How Is CBD Oil Made? Process From Start to Finish Explained

August 6, 2024 12 minutes

Due to the extraordinary surge in CBD popularity, more and more people are searching for information about this natural product, and many are asking the question, “How is CBD oil made?” From the meticulous growing of hemp plants to the sophisticated extraction and testing processes, the journey of creating high-quality CBD oil is both fascinating and intricate. 

This comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process, revealing the dedication and precision required to produce the CBD oil that many rely on for their daily health routines. 

Hemp Growing Process

The process of growing hemp starts with selecting the right hemp seeds, as different strains of hemp are bred to produce varying levels of CBD. 

Farmers often choose strains specifically designed for high CBD content and low THC levels to ensure compliance with legal standards and to produce the most effective product. At Spruce, we choose to use an heirloom strain of hemp that’s prized for its unique terpene profile and ideal blend of cannabinoids and flavonoids.

Once the seeds are selected, they are planted in nutrient-rich soil that is free from contaminants. Hemp plants are hardy and can grow in various climates, but they thrive best in well-drained soil with ample sunlight.

During the growing phase, which lasts between 90 and 120 days, farmers must regularly water the plants and protect them from pests and diseases. Organic farming practices are often used to avoid the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Farmers also conduct soil tests to ensure the plants receive the right balance of nutrients. 

As the hemp plants approach maturity, typically identified by the development of dense, resinous flowers, farmers begin preparing for the harvest.

The ideal harvest time is determined by closely examining the trichomes, the tiny, crystal-like structures on the hemp flowers. When the trichomes turn from clear to a milky white color, it’s an indication that the plants are at their peak CBD levels and ready to be harvested. 

Harvesting and Drying Hemp

Once the hemp plants have reached their peak CBD levels, harvesting begins. This stage requires precision and care to maintain the quality of the plant material. Farmers use either hand-harvesting or mechanized harvesting methods, depending on the scale of the operation. 

Regardless of the method used, the plants must be handled gently to avoid damaging the delicate trichomes, which contain the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.

After the hemp plants are harvested, the drying process is initiated to preserve their cannabinoid content and prevent mold or mildew growth. Drying is usually carried out in a controlled environment with proper ventilation to ensure consistent airflow and humidity levels. The plants are hung upside down or placed on drying racks in a dark, dry area. 

This drying phase can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the environmental conditions and the density of the plant material. The goal is to reduce the moisture content to about 10-15%, which helps maintain the integrity of the CBD and other beneficial compounds. 

Initial Testing

Before the harvested hemp can proceed to the extraction stage, farmers typically send samples of the dried hemp to accredited third-party laboratories for comprehensive analysis to ensure its quality and compliance with regulatory standards.. 

The primary focus of initial testing is to measure the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in the hemp plant. This analysis confirms that the hemp’s THC content is below the 0.3% threshold mandated by federal law in the United States. 

Additionally, the testing assesses the presence of other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to the overall efficacy and therapeutic properties of the CBD oil. The initial testing phase also screens for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, molds, and bacteria.

Extraction Process

The extraction process is a critical step in transforming the dried hemp plant material into potent CBD oil. The goal of extraction is to separate the valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds from the plant fibers, resulting in a concentrated CBD extract. There are several methods that are commonly used. 

Supercritical CO₂ Extraction

Supercritical CO₂ extraction method uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) in its supercritical state, where it exhibits properties of both a liquid and a gas, to extract the cannabinoids from the hemp plant. 

The process begins by placing the dried hemp material into an extraction chamber. CO₂ is then subjected to high pressure and temperature to reach its supercritical state, allowing it to act as a solvent.

As the supercritical CO₂ passes through the hemp, it dissolves the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. The CO₂ and the extracted compounds are then directed into a separation chamber, where the pressure is reduced, allowing the CO₂ to return to its gaseous state and evaporate, leaving behind a pure, concentrated CBD extract. 

Alcohol Extraction

Alcohol extraction is a more traditional method that is still widely used due to its simplicity and effectiveness. In this process, a solvent, typically ethanol, is used to extract the cannabinoids and other compounds from the hemp plant. 

The dried hemp material is soaked in ethanol, which dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes. After a sufficient soaking period, the hemp and ethanol mixture is filtered to remove the solid plant material.

The resulting liquid, which contains the dissolved cannabinoids and terpenes, is then subjected to an evaporation process where the ethanol is removed, usually through heating. This process must be carefully controlled to ensure that all the solvent is eliminated, leaving behind a concentrated CBD extract.

Oil Extraction

Oil extraction is one of the simplest and most accessible methods, often used by small-scale producers and DIY enthusiasts. This method utilizes a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or hemp seed oil, to extract the cannabinoids from the hemp plant. 

The process begins by decarboxylating the dried hemp, which involves heating it to activate the cannabinoids. Once decarboxylated, the hemp is mixed with the carrier oil and heated for an extended period.

During this heating process, the cannabinoids and terpenes are infused into the carrier oil. After the mixture has been adequately heated and allowed to cool, it is strained to remove the solid plant material, leaving behind an oil infused with CBD and other beneficial compounds. 

While oil extraction is straightforward and safe, it produces a less concentrated extract compared to other methods. Additionally, the resulting oil has a shorter shelf life due to the presence of other organic compounds from the carrier oil.

The Spruce Extraction Method

Spruce CBD products are made with CBD that has undergone a form of alcohol extraction. We use moonshine because we feel that the best combination of CBD, low-level THC, and terpenes comes from using this particular method. All traces of moonshine are completely filtered out before the oil is used to create our line of full-spectrum CBD products.

