CBD vs THC: What’s The Difference?

Humans have used cannabis for thousands of years. In countries like India, people have used cannabis not only for its health benefits but even in religious ceremonies. For example, cannabis-infused drinks are traditionally served at some festivals.

Similarly, Europe has used cannabis for various purposes. It grew hemp widely for its fibre. Its cannabis plant or hemp fibre made sailing possible, as early sails were of textiles created using hemp fibre.

Similarly, people in various cultures widely consumed cold-pressed hemp seed oil.

However, things suddenly changed in the late 19th century and early 20th century, when different countries introduced a complete ban on cannabis use. For 80-90 years, cannabis was grown only in small amounts, and its cultivation required a special licence. As a result, people stopped using cannabis for good health. However, illegal cannabis use continued to flourish.

Researchers now understand that banning all kinds of cannabis products or use was one of the biggest mistakes. Science knows that cannabis has some incredible health benefits. Studies show that most health benefits of the cannabis plant are due to cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids.

It is now evident that most of the ill effects of cannabis were associated with the use of high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis strains. THC is the substance or organic compound in cannabis that causes a high. Thus, if people use cannabis extract responsibly, its benefits outnumber health risks.

CBD vs THC

What’s The Difference Between THC and CBD?

The cannabis plant contains more than 500 known phytocompounds; out of them, more than 100 are cannabinoids. Additionally, it has more than 100 terpenes and many other beneficial phytocompounds.

Studies of various phytocompounds identified in the cannabis plant show that almost all are highly beneficial for health. In addition, they might help manage a range of health conditions.

It is amazing to note that some of the cannabinoids in the plant may even have the opposite effect. However, researchers think they have only discovered the tip of the iceberg, and there is still much to learn about the plant.

THC and CBD are the two most discussed cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. They do share some traits; however, they are pretty different.

Studies show that cannabis causes euphoria or a high due to its content of THC. It is the substance that stimulates the part of the brain known to generate pleasure. In addition, it stimulates the reward pathway and strengthens the memories related to various pleasures. Hence, it not only alters mental alertness but is also highly addictive, too.

CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in the plant. Fortunately, it is also one of the most studied of all cannabinoids. Most health benefits of cannabis or hemp plant are associated with CBD.

Since CBD is responsible for most health benefits, it is common to isolate this compound for health benefits. That is why people use CBD oil, gummies, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles for health benefits.

What Is THC?

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant, causing high. It is addictive, and its prolonged use may cause more harm than good.

Here it is vital to understand that THC is also a cannabinoid and may benefit health in minute dosages. Thus, regulations allow CBD products with 0.2% THC.

However, at higher dosages, it would cause more harm than good. At higher dosages, it is more like any other street drug that is addictive, harmful to health, reduces mental alertness, increases the risk of violence, motor accidents, and so on.

What Is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a highly beneficial compound. Most of the health benefits of cannabis or hemp are due to its content of CBD. It is mildly psychoactive, as it helps relax and reduce anxiety and pain sensations. However, it does not alter mental alertness at usual dosages. Thus, it is even safe to dry or operate machinery after using CBD.

Health experts are still discovering its health benefits. For example, in recent years, there has been much focus on its ability to reduce epileptic seizures, reduce spasticity in neurodegenerative disorders, and more.

It is suitable for metabolic health, as it can modulate appetite, reduce inflammation, alter immune responses, and more.

What’s The Difference Between CBD and THC?

The main difference between the two is in their psychoactive properties. CBD has a mild relaxing effect on the brain, even at high dosages. However, THC can cause high or euphoria, completely alter mental alertness, and influence body movements or motor function.

It means that at high dosages, THC is quite different from CBD. Although, in minute dosages, it may have health benefits similar to CBD.

Therefore, in the EU, any CBD products must not contain more than 0.2% THC, whereas, in the US, this upper limit is 0.3%.

Additionally, it is worth understanding that THC ingestion would result in a positive drug test. However, ingesting CBD isolate would not result in a positive drug test.

Does CBD Oil Need THC To Work?

The answer to this question is “Yes” and “No”. THC can influence the working of CBD and can boost its certain health effects. However, CBD also works quite well when used alone and thus does not require THC to work.

THC is one of the cannabinoids; thus, even small amounts of THC in CBD oil may result in the entourage effect. In addition, THC-containing CBD oil may help manage muscle spasticity, insomnia, and low appetite.

However, considering the poor safety profile of THC, it is a good idea to use CBD oil without THC. CBD would work quite well without THC and does not require it at all to work. Thus, CBD alone is sufficient to reduce inflammation, seizures, depression, improve gut health, help with migraine, and much more.

CBD and THC

What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil Without THC?

Although THC may boost certain activities of CBD oil, but it is better without it. It is now proven beyond doubt that THC, on prolonged use, may cause more harm than good. Below are some of the health benefits of CBD without THC:

Better safety profile

CBD oil that is THC-free has a much better safety profile. It will not cause addiction, euphoria, or other severe issues. THC-free CBD oil may also have lower toxicity and would not influence other organs like the liver.

Does not cause high

This is the number one reason for preferring THC-free CBD oil. Cannabis causes high due to its content of THC. CBD isolate does not cause high and has no adverse impact on brain health. This is because it will not influence reward pathways like THC.

Does not increase appetite

It is no secret that marijuana increases appetite. However, CBD helps with weight loss. Therefore, it seems that THC is rather an appetite stimulant.

Would not result in a positive drug test

When testing for drug use, that is, for marijuana use, doctors look for TCH levels in the blood. Thus, even minute amounts of THC in CBD oil may result in a positive blood test. However, CBD oil that is THC-free would not result in a positive blood test.

Easier to get regulatory approval

Finally, THC-free means fewer issues in getting regulatory approval. Most health authorities are wary of THC. They know that prolonged THC use may harm health and is also a substance of abuse. If CBD oil is THC-free, getting regulatory approval would be much easier.

To sum up, cannabis or hemp plant contains many cannabinoids. Among them, CBD and THC are most well-researched and have quite different health effects. Therefore, although THC may benefit health in small amounts, using THC-free products is a better option. On the other hand, CBD is still quite potent without THC and is suitable for prolonged use.

If you are looking for THC-free CBD products, we have a range of products. We offer CBD wholesale, white-label CBD, private-label CBD, and more. We are among the reputed CBD manufacturers in Europe.

A Guide to The Emerging Trend of CBD Wax

CBD comes in tens of forms like gummies, oil, capsules, foods, vaping fluids, etc. What is amazing is that the forms in which CBD comes are increasing day by day. However, there is one problem with most CBD products. Whether they are gummies or oil, they have low CBD concentrations.

One of the biggest reasons people fail to experience some of the incredible health effects of CBD is its low dose intake. So, what could be the probable solution? It appears that one of the better ways to take CBD at higher dosages is using CBD wax.

