How is a CBD oil made? The process explained

The raw material comes from varieties listed in the common European or French catalogue, with a THC content at or below 0.30% in the finished product, in line with the Conseil d'État ruling of 29 December 2022. France has several hundred farms growing hemp for CBD according to industry estimates, with some of the flower also coming from Italy, Switzerland or the Czech Republic. Traceability of the variety, the batch and the plot is a central point of vigilance.

After harvest, the flowers and leaves are dried in ventilated rooms at controlled temperature, between 15 and 25°C, to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. The dry material is then ground before extraction. Three families of process coexist: supercritical CO₂ extraction, a premium method leaving no solvent residue but costly in equipment; ethanol extraction, effective and widely used, provided solvent evaporation is rigorously controlled; and hydrocarbon solvent extraction, now marginal in wellness CBD because of the risk of chemical residues.

The crude extract is dissolved in cold ethanol, between -40 and -80°C, to precipitate unwanted waxes and lipids, a step known as winterisation. Controlled heating, at around 100-140°C for 30 to 90 minutes, then converts the naturally present CBDA into active CBD: this is decarboxylation. The concentrated extract is finally diluted in a carrier oil, most often coconut-derived MCT, sometimes hemp or olive oil, down to the final concentration shown on the bottle.

Every batch should be covered by a certificate of analysis verifying the cannabinoid profile, the absence of heavy metals, pesticides and residual solvents, as well as the absence of banned cannabinoids such as HHC or THCP, classified as narcotics by the ANSM in 2023-2024. The DGCCRF regularly finds non-compliances during its annual inspections, mainly relating to labelling and claims. To go deeper into these criteria, read our guide to choosing a CBD supplier.

An artisanal preparation allows neither laboratory analysis, nor a guarantee of the THC threshold, nor control of stability over time. In 2024 ANSES reported alerts linked to non-compliant CBD products, including artisanal preparations. Industrial packaging, in an amber bottle protected from light, also contributes to the stability of the finished product.

Since 15 May 2026, the DGAL has been applying the Novel Food regulation strictly: oils presented as food supplements without authorisation are withdrawn from the market. Oils reclassified as topical cosmetics, on the other hand, remain sellable.

Which extraction method is best?

Supercritical CO₂ extraction is considered the cleanest, with no solvent residue. Ethanol remains reliable if evaporation is rigorously controlled.

Why do you see "MCT oil" on the label?

MCT, derived from coconut, is neutral in taste, stable and makes sublingual absorption easier: it is the most widely used carrier oil today.

How can you check quality before buying?

Ask for the batch certificate of analysis, confirming the CBD content and the absence of excessive THC, pesticides, heavy metals and banned cannabinoids.

Can a home-made oil meet the 0.30% THC threshold?

That is very difficult to guarantee without laboratory analysis: artisanal production risks unintentionally exceeding the legal threshold.