What Color is CBD Oil?

CBD oil can be green or gold or clear or sometimes even pink. From carrier oils to extraction methods, here are things that influence the oil color. 

What Determines CBD Color? 

CBD oil comes from extracts of the plant Cannabis sativa. Like all plants, it is because of its chlorophyll content. The herbal green color of unfiltered CBD oil comes from the presence of this substance. 

But oil colors can vary from green to gold to even clear depending on their extraction process. Some production methods are more effective at isolating cannabidiol (CBD) from the other components in CBD extract. 

CBD oils made via Supercritical CO2 Extraction, in particular, are almost always golden in color. This method is highly effective because it lets you customize your extraction process by adjusting the pressure and temperature settings. 

Some oils retain this color, while others lose it depending on the product's marketing. CBD oil that keeps its natural color after the filtration can get marketed as “pure” CBD oil. Some producers deliberately keep or reintroduce the chlorophyll, terpenes, and flavonoids into the CBD oil to help market it as all-natural. Full-spectrum CBD oils are one of these products that retain these components in the oil. 

In contrast, CBD Isolate oil tends to be more golden or clear because it contains the maximum concentration of the cannabinoid cannabidiol.  

Does CBD Color Have an Impact on Efficiency? 

The carrier oil used in your CBD oil can also affect its color. It does not have much of an impact when introduced in smaller quantities. But the product can take on the color of the carrier oil when its content is more than the CBD content in CBD oil. 

For example, products containing a high amount of olive oil can take on the light golden tinge of the oil. The carrier oil-CBD difference can also affect the effectiveness of the product. 

A product with more carrier oil than CBD will not have the potency of a CBD isolate. Similarly, a product containing all the cannabis extracts will have a greenish color. But this is not necessarily a sign of its effectiveness.  

The cannabis crop and the extraction process are more relevant indicators of the oil potency than its color. Some producers use cannabis varieties that have a naturally higher CBD content. 

It would be best if you focused instead on finding these reliable suppliers to find the most potent CBD oil rather than judging by its color. 

Green CBD Oil vs. Gold CBD Oil 

If you have been looking for CBD oils for some time, you may have come across oils in different colors. Among these, a natural-looking green and a clear golden option are most common. The main difference between these two oils is filtration and extraction.  

The green color of CBD oil comes from the chlorophyll content in cannabis. Some extraction methods like Supercritical CO2 and Ethanol Extraction are better at removing this substance from the pure cannabidiol. 

CBD oil is gold when devoid of different compounds like chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. This oil is usually more concentrated than the green CBD.  

But sometimes, the chlorophyll and other cannabis components are deliberately reintroduced back into the oil so that these products can get marketed as more pure and unfiltered products. 

These products also have a heavier and more bitter taste than CBD oil. Since they get marketed as natural products, they retain the grassy, earthy flavor characteristic of cannabis. Depending on your symptoms and preferences, you can opt for the isolated but more palatable gold CBD or the natural but strong-flavored green CBD. 

What is the General Color of CBD Oil? Why Does it Matter? 

CBD oil has a greenish hue before extraction and filtration. The presence of chlorophyll and other compounds contributes to this color. However, it turns gold once past the extraction as these cannabis components get filtered out from the pure CBD. 

However, this is not always the case, as the carrier oil used in the product also influences its color. Instead of an indicator of purity, the gold may result from a higher concentration of carrier oil. 

 Some products also contain artificial flavors and colors to help make them more appealing. These extracts and dyes may also affect the color of the CBD oil.  

The green color of CBD oil matters because it shows that the oil still contains many of its natural extracts. Unless it results from a dye or a flavoring, green CBD oil is full of cannabinoids, chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, and natural fats with their natural benefits. 

See also: Articles, CBD, Oils, Research & Studies

Enny Soyinka

PharmacologistExpertise : Research on cannabinoids, Brand Reviewer

Enny Soyinka stands at the forefront of hemp research, blending a deep-rooted passion for holistic health with a robust scientific background. As an accomplished pharmacologist, Enny's extensive research into hemp has made them a pivotal figure in demystifying its health benefits. Their expertise shines a light on the nuanced relationship between cannabinoids and wellness, offering well-informed insights in the dynamic world of cannabinoids.