THC-Free Crystal Resistant Distillate (CRD) Guide | GVB Biopharma
MA, BS, and MH Medical Anthropology and Chemistry
THC-free crystal-resistant distillate is an ultra-refined CBD extract that contains high concentrations of minor cannabinoids while resisting crystallization and remaining in a liquid form. GVB Biopharma introduced crystal-resistant distillate into the global cannabinoid market and remains a pinnacle producer today.
We originally developed our proprietary crystal-resistant distillate for use in vape cartridges, but our clients have also found that this extract is useful for topicals and other products in which crystallization resistance and high concentrations of minor cannabinoids are desired. In this guide, learn more about crystal-resistant distillate and why so many brands trust GVB Biopharma as their supplier of this unique extract.
What is crystal-resistant distillate?
Crystal-resistant distillate (CRD) is similar to our broad-spectrum distillate (BSD), but this raw material undergoes an additional process that prevents it from crystallizing for up to six months.¹ Like BSD, crystal-resistant distillate contains undetectable levels of THC, but due to its unique properties, CRD contains even higher concentrations of minor cannabinoids than broad-spectrum distillate.
CBD naturally takes on a crystalline state, but many of the minor cannabinoids do not form into crystals. Most forms of CBD distillate, therefore, are limited in the concentration of minor cannabinoids they can contain, but this obstacle is eliminated in CRD due to its liquid state.
As a result, GVB Biopharma crystal-resistant distillate can contain up to 25% minor cannabinoids while containing 35-45% CBD. This unique focus on minor cannabinoids makes CRD desirable for a wide variety of applications.²
Which product types are ideal for crystal-resistant distillate?
Our crystal-resistant distillate was originally developed for use in high-end vape cartridges. In most hemp vape cartridges, CBD must be cut with undesirable substances such as VG, PG, or MCT oil for the vape oil to maintain a liquid state.
GVB Biopharma CRD, however, is liquid in its natural state, so it does not need to be cut with anything. This attribute makes CRD highly desirable for high-end vape cartridges that are advertised as being additive-free.
Due to its natural liquid state and high concentration of minor cannabinoids, CRD also enjoys popularity within a variety of other product categories. As consumer awareness of the benefits of minor cannabinoids grows, for instance, cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC are coming into higher demand, and the fact that CRD contains 15-25% minor cannabinoids makes this extract highly desirable for tinctures, capsules, topicals, and various other product categories.
As a type of broad-spectrum CBD extract, crystal-resistant distillate also capitalizes on growing interest in the entourage effect. The beneficial effects of this theorized synergistic effect between the major and minor cannabinoids have not yet been demonstrably proven, but the evidence clearly suggests that cannabinoids become more potent when the full spectrum of Cannabis sativa flower constituents are kept together.
Since crystal-resistant distillate contains more minor cannabinoids than most types of CBD extracts, it stands to reason that the entourage effect it might provide could be proportionally stronger. While CRD is most ideal for vape products, this bulk ingredient is also appropriate to utilize for any product to capitalize on the potential benefits of the entourage effect.
Why is GVB Biopharma the best source of bulk crystal-resistant distillate?
While other suppliers are still struggling to bring their crystal-resistant distillate production up to scale, GVB Biopharma has long held its status as the market’s dominant provider of this specialized CBD bulk ingredient. Our cutting-edge facilities and strong focus on research have allowed us to gain the competitive edge within this critical product category, and the large scale of our CRD production efforts ensures a degree of quality and attention to detail that cannot be found anywhere else in the industry.
In addition to our specific dominance in the arena of CRD, GVB Biopharma is also one of the world’s most distinguished bulk cannabinoid suppliers and white labelers in general. Our strict adherence to all applicable regulatory standards and our rigorous testing methodologies lend a professional, scientific touch to our operations, and our focus on transparency and customer service reinforces trust and builds long-lasting relationships. Join us in exploring the benefits of working with GVB Biopharma in more detail:
Testing and Quality
All GVB Biopharma products are tested multiple times throughout the production process. First, we test the seeds that we use to grow our hemp crops to ensure that they meet our purity and quality standards. While our hemp matures from these verified high-quality seeds, we engage in constant quality control measures to ensure that no pesticides or other toxins contaminate our crops.
We test our hemp flower immediately after harvesting to make sure that our quality control measures were successful. Then, we test the crude extract that we derive from our hemp flower to ensure that no residual solvents are present. Once THC and the unnecessary components in this crude extract have been removed, we test the resulting crystal-resistant CBD distillate to ensure that it includes undetectable levels of THC while containing desirable substances like CBD and the minor cannabinoids that help make crystal-resistant distillate such a useful extract.
You have the option of buying our crystal-resistant distillate and manufacturing your own products or allowing us to infuse crystal-resistant distillate into pre-made white label products that you can then market yourself. If you select this all-encompassing service, we will test the final product before shipment for purity and potency.
Very few cannabinoid producers take such stringent measures to ensure that the crystal-resistant distillate they produce is high-potency and free of contaminants. Lab reports are readily available for both our bulk crystal-resistant distillate and our pre-made products that contain this type of cannabinoid-rich CBD concentrate.
