From Clear to Brown - Know Your CBD Colours

So you want to buy CBD?

You’ve been overloaded with many so called ‘facts’ and confused about what is good or bad. Hopefully, this will provide more information on what could impact the colour of CBD oils.

Extraction Methods

There are two main extraction processes that most manufacturers use to produce CBD products. 

These are CO2 extraction and Ethanol extraction.

During an Ethanol extraction process, typically Chlorophyll will also be extracted which can give the CBD product a green undertone; whereas the CO2 extraction does not extract the Chlorophyll.

Hence, if you find your CBD oil to be more of a green colour then there is a strong chance it also contains Chlorophyll.

Spectrums

There are three types of spectrums, which could have an impact on the final colour of the oil.

Isolates- CBD isolated in its raw form comes in a white colour; however, when mixed with an oil carrier it leaves very little colour; this allows for the colour of the carrier oil to stay the same.

Broad spectrum- during the extraction process to remove THC from the product, the finished product will typically be a lighter brown colour compared to the full spectrum product.

Full spectrum- as the name suggests, would contain all of the cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant materials. This could result in a rich golden colour to a dark brown colour.

Carrier Oils

In order for you to consume CBD in an oil format, it needs to be mixed with an oil carrier. Subject to the oil carrier, this will definitely have an impact on the end result when it comes to consistency, color and/or taste.

Most common oil carriers found in CBD products are Hemp seed oil and Olive oil, which are typically a golden colour. Other carriers such as MCT oil have a more clear tone to it.

Certain carrier oils, such as olive oil and hemp seed oil, are typically golden coloured with a hint of green. Other carrier oils, such as coconut or MCT oil, will be nearly completely colourless and clear.