The CBD industry is continuously growing, perhaps because CBD products are gaining popularity to a wider range of potential consumers ever since it has entered the mainstream market.
This can be attributed to the fact that it is now easier to buy and sell CBD products and its derivatives, without causing any trouble with the law.
This is because more and more countries and states are now easing up on their legislation when it comes to cannabidiol because of its therapeutic benefits.
However, the popularity of CBD products and their availability in the market also means that the competition is already increasing among CBD manufacturers today.
This means that they need to be able to cater to greater demand as more people are delving into the use of CBD products.
Alongside this, they also need to produce high-quality CBD derivatives if they want to maintain a competitive edge against other manufacturers in the market.
In line with this, it is a good idea to look closer to the CBD manufacturing process.
CBD Manufacturing Process
• Farming
The first step in manufacturing CBD products is growing and cultivating raw hemp plants.
It is important to ensure that the farming process is stringent to yield high-quality hemp plants because these plants are known to absorb the toxins in the soil, which can lead to a poor quality product in the end.
Some manufacturers may implement a sun-grow cultivation process or outdoor farming, which is more sustainable than indoor farming.
However, some prefer the latter because it paves the way for more aesthetic and refined cultivation.
This is because they can control the different variables affecting how the hemp plant grows, yielding a more consistent product in the end.
Aside from outdoor or indoor farming, some manufacturers practice organic farming.
This means that they use fewer pesticides and herbicides. Some find that organic farming is one of the most sustainable farming practices.
• Processing
The second step in CBD manufacturing is processing or the stage where the hemp plants are prepared for extraction.
This includes drying hemp flowers as necessary and grinding them into a coarse powder.
Some manufacturers sun-dry their raw hemp products, while others use low-temperature heating methods in a controlled environment.
• Extraction
After the hemp plants are processed, manufacturers then proceed on the extraction where all unwanted toxins and compounds are removed.
In doing so, the manufacturers ensure that the terpenes, as well as the rest of the cannabinoid content, are preserved.
Some manufacturers use advanced filtration technology, but most leverage a process known as CO2 extraction because this is considered one of the most reliable extraction methods.
• Distillation
Once the cannabinoid compounds are extracted from the hemp plant, the manufacturers then proceed on the distillation process.
This process is how they can ensure the consistency in their end-product because, during distillation, they identify and isolate the cannabinoids further.
The distillation process varies from one manufacturer to another, with some even using chromatography machines.
• Laboratory Testing
The final process that CBD products go through is the laboratory testing process wherein the quality and the consistency of the final product are verified.
Thus, it is in this process wherein the presence of potential toxins are assessed. It is also in this step wherein the levels of terpenes and cannabinoids are measured accordingly.
Now that you have a good idea of how CBD based products are intricately manufactured, you will know how to scrutinize whether a CBD derivative is of high quality or otherwise.
This will help you a lot, particularly if you intend to start your private label CBD business. Alongside this, below are some of the things that you need to look for in a CBD supplier.
Things to Look for in a CBD Manufacturer
1. Certifications
Only the best CBD manufacturers can secure certifications such as ISO, GMP, as well as cGMP, which guarantees that a manufacturing plant adheres to the highest quality standards.
The white label experts behind CBD Nationwide suggest that in selecting a CBD manufacturer, you must ensure that they have these certificates because this will provide you with an assurance that the CBD products that you will label with your brand are produced in facilities meeting strict hygiene, manufacturing, and laboratory controls.
ISO certificates are focused on the implementation of a quality management system, while GMP and cGMP are granted by the FDA.
Aside from ISO, as well as GMP and cGMP certifications, the best CBD manufacturers will also possess an updated certificate of analysis for the products that they sell. You must also ensure that the certificate that they have is updated.
2. Seed to Sale Tracking
Another thing that you should look for in a CBD manufacturer is their records regarding their cultivation, harvest dates, extraction, and processing, to name a few.
These records comprise what is known as the seed to sale tracking that allows buyers to meticulously inspect how the products they are sourcing are manufactured.
These records also allow buyers to trace back a final product to its original seed genetics, farm, and production facility, which is sometimes essential to address certain customer complaints or inquiries.
Best CBD Manufacturers In line with the factors listed above, some of the best CBD manufacturers include Kazmira, Folium Biosciences, as well as Hemp Depot.
Kazmira is the only manufacturer that holds an ISO 9001 certification while Folium Biosciences possess an active pharmaceutical ingredient licensing, which means that they can claim that their products are pharmaceutical grade.
On the other hand, Hemp Depot is known for its sustainable practices when it comes to the manufacture of CBD products.
With the increasing competitiveness in the CBD market, manufacturers need to level up their game for them to maintain a lead against their competitors.
This means that in parallel to delivering high-quality CBD products, they must also be able to cater to expanded demand.
In most cases, manufacturers can deliver and thrive in the quite competitive CBD market scene. Overall, this only signifies that the future seems bright for the CBD market.