and enjoy the well earned rest

 

All in all, CBD gummies seem to be the perfect treat for us on many occasions! But with all the great things they offer, there can be some risks involved.

Precautions to take with CBD gummies

 

Like with every CBD product, there is always a risk the product might not contain what it claims to. Even when purchasing from a reputable company, make sure to start slow and take just 1 gummy first, or even better, half of it. 

 

The CBD content might not be accurate and off the charts. CBD No-THC gummies could contain higher concentrations of THC than declared. Solvent residues or other chemicals can be leftover in the gummies from CBD extraction which may lead to undesired side effects.

Drug interactions apply and can happen with CBD gummies in case we are already on certain medications.

Legality of CBD Edibles

 

The legality of CBD edibles is still uncertain in the European Union. Most of the EU member states have taken the Novel Food Catalogue seriously and are not allowing CBD in any form as a food or food ingredient.

 

CBD drops can still be marketed as cosmetics or aromatics. Edibles, such as CBD gummies, are a bit more conflicting. It is tougher for the gummies to be marketed as technical products, products for external use or collector’s items.


Anyhow, since CBD is not an illicit substance, there no law breaching when doing business with gummies or consuming them.

 

Most consumers already took CBD to their hearts and believe in the safety of it. We can all just hope for the quickest Novel Food process for CBD and the other beneficial cannabinoids.

*Since gummies are a form of CBD candy, they are very attractive for children. Because of this, especially where THC consumption is legal, cannabis infused gummies like hemp gummy bears are prohibited. The situation is similar to the ban of nicotine e-juices, where the sweet flavours attracted the younger population. Use and store CBD gummies responsibly, so they will not share the same fate!

Whitelabel CBD gummies from Essentia Pura are packed in a childproof container which also prevents sunlight degradation!

Typical CBD Dosage & Duration of CBD Gummies

How many CBD gummies should you eat is mostly dependent on the CBD concentration of the gummies. If the CBD candy is formulated with CBD isolate, the CBD isolate gummies should be pretty safe with any dosage.

 

For Cannabidiol, there is no official dosage, but the World Health Organisation assigns CBD a very good safety profile. Food Safety Agency in the UK recommends a daily intake of 70mg CBD for a healthy adult. In Canada, where Cannabis is fully legalized there is no upper limit of daily CBD intake. 

Once we know the active convent of the CBD candy, the following factors are to be considered when determining the right dosage:

 

  • The persons sex, age and body weight
  • What is subject’s tolerance and response to CBD 
  • Interactions with foods and other drugs

 

If however, the CBD gummies are made from broad-spectrum or full-spectrum hemp extracts, the other compounds must be taken into consideration. Be especially wary of the D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, which if too high, can produce undesirable intoxicating effects 

Manufacturing CBD-infused Gummies & Food

 

As CBD is still not fully accepted as a food ingredient by authorities, we opted for the safer route. At Essentia Pura, our main drive is full-spectrum CBD, but for CBD infused food we chose THC-free. The CBD no-THC gummies are manufactured with isolated cannabidiol. This offers the safest delivery of CBD for every person of every age.

Essentia Pura White label CBD gummies are made with pectin instead of gelatin, which makes them vegan CBD candies. They are available in 4 different natural flavours:

 

  • Raspberry
  • Lemon-Lime
  • Mango
  • Strawberry

The White label CBD candies do not contain any of the following allergens: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and are completely gluten-free.

 

The White label CBD gummies are available in concentrations of 10mg and 25mg per serving. 

 

The plastic packaging is opaque, which provides UV protection preventing the degradation of CBD. The non-transparent packaging also prevents the kids to be tempted by the sweets, for whom there is also a child-resistant lid.

Whether you would like to buy the CBD candies in bulk or just order a sample of our CBD sweet jellies to try, send us an e-mail or complete our contact form.