CBD has become a wildly popular herbal supplement, but many users simply don’t know how the plant extract is created. There are many ways to extract CBD from the cannabis plant. CBD can be extracted from the hemp plant’s fibers through any of these methods: carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, natural solvents, and steam distillation. One of the new methods is warm water ultrasound. But how does it compare to the other methods? 

The Medicinal Community and Ultrasonic Extraction 

Ultrasonic extraction is considered the wave of the future when it comes to the successful extraction of cannabinoids from hemp. The medicinal cannabis industry has started to turn to the advanced method as one of the best ways to obtain viable therapeutic compounds successfully from the cannabis plant fibers. It is a clean method that leaves no solvent residue.

Early Ethanol Extraction Methods 

In the early days of extraction, ethanol was often used which is a solvent based procedure that can leave behind a residue. However, complex, and often expensive devices are enhancing the extraction industry. New extractors have been designed with great technical know-how that are exceptional such as ultrasonic extractors. 

Ultrasound Extraction Price Comparison 

The ultrasonic extractors (often called ultrasonic emulsifiers) are the latest scientific devices being used to obtain CBD from hemp. They are ideal for small to medium-sized operations that are having to watch their financial budget but who want to improve their extraction processes.

How Does Ultrasound Extraction Work? 

Water ultrasonic extraction relies on ultrasonic waves (referred to as sonication) to pull the cannabinoids from the plant fibers. An environmentally friendly extraction method, it does not use harsh solvents. Another perk is that it takes only minutes to obtain the cannabinoids compared to other methods which take from hours to days to obtain the extraction. Depending on the ultrasonic extractor, it can be easily modified to work with a wide array of solvents such as CO2, H20, coconut oil, olive oil, ethanol, and warm water. 

No Heat Extraction 

Another benefit of ultrasonic extractors is that they don’t rely on heat, so the cannabinoids and terpenes of the plants are never broken down or destroyed by hot temperatures. Most extraction methods rely on remarkably high heat which may destroy cannabinoid potency and can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the whole plant cannabinoid’s medicinal value. Luckily, the method is extremely low thermal and does not require temperatures more than 140° F (60°C). 

Breaking Through the Cellular Walls 

With ultrasonic extraction the problem is that THC and CBD are hydrophobic . Typically, harsh solvents have been required to pull the cannabinoids from the cell walls. Bioavailability has been a problem in the breakdown of the tough cellular wall so finding the perfect extraction method has been challenging. With ultrasonic extraction, the sonication uses ultrasonic waves. A probe is inserted into the mixture. The probe starts to put forth both high and low pressure sound waves. The waves create microscopic currents and pressurized liquid eddies which creates a harsh environment. The speed of the waves goes at speeds of 20,000 per second which effectively bust through the cell walls. The sheer force creates a pressurized atmosphere. Millions of tiny bubbles form that start to pop and effectively break down the cell wall. Once the cell wall breaks, the inner material is released which creates a powerful emulsion.

Ultrasonic Emulsion Creates High Concentrations 

Ultrasonic emulsion is a method that can be combined with other extraction methods to create remarkably high concentrations. The method is easy to replicate. Producers can combine other methods to create optimum cannabinoid potency. With liposomal technology, CBD which is naturally hydroponic, the water soluble solution is quickly transformed. Liposomes work as tiny messengers and they further help encapsulate the cannabinoids with the process to create a powerful therapeutic agent. 

CO2 Extraction vs. Ultrasound Extraction 

One of the most popular extraction methods is CO2 extraction, which is also eco-friendly, solvent-free, and amazingly effective. Supercritical CO2 extraction renders exceedingly high yields of CBD without damaging terpenes or the plant’s other phytochemicals. Although this method is impressive, it is also awfully expensive and must be carried out in a sophisticated and advanced laboratory setting. Also, it produces lower yields than warm water ultrasonic extraction. 

Steam Distillation Extraction 

Steam distillation has been used by many CBD brands because of its low cost and the fact it does not leave behind any harsh solvent residue. However, it is notoriously ineffective. Also, the heat can damage the plant’s terpenes. 

Natural Extraction Methods 

Natural extraction methods have also been explored but they seem to leave behind a strong chlorophyll taste which many users find unpleasant. In addition, they produce lower concentrations of CBD. 

Warm water ultrasound extraction has many benefits, and it is quickly becoming the favored method. 

If you are seeking a CBD product that is solvent-free then please contact Also Organics to learn about their products which are created using warm water ultrasound extraction.