How to make CBD oil?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural product derived from the hemp plant, with numerous health benefits. The substance is sold in various forms in dedicated retail outlets. CBD oil is notably the most common and most practical format for regular use. You can find different varieties of CBD oils depending on their manufacturing method on the dedicated market. Quality products, however, cost quite a bit. Preparing CBD oil for your personal use ensures you of product quality and allows you to make savings. Find in this article how to make CBD oil ?

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is formulated with a vegetable oil base, ideally organic, enriched with CBD molecules and sometimes with other natural ingredients. Indeed, some varieties of cannabidiol oils contain the other components of hemp. We particularly distinguish:

• full spectrum CBD oil: containing the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids that make up the cannabis plant, including THC at a regulated level, below 0,2%;
• Broad Spectrum CBD oil: composed of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant, but without any trace of THC;
• CBD isolate: this type of CBD oil is composed solely of the vegetable oil base and the pure CBD molecule, without any other ingredients.

You can also choose, in terms of CBD percentage, between 5% and 40%.

How is commercially sold CBD oil prepared?

The different varieties of oil available in specialized stores are distinguished, above all, by the method of extracting the cannabidiol. Each technique offers advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the method of obtaining the CBD influences the quality of the finished product. You can notably obtain oils enriched with CBD obtained by:

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction

Supercritical CO2 extraction of cannabidiol involves, first of all, bringing the CO2 to an extremely low or extremely high temperature. The substance then becomes a pure and clean solvent that allows extracting a specific component of the cannabis plant, namely cannabidiol. The supercritical CO2 CBD extraction technique notably avoids excessive handling of the hemp plant. This helps preserve all the qualities of the CBD obtained. Furthermore, the final product shows no trace of contaminants or harmful elements.

Supercritical CO2 CBD extraction requires the use of specific equipment and mastery of particular techniques. This technique is costly. Thus, oils containing CBD obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction are sold at high prices in specialized stores. However, their quality is optimal.

Liquid solvent extraction

CBD oil producers can use the technique of extracting CBD from the cannabis plant using a liquid solvent. To do this, they can use alcohol or ethanol.

This method is the least costly. This explains the very affordable prices of oils made with solvent-extracted CBD. However, the product used to isolate the cannabidiol can significantly alter the therapeutic properties of CBD. Furthermore, it is impossible to eliminate all traces of alcohol or ethanol in the obtained cannabidiol. Yet these substances are harmful.

Extraction using vegetable oil

The process of extracting the CBD molecule using vegetable oil is an artisanal, inexpensive technique. Producers generally use food-grade vegetable oil such as olive, sesame, coconut, or hemp oil.

Oil enriched with CBD extracted using vegetable oil is of average quality. The product is nevertheless sold at a very affordable price. Also note that this type of oil is perishable. The product can, indeed, lose its effectiveness over time.

How to prepare homemade CBD oil?

Do you want to ensure the quality of your CBD oil without having to pay top dollar? Prepare your product yourself at home, with everyday ingredients and tools. You notably have the choice between the following two recipes:

The preparation based on vegetable oil

Preparing CBD oil using vegetable oil is undoubtedly the simplest process. It allows obtaining a product without chemical compounds.

To make this preparation, you need the following ingredients and utensils:

• 80 ml of vegetable oil: preferably use organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, or, if you can find it, organic hemp oil;
• 75 g of organic CBD hemp flowers;
• 1 oven;
• a very fine strainer or a coffee filter;
• an airtight jar;
• a saucepan;
• a jar to store the final product.

Start with decarboxylation. This involves grinding the CBD flowers and then placing them in the oven, preheated to 110° C, well spread out on a baking sheet. Put the CBD flowers in the oven by placing the sheet on the center rack. Keep them heating at the same temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Then remove the CBD extracts and let them cool. The cannabidiol flowers should have a brown appearance and a crumbly and dry feel.

Next comes the cooking or extraction phase of the CBD (and other components of the cannabis plant). To do this, you must mix the decarboxylated flowers with the vegetable oil in a heat-resistant jar. Place the jar containing the mixture in a saucepan. Add water halfway up the jar in the saucepan. Heat the product thus in a water bath. The mixture must not be brought to a boil, otherwise all the qualities of the CBD and other active compounds in the hemp could disappear. You can add more water if needed during cooking. A good cook takes 2 to 3 hours. After that, remove the product from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. The final step of the process is to filter the mixture to remove all the plant extracts from the CBD and recover the oil.

Extraction with CBD crystals or CBD isolate

You can also prepare your homemade CBD oil using CBD crystals or isolate. These substances are recognizable by their appearance as a well-dispersed or compact powder. You can obtain cannabidiol crystals or isolate from dedicated retailers.

For the preparation, you need the necessary amount of vegetable oil, ideally organic. Choose coconut oil, olive oil, or hemp oil. Add the required dose of CBD crystals or isolate to this base. Mix well until the product is perfectly homogeneous. And your CBD oil is ready for consumption!

You will find in the table below the dosage of vegetable oil and CBD crystals or isolate needed to obtain an oil with a specific CBD concentration:

Be sure to apply exact quantities so as not to distort the product's dosage during consumption.

Homemade CBD oil should be stored in an airtight jar. The product is used sublingually, as a dressing for your everyday dishes, or as a topical application on the areas to be treated. When you notice that the product's odor becomes very strong, less tolerable, and its color darkens, it is time to throw it away and make a new preparation. As you gradually formulate your CBD oil for regular consumption, you will learn to define the exact quantity to prepare. This avoids waste.