CBD isolate. Its production and effects
What is CBD isolate?
Currently, CBD is one of the most widely available and widely used cannabinoids on the global market. CBD oils and drops, capsules, flowers, CBD vapes, but CBD patches, CBD cosmetics and more are also available.
However, CBD is also available in pure form. This is the so-called CBD isolate, which contains no other compounds. CBD isolate is most often produced/extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only very small amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. Compared to other forms, CBD isolate has no distinct taste or smell.
CBD isolate is usually offered in the form of pure crystals containing up to 99 % of this cannabinoid. The structure of the isolate resembles crystalline sugar. It can be used in the kitchen or for direct consumption.
Effects of CBD isolate
Research conducted in 2015 on animals suggests that CBD isolate may have less pronounced effects compared to full-spectrum CBD variants. This phenomenon is related to the absence of other plant compounds in CBD isolate.
CBD isolate interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This system influences a number of important functions in the body such as immunity, digestion, sleep or mood regulation. CBD isolate can be a useful supplement in these cases:
- stress
- anxiety
- nervousness
- insomnia
- to relieve chronic pain
- for mood regulation
- to support the immune system
- for recovery after physical exertion
- for skin problems such as eczema and acne
- to control inflammation
How CBD isolate is produced
To obtain CBD isolate, there is a complex extraction process that is somewhat similar to the production of classic full-spectrum CBD. This is produced by removing the fibres, large proteins and cellular structures and preserving all the medicinal compounds contained in the cannabis plant. The production of CBD isolates starts in the same way, but goes through additional stages to remove everything but the pure CBD.
Extraction
In order to make a successful CBD isolate, you need to work with hemp that is high in CBD. This is followed by extraction using solvents, carbon dioxide or oil, similar to the process used for classic full-spectrum CBD.
In the case of carbon dioxide extraction, the cannabis is placed in a closed source into which CO2 is injected under high pressure. The result of this process is a concentrated oil which is further processed.
Another extraction option involves the use of solvents such as butane or ethanol. In this case, the hemp is first soaked in the solvent to extract the CBD and other cannabinoids.
A third possible method is extraction from vegetable oils, such as olive oil.
Winterization
After extraction, the cannabis plant is left with a gooey mass that is full of vegetable fats, dyes and other cannabinoids. Terpenes and flavonoids are also usually found in this mass. The resulting extract needs to be stripped of these substances by a process of winterisation, in which the resulting substance is first dissolved in alcohol and then subjected to freezing.
Distillation
The production of CBD isolate does not end there. This is followed by distillation, during which any remaining plant material is removed. The liquid is filtered, separating the fats and other plant matter.
Decarboxylation and crystallisation
In order to achieve the optimum CBD content, decarboxylation must also take place. At this stage, the extract is heated and the cannabidiol acid (CBDA) is converted into active CBD.
Decarboxylation can be described as the reaction of hemp plant material with a heat source. It is a very simple chemical process that involves the removal of the carboxylic acid from the compound. Decarboxylation usually starts at 110℃ and without it, the activation of the cannabinoid would not occur.
This is followed by the crystallization of the CBD isolate, a process of heating, mixing, cooling and nucleation to produce CBD crystals.
Conclusion
Many users are looking for a CBD cannabinoid without the addition of other substances - CBD isolate, which in the form of pure crystals contains up to 99% of this cannabinoid. However, the production of CBD isolate is technologically and time consuming. It involves winterisation, distillation and decarboxylation.
The first scientific studies carried out show that CBD isolates have less pronounced effects compared to full-spectrum CBD variants, probably due to the absence of other plant compounds.
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