Single-Step Production of CBD-Rich Oils via Supercritical CO2 Co-Extraction

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Technical University Munich have developed a new method for producing CBD-rich oils using supercritical CO2 co-extraction of hemp flowers and seeds. This approach eliminates the need for separate steps of extracting active compounds and incorporating them into a carrier oil, resulting in a more efficient and sustainable process. The team demonstrated the feasibility of this method by co-extracting hemp flowers with sesame or sunflower seeds, achieving CBD oils with tunable concentrations and a complex nutritional profile.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new method involves co-extracting hemp flowers with oily seeds using supercritical CO2, eliminating the need for separate extraction and incorporation steps.
  • Suitable conditions for co-extraction were determined as a flower-to-seed ratio of 1:3, a pressure of 300 bar, a temperature of 40°C, and a CO2 flow rate of 12.6 g/min.
  • The resulting CBD oils contained up to 10 wt% CBD and a complex nutritional profile, including essential fatty acids and minor bioactives such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls.
  • Cannabinoid concentration could be adjusted by varying the flower-to-seed ratio, making this approach suitable for industrial applications.
  • This proof-of-concept process demonstrates a sustainable alternative for producing high-quality CBD-rich oils.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of CO2 Utilization.

Statistics:

  • Up to 10 wt% CBD was achieved in the resulting CBD oils.
  • Co-extraction with sesame or sunflower seeds was explored, with suitable conditions determined for each.
  • The CO2 flow rate of 12.6 g/min was optimal for achieving the desired CBD concentrations.
  • The resulting oils had a complex nutritional profile, including essential fatty acids and minor bioactives such astocopherols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports Summarize Tetrahydrocannabinol Findings from Technical University Munich (TU Munich) (Single-step Production of Ready-to-use Cannabidiol Oils Via Supercritical Co2 Co-extraction of Hemp Flowers and Seeds). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 4461.
  • Journal of CO2 Utilization. Single-step Production of Ready-to-use Cannabidiol Oils Via Supercritical Co2 Co-extraction of Hemp Flowers and Seeds. 2025;101.