How to Make CBD Oil? Your Ultimate Guide

In recent years, CBD oil has gained popularity because of its many potential health benefits. However, due to its price, many people are increasingly interested in making it at home, especially after the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed CBD and all hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC from the Controlled Substances Act, thus making CBD oil federally legal in the U.S.

So, if you are curious about the manufacturing process of CBD oil, this guide will explain some common CBD oil-making practices. It is important to check your local laws and regulations regarding the production and use of CBD, and keep in mind that the information provided in this article is only for educational purposes — the article does not recommend or promote making homemade CBD oils because DIY CBD oil lacks the quality control that commercially available CBD products may have.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating compound extracted from the cannabis plant, specifically from Cannabis sativa, also called industrial hemp.

CBD and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most common cannabinoids that can be extracted from the cannabis plant.

The main characteristic of hemp is that it is higher in CBD levels and has low levels of THC.

THC is the psychoactive compound associated with the effects of marijuana. Meanwhile, CBD is non-psychoactive and may have potential health effects, including support for pain management, anti-inflammatory properties, occasional anxiety reduction, and antioxidant properties. However, scientific evidence supporting such potential effects usually comes not from rigorous clinical trials but from the recognition that CBD has some biological properties that may contribute to the function of the body systems.

Nevertheless, to date, there is not enough evidence to determine whether long-term intake of CBD is safe and what impact it could have on the body, so it is imperative to stay up-to-date with the latest research and regulatory laws regarding cannabis. Always make sure to consult with a healthcare practitioner before using any CBD-containing products.

CBD extraction

The extraction process of CBD starts by selecting an appropriate hemp strand that has high CBD levels. Once the plant has been grown under optimal conditions, the hemp flowers can be harvested and dried for further use.

Since growing hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is legal in the U.S. as per the 2018 Farm Bill, some people may choose to grow the plant, while others may choose to get hemp flowers from a reputable producer. Make sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding hemp cultivation, as some states require obtaining a license or permit to grow this plant.

Once the hemp flowers are obtained, one of several CBD extraction methods may be chosen to obtain various products. Different methods will result in different concentrations and purity levels of CBD extracts.

When done professionally at a large scale, several extraction methods are available, including supercritical CO2, ethanol-based, solvent-based, pressurized liquid, microwave-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted extraction. These methods require specialized equipment, technical expertise, and safety regulations; therefore, they are not available for at-home use.

Thus, to extract CBD at home, methods like steam distillation, olive oil extraction, coconut oil extraction, and ice water extraction can be used.

Keep in mind that these DIY methods may not be as efficient, and the final product may be less concentrated and have a shorter shelf life compared to commercially available ones. In addition, homemade methods may result in a high risk of impurities and accidental contamination of the CBD product.

How to make CBD oil

Since CBD is a fat-soluble substance, one of the easiest extraction methods to make CBD oil is known as the ‘oil method.’

This process involves mixing the dried hemp flowers with a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil and then slowly heating the oil and hemp mixture using a double boiler or slow cooker.

Once heated, the mixture needs to be strained through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material. The resulting product is the CBD-infused oil.

Ingredients and equipment

Ingredients and equipment usually involved in less advanced CBD oil extraction include:

• Dried hemp flowers
• Carrier oil (coconut oil, MCT oil, olive oil, and similar)
• Controlled heating source and temperature monitoring devices such as thermometers
• Filters
• Sterile, airtight glass storage containers

Step-by-step guide to making CBD oil

There are several methods available to prepare CBD oil. Here is a general description of one of the common methods:

1. Preparing the hemp

The first step usually consists of grinding the hemp flowers. This allows for a more thorough partition of CBD-containing material that impacts infusion.

2. Decarboxylation

The hemp flowers are decarboxylated; sometimes, this process is called 'decarbed' or 'cured.' This process is necessary since it will 'activate’ the natural compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD.

Ready-to-use CBD hemp flowers from the store are typically already decarboxylated in a controlled environment, which results in fewer potential hazards associated with improper processing.

In order to do this, the ground hemp flowers are usually spread out and heated at around 284–293°F (140–145°C). Alternatively, a decarboxylator machine is often used.

3. Infusion of the carrier oil

Once the hemp flowers are decarboxylated, then a carrier oil is chosen. Common choices include MCT, coconut, olive, avocado, and hemp seed oil, among others.

4. Heating the mixture

After that, hemp flowers are mixed with the chosen oil. Then, the mixture is heated to extract CBD from the hemp plant.

The controlled temperature is paramount for the extraction. It's important that the mixture is not overheated, as this can cause some cannabis compounds to be destroyed and the carrier oil to change its composition. Constant stirring and mixing are also necessary to ensure an even extraction.

5. Straining the mixture

After the controlled temperature environment infusion of the oil, the mixture is left to cool down and filtered.

6. Storing the CBD oil

Finally, the final product is poured into a sterile, dark, airtight glass bottle to protect it from light, environmental, and pathogen exposure, which may degrade its quality or result in contaminated CBD oil, which is a health hazard. The testing of CBD oil is essential to assess its safety and absence of contaminants and is usually done in third-party testing laboratories.

Storage and expiration date

Generally, CBD oil should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid storing it in areas with fluctuating temperatures, like near a stove or oven.

The shelf life of CBD oil can be extended by storing it in the fridge. If the oil solidifies while refrigerated, you can let it sit at room temperature so it can get liquid again.

Properly stored CBD oil typically lasts between 12 to 24 months at room temperature. However, this can vary based on the type of carrier oil used, the sterility of the CBD oil, and other factors.

Keep an eye out for changes in color, smell, or consistency. If the oil develops a rancid smell or becomes cloudy, it should be discarded.

How to use CBD oil

CBD oil may be used in several ways. The most common methods are:

• Sublingual. Place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold it for at least one minute before swallowing.
• Oral. CBD oil may be taken as is, mixed with foods and beverages, or it may be used for cooking. Some people prefer mixing CBD oil into edibles, like gummies.
  
• Topical. You may apply CBD oil directly onto your skin, such as sore muscles or joints. Alternatively, you may choose to mix CBD oil into your favorite lotions, creams, or serums.

Keep in mind that CBD oil dosage can vary based on individual factors, underlying medical problems, and the target issue for which it is used. In addition to this, there is not enough data to support the continued long-term use of CBD products. Therefore, CBD oil should be taken under strict medical supervision to ensure its safety and avoid possible drug interactions.

Bottom line

While some people might find appealing to make homemade CBD oil due to its cost-effectiveness and having the option to customize the flavor of the product to their taste, doing so is, in fact, not a great idea.

The downside of DIY CBD oil is that it is difficult to accurately measure and control the CBD concentration, leading to variability in potency and making it hard to determine the correct dosage, potentially leading to either underdosing or overdosing. Additionally, homemade formulations of CBD may lead to severe health hazards due to uncontrolled environments of preparations, potential risk of contamination, and inadequate quality of ingredients.

Lastly, it is important to note that these products do not undergo rigorous third-party testing for quality and safety. So, even though some people may be curious to try making their own CBD oil, it is generally recommended to purchase high-quality, third-party-tested CBD oil instead. Commercially available CBD products from reputable and transparent brands undergo professional lab testing that guarantees the consumer gets a high-quality product free of contamination and dangerous substances.

In any case, whether you take the risk of making your own CBD oil at home or opt for a more secure option and get a store-bought product, make sure to always consult with a healthcare practitioner before attempting to use any CBD-derived products.