CBD Processing with Co2 | Exotic Elephant

Top 5 Benefits of Co2 Processing:

1. Carbon dioxide extraction delivers a pure hemp extract

2. Co2 is a highly “tunable” solvent, enabling extraction experts to target specific, desirable botanical compounds 

3. The high-quality CBD extract that comes from co2 processing commands a premium 

4. Carbon dioxide is recoverable and nontoxic, making it environmentally friendlier than other solvents, and a safer, nontoxic choice

5. The efficiency of co2 extraction can eliminate some post-processing steps 

First, the hemp biomass is harvested, cleaned, and tested to verify its botanical identity as the cannabis plant. It’s also tested to ensure THC levels are below the federally required threshold of 0.3% and excludes biomass containing high levels of chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides.

Supercritical CO2 pulls more compounds faster from the hemp biomass. But subcritical CO2 extraction is often used because it protects delicate essential oils and other sensitive, high-value plant compounds. As consumer preference increases for full-spectrum CBD products and cannabis concentrates, subcritical extractions are on the rise.

Next, the plant material is processed to specified particle size and moisture content and placed in an extraction vessel. Carbon dioxide is subjected to high pressure and specific temperatures. The pressure and temperature variations put the CO2 into a supercritical or subcritical state. It then flows through the biomass in the extraction chamber.

Certain food-grade, GMP-compliant solvents’ affinities with important compounds in hemp can also be used as a modifier to help the CO2 extraction process deliver a full spectrum hemp extract. After solvent recovery and evaporation of carbon dioxide, the result is a rich hemp crude.