A new study published in Global Medical Genetics by researchers at the University of Ljubljana has identified subcritical water extraction (SWE) as a promising and environmentally friendly method for obtaining hemp extracts rich in antioxidants. The research evaluated SWE alongside conventional and modern extraction techniques, including Soxhlet ethanol extraction, high-pressure ethanol extraction, and supercritical CO₂ extraction, using CBGA-rich hemp. The team used a factorial design of experiments to optimize extraction conditions, examining yields, cannabinoid content, and antioxidant activity. SWE produced a yield of 35.9% with strong antioxidant activity, comparable to Soxhlet and high-pressure ethanol methods. The study highlights SWE’s potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based extraction techniques, offering a way to produce antioxidant-rich hemp extracts without relying on toxic or hazardous chemicals.