Pure Hemp Extract Oil:
How It’s Grown, Extracted, and Formulated
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With all the popularity of CBD and its many uses, people are becoming more interested in the whole process hemp goes through to become a health and wellness product.
As laws change in favor of cannabis and natural remedies become more readily available, the world is again turning to botanicals to help solve its growing problems.
What is Pure Hemp Extract?
Before we dig into the seeds and stalks of hemp, you must first know what pure hemp extract is, and what makes the richest and purest oils.
It all starts with the dried flowers, or “buds” of the hemp plant. This is where the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes are produced. Pure hemp extract is an “essential oil” that’s produced during an extraction process. The extraction process separates the different chemical compounds from the hemp plant matter. What remains is a concentrated form of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial botanical compounds. Premium hemp extracts are rich in cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC. Once the rich hemp extract passes lab testing, it will then be used for several different purposes. One of the most popular being wellness supplements like hemp oil drops, hemp-infused balm, and pure hemp creams.
High-quality hemp extract is typically a high-CBD (Cannabidiol), low-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) potency, with no intoxicating or psychoactive side effects. Since both CBD and THC are found in the hemp plant, be sure to read the product label and verify the “Certificate of Analysis” (COA) for potency results.
Here is a quick reference to help you better understand the difference between the two:
- CBD = Non-psychoactive, can reduce anxiety and be a powerful anti-inflammatory
- THC = Psychoactive, causes the “high” feeling, increases appetite, aids in sleep
A Brief History of Hemp
Hemp is an ancient plant and is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. Humans have continuously used it for around 10,000 years. Archaeologists have found traces of hemp as far back as 8,000 BCE in China and Taiwan. Since then, the fibers have been used for clothing, rope, and paper. The seeds are also a nutritious food item and the oils are found in premium supplements and skincare products all around the globe.
The Ancient Origins of Hemp:
- •8,000 BCE–900: Traces of hemp found by archaeologists worldwide used as medicines, food, rope, clothing, paper, and more
- •1535: King Henry VIII fined farmers who weren’t growing hemp
- •1549: Cannabis brought to South America
- •1616: Hemp comes to America through Jamestown, Virginia, and used to make ropes, sails, and clothing
- •The 1700s–1840: American farmers required by law to grow hemp; Abraham Lincoln and many homes use hemp seed oil in lamps
The 20th Century–Now:
- •1916–1957: The USDA states that hemp produces more paper than trees; the “Hemp for Victory” program begins
- •1970: The Controlled Substances Act classifies hemp as an illegal drug and imposes regulations on industrial hemp
- •2018–Now: Restrictions have begun to lift and hemp farming has started to come back to the United States; an amendment to the Agricultural Improvement Act, known as the “Farm Bill,” removes the hemp plant and all of its parts/byproducts from the Controlled Substances Act
How Hemp is Grown, Harvested, Extracted, and Formulated
While hemp farming has many similarities to traditional ways, it also has several differences from other crops. Due to its use for health and wellness, it’s essential to understand the process before arriving into consumers hands. This reference guide will help you better understand and appreciate what the hemp plants undergo to create the high-quality pure hemp extract oil used in the best products on the market.
How Hemp is Grown
Growing hemp is a fairly easy process considering its “weed-like” tendencies. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, and typically likes a more acidic soil between 5.5 – 6.5 pH. Hemp also acts as a bioremediator and cleans harmful toxins out of the soil. And Naturally, it’s a pest-resistant plant that requires less water to harvest than other conventional crops.
Before planting any hemp seeds be sure the genetics contain less than >0.3% THC. per the 2018 Farm Bill.
This overview can help you understand the growing process:
- •The growing conditions need to be just right. Before starting, consider getting your soil tested to ensure it’s the right quality for optimal crop growth
- •Be sure to plant your seeds at least two weeks after the last frost in the spring
- Sow the seeds at least five feet apart from one another and 2-3” inches deep in the soil. Gently roll the dirt back on top and water well.
- •Seeds need to be irrigated well, especially in the first two to four weeks while they are starting to grow
- •Hemp typically grows from seed to mature plant in 3–4 months and is harvested in the fall months
- •Be sure the plants have direct sunlight for at least 12 hours
- •Optimal temperature for cannabis plants is 78ºF.
