The world of cannabidiol (CBD) is constantly evolving, with new products and methods appearing regularly. Among these innovations is the production ofexceptional resinscharacterizedby their high CBD content and total absence of THC. In this article, we will explore different extraction techniques used to obtain THC-free CBD resin and their specific characteristics.
Supercritical CO2 extraction method
This extraction method uses supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent to separate CBD molecules from other compounds present in the cannabis plant. Supercritical CO2 is capable of dissolving lipophilic substances, such as cannabinoids (including CBD), terpenes, and other elements present in the plant. This results in a final product that is extremely concentrated in CBD with very little or no THC.
- Advantages:The useof supercritical CO2 allows for precise extraction of targeted molecules and produces a pure and safe extract. In addition, this technique is considered environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Disadvantages:Theequipment required for this method is relatively expensive and requires specific training and technical skills to use.
Subcritical CO2 extraction
Similar to supercritical CO2 extraction, this method uses CO2 at lower temperatures and pressures. It allows for a gentler, slower extraction of the molecules that make up the cannabis plant. However, it often requires post-extraction processing to remove any remaining traces of THC.
Hydrodistillation extraction method
Hydrodistillation is another way to obtain CBD resin without THC. This process involves passing steam through the plant material to extract the essential oils rich in cannabinoids. The steam then condenses in a container where the oil droplets are collected.
- Advantages:Hydrodistillationis relatively simple to implement. This technique is also very gentle on the compounds present in plant material and does not require the addition of chemicals or solvents.
- Disadvantages:The effectivenessof hydrodistillation depends on various factors such as temperature, pressure, and distillation time. It is therefore necessary to precisely control these parameters and carry out quality tests to ensure that the final product has the correct cannabinoid profile (i.e., no THC).
Molecular distillation
Molecular distillation is a purification technique that selectively removes volatile compounds such as THC. To produce THC-free CBD resin, this method can be used in addition to hydrodistillation extraction.
Liquid solvent extraction method
The use of liquid solvents, such as ethanol, butane, or hexane, is another approach to extracting cannabinoids and other active ingredients from cannabis. Depending on the solvent chosen, different extraction methods can be used (cold extraction, percolation, etc.). Once the liquid phase has been obtained, it must undergo an evaporation process to remove the solvents and obtain a CBD-concentrated product.
- Advantages:Thechemicals used are readily available and offer a variety of extraction capabilities depending on their nature. The use of liquid solvents also allows for great flexibility in terms of the temperature range during the process.
- Disadvantages:Thechoice of solvent and operating conditions has a direct impact on the quality of the final product. In addition, some solvents are flammable or toxic and require careful and proper handling.
Special finish to eliminate THC
In order to obtain a product with no traces of THC, an additional purification step can be performed. This step may consist of filtration using a chromatographic column or a technique called "winterization," which involves removing lipids and waxes from the extract.
In conclusion, the manufacture of exceptional resins requires a meticulous, rigorous, and tailored process to produce a CBD-rich extract while maintaining zero or near-zero THC levels. Each extraction method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to choose the one that best suits your specific needs and requirements.
