What is hemp and cbd extract?
CBD Extract and Hemp Extract from cannabis plants have gained a lot of notoriety since the 2018 Farm Bill Act, which legalized the cultivation of Registered United States Industrial Hemp under certain conditions. Both CBD Extract and Hemp Extract are being sought after by consumers seeking relief from a variety of different health and wellness alignments, ranging from stress and anxiety to arthritis and migraines—to name just a few. There is still a lot of research to be done, and we are looking forward to new studies that further authenticate the therapeutic properties and benefits of cannabinoids like CBD.
While Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are the most widely known and most researched cannabinoids to-date, Hemp Extract can include many other beneficial cannabinoids like CBDa, CBDV, CBG and CBC, whereas a CBD Extract Oil only contains CBD. Many consumers solely focus on which cannabinoids are present in their Hemp Extract Oil but it’s also equally valuable to understand how the cannabinoids (like CBD) were extracted from the hemp plant, to create the final CBD Tincture. There are many different CBD extraction methods, all of which have different implications on potency and sustainability.
Why CBD Needs to Be Extracted
CBD isn’t a by-product like a fruit or nut, where you pluck. In order to consume CBD from the raw hemp plant, it first must be extracted. Cannabinoids like CBD, along with the terpenes and flavonoids, are extracted from the resin, which is primarily concentrated in the glandular trichomes in the hemp flower, with smaller amounts in the leaves and stems.
The CBD and hemp extraction process not only enables the cannabinoids like CBD to be accessible for consumption but further ensures there are no microbes or impurities—like chlorophyll, lipids, waxes, and other destabilizing compounds—present in the raw hemp plant. If not properly extracted and purified, these compounds can be detrimental to our health if consumed.
So where do we start?
CBD Extraction Begins with Organic Hemp
The entire process begins with a rich CBD plant. At Veré we provide our exclusive organic farmers in Colorado and Oregon with unique hemp genetics that results in high-quality CBD Tinctures and Gummies. These hemp genetics include:
- Specially bred, non-GMO hemp cultivars
- Proprietary high-CBD and low-THC hemp cultivars
- Proprietary high-CBG and low-THC hemp cultivars
- Proprietary high-CBC and low-THC hemp cultivars
- Cannabinoid & terpenoid-rich strains
- Less than 0.3% THC
hemp and Cbd Extraction Methods
There are many different means to extract CBD and other hemp compounds from the hemp plant. Let’s cover the 3 most popular—solvent extraction, CO2 extraction and steam distillation.
Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction can apply butane, propane or alcohol to extract the CBD from the hemp plant. While this is one of the quickest, easiest and least expensive CBD extraction methods, there is a lot of danger due to the very flammable solvent.
To simplify this CBD extraction process, the hemp plant is soaked in the solvent, separating the cannabinoids from the plant material. Unfortunately in this process, the solvent dissolves the hemp waxes—which also include nutrients—leaving just the cannabinoids intact with the solvent. In the next step, the solvent evaporates, leaving the concentrated cannabinoids behind.
If the evaporation process isn’t properly performed, solvent residue may still be present in the CBD. This can be toxic and may increase risk to cancer so it is important to review the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to verify the absence of any toxic residue. Due to this risk of toxicity, other solvent extraction methods may use natural solvents like olive oil or ethanol. These natural solvents, while safer for our health, do pose their own challenges. They do not evaporate as effectively so the concentration of CBD in the CBD Extract is lower.
CO2 Extraction
In CO2 extraction, carbon dioxide is used to separate the CBD from the hemp plant. Several pressurized chambers and pumps work in succession to extract high concentrated amounts of CBD through exposure to high pressure and low temperatures.
In this CO2 extraction method, one chamber contains pressurized CO2 and another chamber, the hemp plant. The CO2 is pumped into the second chamber with the hemp plant. This results in CO2 stripping the valuable oils from the plant material. To complete the CBD extraction process, the CO2 and the oils are transferred into a third chamber, where the CO2 evaporates. The end result—pure CBD extract and hemp extract that is of the highest concentration.