How to Harvest Hemp
Hemp is an annual plant and harvest season arrives 3–4 months after planting. Though it can be sensitive to seasonal changes, the peak season to harvest is October in the USA. Hemp needs 12 hours of direct sunlight to reach optimal flower, or “bud,” production. The plant can be tall or short and resembles its cousin, the marijuana plant, from sight to its robust smell. It’s also harvested in a similar way to marijuana. Hemp flowers are rich in cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBC, or CBN, and marijuana is rich in THC. The flowers or “buds” are separated and trimmed from the stalks, branches and leaves, and then dried for 6-10 days in a dark room. The room needs to be kept between 65º-75º degrees Fahrenheit for optimal drying. Humidity levels need to be around 45-55% as well. Once dried, the premium hemp flower is tumbled in a big dryer-like machine that removes and collects any loose leaves. Once the flowers are perfectly manicured they are moved into a glass container for 30-90 days to cure. A good curing process is important because it helps mature the aroma and flavor of the plant.
Hemp farming timeline:
- •Plant hemp seeds in the spring
- •Grow to maturity in 3-4 months
- •Cut the plant at the base where the stalk meets the ground
- •Separate the flowers from the stalks and leaves
- •Trim the flowers and remove any fan leaves
- •Hang upside down and dry for 6-10 days in a dark room with temperature between 65º-75º degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at 45-55%.
- •Once dried, tumble trim to remove and collect any additional loose leaves
- •Cure the flowers in a glass container in a dark room for 30-90 days. Open the container bi-weekly for 15 minutes to let air circulate
The Best Way to Extract Hemp Oil
One of the most efficient ways to produce pure hemp extract is through supercritical CO2 extraction. While it may sound extreme, this process is actually the most efficient and Eco-friendly method available. CO2 is also the safest, quickest, and purest way to extract the oil from hemp flowers. Today, most USDA organic products use supercritical CO2 extraction to guarantee consumers have the best hemp extract on the market.
Here’s a basic breakdown on the CO2 extraction process:
- •Dried hemp flowers are placed into a grinder and broken down to small pieces.
- •The broken down hemp flower is loaded into a extraction vessel.
- •CO2 gas infuses the plant matter (CO2 is the soluble medium that separates the plant compounds).>
- •Technicians adjust the temperature, pressure, and time to extract certain cannabinoids.
- •Pure hemp extract oil is then deposited into a collection vessel and moved to the formulating phase.
How to Formulate Hemp Oil
“Hemp oil” refers to mixing pure hemp extract with any carrier oil. Some of the most popular carrier oils used today are MCT oil (fractionated coconut oil), grape seed oil, olive oil, and even hemp seed oil. And from a technical standpoint, hemp extract can mix with any fat-soluble nutrient
Fast formulation –
- •Separately heat the pure hemp extract oil and carrier oil to 145º degrees Fahrenheit.
- •Remove from heat and combine the two.
- •Mix very well and be sure to not leave any hemp extract mass.
- •Cool down to room temperature then use where applicable.
Previous to today’s market, products formulated with hemp extract oil were somewhat limited, but these days, pure hemp extract can be combined with practically anything. When used in their native oil-based state, the formulas tend to be stable and safe to use. The best pure hemp extract products keep the oil in its most natural state for infused tinctures, balms, or creams.
The Benefits of Growing Hemp
Depending on the strain and quality of the hemp grown, there are several benefits to growing this crop. In addition to being a low-cost, high-yield farming option, here are a few other great reasons to grow hemp.
Hemp is:
- More durable and cost-efficient fabric than cotton
- Cheaper construction material alternative
- A fantastic source of protein and offers other health benefits
- Grown in diverse regions with little resources
- Incredible for water conservation
- Excellent business returns for farmers
- High demand and yields even more profits in the coming years
- A sustainable, low-cost fuel option (biodiesel)
- Paper alternative that is more cost and environmentally efficient
- Benefits to both nutritionally and economically
Hemp’s Global Market Statistics
The demand for hemp oil has grown immensely in the past few years, and it doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon. From 2019 to 2020, the global market rose almost 14% and is projected to grow by nearly $10 Billion by 2027!
Every part of the hemp plant is useful, and there are virtually endless opportunities to use hemp in everyday life. Because of this, it’s also a great investment opportunity. The rising popularity and demand for natural health and wellness opportunities have made hemp a smart sustainable choice.
For hemp oil specifically, the results are parallel. Current data, when compared historically, shows that hemp oil is on the rise across all industries. The leading cause of this rise is the awareness by people looking for natural, plant-based relief from a range of ailments. While there may be a growing amount of competition, the highest quality products will always shine through!
Where to Start
Pure hemp extract goes through a long process, from seed through growth, harvesting, extraction, and formulation. The end result is a powerful, potent product that has helped many people find relief and a better quality of life!
When it comes to a natural, premium resource, hemp checks all the boxes. As mentioned before, inn addition to health and wellness support, hemp is also useful as building materials, fabric, fuel, paper, and a nutritional boost. If you’ve never given hemp a try, maybe now is the time!
If you’d like to learn more about the power of hemp, check out the other insightful and informative articles on our blog! If you have any questions about hemp oil, other products, or anything else we can help with, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
