CO2 oil is a cannabis concentrate made using carbon dioxide to extract the active compounds from the cannabis plant. CO2 oil tends to have a liquid consistency and can come in a variety of consistencies, including very thin and runny to a wax-like consistency. CO2 oil is often described as having a cleaner, more natural taste compared to other cannabis extracts.
The CO2 oil extraction process uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The CO2 is cooled and pressurized until it reaches a "supercritical" state, which allows it to act as both a gas and a liquid. In this state, the CO2 permeates the plant material and the desired compounds are separated and collected. The CO2 is then returned to normal pressure and temperature, leaving behind a concentrated cannabis extract.
Properly purged CO2 oil can have a THC concentration of 50-90% or more. The oil is often consumed using vaporizer pens, added to joints or cannabis edibles, or used to make other cannabis concentrates like shatter or wax. The high purity and natural flavor of CO2 oil makes it a popular choice for medical cannabis patients and recreational users alike.
CO2 oil is made by passing pressurized carbon dioxide over dried cannabis plant material. At high pressures and low temperatures, the CO2 becomes a supercritical fluid - meaning that it takes on properties of both a liquid and a gas. In this state, the CO2 is able to penetrate deep into the plant material and extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. The CO2 carries the extracted compounds out of the plant and into a collection chamber. When the pressure is released, the CO2 returns to a gaseous state and evaporates, leaving behind the concentrated cannabis oil.
The CO2 extraction process is considered very safe since it does not use any toxic solvents. It also efficiently extracts a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes and other beneficial plant compounds. The end result is a clean, pure cannabis oil with a consistent potency and natural flavor. Many medical cannabis patients and connoisseurs prefer CO2 oil for its high quality and purity. However, CO2 extraction does require expensive, high-tech equipment and can be more difficult and time-consuming compared to other methods. CO2 oil also tends to be more expensive to produce, though many find the results worth the additional cost.