Since more people experience the health effects of CBD after using its wax, its popularity is also rising. In just a few years, its demand has increased by multiple times. Now CBD waxed is among the most demanded CBD products.

CBD wax

What Is CBD Wax?

As already said that CBD wax is among the most potent products. It has a wax-like consistency due to higher CBD concentration and higher viscosity. Ideally, CBD wax must be a dry and easy-to-handle product.

Unlike CBD oil, which manufacturers produce by adding small amounts of CBD isolate or distillate to the carrier oil, CBD wax is a real thing. It may have lower purity than CBD oil made using isolate, but it has much more potency.

CBD, by nature, is a fat-soluble substance. Thus, when extracted using various methods, one gets a CBD resin as an intermediate product. One can either create purer isolate or some other products from here.

How To Make CBD Wax

CBD experts often describe wax as something that is quite comparable to CBD resin. Therefore, people may use it as a final product or intermediate to make other products from it. However, unlike CBD isolate, or distillate, it is less pure and may contain other cannabinoids and terpenes, which may be beneficial, though it may also cause more side effects.

Nevertheless, market data indicates that the popularity of wax is increasing. This is readily explained as people are looking for something more potent and a product that really works.

What Is CBD Crumble?

Crumble is just another kind of wax. Basically, CBD wax comes in different consistencies, with some thicker and butter-like, while others are less thick or even solid and may readily crumble. CBD is made by heating cannabis extract and using different air pressure settings. Some settings would produce CBD butter as an end product, while others a crumblier product.

CBD oil and crumble

How To Make CBD Crumble

Though CBD crumble is a type of CBD wax, it is more solid and less buttery, and it crumbles or breaks into small, uneven pieces. Therefore, consider it a drier form of CBD wax. Since it is drier, it may be easier to pack and carry than something buttery.

One can create CBD crumble by heating it for longer and reducing the pressure to remove most of the moisture. This would produce CBD wax crumbles. Then, one can directly eat these crumbles, smoke them, or even add them to different food items.

Of course, to create a crumbly product, extra effort is needed. For example, one may need to circulate the resin multiple times through the closed-loop system during extraction. In addition, the resin has to go through multiple cycles of cooling and heating. Finally, once the pure product is ready, one must place the final extract for about three days in a vacuum oven at higher temperatures to get a truly crumbly product.

CBD Crumble vs. CBD Wax: What’s The Difference?

It is one of the common questions. There is not much difference between CBD crumble and wax, and they are the same things. Crumble is just a bit drier and easier to use. Depending on the preparation temperature and air pressure, one may get live resin, crumble, budder, shatter, and more. As one can understand the primary difference between them is consistency. Generally, drier forms like crumble are more potent.

How To Use CBD Wax & Crumble: Method & Effects

There are innumerable ways in which this high-potency product can be used, and thus imagination is the only limit. One can also use this product in some unique ways.

Thus, for example, one may use it when smoking an old-fashioned pipe. One may smoke it along with tobacco and even without much of it. Nevertheless, some tobacco would be needed to convert the wax into an inhalable vapor. Though it is not good to smoke, but smoking crumbles may be an option for those who smoke a pipe.

Another good way to use it is just eating these crumbles. One can eat them directly or add them to various foods. They are also quite good for adding to different baked items. However, eating pure crumbles is one of the ways for those wanting to experience the immediate effect of high-dose CBD.

To conclude, CBD wax and crumble are some of the crude and more potent forms of CBD. As a result, some find it easy to use CBD in these forms. However, it is worth understanding that creating CBD crumbles is quite a laborious process, and thus it may be relatively expensive.

Want to learn more about how CBD wax can help you expand your business? contact us.

Hemp Oil: A Comprehensive Guide

People are using CBD or hemp oil for all the conceivable reasons these days, from skin health to managing anxiety. There are even some CBD-approved medications like to control resistant forms of epilepsy in children or manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Along with this, one should not forget that people also use cannabis for recreation. There are so many different terms used to describe various cannabis products that it may become utterly confusing for consumers. Sometimes it becomes almost impossible to understand the difference between the two products. So, is CBD oil and hemp oil the same? Well, maybe, but usually not. So, how to know when CBD oil and hemp oil are the same and when they indicate quite a different product? This comprehensive guide will clarify all the concepts so that consumers can always choose the right kind of products. To start with, one must know that both hemp and marijuana are plants of cannabis species. However, marijuana is high in mind-altering THC and thus used for recreation or to produce licensed medications. Its cultivation is highly regulated. On the other hand, hemp is a variety of cannabis low in THC. It is mainly used for industrial purposes, producing fiber, animal feed, and legal CBD oil. All the parts of this plant are usable. It means that both hemp oil and CBD oil are from legally cultivated hemp. hemp seed oil

What Is Hemp Oil & How Does it Differ from CBD Oil?

Since both hemp oil and CBD oil are from the legally cultivated hemp (low THC cannabis species), it may be difficult to understand the difference between them. So, let's clarify the things: CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant's stalk, flower, and leaves. In contrast, hemp oil is from hemp seeds only. Hemp seeds are naturally free from THC and CBD. Therefore, it means that hemp seed oil does not contain any CBD at all. However, to confuse the consumers, many online sellers intentionally omit the word "seed" and thus mention the term hemp oil. Hence, it is vital to understand that usually, hemp oil and hemp seed oil are the same things and are CBD-free products. On the contrary, if the oil is from other parts of the hemp plant like leaves, flowers, or stalks, it will be rich in CBD and other cannabinoids, thus called CBD oil. So, consumers need to remember that CBD oil contains CBD and may or may not contain other cannabinoids. However, as a rule, hemp oil does not contain any CBD until or unless the product explicitly mentions that it contains CBD. So, if you search amazon.com for hemp oil and find products containing 500 000 mg or 1 000 000 mg of hemp oil, it merely means that it contains just a hemp oil and does not contain any CBD. These manufacturers intentionally write the amount of hemp seed oil in mg (milligrams) to confuse the consumers. So that consumers may perceive it as a product containing massive amounts of CBD, so beware of such products. The moral of the story is that, when buying any CBD product, always make sure that the product explicitly mentions the CBD amount in the pack or each serving.

What Is Hemp Oil Used For?

So, hemp oil generally means hemp seed oil that is free from CBD. Hence the question arises why anyone would use it anyway? Well, there are multiple reasons to use hemp oil. It is good to visualize hemp oil as an entirely different product from CBD. Hemp oil is appreciated mainly due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that it mostly contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are omega-6 and omega-3 in a 3:1 ratio. This ratio is quite good for health, lowering inflammation and helping reduce the risk of metabolic disorders. Additionally, it is exceptionally rich in antioxidants, especially various tocopherols. It is especially rich in γ-tocopherol, which may further contribute to its metabolic health benefits. It means that hemp oil, like fish oil or krill oil, is good for heart health, lowering cholesterol, improving mental health, preventing neurodegenerative disorders, boosting eye health, slowing down aging, reducing inflammation, etc. One may consider it an excellent, vegan-friendly oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. hemp seel oil is legal in EU

Is Hemp Oil Legal?

