Glasnik Zaštite Bilja (Apr 2023)
Organic cultivation of industrial hemp for the production of CBD oil
Abstract
The aim of paper is description of organic cultivation of industrial hemp for flower production, i.e. CBD oil and to present the range of products based on CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 hemp cannabinoids synthesized in the flowering plant, it is not psychoactive. For the production of CBD oil, the flower of an unfertilized female plant is used as a raw material, so all male plants must be removed from the stand before flowering. Hemp for inflorescence is grown in a low plant density so that the plants can develop more branches and produce inflorescence rich with CBD. At the same time, its morphological and physiological properties change. The technology of hemp production for inflorescence should be adapted to the variety, the reproduction material used (seeds or seedlings), crop care measures and the rules of organic production. When growing hemp for inflorescence, the technique of cutting off the vegetative top (topping) is often applied in order to obtain a higher yield of inflorescence per plant. Inflorescence harvest is usually done by hand to maintain the quality of the product. In addition to the positive effect on the environment, organic production gives additional market value to the product. CBD oil is obtained by extracting hemp flowers, usually using carbon dioxide. CBD oil is a highly valued product on the world market, and it is used for therapeutic purposes. In addition to CBD oil, there are other CBD-based products on our market, such as CBD paste, CBD oil with terpenes, dry hemp flower, hemp flower tea and various cosmetic products based on CBD oil. The basis for the production of organic products in Croatia, i.e. the European Union (EU), is determined by Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and Council on organic production and labeling of organic products, including all relevant implementing regulations with valid amendments and relevant national regulations with valid amendments.
