Hemp Therapies Wiki / CBD Oil & Products

How CBD Oil Is Extracted

CBD is extracted from hemp using a handful of established methods, including CO2 extraction, ethanol (alcohol) extraction, and carrier-oil extraction, each producing a different starting material before further refinement.

CO2 Extraction

CO2 extraction works by placing carbon dioxide under very high pressure (approximately 1,080 PSI) and temperature (approximately 88°F) until it reaches a “critical point,” at which the CO2 becomes supercritical, simultaneously taking on properties of both a gas and a liquid in that state. This method produces high concentrations of THC and CBD but at the expense of losing CBN and terpene content compared with the starting plant material.

Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol extraction starts by mixing hemp with ethanol; the resulting solution is filtered and distilled until no ethanol remains, leaving a full-spectrum CBD oil. Ethanol removes undesirable compounds such as chlorophyll and waxes from the plant material, but this same broad extractive power also removes monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes along with the unwanted compounds.

After Extraction

The concentrated extract is transferred into a carrier such as MCT oil or ethanol and diluted to a target concentration; this final carrier solution becomes the basis for tinctures, gummies, capsules, or sublingual sprays. Most finished CBD oils use MCT coconut oil as a carrier because its small molecules absorb quickly. Chromatography can be used after extraction to remove impurities and unwanted plant material, and specifically to reduce THC content in the extract. Distillation can further refine the extract, removing lipids, waxes, chlorophyll, and other material while retaining minor cannabinoids. A broad-spectrum CBD distillate produced this way may contain CBD alongside minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, and CBDA, and commonly measures approximately 87–95% CBD with at least 5% additional minor cannabinoids. CBD oil may also be decarboxylated — heated to convert its acidic precursor forms into active cannabinoids — before packaging for oral use.

Summary

CO2 and ethanol extraction are the two primary methods used to pull cannabinoids out of raw hemp, each trading off differently between yield and terpene retention. Both methods are typically followed by chromatography and distillation steps that remove impurities and excess THC before the extract is blended into a carrier oil for the finished product.