It is essential to understand that hemp oil, which means hemp seed oil is a completely different product from CBD oil. It would be good to visualize hemp oil as a healthy, vegan-friendly, edible oil. Thus, it does not share many traits with CBD oil, except that both are extracted from the same plant but from very different parts of the plant. Europeans have traditionally not consumed CBD or various parts of the cannabis plant as a part of a regular diet. Thus, regulatory bodies classify CBD and related products as novel food. Something Europeans started consuming after 15 May 1997. On the contrary to CBD and related products, Europeans have used hemp industrially for ages, and they have also consumed hemp seed oil. Virgin hemp seed oil is not a new food product for Europeans, and it has been a part of the regular diet in some parts of the continent. Since hemp oil is neither novel to Europeans, it is naturally free of CBD and THC, which means that it is entirely legal to import, produce, sell, and consume hemp seed oil in the EU. Therefore, it does not pose any health threat to the population and is a healthy food product with many health benefits.

Does Hemp Oil Contain CBD?

In practice, hemp oil is just a short term used for hemp seed oil, which is naturally CBD free. It does not contain any cannabinoids. Like any healthy vegetable oil, it is rich in polyunsaturated fats having an excellent ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, high content of tocopherols, and other antioxidants. It may contain CBD in traces only due to cross-contamination. Or it may contain CBD if it has been added to it intentionally. Thus, if hemp oil does not mention the total CBD content, it means that it is CBD-free. It is true that CBD oil is also extracted from hemp, but to differentiate the two products, oil extracted from hemp stalk, leaves, and flowers is not called hemp oil and is instead called CBD oil. Moreover, it is worth understanding that extracting oil from leaves and stalks is completely different from seed oil extraction. One may even extract seed oil through cold pressing or applying pressure. However, extracting oil from other plant parts needs the use of special techniques like CO2 extraction, hydrocarbon extraction, and more.

Does Hemp Oil Cause Weight Gain?

If someone uses hemp oil as a health supplement, it is not likely to cause weight gain, as one would consume only a few drops or milliliters of it a day. However, quite like other healthy vegetable oils, hemp oil is safe to consume in more significant amounts. It is worth understanding that oils have twice more calories per gram than carbs or proteins. It means that consuming any oil in large quantities will ultimately lead to obesity. Moreover, it is worth knowing that although hemp oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, it is also rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are more likely to cause weight gain when consumed in larger amounts.

How To Extract Hemp Oil from Seeds

It is pretty simple as hemp oil is extracted like any other vegetable seed oil with the help of cold pressing. It simply means applying massive pressure on the seeds to extract oil. The whole process is done at room temperature. What is left of the seed after oil extraction, hemp cake, is also used to create food supplements and animal feeds. It is because hemp cake is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. Extracting oil from the seed is much simpler than CBD oil extraction from leaves or stalks. It is because seeds, once dried, mainly contain oil and have a very low moisture level. Leaves and stalks, on the other hand, had a low oil content and high moisture. Moreover, one needs to separate CBD from other oils. Thus, requiring the use of more specific techniques like CO2 extraction or hydrocarbon extraction, and so on. To conclude, though both CBD oil and hemp oil are by-products of the same plant, nevertheless, they are entirely different products. Thus, manufacturers extract CBD or other cannabinoids mainly from cannabis plant leaves, stalks, and flowers. However, the source of hemp oil is the seeds of the plant. Moreover, hemp oil or hemp seed oil is naturally CBD and THC free. Hemp oil is mainly a source of essential fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids and thus has a very different kind of health benefits when compared to CBD oil. Additionally, extracting hemp oil, selling, and importing it is it is legal almost in all the nations. Unlike CBD oil, hemp oil is not a novel food, which means that starting a hemp oil business does not require much documentation. If you want to know more about hemp seed oil, contact us.
5 MINUTE read

CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid) What It Is, Uses & Benefits

The cannabis plant is not just about cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is just one of the most abundant cannabinoids. Even cannabis experts of the 20th century knew that there were many other cannabinoids. Researchers discovered many of them in the middle of the last century.

Any plant contains thousands of organic compounds that work in sync with each other, providing nutrients and health benefits. But, since plants are so complex, identifying the beneficial compounds is challenging even for modern science.

The list of identified organic compounds mostly unique to the cannabis plant is expanding fast. New studies could identify more than 500 beneficial compounds and above 100 cannabinoids in the plant.

Understanding various cannabinoids is vital, considering that they have different biological effects. However, what has amazed researchers those various cannabinoids not only have different health effects, but they can often have just an opposing action on the human body.

CBGA molecular structure

What is CBGA?

CBGA is one of the non-psychotic cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Researchers have identified more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis or hemp plants, but there is something unique about CBGA.

CBGA is unique in the way that it is a precursor to all other cannabinoids. It means that it gets converted to all other cannabinoids in the plant, including CBD and THC. It also means that it is regularly produced in the plant in small amounts for later transformation into other compounds.

CBDA and CBGA: What’s the Difference?

To understand the difference in a simple term, CBGA is the grandfather of all cannabinoids, and CBDA is the father of CBD.

In the hemp plant, enzymatic activity converts CBGA to CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid), CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). Therefore, it means that CBD, CBC, and THC are the outcome of enzymatic conversion of CBDA, CBCA, and THCA, in hemp or cannabis plant.

Thus, various enzymes convert CBGA to different cannabinoids, including CBDA. Although CBDA is related to CBGA, it is chemically different, and it also means different health benefits.

It is worth understanding that science is still exploring the health benefits of non-CBD cannabinoids. Studies show that even a tiny change in the chemical structure of any cannabinoid may significantly alter its role in the human body.

However, the complex is to understand the interaction of various cannabinoids to demystify the “entourage effect.” Researchers know that taking multiple cannabinoids is more beneficial. But they do not understand how different cannabinoids potentiate the action of each other.

CBGA Effects: How Does It Feel?

CBGA is a non-psychotic. It means that a person using it would not get high. However, it does not mean that it would not have any impact on the brain. It only means that it would have mild action on the brain that would be pleasant, relaxing, and perhaps pain relieving.

It may also help lower stress levels and anxiety, reduce nausea, and help a person feel fresh. So, it would provide relief due to its impact on CB1 receptors in the brain and its effect on CB2 receptors in other body parts.

Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)

CBGA Benefits for The Human Body

Although CBGA is less studied by science than CBD, nevertheless, there are many studies indicating that it may help in various ways. In addition, some of the experience regarding its health benefits comes from the use of broad-spectrum CBD. Thus, it is good to use alone or in combination with CBD.

