What is winterised CBD hemp oil - and is it important?

6 May 2019

By: Nicola Webster

Why is CBD oil winterisation important?

Over recent weeks, we’ve received an increasing number of enquiries as to whether the CBD in our e-liquids is ‘winterised’. So many enquiries in fact, we felt that the topic was worth an article of its own.

CBD extraction using CO2

 

In order to extract cannabinoids such as CBD from the hemp plant, manufacturers of high quality CBD will first use a CO2 extraction method.


During CO2 extraction, the hemp is submitted to low temperatures and high pressure. It is quite a complex process; however, because it eliminates the need for chemicals, it is by far the safest and cleanest way to obtain pure cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum hemp oil

 

After the CO2 extraction process is complete, the end result is a hemp oil concentrate which contains all the lovely phytonutrients that hemp possesses.


Phytonutrients are substances found in plants that are widely believed to be beneficial to human health. In the hemp plant, these phytonutrients include cannabinoids (such as CBD) and terpenoids (terpenes).


The resulting phytonutrient rich oil is known as full-spectrum hemp oil. In this state it can be used in a variety of products, including e-liquid. There are myriad benefits to using full-spectrum hemp oil, known as the ‘entourage effect’ which we’ve outlined in a previous article.


However, you can take this full-spectrum product one step further in order to isolate just the CBD element of the hemp oil. This secondary process is called winterisation.

Winterised hemp oil

 

Winterisation, sometimes referred to as hypercritical molecular separation (that’s easy for you to say!), is a purification process used to isolate the CBD from all the other cannabinoids -  including THC. This can be particularly useful for people who undergo drug testing at work.


In order to winterise the hemp oil, it is first soaked in alcohol and then frozen - hence its wintery name. The result is a CBD rich oil that looks like maple syrup and that can be used to create CBD isolate products such as our e-liquids.

Using winterised hemp oil in e-liquid

 

In order to create CBD isolate e-liquids, the winterised hemp oil is added to VG and PG. This can be left flavour free as an additive for your favourite non-CBD vape juice. Alternatively, it can be flavoured using quality e-liquid flavourings; or, in the case of our terpenes ranges, proprietary cannabis terpene blends can be added back into the e liquid to enhance the flavour and to replicate the 'entourage effect' that terpenes have on cannabinoids.

Why is winterising hemp oil important?

 

Plants from the cannabis family, including hemp, have an outer layer of lipids that cover their surface and give them a shiny appearance.


Lipids are chemically defined as substances such as fat and wax that are soluble in alcohol but not in water. They are present in all plant and animal cells and are an important part of our diet as they help us to digest and absorb food.


When you smoke cannabis, you burn away the waxy layer. However, e-cigarettes don’t get hot enough to burn off the lipids. Consequently, the wax can sometimes cling to the coil and affect the delivery of the CBD and flavour.

 

Vaping lipids

 

Another factor is that there is no long term research into the effect of vaping lipids on our lungs. Some scientists have expressed concern that the lipids in full-spectrum e-liquids could settle in the lungs and cause respiratory issues.


Currently the school of thought is that this likely only a concern for extremely frequent CBD vapers; even then there is no proof that it actually happens. Vaping CBD is still in its infancy - it’s showing amazing benefits thus far; however, on the flip side, we still need more research into potential risks.

Vaping winterised CBD oil

 

If this information has concerned you, but still want to get the benefits that vaping CBD offers, that’s where winterised CBD oil e-liquids come into play.


As well as removing the other phytonutrients from hemp oil, the winterisation process also removes any fats and lipids.  


Plus, by vaping winterised CBD oil, you don’t even have to miss out on the entourage effect. Some e-liquid manufacturers put the terpenes back in so you can get the benefit of these fragrant marvels! Find two of those particular ranges here and here.

 

The research into CBD continues

 

As more studies are undertaken, and more research published, we will continue to update you with all the latest findings regarding CBD.


If you still have more questions, we are always happy to help. Just get in touch with any queries you have about CBD or vaping in general.

 

The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a particular medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
 

6 May 2019 Nicola Webster

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