What is cannabis oil?

Cannabis oil is an oil extracted from the cannabis plant and is used in a wide range of products, including skincare and cosmetics. There are several types of cannabis oil, which vary in their content of cannabinoids, most notably CBD (cannabidiol) and in some countries THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). In this post, we take a closer look at what cannabis oil is, how it is made, and what uses it has in the industry.

How is cannabis oil made?

Cannabis oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the plant, which contain natural compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. There are various methods for extracting oil from the cannabis plant, which vary depending on the desired quality and application of the oil. Some of the most common extraction methods include:

• CO₂ extraction: A method that uses carbon dioxide to extract the oil from the plant. CO₂ extraction is considered a clean and efficient method, often used for high-quality manufacturing and for use in cosmetic products.

• Oil extraction: This method uses vegetable oils such as olive oil or coconut oil to extract the active ingredients from the cannabis plant. Oil extraction is often used in products where it is desired to preserve the natural components of the plant.

• Ethanol extraction: This uses ethanol as a solvent to extract the desired components. This method is popular due to its efficiency and is suitable for large quantities, but may require further purification of the oil afterwards.

After extraction, the oil is purified to remove any unwanted residues, resulting in a pure cannabis oil that can be used as an ingredient in many different cosmetic products.

Use of cannabis oil in cosmetics and skin care

Cannabis oil, especially CBD oil, has become popular as an ingredient in cosmetics and skincare due to its natural properties. It is used in creams, serums, and lotions, where it is marketed as a natural ingredient that fits into a sustainable and plant-based approach to personal care.

Many cosmetic products contain hemp oil, which is extracted from cannabis seeds and differs from CBD oil in that it does not contain cannabinoids. Hemp oil is rich in nutrients such as omega fatty acids, which give the oil moisturizing properties and make it popular in skin and hair care products.

Legislation regarding cannabis oil

The legislation surrounding cannabis oil varies depending on the country's regulations, especially regarding THC content. In Denmark, cannabis oil with THC is only allowed for medical purposes under strict conditions. CBD oil, on the other hand, which contains less than 0.2% THC, is legal and is often used in cosmetics and skin care.

It is important that manufacturers of cannabis oil for cosmetic products comply with applicable regulations and ensure that the oil is correctly labeled so that consumers can be confident about the product.

The future of cannabis oil

As more industries become aware of the potential of cannabis oil, more products are expected to come to market that take advantage of its natural properties. Research is also underway into new ways to extract and use cannabis oil that can make production more efficient and sustainable. The future of cannabis oil therefore looks promising in terms of both product development and the industry’s focus on plant-based solutions.