Diabetes & Heart Health

It is no secret that there is a strong association between diabetes and vascular diseases. Studies show that CBGA can inhibit an enzyme called aldose reductase, and thus help reduce glucose levels in the body. It also has a positive impact on lipid profile.

CBGA is not very harsh, and most of its actions are mild. Thus, do not expect to lower glucose immediately with CBGA. However, its prolonged and continuous use would help gain better control over blood glucose and improve lipid profile. Moreover, it has an excellent safety profile.

Further, studies show that it may help with diabetes or metabolic disorders due to its ability to modulate receptors called PPAR. These receptors play an important role in cellular metabolism, and their dysfunction is associated with the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.

It May help control epilepsy

The role of cannabinoids in controlling epilepsy has become a subject of high interest in recent years. It happened due to the approval of a CBD-based drug by the US FDA and EMA. Now researchers know that they are treading the right path. They understand that many benefits of hemp extracts are due to lesser-known cannabinoids.

Like other cannabinoids, researchers are testing CBGA for its anticonvulsant properties, and the initial results are highly encouraging. Early studies show that CBGA is undoubtedly one of the cannabinoids good for reducing convulsions in epilepsy. There is strong evidence from earlier animal studies that it works.

Other health effects

Despite its discovery more than half a century back, there is still limited research into its health benefits. It is because most cannabis research stopped for most of the second half of the 20th century. However, new studies indicate that it is suitable for reducing inflammation, pain, and stress and has many other benefits.

From CBGA to CBG: What’s The Process?

As CBGA is the father of all cannabinoids, it is possible to convert it into other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG). In some cases, this conversion may require the use of specific enzymes; in other instances, just an application of heat.

CBGA is pretty simple to convert to CBG through heat application which results in the decarboxylation of CBGA and formation of CBG. CBG is no longer an acid. CBG is of particular interest due to its opposing action to THC.

Thus, CBG antagonizes CB1 receptors in the brain, unlike THC. This opposing action means that it may play a role in managing marijuana addiction and other substance abuse disorders. Additionally, it also appears to affect adrenergic receptors and serotonergic receptors and thus help prevent mood disorders and other brain issues. It is also suitable for reducing inflammation.

To conclude, science has developed a sufficient understanding of CBD, and now is the right time to start exploring other cannabinoids in cannabis or hemp plants. Further, there is a need to understand how they interact with CBD and explore their health benefits.

If you are interested in exploring the power of CBD, understand what products are right for you? Just ping us.

Extracting Terpenes with CO2

How would a person choose a cannabis flower? There is no doubt that most would rely on smelling the flower. The terpenes provide this wonderful smell to cannabis and even other herbs. They are highly volatile and act on the olfactory system. Although aroma itself is vital in herbal extracts, it appears that terpenes have many different roles. The Discovery of numerous health benefits of terpenes has created massive interest in these wonderful organic compounds. There are many ways of boosting the potency of CBD products, like adding terpene extracts, extracting terpenes in-house, and then adding them to CBD products. Terpenes CBD product has a better aroma and more potent health benefits. Any single plant would have numerous terpenes, and terpene structure varies. The combination of various terpenes creates the distinct aroma of any plant. It means that most aromatic plants and herbs have multiple types of terpenes and the unique fragrance results from a unique combination.  In addition, these terpenes help keep pests away and attract pollinators. Studies show that there are numerous terpenes in cannabis like alpha and beta-pinene, limonene, terpinolene, linalool, humulene, caryophyllene, and so on. Higher amounts of flavonoids and terpenes provide cannabis extract with greater antioxidant properties, extending its health benefits. But, more importantly, terpenes appear to boost the health benefits of CBD through a so-called entourage effect. Researchers are still exploring various health effects of terpenes. However, it now appears that many benefits of herbal products are due to terpenes. Terpenes may modulate immunity, inflammatory responses, boost various body functions. Thus, retaining terpenes during CBD extraction may help produce a better and aromatic product. Terpenes cannabinoids help each other work better.

CO2 as a solvent for terpene extraction

Using supercritical CO2 is one of the most common methods of CBD extraction. Supercritical CO2 is an excellent solvent. It is formed by compressing CO2 at high pressures and still maintaining a high temperature. However, this method poses some challenges in extracting terpenes. Terpenes do not like the high temperature of supercritical CO2. Terpenes are highly volatile. It means that using supercritical CO2 alone would not help get products rich in terpenes. Although that may not be a problem when the aim is to produce pure CBD isolate. However, extracting terpenes make commercial sense as these incredible aromatic compounds are costly.  

Process of Terpene Extraction

Fortunately, it is known that these terpenes dissolve well into ethanol. Therefore, one way is to introduce 5% ethanol to CO2 extraction. This can be combined with so-called decarboxylation, a process of converting acidic cannabis to a neutral form, which considerably improves the extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes. Thus, it is good to decarboxylate before making oil. Using a small amount of ethanol is a very economical way of terpenes extraction. In addition, it does not add up much to the total extraction costs. However, ethanol is not a perfect method, as it has numerous limitations. The end product of ethanol extraction is dark-colored biomass that is abundant in terpenes.  However, this biomass still contains ethanol along with fats, waxes, and other cellular materials. Therefore, it means that this biomass still needs further processing for extracting terpenes.

Can terpenes be destroyed during the extraction?

In short, the answer is yes. Not all, but partial degradation of terpenes occurs when ethanol is used to extract terpenes. This degradation and even loss of terpenes occur during the distillation process. Biomass produced through ethanol extraction is not very pleasant. One still needs to use evaporators to remove ethanol and other impurities. However, this process has some problems. Terpenes are highly volatile. It means that many terpenes evaporate along with ethanol, resulting in considerable loss. But that it's not all. Applying heat also degrades many terpenes. Nonetheless, after evaporation, dark-colored oil rich in terpenes is left behind. These remaining oils must be further processed to get pure and safe to consume terpenes. So, as one can see that although ethanol is an excellent way of terpenes extraction, like any method, it has its downsides. Prolonged application of heat during evaporation degrades terpenes. Due to a similar boiling point, many terpenes are lost during the evaporation process. It means that although ethanol is quite a cost-effective way, it is far from perfect. Fortunately, there are better ways of terpenes extraction or retention: using sub-critical CO2 run before using supercritical CO2 to extract cannabinoids. Many types of equipment, including MoSES, allow the use of sub-critical CO2 extraction methods.

Preserving and maximizing terpenes

Sub-critical CO2 extraction is very similar to supercritical. However, it applies less pressure and uses lower temperatures. As a result, it is especially effective in preserving highly volatile compounds found in various herbs like terpenes in cannabis.

