The hidden professions behind CBD: from grower to formulator
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Reading time 4 min
CONTENTS
Do you see CBD everywhere, in the form of oils, flowers, resins, and infusions, but behind each product is a chain of enthusiasts who work hard to guarantee quality and safety. Today, Mama takes you behind the scenes of CBD to meet the people who bring this magical plant to life.
Things to remember
- Behind CBD lies an entire ecosystem: growers, extractors, formulators, testers, etc.
- Each trade directly influences the final quality of the product.
- CBD is a human and technical adventure that is much richer than one might imagine.
The grower: the guardian of hemp
Before a CBD oil or flower reaches your hands, there is someone who looks after the plant from the very first seed: the grower. They are the beating heart of the entire industry.
The grower chooses certified seeds that comply with legislation (less than 0.3% THC and authorized).
He then prepares the soil, plants, and grows the CBD. He also monitors the weather and protects his plants from pests. In short, he ensures that each stem grows in the best possible conditions. Some work in open fields, others in greenhouses or indoors.
His mission is not limited to growing; the cultivator is also a technician, a botanist, and sometimes even a chemist. He knows the different varieties of hemp, knows how to obtain the best flowers rich in CBD and low in THC, and works in harmony with nature.
It's not an office job! It requires patience, rigor, and a lot of passion. The quality of the final product depends directly on the grower. For example, if the soil is poorly prepared or the harvest is too late, the CBD content can drop. The grower is the first link in the chain, and without them, nothing else exists.
The extractor: the wizard of molecules
Once the hemp has been harvested, dried, and sorted, it's time for the extraction phase. And that's where another often overlooked hero comes into play: the extractor.
Its role is to isolate CBD and other cannabinoids present in the plant. To do this, it uses precise techniques, often worthy of a chemistry laboratory. The most common are:
- SupercriticalCO₂extraction: very clean and solvent-free, it preserves the natural aromas and properties of hemp.
- Ethanol extraction: faster, but requires careful purification.
- Oil extraction: used for artisanal products, gentler but less stable over time.
Each method influences the purity, texture, and taste of CBD. The extractor is a true scientific craftsman who juggles chemistry and nature to obtain a golden paste rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. Did you know that it is often called crude oil?
The slightest variation in temperature or pressure can change everything. Too hot? The molecules evaporate. Too cold? The extraction becomes ineffective. It is a precision craft, often carried out in equipped laboratories and according to strict protocols to ensure the safety and legal compliance of the product.
The formulator: the alchemist of well-being
Once extraction is complete, it is the formulator's turn to step in. They are responsible for transforming the raw material into finished products (oils, creams, e-liquids, capsules, infusions, etc.). They are the artists of CBD!
The formulator assembles the ingredients, measures the CBD concentrations, chooses the carriers (coconut oil, hemp, MCT, etc.), and ensures the stability of the product. They often collaborate with chemists, pharmacists, or aromatherapists to create effective compositions that are pleasant to use and comply with regulations.
His work is based on a complex equation: effectiveness + safety + enjoyment = successful product.
He must therefore test, adjust, and reformulate until he finds the right balance between the potency of the CBD, the taste, the texture, and the bioavailability of CBD products.
Once validated,the formula undergoes stability and compliance testing. Products must meet strict standards, particularly in terms of traceability and labeling. Nothing is left to chance! Each bottle is the result of months of collective work.
The formulator embodies the finishing touch of modern CBD. They transform science into a wellness experience.
What about all the other behind-the-scenes jobs?
CBD isn't just about fields and laboratories. Behind the plant lies an entire ecosystem of talent:
- Testers and analysts verify cannabinoid levels, purity, and the absence of heavy metals.
- Logistics specialists ensure that products are transported and stored under optimal conditions.
- Regulatory experts ensure compliance with European and national laws.
- Communicators and distributors (such as Mama) who promote these products while advocating a responsible and transparent approach.
Every link in the chain counts, and they all share the same passion: promoting hemp, this ancient plant that is making a comeback in modern wellness.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
