Cold-Pressed CBD Oil vs. CO2 Extraction
There is usually an endless debate as to which method is the best for separating cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Every extraction method has it’s own pros and cons, it solely depends on your personal needs. Every method has strengths and weaknesses, depending on what an individual seeks. For example, the Cold-press method requires low temperatures and high pressure to create product. While on the other hand, CO2 extraction utilizes carbon dioxide as a solvent, in order to extract the CBD. Let’s take a better look at these methods of extraction.
What is Cold-Pressed CBD Oil
As the name suggests, cold pressed CBD oil is pressed out of the cannabis at lower temperatures. Some argue that it’s the most natural appraoch since there are no chemicals involved in the extraction. One of the main advantages of this extraction method is that the cannabinoids remain intact without any degradation.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants. During the extraction of these compounds, the temperature is one of the most important factors in the whole process. The main reason why is that high temperatures tend to destroy the cannabinoids making the final product less potent and in some cases even useless. This is why the cold-press method of extraction is one of the best methods out there.
Advantages of Cold-Pressed CBD Extraction
High Product Quality
Pretty much every manufacturer tries to create a product of the highest quality. Anything that compromises quality is considered a threat both to the product and the brand. Achieving the desired quality can sometimes be hard, therefore if you want to get the best product on the market it’s important to follow some rules and guidelines. For example, CBD products that don’t have any type of solvent in them combined with the results of third-party lab tests are considered a good way to go.
By using methods like cold-pressing, you will not have to worry about having solvents or chemicals in the product you just purchased. Because cold pressing doesn’t involve any heat, the oil that’s extracted has all the natural nutrients in it. Including vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Affordable
Affordability is yet another essential factor why this method of extraction is among the best. Since there are no chemicals involved in the process, there are no additional charges for manufacturers. Besides, once there are chemicals present in the product, manufacturers have to invest extra capital to remove these chemicals in order to have the purest end product. Another great thing about cold-pressed CBD oil is that it uses a combination of hemp seeds with flowers. This means that the product can be cheaper while the end product can be richer in vitamins minerals and fatty acids.
What is CO2 Extraction?
C02 extraction, also known as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is a method of extracting CBD oil that involves using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent. Compared to cold pressing this method is more complex and expensive, however, the end products tend to be more potent and consistent. Similarly to cold-pressing this method uses low temperatures, but they are combined with high pressure that turns CO2 into a liquid. This liquid is then used to extract CBD and other compounds from the plant material.
Advantages of CO2 Extraction
CO2 Extraction Creates Purer Products
Extracting cannabinoids from hemp plants can be challenging, especially when solvents and other chemicals are used. There are always chances that the end product will contain the solvent or other impurities. When left, these chemicals can be hazardous to human health. However, all licensed manufacturers understand this factor and they take precautions that there is no solvent left behind.
Moreover, the CO2 extraction method allows the precise control of temperature and pressure during the extraction process. This will ensure that the end product is of high quality and purity with higher levels of cannabinoids and a low level of unwanted impurities.
CO2 Maximizes Ingredient Benefits
One of the main benefits of CO2 extraction is that it maximizes the benefits of the ingredients. Because CO2 extraction is a gentle process, it preserves delicate compounds, such as terpenes, that can be lost in harsher methods. These terpenes, along with other valuable compounds like cannabinoids and flavonoids, are what give CBD oil its unique and beneficial properties.
In fact, CO2 extraction is so effective at preserving these compounds that it is often used in the food and beverage industry to extract natural flavors and aromas from plants. By using CO2 extraction, food, and beverage manufacturers can create products with a more natural, authentic taste and aroma.
When it comes to CBD oil, CO2 extraction results in a more potent and effective product. Because the extraction process is so efficient, it is possible to extract a higher concentration of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. This means that consumers can experience the full benefits of CBD oil with a smaller dose.
Cold-Pressed CBD Oil vs. CO2 Extraction
In comparison, CO2 extraction employs a solvent, such as alcohol, butane, or CO2 gas, at low temperatures and pressure to extract valuable compounds from the plant matter. This process can be harsh and may result in the loss of delicate compounds, though not always. The output is typically a highly concentrated mixture of mostly decarboxylated compounds, which we will discuss in another post.
On the other hand, cold-pressing the flowers ensures that the cannabinoids are present at natural levels, and the resulting oil contains all the compounds that occur in nature, including raw acid cannabinoids like CBDa and CBGa, terpenes, and flavonoids. The combined effect of all these compounds, known as the entourage effect, is vital for maximum benefits. This process is said to produce a more natural, healthier, and more beneficial oil.
However, cold-pressing oils have one significant drawback; the resulting product always has a lower concentration of cannabinoids. While many CBD oils on the market contain up to 10-20% mgs, cold-pressed oil typically has a concentration of around 3-4%. The upside is that the oils are more synergistic, allowing you to get more benefits with less oil.
Final Thoughts
While each method of extraction has its own benefits, we like to stick with our cold-pressed CBD oil. It’s organic, solvent-free, and more tuned with nature. Although some people like extraction methods that can produce more consistent CBD products, cold-pressed CBD oil is more nutritious and healthier in the end. However, it’s always good to do your own research and pick the product that suits your needs the best.