It yields a product that is rich in terpenes and various cannabinoids. However, it generally produces less yield than supercritical CO2 extraction and is also a slower process. One can run the remaining plant biomass through an additional cycle of supercritical extraction to extract a greater number of cannabinoids. Supercritical extraction is also better in retaining denser molecules like fatty acids. Thus, as one can see that there is no ideal way of extracting various phytocompounds. Each phytocompound differs in physical properties. Some are better extracted using liquid solvents like ethanol, others supercritical CO2.  Due to an increased understanding of various health benefits associated with terpenes and the importance of the entourage effect, many are using sub-critical extraction these days. Fortunately, one can use the same equipment to carry out all these processes in automatic or semi-automatic mode. Most supercritical CO2 extraction equipment would allow the use of sub-critical CO2 extraction. Moreover, many such types of equipment also allow adding ethanol. The truth is that no method is perfect. However, combining multiple ways of extraction, running the cannabis mass through multiple cycles is the only way to extract a maximum number of compounds. Further, lots would also depend on post-processing. Thus, the final product produced by any machine also depends on the knowledge base of any organization, its experience in producing herbal extracts. 

Essentia Pura terpene-rich extracts, a state of art!

Essentia Pura is the manufacturer of CBD and terpenes extraction equipment like the MoSES and CBD isolate or distillate. It also produces water-soluble CBD products with excellent bioavailability. For smaller manufacturers lacking the expertise in CBD extraction, it may be a good idea to procure high-quality CBD isolate or distillate and produce finished products.  Essential Pura also provides its expertise along with equipment for those interested in scaling their production. It is one of the few companies producing module-based equipment. Thus, one can start small, and then these machines can be upgraded for higher production volumes.

Looking for products high in terpenes, or equipment to produce pharmaceutical-grade terpene ingredients? Do not hesitate to reach out, just complete the contact form.

5 minute read

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.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) Overview, Uses & Benefits

For the most time in human history, hemp has played an important role, providing food, medications, and was used in various industries. It is the hemp fiber and fabric made from it that made the discovery of many continents possible. It seems that now people are discovering new uses of hemp extract with the help of science.

Studies show that hemp extract is rich in various cannabinoids. However, cannabidiol (CBD) has till now received the most attention. But things are changing fast. Studies show that various cannabinoids have different mechanisms of action. Therefore, there is a need to know more about each cannabinoid.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is a precursor of CBD and is present in large amounts in hemp. Decarboxylation of CBDA through heat and storage results in its conversion to CBD. Currently, the industry is converting most CBDA to CBD via decarboxylation by applying heat to cannabis extract. However, some researchers think that it may be good to preserve this acidic compound.

What is CBDA?

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is a precursor of CBD, but it has many unique properties. Unlike CBD, it is acidic. On applying heat to CBDA or prolonged storage of cannabis plants, it may get converted to better known CBD. CBDA is abundant in various parts of the plant that are generally rejected.

It means that CBDA can be pretty economical to extract. Moreover, researchers think they have been mistaken to view it just as a precursor to CBD, something that must be converted to CBD. Studies into the unique properties of CBDA only started a few decades back. New experiments show that it has quite different properties when compared to CBD. Thus, it may be used alone or along with CBD for more significant health benefits.

CBDA vs CBD and CBG

These compounds are all closely related and are just other compounds found in the cannabis plant. But what sets them apart?

CBDA and CBD are both non-psychotropic cannabinoids meaning they won’t produce a high associated with THC. Even though they have similar traits, it has been found that the human body can absorb more of the CBDA, meaning it is more effective in smaller doses than CBD.

CBDA is actually the most raw form of CBD, working in a very different way and interacting with COX-2 enzyme rather than with CB1 or CB2 receptors as CBD does.

CBG is often described as the mother of all cannabinoids whereas CBDA is the raw form of CBD. This means that CBDA transform into CBD when exposed to heat, while CBG is present in many cannabis strains but in smaller doses. What they have in common are the many health benefits that are present with both.

Health benefits of CBDA

Cbda can be beneficial in many ways and as the research continues, the list of benefits just keeps growing. Let's have a look at some of them

  1. Supports Cardiovascular Health

More and more data supports the claims that the chemical compounds found in hemp and the cannabis sativa plant, including CBDA, can be effective against cardiovascular issues. This includes heart attack, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. This positive effect comes from blocking CB1 receptors.According to one study, it may even be effective with diabetic patients, helping them manage many of the complications that come with the disease.

  1. Regulates Metabolism 

The benefits seen from this are largely in CBGA helping stimulate lipid metabolism, which reduced excess lipid accumulation. However, more research is needed on this topic.

  1. Anti-Anxiety and Depression Properties

It has already been that non-acidic CBD presents as a potential treatment for both depression and anxiety. But recent developments show that there is reason for excitement around cannabidiolic acid as well. In fact, researchers have seen that CBDA not only affects the same receptors as CBD which are the receptors that control feelings of anxiety and well-being, but that it is effective as an antidepressant at doses 10 to 100 times less than the dosage size required of CBD.

  1. Prevents Seizures 

As of now there is only one FDA-approved CBD medication is an anti-seizure drug, which is used when treating drug-resistant epilepsy. The company has since tested the efficacy of cannabidiolic acid against that of CBD in seizure prevention. The results pointed to CBDA as being even faster-acting and more effective than CBD. This may mean a chance for a great reduction in any possible side effects.

  1. Boasts Anti Inflammatory Properties

Since chronic inflammation is highly influenced by the Cox 2 enzyme, CBDA has proven itself as a powerful anti-inflammatory substance because of its characteristics as a selective Cox 2 inhibitor. This means it works in a very similar way as aspirin or ibuprofen but without the long-term side effects.

  1. Effective Anti-Nausea Agent

As research shows, CBDA can be greatly effective against nausea caused either by toxins or motion sensitivity. It has even proved effective against anticipatory nausea many experience before receiving chemotherapy and since no other medication has been effective in this, CBDA is a particularly interesting option. In addition, the doses needed to achieve anti-nausea effects are much smaller when compared to doses of CBD to reach the same goal.

  1. Potential Cancer Treatment 

Researchers of an early study found that CBDA could potentially suppress the spread of a specific type of breast cancer cells. Meaning that, in theory, a therapy that can stop cells from metastasizing could also stop the disease from spreading. 

  1. Potentially Effective Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

In recent years, researchers started to think about what effects CBDA could have on SARS-CoV-2. They found that both CBD and CBDA have some potential to combat the infection. Both seem to block a critical step in the process of infection.

What does CBDA do to the Human Body?

Studies show that, unlike CBD that primarily works by influencing endocannabinoid receptors, CBDA has a different mode of action. As a result, it may help reduce the production of some of the early inflammation markers like IL-2, INF-gamma, and many more. 

It also might reduce the activity of the COX-2 enzyme. This particular enzyme plays a vital role in inflammation and pain induction in humans. Further, CBDA influences TRP-type receptors that have a crucial role in pain mediation.

Interestingly enough, in experimental studies in mice, researchers found that it may even stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain. This may have various effects on the brain. For example, it may have a role in reducing nausea. Thus, such stimulation of serotonin receptors may play a role in preventing substance addiction. However, it is still not clear if this mechanism can help fight mood or emotional disorders.

