CBD can be extracted from hemp plants using solvents, steam distillation, or carbon dioxide (CO2).
Extraction Via Solvent: CBD is extracted using a solvent, usually ethanol or a hydrocarbon such as butane or propane. Hemp plants are soaked in solvent to produce a mixture of cannabinoids and solvent which is then refined to remove the solvent.
Steam Distillation: In order to separate the oil from the water, steam is used to remove the cannabinoids from the hemp plant, producing a vapor that is cooled, condensed, and separated.
CO2 Extraction: CO2 extraction uses pressurized CO2 to pull CBD and other phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant using specialized equipment. This clean and pure method is currently the industry standard.
