CBD is derived from hemp by drying and milling the flowers and leaves, then extracting the resin with a solvent, most often supercritical CO₂ or ethanol. The extract is then made into an oil. Formula Swiss uses CO₂ extraction only, with no alcohol, on hemp grown in Switzerland, and every batch is tested.
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant through a careful process that separates the cannabinoid from the rest of the plant material. This involves harvesting, drying and using specialised equipment to extract and refine the compound into a usable form.
At Formula Swiss we use one method only: CO₂ extraction, with no alcohol. Our hemp is Cannabis sativa, grown in Switzerland in various varieties following organic principles, indoors, outdoors and in greenhouses. The extract is formulated, bottled and labelled at our site in Küssnacht am Rigi, and every batch is tested before release.
For anyone involved in growing hemp, manufacturing CBD products or simply interested in how it is made, understanding the journey from raw plant to refined extract offers valuable insight. Knowing how extraction works helps support reliable production, formulation quality and informed choices at every stage.
Key takeaways
- How the main extraction methods (CO₂, ethanol and hydrocarbons) differ.
- Why the plant material and its drying matter as much as the method.
- What makes supercritical CO₂ a selective, tunable solvent.
- Why every batch should be tested before it is released.
CBD extraction from hemp
Extracting cannabinoids like CBD from hemp is a specialised practice. The goal is to retain the natural compounds in a stable and usable form. As interest in hemp-based products increases, understanding how these compounds are extracted has become more relevant to both producers and those researching or using them.
Understanding the basics of cannabinoid extraction
This process separates CBD and related compounds from the rest of the hemp plant. Doing so effectively is key to achieving a consistent and usable output. Innovations in extraction technology continue to refine the process for improved efficiency and cleanliness.
Key methods of hemp oil extraction
Various methods are used in hemp extraction, each offering specific benefits:
- CO₂ extraction: uses supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent. Its selectivity can be tuned with pressure and temperature, and the CO₂ returns to a gas when the pressure is released.
- Ethanol extraction: a cost-effective way to extract many compounds, though the solvent is flammable and must be removed afterwards.
- Butane (hydrocarbon) extraction: extracts a wide range of compounds, but the solvent is highly flammable and must be fully removed.
Factors influencing the purity and quality of CBD
Final product quality depends on the hemp source, extraction method and post-processing techniques. Thorough laboratory testing is essential for confirming the presence of desired compounds and assessing unwanted residues within the scope and detection limits of the methods used, supporting consistency and dependable production standards.
The quality of a CBD extract depends heavily on the plant material and the method used. Following good practice at every step is essential for consistent and reliable results.
| Extraction method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ extraction | Selective and tunable by pressure and temperature; the CO₂ evaporates when pressure is released | High equipment cost |
| Ethanol extraction | Cost-effective, broad cannabinoid extraction | Flammable solvent that must be removed |
| Butane extraction | High cannabinoid yield | Highly flammable solvent that must be fully removed |
As interest in hemp-derived products continues to rise, manufacturers must choose extraction methods that are both efficient and aligned with recognised quality and safety standards.
The science behind hemp biomass processing
Processing hemp biomass involves more than separating plant compounds. It requires precision to preserve the characteristics of cannabinoids throughout the refinement process. Understanding hemp’s chemical profile helps refine outcomes at each stage of production.
More than 100 cannabinoids have been described in cannabis (Hanuš et al., 2016). Their varied structures and properties make careful processing important.
The plant material selected for extraction matters because cannabinoid concentrations differ among plant parts; using the whole plant does not by itself establish an efficient process. Proper drying and handling are critical for maintaining cannabinoid integrity, particularly for acidic variants that degrade with improper processing.
Modern techniques include omics-based approaches, which provide deeper insight into cannabinoid biosynthesis. This can support targeted outcomes and allow for the refinement of hemp varieties for specific applications.
From cultivation to final processing, extracting cannabinoids from hemp requires a solid understanding of both plant science and technical methods.
CO2 extraction for CBD
CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide above its critical point, where it behaves partly like a gas and partly like a liquid. In this supercritical state it dissolves cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, and small changes in pressure and temperature change which compounds it picks up.