Researchers are also focusing on the CBDA actions like its ability to help in seizures or suppress the growth of cancer cells, and much more.

It is worth understanding that these are still very early findings, nonetheless, highly encouraging findings. There is still a need for more studies and to carry out clinical trials in humans. Nevertheless, these early findings provide hope that we may see the emergence of more cannabis-based therapies in the future. It also highlights that there is still a lot to understand about cannabis extract and how various cannabinoids work together, resulting in the entourage effect.

Potential Benefits of CBDA

Figure 1 health benefits of CBDA (Image source: Formato M, Crescente G, Scognamiglio M, et al. (‒)-Cannabidiolic Acid, a Still Overlooked Bioactive Compound: An Introductory Review and Preliminary Research. Molecules. 2020;25(11):2638.)

Studies show that CBDA may help in many ways. It appears to help suppress inflammation. Thus, it may have a use in local inflammatory conditions like joint pains. There is still a need to understand if it can help prevent low-grade inflammation and reduce the risk of various chronic disorders.

Some of the pathways that are involved in inflammation are also responsible for causing pain. CBDA may be suitable for suppressing pain related to inflammation. It may also work for non-inflammatory pains like those caused by neuropathies in diabetes or pains associated with cancer.

Cannabidiol acid may stimulate serotonin receptors in certain parts of the brain. It may explain its potent anti-emetic properties. CBD acid may also help keep calm, improve mood, and enhance sleep quality. There is a need to understand if it can help in more severe conditions like anxiety disorder or depression.

CBDA may help prevent convulsions. There are already cannabis drugs approved for use in certain epileptic conditions. Therefore, it is entirely possible that CBDA may also help in many such conditions.

Although it also exerts anti-cancer activity, it is unclear if it can help prevent or treat cancer. Nonetheless, experimental studies show that it may have certain benefits.

Current Medical Research

The most recent medical research focuses mainly on its potential prevention of Covid-19. A team of researchers of the University of Chicago published a study in early 2022 that contains evidence that CBD can reduce the infection in humans. They found a reduced number of positive tests with patients that were taking the FDA-approved drug for treating epilepsy. More clinical trials should be done to determine whether CBD could be used as a viable way to prevent or to treat early cases of Covid-19.

Manufacturing CBDA Products

CBDA might be isolated from cannabis. However, most methods used to separate it from other cannabinoids are experimental. Thus, at present, it would be difficult to isolate it with the use of conventional extraction methods used by the cannabis industry, like hydrocarbon or CO2 extraction. 

Nonetheless, isolating pure CBDA is possible. It may be achieved with the use of well-known methods called chromatographic techniques. It is regarded relatively inexpensive and straightforward way of isolating the compound. Moreover, this method helps get relatively high purity CBDA.

Further, it is worth noticing that decarboxylation is a frequently used strategy in CBD extraction. This helps convert acidic CBDA to neutral CBD. Thus, those looking to preserve CBDA in whole cannabis extract should avoid decarboxylation.

At present, the best way to create products with CBDA is to use broad-spectrum distillates, as they contain it in smaller amounts. Or even better, extract the cannabinoid using supercritical CO2 without decarboxylation of the plant material.

To conclude, CBDA is a poorly understood compound to date. However, it is one of the most abundant compounds in cannabis. Therefore, there is a real need to explore this molecule, understanding its health benefits better. Moreover, studies show that it is also present in hemp plant parts that are generally rejected as waste products. But, regretfully, CBDA remains a largely unknown cannabinoid due to the greater popularity of CBD.

Interested in CBD acid? Send us an e-mail to find out which of our products are rich in Cannabidiol acid. If you are already fond of our RAW CBDA drops, just complete the form here.

5 minute read

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 minute read

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

What is Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Every natural extract is a bouquet of organic compounds. In most cases, hundreds of these organic compounds work in synergy to provide health benefits. However, some compounds have a greater role.  Similarly, cannabis has hundreds of bioactive compounds. Among these compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are well known. CBD has a mild calming effect, whereas THC may cause euphoria. It is also an example of how a single plant extract may contain highly diverse compounds. In many cases, these compounds may even have opposite properties. The opposite properties of various bioactive compounds in a plant are not bad. These properties help balance the different effects of plant extract. It also has a role in reducing the side effects of plant extract. And this is where Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) comes into play.

What is THCV?

THCV though less known is one of the major compounds in the cannabis plant. It is chemically related to THC. However, its influence on the human body is quite different. In fact, it may have quite an opposing action to THC in many cases. THCV is not even much psychoactive. And even more, it may even block certain ill effects of THC, including its mind-altering action. In addition, THCV has various other metabolic effects. Unlike CBD, THCV also appears to have more potent influences on various body functions. Therefore, it means that it may have greater health benefits. Although THCV was discovered way back in 1971, it is still not fully understood and remains a less appreciated molecule present in cannabis.

How THCV Affects the Human Body?

Cannabinoids work by influencing the endocannabinoid system (ECS), especially by affecting CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it is worth knowing that cannabinoids also have other less understood mechanisms of action. For example, cannabinoids appear to target other receptors in the body, too. Thus, CBD may influence both CB1 and CB2 receptors and thus modulate the ECS system. However, its influence on these receptors is weak. Further, it may mildly stimulate or suppress these receptors, depending on the dosage of CBD and health conditions. However, researchers think that CBD’s action on ECS is weak, and thus it may have other ways of working. THC, on the other hand, is a potent CB1 activator. It is especially good at activating CB1 receptors in various brain centres. Thus, it is good for multiple brain disorders. However, it also causes euphoria and is not fit for regular use. THCV is quite interesting in the way that it is the most potent suppressor or antagonist of CB1 receptors in cannabis. Thus, many of its health effects differ or are opposite to that of THC. Additionally, it may also modulate CB2 receptors. Researchers know that suppressing CB1 receptors have powerful even on various metabolic indicators. For example, a drug called Rimonabant, a potent CB1 inhibitor was approved for weight loss and diabetes management by the US FDA.  However, it was later withdrawn due to its severe effects on mood. So, could THCV be a safer alternative to Rimonabant for managing metabolic disorders?

Potential Benefits of THCV

THCV is not commonly available as a health supplement. However, it may be called an experimental drug. Researchers are highly interested in this particular molecule. They know that it is a potent modulator of the ECS system, and it also appears to be safe. Early studies on withdrawn drug rimonabant show that inhibiting CB1 receptors may aid weight loss and fight diabetes. THCV shares some properties with this potent drug, but it is still quite different. Thus, researchers think that THCV may be a much safer option. Below are some Tetrahydrocannabivarin effects:

Helps overcome obesity

Since researchers already know that CB1 inhibition causes weight loss, there is a reason to believe THCV may work. Early studies show that THCV may have a milder effect than Rimonabant. It does not appear to have much impact on appetite; however, it improves energy expenditure and thus promotes weight loss. It also helps restore insulin signalling in the liver. Therefore, it may be especially good for preventing obesity-related disorders.

