CBD Oil: Alcohol or CO2? Which Extraction method is better?

Author: Ondrej Stovicek

CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from hemp plants through a process of extraction, which involves drawing out valuable compounds from plant material. When it comes to extracting CBD, there are two main methods most commonly used: alcohol extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. But which of these methods is better? Let’s take a look at the differences between the two processes and their impact on the quality of the final CBD oil.

Alcohol vs. CO2: Basic differences

Let’s begin with the fundamental differences between the two solvents. Alcohol, which is produced by fermenting plants, has its origin in plant material, whereas CO2 is a toxic gas that, at high concentrations, can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, and death.

Another significant difference lies in the chemical properties of the solvents. Alcohol can dissolve both polar and non-polar chemical bonds, meaning it can dissolve a wider range of compounds. In contrast, CO2 only dissolves non-polar chemical bonds. Therefore, alcohol enables the extraction of a broader spectrum of substances from the plant.

Advantages of alcohol extraction

Alcohol extraction provides a more complex fingerprint of the hemp plant than CO2 extraction. Alcohol also dissolves water-soluble compounds, such as polysaccharides, acids, and other rare components that are important for the effectiveness and bioavailability of CBD.

The human body is composed of about 70% water, so water-soluble substances naturally have the highest absorption in the body. CO2 extraction deprives us of these valuable compounds, which can reduce the effectiveness of the final CBD oil.

Maximum absorption of CBD

Since our bodies are predominantly made up of water, all oils and other substances we ingest must first be processed by acids and enzymes in order to become active. Alcohol extraction also creates esters, which result from the reaction of the plant’s organic acids with alcohol. These esters are more water-soluble, which increases the bioavailability of the final CBD extract.

Conclusion

Based on the above, it can be said that alcohol extraction provides a higher quality and more complex CBD oil than CO2 extraction. Thanks to its ability to dissolve a wider range of compounds and the formation of esters that enhance absorption, CBD oil extracted with alcohol is more bioavailable and effective for the human body.