All you need to know about cold-pressed extraction for CBD oil

The extraction of CBD oil is a crucial process that determines the purity, quality, and effectiveness of the final product. Several methods are used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's an overview of the most common techniques, including the cold-pressing method, favored by Marie Jeanne CBD for its organic and natural French quality cold-pressed CBD oils.

Different CBD Oil Extraction Methods

1. Solvent Extraction

This method uses chemical solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, hexane, or sometimes propane and butane. Effective in extracting cannabinoids and terpenes, this extraction technique remains inexpensive and simple to execute, but it carries significant risks: Solvents can be difficult to completely remove from the final product, leaving potentially toxic residues. Moreover, handling these chemical substances can pose dangers, including explosion risks.

2. Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Considered the most advanced and safest method, supercritical CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide at high pressure and temperature to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes. This technique produces very high purity CBD oil like the broad spectrum, rich in CBD, CBG, CBC, and other beneficial compounds, but it is costly due to the specialized equipment required.

3. Cold Pressing

The cold-pressing method, highlighted by Marie Jeanne CBD, is an ancestral and entirely natural technique. It involves freezing hemp flowers and then crushing them under pressure without the use of chemical solvents or gases. This method preserves the integrity of cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, and essential fatty acids present in hemp. The oils obtained are not only pure and of superior quality (although yields are lower compared to other methods) but also rich in beneficial natural components. Moreover, this method ensures a final product compliant with legal standards, with a THC level below 0.2%, for example.

Why is Cold Extraction Highly Valued?

1. Preserving the Best of the Plant

One of the main advantages of cold extraction is its ability to preserve the natural compounds of the hemp plant. Unlike methods using heat or chemical solvents, cold pressing does not denature cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other valuable compounds such as vitamins and minerals. This preservation ensures that the CBD oil retains a complete profile of its components, thus offering all the potential benefits of the plant.

2. A Purer Oil

The absence of chemical solvents or high temperatures in the cold extraction process means that the produced CBD oil is of exceptional purity. The oils obtained do not contain potentially harmful chemical residues, making them safer for consumption. Moreover, this method guarantees a superior quality CBD oil, with a more natural and authentic taste and aroma.

3. Good for You, Good for the Planet!

Cold pressing is an eco-friendly extraction method. It requires less energy than CO2 or solvent extraction methods and does not produce chemical waste. This approach aligns with sustainable development and environmental respect, an aspect increasingly valued by consumers conscious of the ecological impact of their consumption.

4. Efficacy and Bioavailability

Cold-pressed CBD oils offer high bioavailability, meaning the cannabinoids are more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This increased efficiency is due to the preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes in their natural form, which can enhance the entourage effect – the synergy between the different compounds of the plant.

5. Safety and Trust

Cold-pressed CBD oils comply with legal standards for THC concentration, often below 0.2%. This compliance ensures not only the legality of the product but also its safety for consumers.

Key Criteria for Choosing Quality CBD Oil

When it comes to selecting quality CBD oil, several key factors must be considered. The source and quality of the hemp are paramount, and also ensuring that the CBD oil has undergone independent laboratory testing. High-quality CBD oil comes from organically grown hemp (organic labels do not exist in CBD and hemp), free of pesticides and herbicides, and preferably from regions known for their clean and sustainable agriculture (France, Switzerland, Italy)... Let's move on to the extraction method: As we have seen earlier, the extraction method plays a crucial role in the quality of the CBD oil. Cold extraction is ideal for preserving the natural compounds of the hemp seeds. It is always preferable, if given the choice, to choose cold-extracted oils over those extracted with chemical solvents that can leave toxic residues.

Regarding the cannabinoid spectrum, it is important to understand the differences between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate oils, which do not have the same compositions. Each type has its own advantages, and the choice will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Full-spectrum oils contain all the cannabinoids of the plant, including a small amount of THC, while broad-spectrum oils offer a similar profile but without THC. CBD isolate is almost pure and does not contain other cannabinoids.
The CBD concentration is another crucial criterion. It determines the potency of the oil and should be chosen based on your specific needs and tolerance to CBD. The concentration is often expressed as a percentage (%), indicating the amount of CBD relative to the total volume of the oil. For example, an oil with 20% CBD contains 2000 mg of CBD in a 10 ml bottle. A higher concentration means a stronger dose of CBD, and the dosage can be adjusted based on the number of drops consumed.

Finally, the transparency and reputation of the brand are indicators of trust. A brand that is transparent about its manufacturing practices and the source of its hemp is generally a sign of quality. Customer reviews, certifications, and the overall reputation of the brand are also factors to consider.

How to Use Cold-Pressed CBD Oil?

Sublingual Method

The most effective way to consume cold-pressed CBD oil is sublingual administration. This technique involves placing a few drops of oil under the tongue. The sublingual membrane allows for rapid absorption of cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream (be mindful of the dosage depending on the concentration you have chosen!)

Use with Food

Cold-pressed CBD oil can also be added to food or beverages. Although this method offers slower absorption, it is ideal for those who prefer not to taste the oil. Adding the oil to fat-rich foods can enhance the absorption of cannabinoids.

Topical Application

For a targeted approach, cold-pressed CBD oil can be applied directly to the skin. This method is particularly useful for localized pain or skin issues. The oil penetrates the epidermis, allowing the cannabinoids to act locally.