How to Extract CBD From Hemp and Cannabis Plants

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the three main chemicals found in the cannabis plant, has grown in popularity in recent years as scientific studies continue to find benefits for its application.

Over the past few years CBD has become so popular that it is now being produced into a wide range of commercial and pharmaceutical products, from edibles, oils, creams and even infused drinks such as coffee.

This naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant can be used for the treatment of various mental and physical illnesses, and possess beneficial properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics.

Cannabinoids are THC-free, meaning they do not provide you with the ‘high’ of cannabis and that means CBD products are legal in many countries around the world.

CBD, however, is not easy to extract from the hemp plant. The medicinal properties of the plant can easily be damaged in the extraction process, particularly if the wrong equipment is used.

Learning how to extract CBD from a hemp or cannabis plant, and using the most effective machinery to do this, is essential for a high-quality end product.

How is CBD extracted?

The purpose of CBD extraction is to create cannabinoids in a pure and highly concentrated form that are suitable for human consumption. CBD can be extracted from both hemp and cannabis plants, although it is most often extracted from the stalks and stems of industrial hemp plants.

The two most popular methods for extraction are ethanol and C02. You can read more about these methods in our blog, The Different Methods of Cannabis Extraction Explained.

C02 extraction involves filtering plants through a series of chambers that control temperature and pressure. This methods isolates cannabinoids at a 90 per cent efficiency by applying different temperatures and units to the hemp or cannabis plants.

The C02 extraction method requires extremely expensive equipment that use pressurized C02 (carbon dioxide) to pull the CBD from the plant.

Ethanol extraction, however, can produce cannabis oil with up to 99 percent purity, meaning a higher quality end product. Ethanol extraction involves introducing the solvent ethanol to the hemp or cannabis plant in order to extract the cannabinoids.

So, what’s the best equipment to extract CBD oil?

Maratek  is a leader in the separation of cannabis and hemp oils from ethanol and our machinery creates a finished product with over 99 percent purity.

With installations across the US and Canada our highly automated and advanced Oil & Ethanol Recovery System – Continuous (OERS-C) and our Oil and Ethanol Recovery System - Batch (OERS-B) are highly regarded within the industry.

Our machinery, which is designed specifically for the cannabis market, requires less manpower than industry competitors and both pieces of equipment are significantly more cost-effective than using C02 extraction machines.

Benefits of using Maratek's equipment include:

• High Purity: Our systems can produce hemp or cannabis oil with up to 99% purity.
• Decarboxylation Capabilities: The ability to decarboxylate oils is integrated into our systems.
• Versatility: We offer both batch and continuous systems to suit companies of various sizes.
• Industrial Quality: Our equipment is built with stainless steel (grade 304 or higher), including fittings and condenser.
• Compliance with Standards: Our systems are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant and Class 1, Division 1 certified by MetLab for explosion proofing and safety.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Our machinery is much less expensive than CO₂ systems, Rotovaps, or butane for oil production.
• Safety and Ease of Use: Our equipment is extremely safe and requires minimal labor, capable of running for extended periods without constant supervision.  

Interested in elevating your CBD extraction process? Contact Maratek today for a quote. Discover how our state-of-the-art equipment can revolutionize your CBD production, ensuring efficiency, safety, and the highest quality output!