The CO2 extraction process and what it means to CBD

The CO2 extraction process and what it means to CBD

CO2 Extraction

Both sub and super critical CO₂ extractions are two of the cleanest forms of botanical extraction there are, CO₂ is non-toxic and generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

How we make our CBD and terpene rich golden hemp extracts

Our starting material is dried slowly using a proprietary low temp decarboxylation (convert from CBDA to CBD) process instead of using high temperatures to speed up the process, this method preserves the maximum amount of terpenes possible contained inside the material. Terpenes are extremely volatile molecules constantly evaporating (this is why we can smell an open bottle of essential oil in a room) and, when other (hot) methods of decarboxylating are used, the terpenes will all be long gone way before the decarb has finished.

The second part of the process is to run the now aged CBD and terpene rich hemp material through a process of sub critical (cold) CO2 extraction, (not to be confused with super critical (hot) CO₂ extraction). This method utilizes the correct combinations of temperature and pressure in order to preserve as many of the active terpenes as possible as well as minimizing chlorophyll pick up. The end result is a beautiful golden CBD and terpene rich hemp honey oil which is just exquisite.

Both sub and super critical CO₂ extractions are two of the cleanest forms of botanical extraction there are, CO₂ is non-toxic and generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Our bodies produce CO₂ when we breathe and it is commonly used in carbonated beverages. With CO₂ as a solvent for oil extraction, no toxins, heavy metals or hydrocarbon materials come in contact with the extracted oils. CO₂ naturally wants to be a gas, only becoming a liquid when under immense pressure, so when pressure is released after the extraction, it evaporates completely leaving behind an unrivalled level of cleanliness and purity. Just the way nature intended!

The benefits of CO2 extraction are:

  • It’s non-toxic
  • Has GRAS status
  • Used in food products without any restrictions
  • Leaves no dangerous residues
  • Free of impurities
  • It’s inert
  • It’s antibacterial
  • Available in large quantities

Sub critical CO₂ extraction allows us to:

  • Re-use and recover CO₂
  • Extract substances in their natural form
  • Use lower temperatures to extract sensitive compounds
  • Higher quality extracts
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.