Lower cholesterol

THCV improves lipid metabolism and thus may promote the burning of fats. In addition, it may help reduce cholesterol. It may also have some role in modulating food choices, preventing unhealthy behaviours.

Help manage diabetes

Researchers are especially interested in its role in preventing or managing diabetes. It appears that THCV may help lower blood glucose. It seems to boost pancreatic function, reduce insulin resistance. It's action also helps counter levels of other inflammatory enzymes. These properties have been studied in a clinical trial in 62 subjects living with type 2 diabetes, confirming its benefits.

Reduce inflammation

Early experimental studies show that it may help lower inflammation and counter pain. Thus, it may have a role in preventing systemic and localized inflammation.

Counter psychotic effects of THC

Since it has an opposing action on CB1 brain receptors in comparison to THC, its continuous use may help counter some of the psychotic effects of THC. These effects are confirmed in animal studies. However, researchers think that it may have other mechanisms of influencing mood, like acting on serotonergic receptors Rimonabant was once an approved drug to treat metabolic disorders. It is proven beyond doubt to work. However, it was withdrawn due to its effects on mood. THCV appears to be as effective as Rimonabant but without its side effects. Although there is still a need for more research, it may emerge as a potential treatment of metabolic disorders.

Manufacturing THCV Products 

Since THCV appears to be a wonderful and potent molecule, one may be interested in adding it to health supplements. Furthermore, in medicine, it is regarded as an experimental drug. Thus, it would be too early to start using it as a remedy.  Is THCV legal? It may or may not be, if present in small amounts in natural extracts, it may be legal. But if added to the product, its use may be controversial. How to extract THCV? Well, it is complex as it mixes well with other cannabinoids. What plants contain tetrahydrocannabivarin? It is present in most strains of cannabis, though amounts may vary. THCV extract could be added to the watch list. Researchers are studying it extensively. There is a high probability that it may emerge as a safe way to counter obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. In addition, it does not appear to cause many side effects or alter the mood. However, there is still a need for more clinical studies. 

As the full spectrum hemp extracts Essentia Pura produces contain the whole essence of the plant, THCV is always present, albeit in small quantities. Let us know if you would like to see us carry Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) isolates in the future!

What we know about Delta 8 THC

We know that cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of the cannabinoids in the hemp or cannabis plant. Most cannabinoids are chemically related. These chemically related substances share traits, health benefits. Nonetheless, they are different, and each of the compounds has unique effects on health. In fact, it is not rare for the industry to look for chemically related compounds. Chemically related compounds may have similar actions, but each may have unique benefits. Just take the example of antibiotics called beta-lactams. It all started with the discovery of penicillin, but now we have numerous antibiotics in the group that are better than penicillin, like ampicillin, amoxicillin, and so on. Since delta 9 THC (regular THC) is a banned substance, there is an increased interest in substances related to it. Delta 9 THC causes euphoria, and it is addictive. Still, at the same time, it may be pretty good for specific disease conditions like countering anxiety and panic. So, can delta 8 THC be regarded as its safer and legal analog?

What is Delta 8?

Delta 8 has suddenly gained lots of popularity in certain groups. This is because people are actively looking for something that could be as good as regular THC, but with a much better safety profile. Delta 8 is quite similar to delta 9 in its chemical structure, with only a small difference. However, the molecule is a little smaller and has much lower potency when compared to its bigger brother delta 9 THC. Nonetheless, it must be understood that both are forms of THC. Nevertheless, when people are saying THC, they generally refer to delta 9 and not delta 8. [caption id="attachment_5186" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Vaping is the most common method of delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol consumption[/caption]

What is Delta 8 Legal?

It is one of the complex questions. However, since most of the delta 8 is extracted in a similar way to delta 9, they appear to have a similar legal fate. Nevertheless, how substances are regulated differs a lot. For example, even in the recreational drug industry, it is not rare to develop some potent psychotic agent, which is not illegal in the books. It means that if someone creates an entirely new chemical with a mild-altering effect, it may remain legal for some time before regulatory agencies step in.  And the same is valid for delta 8, which falls into the gray area. It is not entirely legal, as it retains the main properties of a typical psychotic agent. Nonetheless, due to the lack of enough data, it may remain legal in some places.  Most nations or states are just starting to classify delta 8, which is already legal in some states of the US. While in parts of the EU, it may be legal or illegal.  Nonetheless, its minute amounts in CBD would be legal. Quite like regular THC, if delta 8 is in amounts that do not cause euphoria (less than 0.2%), it remains legal. [caption id="attachment_5181" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Gummies, the most popular d8 THC edible[/caption]

Does Delta 8 make you High?

Many people are looking for ways to experience a legal high. It is this category of individuals highly interested in delta 8. Additionally, some people are always looking for something not as potent as delta 9 THC and can yet provide some high or similar relaxing effects at lower dosages. When comparing delta 8 vs delta 9, it appears that delta 8 is very similar to delta 9 in most of the ways. Unfortunately, due to ethical reasons, there are not many studies. Nonetheless, it is worth knowing that delta 8 was discovered way back in the mid-20th century. Some of the early studies suggest that oral or intravenous delta 8 is quite comparable to delta 9. But again, the experience of marijuana enthusiasts varies greatly from clinical researchers. Clinical researchers have a narrower approach, and they are only interested in whether delta 8 causes high or not. They are not interested in exploring the quality of the high. On the other hand, people who have used delta 8 describe it as much lighter, having greater relaxing and energizing properties.  So, does delta 8 get you high? Yes, both the researchers and cannabis enthusiasts agree that delta 8 can give high.

How is Delta 8 Extracted?

Delta 8 is in very small amounts in the legally grown hemp plant. Thus, the most common way of its production is through the conversion of pure CBD to delta 8 THC. Most CBD manufacturers would start with decarboxylation, also called decarbing of the plant material. It involves heating hemp material to a certain temperature, which converts CBDa to CBD and thus helps improve the quality of raw material. The next process would be CBD extraction. For this, most would use one of the methods that are oil extraction, solvent-based extraction, and solventless extraction (supercritical CO2 extraction). After this, the next logical step is creating high concentration CBD with the help of winterization and distillation. It produces 99% pure CBD isolate. Needless to say, that manufacturers can skip the steps above and can start with CBD isolate, which is commonly available. Next comes the most critical step called rapid isomerization of CBD, which can help convert CBD to either delta 9 THC or delta 8 THC.  [caption id="attachment_5176" align="aligncenter" width="800"] clear delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol distillate should be an indication of quality.[/caption] For CBD isomerization, producers would generally dissolve CBD into glacial acetic acid. This will initially convert CBD to delta 9 THC; however, THC created this way is not stable, and it will ultimately convert to delta 8 after about 72 hours. It is worth knowing that researchers also know other ways of synthesizing delta 8 THC by using other organic compounds as a base.