This CO2 extraction is also used to create decaffeinated coffees and teas; and is the safest of the extraction methods.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is one of the oldest methods and was used historically to extract essential oils and distill alcohol. By using water instead of a solvent, steam is produced that separates the cannabis plant matter from the oil.
To simplify the process, the hemp plant first enters a distillation tank where water and heat are introduced. The hot water generates steam that carries the cannabis oils to the top, passing through a condenser. This creates a mix of water and oil. With another distillation, the water and oil are then separated, resulting in a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Oil.
Albeit steam distillation is a tried and true process, CO2 is still more preferred because it is more potent and efficient. If the steam overheats it can damage the plant matter and oil, changing the compounds and properties. This is known to produce less efficient and lower quality Hemp Extract Oils.
The Best CBD Extraction Process
CO2 extraction of CBD is the most expensive and complex of the methods. However, it results in the most potent and safest CBD Extract. At Veré, we believe your health deserves the best and we deliberately use CO2 extraction method for our Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Extract to bring our consumers the best quality—from potency to safety.
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what happens after the extraction process
Difference Between a Full Spectrum CBD or Pure CBD oil
The cbd extraction methods initially result in a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract product. A Full Spectrum CBD product includes naturally occurring phytocannabinoids such as CBD, CBDa, CBDV, CBG, CBC and less than 0.3% trace of THC; and other beneficial hemp compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.
Many people prefer this Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Oil because the synergistic interaction of the hemp compounds produces the entourage effect. The cannabinoid THC plays an important role in this effect as it amplifies the potency and therapeutic benefits of the other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Yes, even 0.3% THC has a big effect. And best of all, this small amount in the hemp product is 100% legal in the U.S.
Still, there are people who prefer a CBD Hemp product that is 100% THC-free due to their lifestyle or career. This is where an additional purification process is employed to produce a Pure CBD Oil, where all the other cannabinoids (like THC) and hemp compounds are removed, leaving just the CBD intact.
rigorous testing
Before and after each harvest, our hemp farmers test the plant material to ensure the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, molds, and mildews. These tests performed by our hemp farmers are critical, and illustrate our committment to go the extra mile. It’s also to note that many novice hemp growers do not abide by the same hemp growing techniques or rigid standards as commercial hemp farmers. This poses a further threat to the safety of consumers as the hemp plant may contain chemicals, metals and pesticides.
After testing, our extraction facility turns the biomass into our final hemp products. Once converted into high-quality CBD Hemp Oil, each batch is tested in our labs; and before the CBD Oil arrives at your door, it undergoes a final round of testing at a 3rd-party lab for additional validation. The result: guaranteed purity, potency and quality. That’s the Veré way!
From farm to bottle, the entire process is executed, managed, analyzed and tested in the U.S. We encourage anyone interested in CBD and Hemp Extract Oil to research everything from where the hemp grows to the extraction processes and the testing to ensure no toxicity, GMOs, pesticide, fillers, additives, heavy metals, mold or mildew.
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hemp gummies vs cbd gummies
With the abundance of CBD and Hemp Gummies for sale, how can you choose the best for your health? The market is flooded with gummies that contain artificial flavoring, artificial sweeteners and artificial coloring so it’s important to review all the ingredients, as well as to understand the cannabinoid profile. The good news—Veré is NOT one of those brands. You deserve the best so we say no to the status quo and go above-and-beyond for your health. Learn more about the differences between hemp and CBD Gummies.
full spectrum cbd oil
Our Veré Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains the same phytocannabinoids present in the original hemp plant, allowing the cannabinoids to work together synergistically—entourage effect—to achieve a natural state of homeostasis in the body. Along with the hemp plant’s terpenes and flavonoids, there are greater health benefits to support mental and physical well-being, post-workout recovery, relaxation, healthy sleep cycles, and more. In this article, we will break down the different spectrums of CBD Oil and the main benefits, uses and effects associated with a a Full Spectrum CBD Oil, like ours.
CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil
We admit that the CBD industry is confusing and can be challenging for a consumer to navigate. Often times we get asked questions like, “Is CBD Oil and Hemp Oil the same?” or “What is the difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil?” Although both oils are derived from the same plant, they are very different products and we aim to clear up the confusion by breaking down the distinctions and the terminology.