Further Extractions

After the initial extraction process, additional steps can be taken to refine the full-spectrum CBD extract into more specialized products such as broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. 

Broad-Spectrum CBD Extraction

To produce broad-spectrum CBD, the initial extract undergoes further refinement to remove all detectable traces of THC while retaining other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. This process typically involves chromatography, which separates the compounds based on their chemical properties. 

The resulting broad-spectrum CBD extract contains a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, minus the psychoactive THC. This ensures users can experience the entourage effect—the synergistic interaction of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes—without the presence of THC.

CBD Isolate Extraction

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes. After the initial extraction, the extract undergoes winterization to remove fats, waxes, and other impurities. Following winterization, the extract is subjected to decarboxylation and distillation to isolate the CBD from all other compounds. 

In many cases, the CBD is crystalized so that it can be ground into a fine powder, resulting in a final product that is at least 99% pure CBD. CBD isolate is versatile and favored by those who want the benefits of CBD without any other cannabinoids or terpenes, ensuring a THC-free product.

Final Formulations

Once the CBD extraction is complete, it can be formulated into a variety of products, each catering to different preferences and uses.

• Bottled CBD Oil: CBD extract is mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil, to create bottled CBD oil. This formulation allows for easy sublingual administration, where consumers can place drops under their tongue for fast absorption.
• CBD Gummies: CBD extract is incorporated into gummy candy recipes, combining it with ingredients like gelatin or pectin, sweeteners, and flavorings. This process results in chewy, flavored gummies that offer a convenient, tasty way to consume CBD.
• CBD Topicals: For topical products, CBD extract is blended into creams, balms, lotions, or salves. These formulations are designed for direct application to the skin, allowing CBD to target localized areas for pain relief or skin health benefits.
• CBD Softgels: CBD extract is encapsulated in gelatin or vegetarian capsules to create softgels. These provide a precise, pre-measured dose of CBD, making them an easy and discreet option for daily supplementation.
• CBD Edibles: CBD extract is infused into a wide range of edible products, such as chocolates, hard candies, baked goods, and beverages. These edibles offer a delicious and enjoyable way to consume CBD, but the effects may take longer to manifest due to digestion.

Third-Party Testing

The final phase in the production of CBD oil involves third-party testing to ensure quality, potency, and safety. Independent laboratories conduct these tests to provide unbiased results, verifying the cannabinoid profile and confirming that the product is free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents.

Once testing is complete, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is issued. This document details the lab results, including the exact levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as any detected impurities. 

COAs should be made available to consumers to provide transparency and build trust in the product’s quality. 

Understanding the 3 Types of CBD Oil

CBD oil comes in three main types, each with distinct characteristics:

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less). This combination creates the entourage effect, where the compounds work synergistically to enhance the oil’s therapeutic benefits.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but undergoes additional processing to remove all detectable THC. It provides the benefits of the entourage effect without the presence of THC, making it a popular choice for those who want to avoid THC entirely.

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, containing no other cannabinoids or terpenes. It is refined to at least 99% pure CBD, making it ideal for those who seek the benefits of CBD without any other compounds from the hemp plant.

CBD Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil

CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, where cannabidiol (CBD) is concentrated. It contains a high concentration of CBD, along with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and beneficial compounds. CBD oil is primarily used for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

Hemp seed oil is derived solely from the seeds of the hemp plant, which contain little to no CBD. It is rich in nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, but it lacks cannabinoids like CBD. Hemp seed oil is commonly used in cooking, skincare products, and as a dietary supplement due to its nutritional content.

Enjoy the Purest Full-Spectrum CBD Oil From Spruce

All CBD products are not equal. They can vary widely in purity, potency, and effectiveness. At Spruce, your health and well-being matter a great deal to us. That’s why we go to great lengths to ensure that each phase of the production of our CBD products is carried out with care and precision. 

We’ve answered your question, “How is CBD oil made?”—now the rest is up to you!

Don’t waste time and money on poor-quality CBD oils. Trust Spruce to deliver the highest quality full-spectrum CBD oils, gummies, and topicals. Feel the difference Spruce makes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD oil natural or synthetic?
CBD oil is available in both natural and synthetic forms. Natural CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from hemp plants that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Synthetic CBD is chemically produced and not derived from hemp. It is designed to mimic the effects of true CBD.

What is real CBD oil made of?
Real CBD oil is made from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant’s flowers, leaves, and stalks. It often includes a carrier oil, such as MCT or hemp seed oil, and may contain other cannabinoids and terpenes, depending on the extraction method.

What is the best extraction process for CBD?
Supercritical CO₂ extraction is widely regarded as the gold standard in the CBD industry due to its efficiency and precision. However, alcohol extraction is simpler and just as effective at producing high-quality CBD without any traces of solvent. Which is best is a matter of personal preference.

How much CBD oil comes from one plant?
The amount of CBD oil from one hemp plant varies based on the plant’s size, strain, and extraction method. On average, a mature hemp plant contains 15-20% CBD and can yield between 0.5 and 1 pound of CBD-rich extract, which translates into several bottles of CBD oil.

What part of the plant has the most CBD?
The hemp plant’s flowers and leaves contain the highest concentrations of CBD. These parts are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes and are the primary source for extracting potent CBD oil. Stalks and seeds have lower CBD levels. Each plant contains an average total of 15-20% CBD.

What is the most potent way to use CBD?
The most potent way to use CBD is to use CBD oils sublingually. Placing CBD oil under the tongue allows for fast absorption into the bloodstream, providing quicker and more effective relief compared to other methods such as edibles or topicals.