Science Lab Or CBD Distillery
In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in interest and research surrounding the potential health benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol). Let's find out how this fascinating compound is extracted from hemp plants and transformed into a myriad of CBD products. Hemp extraction is an intricate process done in a combination of a scientific lab and a CBD distillery. From sourcing crude plant oil extracted in vats of cold organic ethanol to the fractional distillation used to refine our distillate, the process blurs the line between art and science. Blackhouse Botanicals has the advantage of being a vertically integrated manufacturer. Our products are better because we control every step, from extraction to delivering our incredible creations to your door. Let's shed some light on the art and science behind creating high-quality CBD products.
Understanding Hemp
Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, has been cultivated for thousands of years for various purposes, including textiles, food, and, more recently, the production of CBD products. Hemp flower is a rich source of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), with CBD being the non-psychoactive compound that has gained so much attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. There is a common misnomer that CBD or THC from hemp is somehow inferior. Both plants are cannabis sativa, and the compounds are the same. The extract contains the same molecules as those extracted from marijuana. There is no difference in the resulting CBD, THC, or myriad of other molecules the extract contains, whether they are extracted from hemp or marijuana.
Sourcing High-Quality Hemp
The first step in creating CBD products is to source high-quality hemp plants. These plants should be cultivated free from pesticides and other contaminants that can negatively impact the quality of the final product. Our expert growers select hemp strains with high CBD content and a host of minor cannabinoids, ensuring the best raw material for extraction. Our hemp is grown locally, tested before extraction, and stored in our climate-controlled facility.
Harvesting
Hemp plants are typically harvested when their CBD content is at its peak, usually during the flowering stage. The harvest timing is crucial because it directly affects the final CBD and THC concentration in the extracted oil. Our hemp is harvested by hand and cured in a controlled environment to ensure it is ready for extraction.
Extraction Methods
Several methods can be employed for hemp extraction, but the most common approaches include:
a. Solvent Extraction:
This method involves using solvents like ethanol or CO2 to separate the cannabinoids and other compounds from the plant material. It's a highly efficient method, and the one Blackhouse Botanicals employs. The tanks and equipment used are similar to the ones used in a brewery. Our lab is a combination of a biochemistry lab and a CBD distillery.
b. Supercritical CO2 Extraction:
Considered one of the cleanest and most efficient methods, supercritical CO2 extraction utilizes carbon dioxide in a supercritical state to extract CBD while leaving behind unwanted impurities. This is a less efficient process with no real benefits, despite some claims.
c. Steam Distillation:
This traditional method employs steam to separate the volatile compounds from the hemp plant. It's less commonly used today due to its lower efficiency.
Winterization
After extraction, the resulting crude CBD oil is often winterized. This process removes impurities, including waxes and lipids, that can affect the quality and purity of the final product. Winterization typically involves cooling the oil and then filtering out the solidified impurities.
Distillation
For higher-potency products, distillation is often employed. Short-path distillation or fractional distillation can separate and isolate specific cannabinoids, like CBD, from the crude oil. The crude extract is heated in a bulb or chamber under a deep vacuum and separated into fractions based on the temperature at which they boil. This process yields highly purified CBD.
Testing and Quality Control
Throughout the entire extraction and purification process, rigorous testing ensures the product meets safety and quality standards. This includes testing for cannabinoid content, terpenes, residual solvents, heavy metals, and other potential contaminants. Not only do we use an extremely sophisticated HPLC machine for in-house testing at every step, but we also provide third-party test results for every batch of products we produce.
Conclusion
The transformation of hemp into high-quality CBD products is a meticulous and sophisticated process that combines the art of cultivation and extraction with the precision of scientific expertise. Blackhouse Botanicals' premium CBD products are made with extreme care to produce the life-changing effects you have been looking for.