Cannabidiol, often abbreviated as 'CBD', is a phytonutrient found in cannabis plants and industrial hemp.

CBD is the main active ingredient in nutritional supplements such as CBD oils, CBD capsules, and CBD Paste.

CBD is quickly becoming one of the most popular nutritional supplements on the market today, and for good reason. Scientific evidence suggests CBD possesses a range of therapeutic benefits in areas such as anxiety, sleep, pain and chronic inflammation.

On this page you'll find everything you need to know about how CBD is made, from the creation of the initial CBD extracts through to the manufacture of fininshed supplements such as CBD oils and Capsules.

Cannabidiol, often called 'CBD' is one of the many active compounds found exclusively in cannabis plants.

Supplementing with CBD has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation. Unlike some of the other compounds found within cannabis, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high.

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Before using it as the main ingredent to make products such as CBD ois and capsules, CBD must be extracted from plant material.

First, industrial hemp is grown and harvested. The dry plant material is then processed to prepare it for extraction.

Due to its resinous nature, CBD is extracted from plant material using solvents like alcohol or carbon doxide.

There are various ways to extract CBD from plant material, which leads to the various CBD extracts on the market, namely CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD distillate and full spectrum CBD distillate.  

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CBD oils are the original CBD supplement and the most popular format amongst consumers. They come in a range of sizes and concentrations and can be made with a variety of CBD extracts and carrier oils which can alter the taste profile, colour, and effects of final CBD oil.

CBD oil is made by blending a CBD extract with a carrier oil, which is where it gets the name CBD oil from. Due to CBD being a naturally sticky and fat-soluble substance, it must be dissolved into an oil to get a desired strength, concentration and consistency.

Various types of CBD extracts and carrier oils may be used, which is one way CBD brands differentiate from one another. One company may choose to blend a CBD isolate with olive oil, whereas another company may choose to blend a CBD distillate with hempseed oil. There are pros and cons to the various extract an oil combindations. Cannubu’s CBD oil is made using a CBD distillate and hempseed oil, with both ingredients coming from the cannabis plant.  

To learn more about the various types of CBD extracts and carrier oils, visit our ‘how CBD is made’ page which covers everything you need to know about CBD production.

The production process for CBD oil is simple. The CBD extract and carrier oil are poured into a large mixer and mixed until the CBD is evenly dissolved into the carrier oil. A small amount of heat can be applied to aid the mixing process. This is useful when mixing higher strength CBD oils, such as our 1500mg CBD oil.

After mixing, the CBD oil is dispensed into a dropper bottle and voila, you have a finished bottle of CBD oil.

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CBD capsules are a popular way to consume cannabidiol (CBD) due to their convenience and precise dosing. These capsules are typically made through a straightforward and standardized process.

The first step in manufacturing CBD capsules involves extracting CBD from the hemp plant. This is commonly done using one of two methods: CO2 extraction or solvent extraction. CO2 extraction is considered the cleaner and safer option, as it uses pressurized carbon dioxide to isolate CBD and other beneficial compounds from the plant material. Once the CBD extract is obtained, it undergoes a thorough purification process to remove any impurities or unwanted compounds.

After purification, the CBD extract is mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil, to create a consistent and easily digestible liquid. This CBD-infused oil is then precisely measured and encapsulated in softgel or hard-shell capsules. The capsules are typically made from gelatin or plant-based materials for vegan-friendly options. The final step involves quality control testing to ensure that each capsule contains the specified amount of CBD and meets safety standards. CBD capsules offer a convenient and discreet way to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD, making them a popular choice among users seeking a consistent and hassle-free CBD experience.

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CBD paste, also known as CBD concentrate or CBD extract paste, is a highly potent form of cannabidiol (CBD) that is typically used for its therapeutic properties. The production of CBD paste involves a more concentrated extraction process compared to other CBD products like oils or tinctures.

The first step in making CBD paste is the extraction of CBD from the hemp plant. While various extraction methods exist, supercritical CO2 extraction is commonly used for its efficiency and ability to preserve the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. During this process, carbon dioxide is pressurized and used to extract CBD and other valuable compounds from the hemp plant material. The result is a thick, highly concentrated CBD-rich oil.

Once the CBD-rich oil is obtained, it undergoes further processing to remove any residual solvents or impurities. This purification step ensures the final product is safe and pure for consumption. The concentrated CBD extract is then mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil, to create a paste-like consistency. The final CBD paste is incredibly potent, with a high CBD concentration, making it suitable for those seeking a powerful CBD experience. Users typically take small amounts of CBD paste orally or add it to other products like edibles or topicals to enjoy its potential benefits.

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In the United Kingdom, CBD is made from a type of cannabis called industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is structurally and chemically different to regular cannabis and is legal to grow across many parts of the globe.

Want to know why you have to use industrial hemp to make CBD in the UK? Read the article for the answers.

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CBD distillate is produced through a meticulous refinement process that results in a highly purified and concentrated form of cannabidiol. It begins with the extraction of CBD from the hemp plant using methods like CO2 or ethanol extraction. The extracted crude oil then undergoes multiple rounds of distillation to separate and isolate the CBD compound from other cannabinoids, terpenes, and impurities, ultimately yielding a high-purity CBD distillate with a significantly elevated CBD content, often reaching 90% or higher. This distillate is versatile and commonly used as an ingredient in various CBD products, including tinctures, edibles, and vape cartridges, due to its potency and purity.

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CBD carrier oils are used to dilute and deliver cannabidiol (CBD) in various CBD products, such as tinctures, topicals, and capsules. These oils serve as a medium to make CBD more bioavailable and easier to administer. Common CBD carrier oils include:

1. MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) Oil: MCT oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for CBD. It is derived from coconut oil and is prized for its ability to enhance the bioavailability of CBD. MCT oil is easily absorbed by the body and is often used in CBD tinctures and vape liquids.

2. Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. It's rich in essential fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice. Hemp seed oil is often used in CBD products to provide a natural and balanced profile of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

3. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a common carrier oil for CBD, especially in homemade or artisanal CBD tinctures. It has a mild flavor and is readily available.

4. Grape Seed Oil: Grape seed oil is a lightweight and neutral-tasting oil. It's used as a carrier oil in some CBD products, offering a smooth texture without an overpowering flavor.

5. Coconut Oil: While MCT oil is a specific type of coconut oil, some CBD products may use regular coconut oil as a carrier. It has a pleasant tropical flavor and provides a source of healthy fats.

6. Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is less common but is occasionally used as a carrier oil in CBD products. It has a rich and nutty flavor and is appreciated for its nutritional value.

The choice of carrier oil can impact the overall quality and characteristics of a CBD product. It can influence factors like taste, bioavailability, and shelf life. Different carrier oils may also have unique nutritional benefits, so consumers often choose CBD products based on their preferences and dietary requirements.

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