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 to the global cannabinoid market and remains a pinnacle producer today.
We originally developed our proprietary crystal-resistant distillate for use in vape cartridges. However, our clients also found that this extract is useful for topicals and other products, where increased crystallization resistance and high minor cannabinoid content are desired. In this guide, you will learn more about crystal-resistant distillate and why so many brands trust GVB Biopharma to supply them with this unique extract.
What is crystal-resistant distillate?
Crystal-resistant distillate (CRD) is similar to our broad-spectrum distillate (BSD) but undergoes an additional process that prevents crystallization for up to six months.¹ Like BSD, crystal-resistant distillate contains undetectable levels of THC. However, due to its unique properties, CRD contains even higher concentrations of a wide range of minor cannabinoids than broad-spectrum distillate.
CBD naturally takes on a crystalline state. Many of the minor cannabinoids do not readily form into crystals. Most forms of CBD distillate, therefore, contain limited concentrations of minor cannabinoids. Due to its liquid state, CRD can accommodate higher concentrations of diverse minor cannabinoids.
As a result, GVB Biopharma’s crystal-resistant distillate can contain up to 25% minor cannabinoids and 35-45% CBD. This unique ability to include significant concentrations of minor cannabinoids makes CRD desirable for a wide range 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 diluted and emulsified with undesirable substances, such as VG, PG, or MCT oil, for the vape oil to maintain a liquid state.
GVB Biopharma’s CRD, however, is liquid in its natural state. So, it does not need to be mixed with anything to stay in solution. This attribute makes CRD highly desirable in high-end, additive-free vape cartridges for discerning consumers.
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, demand for cannabinoids, like CBG, CBN, and CBC, is also increasing. Since CRD contains 15-25% minor cannabinoids, this extract is attractive for use in tinctures, capsules, topical creams, and various other product categories.
As a type of broad-spectrum CBD extract, crystal-resistant distillate also capitalizes on the growing interest in the entourage effect. The beneficial effects of this proposed synergistic effect between the major and minor cannabinoids in cannabis extracts have not yet been definitively proven. However, the existing evidence clearly suggests that the effects of individual cannabinoids are enhanced when the full spectrum of Cannabis sativa flower constituents work together.
Since crystal-resistant distillate contains more minor cannabinoids than most types of CBD extract, it’s possible the entourage effect it provides could be proportionally stronger. While CRD is ideal for vape products, this bulk ingredient could be used in other products to increase their 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 been the market’s dominant provider of this specialized CBD bulk ingredient. Our proprietary distillation process, cutting-edge facilities, and strong focus on research have allowed us to gain a competitive edge within this critical product category. Our meticulous, large scale production of CRD ensures a degree of quality and attention to detail that cannot be found anywhere else in the industry.
In addition to our market dominance in CRD, GVB Biopharma is also one of the world’s most established and highly regarded bulk and white label cannabinoid suppliers. Our strict adherence to all applicable regulatory standards and our rigorous testing methodologies ensure our operations are scientifically rigorous and professional. Our unwavering focus on transparency, accountability, and customer service establishes trust and builds long-lasting relationships. Let’s explore 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 grows and matures from these verified high-quality seeds, we engage in constant quality control measures to guarantee that no pesticides or other toxins contaminate our crops.
We test hemp flowers immediately after harvesting to confirm the results of our previous quality control measures. Then, we test the crude extract, derived from our hemp flowers, to ensure that no residual solvents are present. Once THC and other unnecessary components in this crude extract have been removed, we test the resulting crystal-resistant CBD distillate to ensure that it contains no detectable amounts of THC, while retaining abundant amounts of CBD and minor cannabinoids.
Customers may buy our crystal-resistant distillate and manufacture their own products or allow us to infuse crystal-resistant distillate into pre-made white label products they can market themselves. No matter which service you choose, we always test the purity and potency of any product before it ships.
Very few cannabinoid producers use 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 CRD.
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. We work closely 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 at our facilities to ensure they are free of hazardous contaminants. Most importantly, GVB Oregon has recently obtained ISO 9001: 2015 certification and is 3rd party NSF cGMP certified, allowing us to maintain the highest levels of quality control and quality assurance possible.
Even though we are justifiably proud and vocal 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 and obtained further cements GVB Biopharma’s reputation as one of the nation’s largest, most reputable producers of crystal-resistant distillate, cannabinoid extracts, and finished products.
Fast Shipping
GVB Biopharma has locations throughout the United States and a facility in the UK. We’re in the process of opening a mainland European office. GVB is one of the only cannabinoid producers in South America, with a location in Bogota, Colombia.
Due to the diverse network 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 for 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 require 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 answer all your questions and fulfill your needs.
You’ll be supplied with a dedicated customer service contact for your first order and beyond. We will also keep in touch to make sure you are satisfied when your order arrives. When it’s time to reorder, simply get in touch with your designated GVB Biopharma associate or contact us directly at sales@gvbbiopharma.com.
Add crystal-resistant distillate to your product lineup today
Crystal-resistant distillate offers unique benefits that are ideal for vape products and distinguish other types of CBD products 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. It is ideal for capitalizing on the entourage effect and the growing consumer interest in minor cannabinoids.
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, we help to make your CBD brand dreams come true. Contact us today to experience the benefits that crystal-resistant distillate has to offer and gain a leg up in the industry with our unrelenting dedication to excellence.
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 hemp compound that can be included. CBG, CBN, CBDa, and a wide variety of other natural cannabinoids are also compatible with CRD. In a nutshell, CBD and CRD are not the same. CBD is a type of cannabinoid. CRD is a type of cannabinoid preparation, known as a distillate.
2. Can I buy CBD broad-spectrum crystal-resistant oil online?
Yes, crystal-resistant extracts, containing CBD, are now commonplace online. 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. This makes it easier to find broad-spectrum CRD than 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 to inhibit crystallization is to keep CBD levels in this type of extract relatively low. CRD is still potent, but it isn’t so CBD-heavy that the compound can easily recrystallize.
4. Where can I buy THC-free CRD in bulk?
CRD (with all traces of THC removed) is relatively common online these days. However, only a few suppliers offer high-quality CRD you can trust to be free of all contaminants (like heavy metals) — not just THC. As you select the right broad-spectrum CRD supplier, check their certification status and make sure their lab reports disclose both potency and any concentrations of common contaminants .
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