Where is Delta 8 Available?

Delta 8 is still widely available on various online platforms, with varying degrees of purity. It is available in powder forms and as a delta 8 flower. It still remains legal in most parts of the EU and many parts of the US.  However, its future is unclear. If recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in the future, then the future of delta 8 also seems bright. Nonetheless, there are chances that various drug enforcement agencies may go against delta 8, and there are high chances of it becoming illegal. To conclude, delta 9 THC causes euphoria and is addictive. Nonetheless, it has an excellent relaxing effect on the brain that is not possible with CBD alone. So, it means that people are looking for something that may have a mind-altering impact closer to delta 9, and still, it should be legal. At present, delta 8 is one such option and a legal option in parts of the world.

Essentia Pura is focused on full spectrum extracts of industrial cannabis, but the uprising of compounds such as delta-8 THC, which are rare in hemp are intriguing. Which minor cannabinoids do you believe will be the next big thing? Let us know!

5 minute read

How To Make Water Soluble CBD?

CBD oil is the most commonly used form of cannabidiol. Although it has moderate bioavailability of 13-19%, that is not enough. Moreover, when people take CBD oil, lots of it goes through first-pass metabolism (metabolism in the liver immediately after absorption), and a considerable amount of it is destroyed.

These issues related to CBD bioavailability forced researchers to look for alternative ways of delivering CBD to the body. Of course, CBD inhaling is an excellent option, however it is not for everyone. Thus, researchers came up with another technology that is creating water soluble CBD.

What Is Water Soluble CBD?

A substance can be described as water soluble essentially when it has the capability to dissolve in water. CBD does not have this ability naturally so we have to process it in order to be able to disperse it in water and other liquids. The finished product that can easily be added to food or drink, which provides endless opportunities for different types of products. But this process can be quite complicated.

Challenges in creating water soluble CBD

It is not as straightforward as it may sound. One cannot just directly dissolve CBD isolate or CBD distillate into the water. It is because the CBD molecule is lipophilic. That is, it loves oils but repels water. So, only an inconsiderable amount of CBD powder would dissolve in the water.

Nevertheless, researchers have long known various natural products in which oil molecules are suspended in water as if they are mixed with it. It is called emulsion. Some of the good examples could be milk and egg yolk. There are known ways of emulsification, and the same can be applied for producing water soluble CBD.

The word liposome derives from two Greek words: lipo ("fat") and soma ("body")

How water soluble CBD is made?

Water soluble CBD isolate or distillate still require the use of oil. It is because CBD simply does not mix well with water. So, how to make water soluble CBD? The starting point in creating water soluble CBD is mixing it with oil. Then comes the next step, which is breaking these CBD oil particles into tiny (nano) droplets so that they can remain suspended in the water. Thus, the resulting solution is a nano-emulsion.

There are many ways of breaking CBD oil into smaller particles. But the most common strategy used is deploying either high shear mixers or high energy ultrasonic sound waves. There are special machines in which this whole process is carried out. This equipment can break CBD oil into nanoparticles, small enough to get homogeneously suspended in the water, and remain stable for quite a long time.

Usually, ultrasound homogenizers (using ultrasonic waves) are regarded better than high shear mixers (moving oil and water mixture at high velocity). However, most producers use a combination of these methods. One can start with high shear mixers and then use ultrasound homogenizers to produce even better and more stable nano-emulsion

These nanoparticles are so small that they can readily penetrate through various membranes, including intestinal membranes. These particles can also escape the first-pass metabolism in the liver in large amounts. All this means far greater bioavailability of CBD.

Liposomal CBD vs water soluble nano-emulsion

There are other well-known ways of boosting the bioavailability of various natural extracts. One such method is using liposomes as carriers. Liposomes form a bubble-like structure over natural extracts like CBD resulting in better absorption.

Although there is no doubt that liposomal CBD has better bioavailability than CBD oil, it is still inferior to water soluble nano-emulsion. It is because the size of CBD droplets in nano-emulsion is extremely small. In contrast, liposomes are 10 to a hundred times larger than nano-emulsion droplets. Thus, despite the benefits of improved bioavailability, liposomal technology is much inferior to water soluble nano-emulsion.

Both offer bigger efficiency. but nano, being smaller, is also absorbed better!

Kinds of water soluble CBD

When choosing water soluble CBD, one does not have to compromise on the range of options. Like non-water soluble options, water soluble CBD is available as isolate, distillate, and even full-spectrum.

Water soluble CBD isolate 

Much like CBD isolate powder or CBD crystals, it contains CBD without other cannabinoids and is THC-free. It is loved by many due to its perceived better safety profile and a wide number of applications. It may be a better fit for certain kinds of products like edibles, CBD for older adults and athletes, and so on. Nonetheless, it is less potent due to the lack of entourage effect.

Water soluble CBD distillate

This is perhaps an optimal solution for most needs. It contains CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes but is free from THC. Thus, it is generally regarded as quite potent and safe for special population groups who do not want any THC like athletes.

Full-spectrum water soluble CBD 

As the name suggests, this is CBD along with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and even traces of THC. THC is only in the permissible levels, which is usually below 0.2%. Therefore, it is a very small amount of THC to cause any mind-altering effect. However, full-spectrum water soluble CBD wholesale might be better for producing products for severe conditions like anxiety, sleep disorders, and so on.

Various pharmaceutical drugs, mRNA, and DNA vaccines are using liposomal delivery methods.

6 Water Soluble CBD Benefits

There are numerous benefits of water soluble CBD:

  1. The main and most noticeable benefit is that water soluble CBD provides a very high absorption rate. This means that a certain dose will show more powerful effects than with other forms. Many of its other benefits correlate with this greatly.
  2. It is a cost-effective way of enhancing the bioavailability of CBD, which helps keep the cost of CBD products low and yet improve its effectiveness.
  3. Water soluble CBD is proven in human studies to have reliably better pharmacokinetics. In one of the human studies, water soluble CBD was 4.5 times more bioavailable than CBD oil. Thus, it is considerably better than other technologies like liposomal or the addition of other herbal extracts.
  4. Convenience for both users and producers. For users, water-soluble products are easier to use and carry. For producers, it also means ease of adding CBD to various formulations.
  5. It starts acting faster, and thus, those who use water soluble CBD always prefer it.
  6. Another benefit of water soluble CBD is that it can be more easily measured and dosed due to the precise nature of the process it goes through.

It is vital to understand that not all benefits of it are visible. For example, water soluble CBD achieves a much higher concentration in various organs, especially when used for prolonged intervals. It means that people may achieve health effects that they could not get from other types of CBD products.

Would you like to see a different approach in making CBD water soluble? We are open for discussions at info@essentiapura.com. If you are ready to dive into water-soluble CBD, complete our contact form here to get your samples!