A Breakdown of Hemp Extraction with CBD Pioneer Elixinol
Akin to the stresses of picking out a new car or the name of your first born, navigating the world of CBD can induce a dizzying frenzy of internal contemplation and confusion. Are you buying the right thing? How do you know what is best? The most potent, the most beneficial? What is with the lingo? What in the world is a cannabinoid? How do I know what I’m buying is legitimate?Breathe, and read on. For the 411 on Cannabinoids, we’ve already assembled a comprehensive guide that explains their significance here. Take for example, that about 115 cannabinoid compounds exist, with some honing in on pain, stress, anxiety, reproduction health, and more. But with so much information out there, where do you begin? Out of the thousands of CBD brands on the market, it’s easy to get sidetracked by esoteric jargon and trendy labels. If you’re going to give it a try to address what distinctive aches, pains, or emotional woes burden you, then go with something that is undisputedly authentic and scientifically sound.
As one of the pioneers and leaders of the CBD industry, Elixinol carefully curates its sources from farmers that prioritize transparency, integrity, and sustainability -- think gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and made with organic hemp, minus harsh solvents and toxic chemicals.
More terminology, we know, but peruse the following for a quick rundown on the basics to better understand what you will soon be ingesting as a daily part of your regimen.
There are 3 main types of hemp extraction:
Carbon Dioxide or CO2 Extraction --
This is unequivocally the cleanest, highest quality extraction method, giving you the top-notch hemp extract, with a process that's also safer and better for the environment. Elixinol does so while simultaneously complying with strict standards, giving you a certified organic product with maximum efficiency.
Steam Distillation --
In this method, steam causes the CBD oil to separate from the hemp plant. Unfortunately, it is a rather inefficient approach because it requires a large amount of hemp plant, which makes it difficult to get higher concentrations of CBD. And lest we forget, there’s a big risk of overheating, which then damages the CBD, therefore tampering with all the beneficial properties.
Solvent Extraction --
One of the more dangerous & toxic approaches, solvent extraction uses chemicals like ethanol, butane, propane, isopropyl, or alcohol to extract CBD. The highly flammable contents of the liquids make it one to avoid, with the added downside the fact that through dissolving plant substances that contain nutrients, you get a mix of cannabinoids and chlorophyll, which results in a bitter taste. Plus, if the solvent byproducts are not removed completely, they can be toxic.But before you start calling yourself an aficionado of CBD knowledge, you’ll need to dive a bit deeper.
In addition to contrasting extraction methods, there’s also different cannabinoid spectrum options, each containing variant compounds and ingredients as a result of their production.
Here’s the breakdown:
Full-Spectrum CBD --
The crème de la crème, full-spectrum is an amalgamation of all the compounds found naturally occurring in the plant. That means that in addition to a medley of beneficial cannabinoids, you also get terpenes, essential oils, and 0.3% THC in the mix to amplify potency, also known as the “entourage effect.” It’s also proven to give higher levels of relief. We love these Omega Turmeric CBD Capsules that use full-spectrum to deliver maximum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
Broad-Spectrum CBD --
Similar to its full-spectrum sister, broad-spectrum contains cannabidiol and other compounds of the plant, sans the THC. It’s a great option for those who want the full-spectrum benefits but can’t have traces of THC in their system. A great example is this Daily Balance Tincture that will help you find balance, smooth out the bumps of daily life, and feel better overall.
CBD Isolate --
Last but not least, CBD isolate is the most clarified of the extraction process, meaning that, although it’s considered the purest form of CBD, all the good stuff (aka: the aforementioned plant compounds and cannabinoids that your body loves) are removed entirely. If you really want a full body immersion, this might not be your best bet. You are unique, and so is your body -- feed it well, give it what it craves, and live your best CBD-infused life. Charlotte Farrell is a writer and editor who loves nothing more than a piping hot matcha latte and rambling on about topics to the tune of wellness, self-care, food, climate change, sustainability, clean beauty, fitness, mental health, and travel. She is based in NYC where she enjoys reading, writing, exploring, and hunting for gluten-free pastries.
