Ethanol Extraction of CBD is One of the Most Popular Extraction Methods
The benefits of CBD are well known and with little to no side effects, unlike pharmaceutical medications. Thanks to advancements in technology, manufacturers are now able to produce a wide range of products infused with CBD. Ethanol extraction of CBD is one of the most popular extraction methods used today. It is currently the safest and most efficient technique for extracting CBD oil from hemp fibers. Plus, it produces CBD oil of the highest potency and purity.
Is Ethanol Renewable?
Ethanol is commonly known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol. It is a volatile, colorless, flammable liquid. It’s used in the production of gasoline, paints, solvents, food additives, alcoholic beverages, and other products. Ethanol is also used to extract chemical compounds from hemp.
Ethanol is considered a renewable source of energy because it is obtained from plant material which is fermented and then refined. Corn is commonly used for ethanol production. Other sources include wheat, grain sorghum, barley, sugar cane, and potatoes.
The Extraction Process
CBD oil can be extracted from the hemp plant in several different ways using ethanol extraction. But generally, the process involves heating the hemp plant material to obtain decarboxylation. Then the plant material is soaked in ethanol. Next, the final solution is filtered to separate the liquids from the hemp plant matter. The liquid is then left in an open container to allow the ethanol to evaporate.
Decarboxylation is an important step that follows which helps activate the phytocannabinoids that are in an acidic state. Through decarboxylation, the inactive CBD compounds become active compounds, resulting in high-quality CBD products. v
The Benefits of Ethanol Extraction
Because ethanol is a plant-based solvent, it is thought that this method of extraction is the most efficient to maintain the naturally occurring chemical ratios in hemp. This is one of the reasons why manufacturers are able to quickly scale up their ethanol extraction technology.
One of the most important benefits of ethanol extraction is the formation of water-soluble esters. These esters are highly bioavailable, making them more easily absorbed by our bodies. Bioavailability is particularly important with CBD oil.
Along with water, ethanol also extracts oil-soluble compounds. Oil-soluble compounds are difficult to digest and must be broken down in our bodies by enzymes and acids, thus reducing the purity and potency of the CBD oil.
From a health perspective, CBD oil extracted using ethanol removes all the residual solvents that could end up in the final product. In addition, it is certified organic. This means, quality and safety.
Summary of Ethanol CBD Extraction
In the thriving CBD market, ethanol extraction is the method of choice in the production of premium CBD oil products. The key advantages to ethanol extraction are the fact that the process itself is safe, fast, easily scalable, and efficient. It requires less expensive equipment, less power than CO2, and a less expensive facility than hydrocarbons require.
Bee’s Knee’s CBD concentrates are made at its manufacturing facility located in Pueblo, Colorado, using an ethanol extraction process.
