Hemp Processing - Mass Producer vs. Artisanal
Once the hemp has been extracted it is ready to use, either in a concentrated state as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) for acute conditions, or more commonly diluted with a carrier oil such as organic MCT coconut oil.
However, depending on the quality, condition and intended use, it may be taken through multiple post-processing steps to break down the plant’s components and remove contamination: Winterization - is used to refine the hemp extract by mixing it with ethanol and taking it down to a sub-zero temperature. The intention of this step is to remove the waxes and lipids, but chlorophyll and some of the terpenes are often lost as well. Distillation - is a process for separating different compounds based on the differences in boiling and condensation temperature. It’s used to selectively concentrate desirable compounds while removing impurities. Chromatography - is a way of further separating and purifying chemical compounds. In the case of hemp, it further isolates the cannabinoids, primarily the CBD and THC. The plant has now been broken down into single molecule(s). [At this point you would think there is nothing more we could do, but some have found ways to “enhance” this molecule. Nanotechnology uses ultrasonic therapy that in theory shrinks the CBD molecules making them more available to your body. These products are rumored to have a very quick onset but a shorter duration of narrower effect. Water soluble techniques take nano technology a step further so that CBD can be suspended into liquids making them appear soluble.]
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://fuflunsfoods.com/blogs/news/the-supply-chain-of-hemp-and-its-impact-on-quality-and-the-environment
