How is hemp oil produced?

This refers to a vegetable oil extracted from hemp, a plant native to Central Asia. This plant is also known as Cannabis Sativa. Its richness in omega 6 (linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid involved in the production of the cell membrane) and omega 3 (polyunsaturated fatty acids that maintain skin elasticity and are involved in anti-inflammatory processes) gives its oil softening and soothing properties on the skin. Hemp oil has a fluid oily texture. Depending on its extraction method, its colour varies from yellow to green-yellow. It emits a slightly spicy scent, reminiscent of freshly cut grass.

The extraction of hemp oil can be achieved in three different ways (mechanical, via an extraction solvent, or using supercritical fluid), which will slightly influence its composition and its hue, ranging from yellow to yellow-green.

Like the majority of vegetable oils, hemp seed oil can be extracted via a process known as cold pressing. This extraction process involves several stages.

1. Harvesting of seeds. It is necessary to select those that are not open near the fully blooming flowers. To do this, it is recommended to touch the husks to see if they are hard. In France, the harvest period usually extends from the end of August to October.

2. Cleaning and drying of seeds.

3. Crushing of seeds through mechanical pressure. This step is carried out at room temperature and does not involve any chemical reaction. A non-purified hemp oil is obtained.

4. Purification of the oil through decantation and filtration (no chemical reaction is performed).

This extraction method allows for the procurement of a 100% pure and natural oil, preserving all the active principles of the seeds. The only downside is its yield, which is not excellent: 60-80% of the oil can be extracted from hemp seeds, depending on the pressing conditions.