While both hemp and marijuana are both derived from cannabis plants, CBD and THC act in very different ways on receptors in the endocannabinoid system that each of us naturally contain. Many people want the health benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive ‘high’ effects of THC. The fact that CBD is therapeutically potent as well as non-intoxicating, makes it an appealing treatment option for those who are cautious about trying cannabis products.

Full spectrum hemp extract refers to the pure oil extracted from a hemp plant, containing all the unmodified cannabinoids and compounds present in the plant. Unlike isolated or synthetic cannabinoids, full spectrum hemp oil contains hundreds of cannabinoids. Full spectrum products are associated with the “entourage effect” – this refers to the increased effectiveness of these products due to the different cannabinoids working synergistically.

The process of distillation involves the CBD extract being introduced to chemicals that strip away many of the beneficial cannabinoids and profiles of a true full-spectrum extract. Solstice Wellness produces the purest high-quality full-spectrum oil.

With any cannabis based product, there is always the potential of triggering a positive drug test screening depending on the amount / duration the product is taken, each individual’s metabolism, and the type / sensitivity of the test.

CO2 is considered to be a “tunable solvent” making it extremely versatile. CO2 is effective in creating a multitude of end products by means of controlling temperature and pressure.

At certain temperatures and pressures, CO2 acts like a solvent. However, CO2 doesn’t have the same dangers associated with solvents. Additionally, so many manufacturers are using CO2 as a way to create a pure, clean, quality oil which involves little to no post-processing. This greatly differs CO2 from so many other toxic solvent products.

Supercritical CO2 extraction is another way of talking about CO2 extraction. Although it’s not the only form of extraction, when we talk about the most commonly used extraction, we are referring to supercritical CO2 extraction. Carbon dioxide (CO2) usually presents as a gas at standard temperature and pressure (i.e. earth). However, Supercritical carbon dioxide refers to CO2’s fluid state, which takes place above its critical temperature and pressure.

CO2 extraction is already a conventional extraction method in the food and herbal supplement industries. Also, many people may not realize that CO2 extraction is used for the removal of caffeine from coffee beans in order for manufacturers to produce decaffeinated coffee. Furthermore, CO2 is used as an extraction solvent in the production of essential oils.

CO2 extraction is now an incredibly important component in the CBD industry as well.

Consider this: it wasn’t long ago that we were still significantly unaware of the incredible health benefits of CBD. Now, new laws are being passed and old laws are being revisited in terms of how we can benefit from CBD in the medical field.

Just imagine if CBD wasn’t studied. Now think about the 100+ of the other cannabinoids that exist. CO2 extraction is paramount in being able to understand the unknown medical benefits of the other, less prevalent cannabinoids. Furthermore, once experts begin to understand how the cannabinoids work individually, they can begin to research how they work together. A theory known as The Entourage Effect explains just how beneficial different cannabinoids can be when used together. However, we can only begin to understand the theory after we understand the cannabinoids individually. This is another reason why CO2 extraction is so important.

The first of the many great features of CO2 extraction is that it is so customizable, but that’s only where the benefits begin:

• allows the extraction of separate constituents including terpenes
• highest yield and efficiency
• yields 100% pure plant extract free of residual solvents (Solstice Labs does not use solvents)
• extra cannabinoids
• no winterization
• no/limited post-processing

The result is solvent-free, terpene-rich, distillate quality level, full-spectrum oil.

Another benefit of CO2 extraction is that running supercritical liquid CO2 through the hemp plant kills any microbial bacteria, insect mites, mold, or mildew on the plant. Therefore, CO2 extraction guarantees that your concentrates will not only be cleaner, but significantly healthier for your consumption.

Another benefit of CO2 extraction correlates to an important safety feature. In other extraction processes, experts use ethanol alcohol to winterize and use butane to extract or de-wax the CBD oils.