The final phases of hemp processing and CBD extraction are possibly the most important phases of the entire growing process and, unfortunately, are also the most commonly neglected phases. Drying hemp post-harvest is the most important step as it determines the ultimate product quality. If hemp is dried quickly, cleanly and with minimal damage or loss of the product it maximizes the quality of the final CBD product. In contrast, hemp that is harvested too wet, or dried too slowly, or with inadequate ventilation, or gets dirty or contaminated by fungi or bacteria during harvest and drying may become spoiled, unsaleable and totally unsuitable for food or medical processing.

Farmers wanting to enter the hemp industry often fail to adequately plan and prepare their hemp drying facilities.

When it comes to extracting CBD-rich oil and resin, most companies use one of the following three methods of extraction:

• Solvent. Solvent extraction involves the use of ethanol, butane, propane, isopropyl, or alcohol to extract the CBD.
• Olive Oil. The olive oil extraction process is the oldest method of extracting CBD and least expensive of the three. While it is a time-proven process, olive oil is still highly perishable in nature and considered volatile and inconsistent.
• CO2 Extraction. CO2 extraction has become the most advanced and advised way of extracting the highest quality CBD. It is the most expensive method but it is considered the most effective way to produce much safer and higher quality CBD