The Luxiva™ Extraction Process

Many consumers mistakenly believe that all CBD or hemp products are created using the same process and that the quality of the end products is largely identical. The truth, though, is radically different. Kemin understands that how you extract CBD matters which is why we’re committed to using subcritical CO₂ extraction for our Luxiva™ product.

CO₂ Extraction

To obtain CBD from hemp, an extraction process must be used. There are numerous different extraction methods that are commonly used, including CO₂ extraction or solvent extraction. However, not all extraction processes are created equally. For instance, extraction methods that use solvents, like ethanol, may leave large amounts of trace chemicals behind that could be unhealthy to consumers. Because of these concerns about chemical byproducts, Kemin has selected a different way to produce Luxiva, using CO₂ extraction.

The CO₂ extraction process works by using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract CBD from the hemp plant, it does this in a way that is environmental and consumer health friendly. Although CO₂ extraction is often used as the generic term for any extraction involving pressurized carbon dioxide, there are two distinct extraction processes known as supercritical CO₂ extraction and subcritical CO₂ extraction. The subcritical CO₂ extraction process is one that Kemin uses.

Supercritical CO₂ Extraction: The More Common Approach

Supercritical is a scientific term that refers to the temperature and pressure of a substance, in this case, carbon dioxide. A supercritical substance has been heated up and pressurized beyond its usual critical state, and in its supercritical state, it has the form of both a liquid and a gas. At this high temperature, high-pressure state, it is then combined with the hemp to carry out critical extraction work. Although the supercritical process is quicker and more efficient than other extraction processes, it’s also incredibly harsh on the hemp plant. As a result, upon completion of supercritical CO₂ extraction, the hemp may no longer be in its natural state, which means it may lack the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes that consumers are looking for in a CBD product.¹

The Benefits of Subcritical CO₂ Extraction

There are numerous benefits that Kemin has found by using a subcritical extraction process instead of a supercritical one. Firstly, by not rushing through the extraction process, we’re able to maintain the quality of the hemp plant so the consumer benefits from the cannabinoids and terpenes within. Our gentler, solvent-free extraction process also doesn’t require an ethanol wash. When ethanol is used, manufacturers risk leaving toxins behind in their CBD products, which isn’t ideal for the consumer. Overall, the subcritical CO₂ extraction process we use for our Luxiva Certified Organic CBD Distillates results in clean and high-quality tinctures, gummies, softgels, and more.

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References:

1. Baldino et al., Supercritical fluid technologies applied to the extraction of compounds of industrial interest from Cannabis sativa L. and to their pharmaceutical formulations: A review, The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, Volume 165,2020,104960

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