In the CBD world, "organic" isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a rigorous, expensive, and deeply ethical manufacturing standard. Many consumers assume all hemp is created equal, but because hemp is a bioremediation crop, the process of how it is grown and extracted determines whether your wellness supplement is a clean powerhouse or a chemical cocktail.
At Kyoto Botanicals, we transitioned from ethanol extraction to Supercritical CO2 because our respect for nature wouldn't allow us to ignore the waste associated with solvents. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how we create truly organic, THC-free broad spectrum CBD tinctures.
Last updated: December 29, 2025 • Author: Mark G. | Founder, Kyoto Botanicals
1. Superior USDA-Certified Organic Farming
Every drop of our oil begins in nutrient-rich soil in Oregon, Colorado, and Kentucky. Because hemp acts like a "vacuum" for the earth—a process known as bioremediation—it absorbs everything in the ground, including heavy metals and pesticides.
Expert Insight: It isn't enough to just be organic. Monitoring the crops grown around hemp fields to ensure no pesticide drift from neighboring industrial farms contaminates it is important.
2. Milling and Proprietary CO2 Extraction
After harvest, we focus exclusively on the hemp flower (buds). We never use leaves, stalks, or stems, which are high in fiber but low in cannabinoids. Prior to extraction, we "mill" the buds—a process similar to grinding coffee beans fresh before brewing to ensure maximum surface area and potency. This process is what helps make the benefits of our organic, THC-free peppermint CBD tincture so loved by our customers.
Why We Chose Supercritical CO2
While ethanol extraction is common, it creates significant waste. We utilize Supercritical CO2, a closed-loop system that uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull CBD from the plant. It is a solventless process that leaves behind a honey-colored oil free from fats, waxes, and undesirable plant compounds.
3. Decarboxylation: Activating the Benefits
Raw hemp contains CBDA, which the body cannot fully utilize. To "unlock" the CBD, the oil must go through Decarboxylation. By applying precise, gentle heat, we activate the cannabinoids. Think of it like cooking: eating raw dough won't give you the experience of a fresh cookie; you need the heat to transform the ingredients into their final, bioavailable form.
4. The Chromatography Difference (THC Removal)
This is where most "Organic CBD" brands fail. Creating a Broad Spectrum oil (0.0% THC) while maintaining the "Entourage Effect" is incredibly difficult.
- The Cheap Way: Using CBD Isolate (a white powder stripped of all minor cannabinoids).
- The Organic Way: We use a proprietary USDA Organic Chromatography process. This surgically removes the THC molecules while leaving the beneficial minor cannabinoids intact.
This is why our lab reports show 0.0% THC, yet still show the presence of the minor cannabinoids that make the oil effective for wellness without any "high." Our guide to THC-free CBD is a great place to start to learn about our philosophy on THC-free CBD.
5. The "Organic Warning": Hidden Costs and Rigorous Testing
The cost of producing authentic USDA organic CBD oil is roughly 300% higher than non-organic oil. The oversight, the certification fees, and the premium ingredients mean that if a company doesn't display the USDA badge, they likely aren't organic.
Comprehensive Third-Party Lab Testing
Testing is the most expensive part of the process, but it’s non-negotiable. Every batch we produce is tested at an ISO-certified lab for:
- Microbials: E. coli, yeast, and mold.
- Heavy Metals: Lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
- Pesticides: A full screen of 60 different chemicals.
- Solvents and Potency: Ensuring what is on the label is exactly what is in the bottle.
Summary: Presence, Not Altered States
By choosing a THC-free, organic broad spectrum tincture, you are investing in a product made with respect for the earth and your body. From the nutrient-rich soil of Oregon to the precision of organic chromatography, every step of our process is designed for wellness and presence, not altered states.
Ready to see the data for yourself? Scan the QR code on any of our organic tinctures to view the full lab results for your specific batch and view the USDA organic practices factsheet to learn more about organic practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it matter if CBD is USDA-certified organic?
Hemp is a bioremediator, meaning it absorbs everything from the soil—including heavy metals and pesticides. A USDA Organic seal is the only guarantee that the soil and extraction process are free from synthetic chemicals and contaminants.
Is solventless extraction better than ethanol?
We believe Supercritical CO2 (solventless) is superior because it is a closed-loop process that leaves zero toxic footprint. Unlike ethanol, which creates industrial waste, CO2 extraction is environmentally respectful and ensures no residual solvents remain in the final product.
What is the difference between Organic Broad Spectrum and Isolate?
Most THC-free products use CBD Isolate, which is stripped of all other beneficial compounds. Our Organic Broad Spectrum uses a proprietary chromatography process to remove only the THC, preserving the minor cannabinoids and terpenes for maximum wellness benefits.
Why is organic CBD so much more expensive?
Authentic organic CBD costs approximately 300% more to produce due to the strict requirements of USDA-certified farming, the use of organic carrier oils, and the high cost of comprehensive third-party lab testing for every batch.