When the pressure is released, the CO₂ returns to a gas and leaves the extract, so no extraction solvent has to be evaporated off afterwards. The method needs specialised, high-pressure equipment, which is why it is one of the more expensive ways to extract CBD. Every batch still needs testing to confirm its cannabinoid content.
Best practices in extraction for maximum CBD yield
In hemp processing, the extraction method has a direct effect on yield and output quality. Striking a balance between efficiency and safety is essential for building trust and meeting expectations.
To optimise results, industry best practices include selecting appropriate extraction techniques and conducting thorough testing throughout production.
Extraction choices influence yield and composition, and every method needs testing.
Optimising the extraction process for precision
Maintaining cannabinoid integrity involves controlling key variables such as temperature and pressure. CO₂, ethanol and hydrocarbon-based methods all require specific settings to maximise efficiency and minimise degradation of the desired compounds.
Quality control and testing throughout the CBD extraction
Strong quality assurance procedures are essential throughout the production process. Ongoing testing helps identify residues like pesticides or heavy metals and confirms cannabinoid content, ensuring consistency and reliability in the final product.
As interest in CBD increases, maintaining stringent testing is essential. Post-extraction analysis checks for residual solvents and verifies labelling accuracy.
Robust testing protocols support better outcomes and consistent product standards. Clear procedures and compliance practices are central to sustainable progress in hemp extraction.
From plant material to formulated products
The growing acceptance of hemp-based ingredients has contributed to a broader range of hemp-derived products. These are designed to meet market demands and reflect a shift towards plant-based alternatives.
Products such as topicals are developed with usability and composition in mind. They reflect ongoing research and demand for alternatives aligned with personal preferences.
From cultivation to final refinement, hemp processing involves meticulous control. Following this, various extraction techniques are used to create formulations that include topicals and other non-ingestible options.
Laboratory testing verifies composition and cannabinoid levels, including minor cannabinoids such as CBN and CBG. At Formula Swiss every production batch is tested before it is released. How CBG itself is extracted is explained in how CBG oil is made.
The variety of products showcases hemp's versatility across different uses. Industry priorities remain centred on delivering reliable and safe offerings that align with established standards and expectations.
Frequently asked questions
How is CBD derived from hemp?
CBD is extracted from dried, milled hemp flowers and leaves with a solvent, most often supercritical CO₂ or ethanol, and the extract is then made into an oil. Formula Swiss uses CO₂ extraction only, with no alcohol.
What methods are used for hemp oil extraction?
Common methods include CO₂ extraction, ethanol extraction, hydrocarbon (butane) extraction and lipid infusion. The choice depends on output requirements and processing priorities.
How does CO₂ extraction work?
Supercritical CO₂ acts as a solvent whose selectivity can be tuned with pressure and temperature. When the pressure is released, the CO₂ returns to a gas and leaves the extract, so no extraction solvent has to be evaporated off afterwards. Formula Swiss uses CO₂ extraction only.
Why is hemp dried before extraction?
Proper drying and handling preserve the cannabinoids, particularly the acidic forms such as CBDA, which change with heat and poor storage. Cannabinoid levels also differ between plant parts, so the material chosen matters.
Does the extraction method affect quality?
Yes. Plant quality, the extraction method and its temperature and pressure settings all shape the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the extract. That is why every batch needs testing to confirm its cannabinoid content.
How is CBD oil tested after extraction?
The cannabinoid content is measured to confirm that it matches the label. At Formula Swiss every production batch is tested before release; see our quality control page.
What is the difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil?
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds and contains very little CBD; lab analysis of hemp seed oils found cannabinoids only at trace levels (Citti et al., 2019). CBD oil is made from an extract of the flowers and leaves, diluted in a carrier oil.
Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin. They are not food supplements or medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is general information, not medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- Hanuš LO, et al. Phytocannabinoids: a unified critical inventory. Natural Product Reports 2016. PMID 27722705
- Charles APR, et al. Cannabidiol (CBD) as an emerging nutraceutical ingredient from industrial hemp: regulation, production, extraction, nutraceutical properties, and functionality. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2025. PMID 39654401
- Citti C, et al. Cannabinoid profiling of hemp seed oil by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Frontiers in Plant Science 2019. PMID 30815007
