The cannabis oil sector continues to grow rapidly, driven by rising demand for vapes, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. Behind every high-quality product is a manufacturing method that influences the oil’s potency, purity, flavor, and safety. Understanding how cannabis oil is extracted and refined helps both consumers and businesses make more informed choices. Here’s a breakdown of the main methods shaping cannabis oil production across today’s industry.
Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
This method uses pressurized carbon dioxide in a supercritical state—where it behaves like both a liquid and gas—to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The process is highly efficient and doesn’t leave behind toxic residue, making it a popular choice for medical-grade and high-end retail products.
Key Benefits:
- Clean and solvent-free
- Retains more terpenes than many alternatives
- Scalable and environmentally friendly
Some producers also utilize subcritical CO₂ extraction, which runs at lower pressures and temperatures, preserving more delicate compounds at the cost of reduced yields.
Ethanol Extraction
Producers often use food-grade ethanol to dissolve cannabinoids and extract them from plant material. Ethanol works well at both warm and cold temperatures, depending on the desired outcome. Cold ethanol helps reduce the extraction of chlorophyll, while warmer methods can improve cannabinoid yield.
Key Benefits:
- Effective for creating full-spectrum oils
- Faster and more cost-efficient than CO₂
- Easier to implement at large-scale facilities
Post-processing techniques like winterization and filtration are commonly used to refine the oil and remove any unwanted plant matter.
Hydrocarbon Extraction (Butane or Propane)
Hydrocarbon extraction excels at producing potent, flavorful concentrates such as live resin, wax, and shatter. This method uses solvents like butane or propane to extract cannabinoids and terpenes with high efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Preserves aromatic terpenes exceptionally well
- Delivers high-potency products ideal for dabbing
- Ideal for creating artisanal cannabis concentrates
Strict safety protocols are essential due to the flammable nature of hydrocarbons, and thorough purging is required to ensure the final product is free from residual solvents.
Cannabis Oil Distillation
Distillation is a post-extraction refinement process that isolates cannabinoids like THC or CBD using heat and vacuum pressure. Short path and wiped film distillation methods are the most common, separating compounds based on their boiling points.
Key Benefits:
- Produces highly purified, potent oils
- Removes contaminants and residual solvents
- Useful for standardizing product formulations
Since distillation removes most natural terpenes and flavonoids, many producers reintroduce them to restore aroma and flavor.
Rosin Pressing (Solventless Extraction)
This method relies on heat and pressure to extract oil directly from flower or hash. No solvents are used, making it a popular choice among purists and health-conscious consumers.
Key Benefits:
- Completely chemical-free
- Retains full-spectrum plant profile
- Ideal for craft and small-batch production
Rosin pressing yields less oil compared to solvent-based methods and is less suitable for high-volume manufacturing, but the quality is often considered superior by enthusiasts.
Every cannabis oil production method offers its own balance of yield, purity, flavor, and safety. Whether focused on solventless purity, pharmaceutical precision, or terpene-rich experiences, manufacturers must align their process with their brand promise. Consumers who understand these methods are better equipped to select products that match their needs and values.