Certified Producer
At GVB Biopharma, we proactively seek any and all certifications that may be relevant to our business operations. We were one of the first hemp facilities in Oregon to receive food-grade certification, and we work extensively with local fire marshals to ensure that all of our facilities are compliant with fire safety standards.
Furthermore, we observe all OSHA workplace safety standards, and fire code requirements at our facilities to ensure they are free of hazardous contaminants. Most importantly, GVB Oregon has recently been ISO 9001: 2015 certified and are 3rd party NSF cGMP certified, which speaks to our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality control and quality assurance possible.
Regardless of any claims we may make about the quality of our crystal-resistant distillate and other products, third-party validation is necessary to confirm the purity of our products and the integrity of our organization.³ Every certification effort we have pursued has proven that GVB Biopharma is the nation’s most reputable suppliers of crystal-resistant distillate and other cannabinoid extracts and finished products.
Fast Shipping
GVB Biopharma has locations throughout the United States, and we also have a facility in the UK. Plus, we’re in the process of opening a mainland European office, and GVB is one of the only cannabinoid producers to have a presence in South America with our Bogata, Colombia location.
Due to the diverse spread of facilities we’ve established around the world, we offer fast shipping services to more nations than nearly all of our competitors. Once you’ve placed an order with us for bulk water-dispersible powder, you can usually expect fulfillment within 24 hours. We can also use expedited shipping services to make sure your products arrive as quickly as possible.
With full tracking enabled with every order, you’ll never have to wonder about the location of your crystal-resistant distillate. Our customer service team is also available if you have any questions about your order.
Easy Reordering
At GVB Biopharma, we impose a 1-kilo minimum on all of our crystal-resistant distillate wholesale orders. From your first order onward, our knowledgeable customer service staff will be standing by to discuss potential order quantities and pricing.
You’ll be supplied with a dedicated customer service contact for your first order and beyond, and we will keep in touch to make sure your order provided everything you hoped for. When it’s time to reorder, simply get in touch with your designated GVB Biopharma associate or contact us directly at sales@gvbbiopharma.com to place another order.
Add crystal-resistant distillate to your product lineup today
Crystal-resistant distillate offers unique benefits that are ideal for vape products and set other types of CBD products apart from the competition. While this highly refined distillate extract contains undetectable levels of THC, it contains more minor cannabinoids than practically any other extract on the market, which makes it ideal for capitalizing on the entourage effect and the general interest in minor cannabinoids that’s growing in the consumer population.
GVB Biopharma is not only the world’s largest supplier of crystal-resistant extract—we’re also one of the market’s friendliest and most professional cannabinoid suppliers. When you decide to work with GVB Biopharma, you receive a powerful ally in the process of making your CBD brand dreams come true regardless of the scope of your ambitions. Contact us today to experience the benefits that crystal-resistant distillate has to offer and gain a leg up in the industry with our firm dedication to excellence in everything we do.
Crystal-resistant distillate FAQs
1. What is the difference between CBD and CRD?
CRD usually contains CBD, but most types of CBD are not CRD. The term “CRD” stands for “crystal-resistant distillate,” meaning it’s a type of cannabinoid distillate that resists crystallization.
While CBD is the cannabinoid most commonly used in CRD, it is not the only potential hemp compound that can be included. Also compatible with CRD are CBG, CBN, CBDa, and a wide variety of other natural cannabinoids. In a nutshell, CBD and CRD are not the same, but they are very closely related.
2. Can I buy CBD broad-spectrum crystal-resistant oil online?
Yes, crystal-resistant extracts containing CBD are now commonplace online, and they are often offered in broad-spectrum form — meaning all detectable traces of THC have been removed. It’s relatively simple to remove THC during the same process that renders CBD distillate crystal-resistant, making it more common to find broad-spectrum CRD than it is to come across full-spectrum CRD.
3. Is crystal-resistant distillate stronger than concentrate?
No, crystal-resistant distillate is not usually stronger than other forms of CBD concentrate. On the contrary, one of the ways in which crystallization is resisted is by keeping CBD levels in this type of extract relatively low. CRD is still potent, but it isn’t so CBD-heavy that the compound can act out its tendency to recrystallize.
4. Where can I buy THC-free CRD in bulk?
CRD with all traces of THC removed is relatively common online these days, but only a few suppliers offer high-quality CRD you can trust to be free of all contaminants — not just CBD. As you select the right broad-spectrum CRD supplier, check for certifications, and make sure that lab reports cover both potency and common contaminant concentrations.
Sources
1. Schneider, F.; Baumann, K.; Bunjes, H.; Francke, M. Formulation of Cannabidiol in Colloidal Lipid Carriers. Molecules 2021, 26, 1469. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/5/1469
2. Zagzoog, A.; Mohamed, K. A.; Jim, H. J. J.; Kim, E. D.; Frank, C. S.; Black, T.; Jadhav, P. D., Holbrook, L. A.; Laprairie, R. B. Scientific Reports 2020, 10(20405). Retrieved from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77175-y
3. Bonn-Miller, M. O.; Loflin, M. J. E.; Thomas, B. F.; Marcu, J. P.; Hyke, T.; Vandrey, R. Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online JAMA 2017, 318(17). Retrieved from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2661569
