By Luke Sumpter


? How much does a CO₂ extractor cost?
CO₂ extractors are pricey, costing between $135,000 and $150,000 per unit.
??‍? How much do CO₂ extractors yield?
CO₂ extraction offers a return of between 4–7%. If you start out with 100g of trimmed material, you can expect a yield of 4–7g of oil following the extraction.
??‍♂️ Which is better, CO₂ extraction or cold-pressed oils?
CO₂ extraction produces a superior product to cold-pressed techniques. CO₂ extractors prevent contact between plant material and oxygen, helping to keep terpenes and cannabinoids intact.
? Is CO₂ extraction healthy?
CO₂ extraction eliminates the risk of harmful solvent residues and creates a much purer product than butane, propane, and other solvents.

CO₂ extraction has taken the cannabis industry by storm. Unlike older extraction methods, CO₂ extraction eliminates the risk of residual solvent winding up in the end product. This newer method also produces higher-quality extracts overall.

By manipulating temperature and pressure levels, CO₂ extraction is used to pull terpenes, cannabinoids, and other components out of plant matter with minimal disturbance and oxidation. The result? A phytochemical mix that maintains the true taste, smell, and essence of the original strain used.

Using this technology, manufacturers are crafting CBD oil, terpene blends, and full-spectrum extracts that are purer and more potent than ever before. Discover why extract producers are choosing supercritical CO₂ above all else, what exactly takes place during the process, and how to make CBD oil using CO₂.

What Is Supercritical CO₂ Extraction?

The words “supercritical CO₂ extraction” probably conjure mental images of mad scientists carrying out complex scientific procedures in underground bunkers. Although the term sounds complex and even intimidating, you’ll find it easy to understand when we break it down.

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) exists as a solid, liquid, or gas depending on the external environment. For CO₂ to exist as a solid, it must experience 1 atmosphere of pressure (the same amount of pressure we walk around in) and extremely cold temperatures of -78.5°C.

These environmental factors create dry ice, a solid form of carbon that turns into a gas at music concerts and nightclubs, making everything look mysterious and awesome. Carbon turns into a gas precisely when temperatures exceed -78.5°C.

Carbon can also exist as a liquid, but much more extreme environmental conditions are required to achieve this state. Liquid carbon only occurs under 100 atmospheres of pressure, and at temperatures of around -40°C.

So, where does supercritical carbon dioxide come into the equation? The term “supercritical” simply refers to carbon in a form where it exhibits the properties of both a liquid and a gas simultaneously.

CO₂ extractors use a combination of pressure and temperature to force carbon past its “critical point”. This happens at a pressure of 100 atmospheres and temperatures of around 27°C.

Once forced into its supercritical state, CO₂ becomes a green organic solvent. It boasts non-flammable, non-toxic, and inert properties, yet effectively extracts compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis constituents.

What Is Supercritical CO₂ Extraction?
  • How To Make CBD Oil Using Supercritical CO₂ Extraction

As a gas, supercritical CO₂ can pass between very small gaps in plant matter, and as a liquid it can pull phytochemicals in as it goes. When it comes to making CBD oil, technicians simply load up these machines with high-CBD hemp flowers that possess almost no THC.

As the supercritical CO₂ passes through the buds, it picks up high quantities of CBD and terpenes, which are then infused into a carrier oil at the end of the process.

How Are CO₂ Extractions Performed?

CO₂ extraction is carried out using large and extremely expensive industrial units consisting of a series of chambers and tubes. Because of their size and cost, only companies willing to make a large investment can use this technology to create top-tier cannabis extracts.

For now, most amateur extract creators are limited to high-proof alcohol extractions. However, the first computer was over 15 metres long, and now you carry more sophisticated technology around in your pocket.

In other words, years down the line, you might find yourself loading a home CO₂ extractor with your latest harvest to make some of the cleanest CBD oil you’ll ever consume. But in the present reality, CO₂ extractors remain bulky and consist of many parts, including CO₂ tanks, pumps, extractor vessels, separators, and a collection vessel.

How Are CO₂ Extractions Performed?

Supercritical vs Subcritical CO₂ Extraction

Before we delve into the step-by-step process of supercritical extraction, let’s explore the difference between supercritical and subcritical extraction.

As you’ve learned, carbon enters a supercritical state when it passes its critical point. In contrast, subcritical conditions occur below the critical point, at lower temperatures (“sub” means “below”).

Because the carbon doesn’t rise above this critical point, but still experiences enormous amounts of pressure, it remains a liquid. As a pure liquid, carbon still works as an effective solvent. However, because it doesn’t display the behaviour of gas, it doesn’t move through plant material in quite the same way.

Therefore, subcritical carbon dioxide is less effective as a solvent, meaning it doesn’t take up as many constituents as supercritical CO₂. But this form of extraction also comes with some benefits.

Because it uses lower temperatures, subcritical CO₂ extraction preserves some of the more volatile terpenes found within cannabis; those that begin to degrade at the relatively mild temperature used to conduct supercritical CO₂ extraction. Essentially, subcritical CO₂ extraction can create terpene-rich products that aren't possible through other means.

