What are Solvents and Why Shouldn’t They Be Used in CBD E-Liquids?

In the hemp-derived product industry, solvents are intended to extract cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids from the original hemp plant material. Getting a better idea of how these solvents are utilized and how CBD products are tested once they’re created is quite important in more ways than you can imagine.

What are Solvents?

Solvents are substances, usually liquids, that have the ability to dissolve, suspend, or extract other materials without chemically changing either the solvent or the other substances. They are commonly used for dissolving solid materials, creating solutions, and as cleaning agents in various industries. Solvents can be classified into two main categories:

• ØCategory #1: Organic Solvents - These are carbon-based solvents and are widely used in paints, pharmaceuticals, and in chemical syntheses. Examples include alcohols (like ethanol), ketones (like acetone), and hydrocarbons (like benzene and toluene). Organic solvents can be further divided into polar (e.g., acetone) and non-polar (e.g., hexane) types based on their molecular structure.
• ØCategory #2: Inorganic Solvents - These solvents are not carbon-based. Examples include water and liquid ammonia. Water is the most commonly used solvent due to its ability to dissolve many substances, which earns it the nickname "the universal solvent".

Solvents have different properties like boiling point, polarity, and toxicity, which determine their use in various applications. It's important to handle solvents carefully as many of them can be hazardous to health and the environment, particularly organic solvents, which can be flammable and toxic.

How are Solvents Produced?

Solvents are produced through various chemical processes, depending on the type of solvent being manufactured. Here's a general overview:

oPetroleum-Based Solvents: These are derived from the distillation of crude oil. The process involves heating the oil to high temperatures, where different components are separated based on their boiling points. Examples include toluene, xylene, and naphtha.

oAlcohol-Based Solvents: These are produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis. Ethanol, a common alcohol-based solvent, is produced by fermenting sugars derived from crops like corn or sugarcane. Other alcohols like methanol can be produced synthetically from natural gas or other sources.

oChlorinated Solvents: These are produced through the chlorination of hydrocarbons. This involves the reaction of chlorine with hydrocarbons, which can be derived from petroleum or natural gas. Examples include trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene.

oEster Solvents: These are formed by reacting carboxylic acids with alcohols. A common example is ethyl acetate, produced by reacting acetic acid with ethanol.

oKetone and Aldehyde Solvents: These are produced through various chemical reactions, often involving the oxidation of alcohols. Acetone, a well-known ketone solvent, can be produced by the dehydrogenation of isopropanol.

oBio-based Solvents: These are produced from renewable resources like plant oils, sugars, and cellulose. They are gaining popularity due to their lower environmental impact. Examples include bio-based ethanol and limonene.

The exact process and raw materials used vary widely depending on the desired solvent's chemical properties and intended use. Additionally, environmental concerns and regulations are increasingly influencing solvent production, with a growing emphasis on more sustainable and less toxic alternatives.

Why are Less and Less Solvents Found in CBD E-Liquids?

Using solvents in CBD e-liquids is generally discouraged for several reasons, as some are more than justified in order to ensure the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the CBD product.

Reason #1 Health Risks

Many solvents are harmful to inhale. When solvents are heated in a vape, they can decompose and produce toxic compounds. For instance, inhaling vaporized propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin in a CBD vape juice can lead to irritation of the lungs and airways, and potentially more severe health issues over time.

Reason #2: Purity and Potency of CBD

The presence of solvents can dilute the purity and potency of CBD. This dilution can make it difficult to dose the CBD effectively, leading to inconsistent experiences and potentially reduced therapeutic benefits.

Reason #3: Quality of Your Vaping Experience

Solvents can alter the taste and viscosity of the vape juice. For those seeking the natural flavor and effects of CBD, this can be undesirable. Not to mention, certain solvents can cause a harsher throat hit, which can be uncomfortable or irritating for some users.

Reason #4: Safety Regulations and Standards

The vaping industry, including CBD vape products, is increasingly subject to strict regulations regarding ingredients and safety. The use of certain solvents might not comply with these regulations, posing legal and commercial risks to manufacturers.

Reason #5: Alternative Method

There are safer and more efficient methods for extracting and consuming CBD, such as CO2 extraction, which do not require harmful solvents. These methods are generally preferred because they produce purer and safer CBD products.

Third-Party Testing for Solvents in CBD Products: What You Need to Know

Third-party testing for solvents in CBD products is an important aspect of ensuring the safety and quality of these products. Again, solvents are chemicals used in the extraction process of CBD from the hemp plant, and residual solvents can be harmful if present in significant amounts in the final product. To ensure the safety and purity of CBD products, third-party testing labs are typically used to analyze them for solvent residues.

Here are the key steps involved in third-party testing for solvents in CBD products:

1.Sample Collection: A representative sample of the CBD product, such as oil, tincture, or isolate, is collected for testing. The sample should be taken from a batch of the product, ensuring it is representative of the entire batch.

2.Selection of Analytical Method: Testing labs use specific analytical methods to detect and quantify solvents in CBD products. Gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) are common techniques used for this purpose.

3.Extraction and Analysis: The sample is prepared and subjected to the chosen analytical method. The lab technicians will extract any solvents present in the sample and analyze the extracted compounds.

4.Detection Limits: The testing lab will establish detection limits for each solvent, indicating the lowest concentration at which a solvent can be reliably detected and quantified.

5.Reporting: After analysis, the lab generates a detailed report that includes the results of the solvent testing. This report should indicate which solvents were tested, their concentrations in the product, and whether they meet regulatory safety limits.

6.Compliance with Regulations: Solvent residue limits are typically regulated by government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. The product's test results are compared to these regulatory limits to determine compliance.

7.Third-Party Verification: The testing lab is considered a third party because it is independent of the manufacturer or distributor of the CBD product. This independence ensures objectivity and reliability in the testing process.

8.Certificate of Analysis (COA): A Certificate of Analysis is often provided by the testing lab to the manufacturer or distributor of the CBD product. This document serves as proof that the product has undergone third-party testing for solvents and other contaminants. Consumers can also request access to the COA to verify the safety and quality of the CBD product they are considering purchasing. It is essential to ensure that the COA is recent and specific to the batch of the product you are interested in.