{"id":791,"date":"2022-02-22T21:53:18","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T21:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomnews.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=791"},"modified":"2025-11-12T19:53:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T19:53:04","slug":"cbd-oil-extraction-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.bloommarijuana.com\/education\/cbd-oil-extraction-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"CBD Oil Extraction Methods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are several different methods that CBD oil producers use to extract CBD oil from the cannabis plant. Each one has its pros and cons. The two factors in choosing which method to use should depend on safety concerns and efficacy. In this article I will explain some of the different methods used to extract CBD oil, giving the pros and cons of each, as well as the safety concerns when choosing a method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Different Methods of CBD Oil Extraction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The popularity of CO2 extraction stems from its unique properties of using its solid, liquid and gas states in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. CO2 in its natural gaseous state is subjected to very low temperatures at high pressure. This turns it into a liquid as it transitions to its supercritical state.*<\/li>
  2. The fluid is then heated to a certain temperature and subjected to a further increase in pressure which results in a supercritical CO2 mixture.<\/li>
  3. The supercritical CO2 liquid then passes through a chamber containing raw cannabis matter which dissolves the oils and the flavors from the cannabis matter. This chamber is maintained at a pressure level that allows the CO2 to remain in a liquid state.<\/li>
  4. The resulting cannabis-enriched supercritical fluid is then pumped into a separation vessel. The use of pressure and temperature separate out the various compounds into two layers, one on top of the other. Think oil and water.<\/li>
  5. The resulting mixture is pumped into a third chamber where the CO2 reverts back to a gaseous state, leaving behind the oil and flavors.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    *Supercritical liquid is one in which it exhibits properties somewhere between a liquid and a gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Closed-loop extractors are typically used in CO2 extraction.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Winterization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Winterization is the process commonly used to separate the unwanted compounds such as fats, waxes and lipids from supercritical extractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The extract is combined with 200-proof alcohol and stirred vigorously,  then put into a freezer overnight. The following day, the mixture is poured into a funnel through filter paper which strains out the unwanted compounds. Once its filtration is complete, heat is applied which results in the evaporation of the alcohol. This process may be used multiple times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Liquid Solvent Extraction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This process works similarly to CO2 extraction and uses ethanol, butane, hexane or isopropyl alcohol to remove the oils and flavors from the cannabis material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is a cheaper and easier method of extraction. However, the use of solvents may give the oil a greenish cast and a bitter flavor due to the presence of chlorophyll and other impurities. There are adjustments to the process that can be made to reduce such an occurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Steam Distillation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    With steam distillation, CBD oil is separated from the cannabis plant material using steam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. The plant material is contained in a glass flask which has an inlet which connects to another glass container filled with water. It is located underneath the plant flask. There is also an outlet that connects to a condenser tube.<\/li>
    2. As the water begins to boil, the steam enters the plant flask which separates the oil vapors contained in the CBD.<\/li>
    3. These vapors are trapped in the tube that condenses them into oil and water.<\/li>
    4. The oil and water mixture is collected and distilled which extracts the CBD oil from the water.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      This is the oldest method used to extract oils, but it has many drawbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n