Overall, supercritical CO₂ extraction has won the favour of the cannabis industry for its efficiency. Although some terpenes may degrade, many stay intact, and this form of extraction simply pulls out more constituents with every run.

CO₂ Extraction: Step-by-Step Process

Supercritical CO₂ extractors require trained technicians to operate. The process takes place over four main phases.

  • Plant Matter Enters the Vessel

During the first stage, technicians load up the extraction vessel—a large metal tube—with plant matter. To fill the column to maximum capacity, the flowers are often first processed into finer particles.

As well as increasing capacity, this action increases the surface area, which allows the solvent to gather more of the desired molecules.

CO₂ Extraction: Step-by-Step Process
  • CO₂ Exceeds Its Critical Point

After filling up the extraction vessel, the technicians proceed to change the settings on the extractor, releasing liquid CO₂ into a part of the machine called the accumulator.

By increasing the temperature and pressure within this part of the extractor, they expose the liquid CO₂ to the conditions at which it passes the critical point and enters a supercritical state.

CO₂ Extraction: Step-by-Step Process
  • Supercritical CO₂ Becomes Infused With Phytochemicals

The supercritical CO₂ then leaves the accumulator and enters the extraction vessel—the column loaded with processed plant matter.

With the properties of a gas, the substance squeezes through the tiniest gaps between the plant matter. With the properties of a liquid solvent, it absorbs prized molecules such as THC and CBD, and terpenes such as pinene and myrcene.

CO₂ Extraction: Step-by-Step Process
  • Phase Exchange

After passing through the extraction vessel, picking up cannabinoids and terpenes as it goes, the supercritical CO₂ passes through a tube at the bottom of the vessel into the separator. A change in temperature and pressure causes the cannabis molecules to separate from the CO₂ and form an oil.

The less-dense CO₂ passes through the top of the separator where it becomes a liquid once more, ready for another run in the future. The magic of closed-loop systems is that the CO₂ is recaptured and nothing goes to waste.

Finally, technicians take the oil and use it to create an array of cannabis products. For example, when making CBD oil, they’ll dilute the product with a carrier oil such as olive oil or hemp seed oil.

The properties of the product depend largely on the initial material used. Flowers high in THC will produce psychotropic THC extracts, whereas those high in CBD will produce non-psychotropic CBD extracts.

CO₂ Extraction: Step-by-Step Process

Where Is Supercritical CO₂ Extraction Used, Besides Cannabis?

Although quite new to the world of cannabis, other industries have used this efficient, green, and safe form of extraction for decades. Supercritical CO₂ extraction first appeared in the 1980s, and has since enhanced the extraction process of many different sectors within the food and beverage industry.

Coffee companies adopted the technology very early on to remove caffeine from their products and create decaffeinated coffee. Other companies use CO₂ extractors to remove trichloroanisole from corks. This compound adds an unpleasant taste to wine, and the removal of it has led to the production of billions of aroma-free corks.

Scientists have also tested the ability of CO₂ extraction to obtain antioxidants such as anthocyanins from blueberries and other fruits. These compounds are used in drinks, supplements, and even as pigments to colour edible products.

Many retailers are now including “CO₂ extracted” on their product labels to display their commitment to purity and greener manufacturing processes.

What Are the Benefits of Using CO₂?

Supercritical CO₂ extraction offers a whole host of benefits. These advantages are precisely why many cannabis companies are investing in this technology over older methods. Check out the main benefits below.

Natural
Above all else, both manufacturers and consumers see CO₂ as more of a natural choice. This element occurs throughout nature, and our bodies produce it every second of the day.
FDA Approved
Confidence in supercritical CO₂ extraction surged following its approval as a safe solvent[1] by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Non-Toxic
Supercritical CO₂ extraction won this status partly because of its non-toxic nature. Unlike solvents such as butane, CO₂ is safe for both human health and the environment.
Clean and Pure
Supercritical CO₂ extractors are designed to recover all of the liquid CO₂ present in the machine before the extraction takes place. This means the extracts that emerge from the other end are free of solvent residue and perfectly pure.
Non-Flammable
You’ve likely heard stories of people blowing the roofs off their homes when performing butane cannabis extractions. These accidents occur because of the flammable nature of the gas. CO₂ sidesteps this dangerous process altogether.

What Products Can Be Made in the Cannabis Industry Using CO₂ Extraction?

Manufacturers can create a whole host of cannabis products using this extraction technology. Dispensary shelves are already filling up with a diverse range of CO₂-extracted products, including:

As researchers continue to unveil the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes within the plant, we can expect to see more CO₂-extracted cannabis products appear in the near future.

BHO vs CO₂ Extraction

CO₂ extraction outperforms butane hash oil (BHO) extraction at almost every level. To start, the former uses much lower temperatures during the process, which helps to preserve those precious and tasty terpenes.

Moreover, the use of butane poses a long list of potential problems. If it ends up in the final product, it poses a serious health hazard. Plus, butane as a solvent poses the risks of fire and explosion when handled incorrectly.

Currently, BHO only wins on one point: affordability. However, as CO₂ extraction technology becomes cheaper and more accessible, it will surely make its way into households in the coming years.

External Resources:
  1. Recent Advances in Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plant Materials https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: