Cannabis is extracted into a carrier oil as cannabis is fat soluble, meaning it dissolves into fat not water, this gives it better bio availability.
There’s many options for CBD oil on the market, everything from drops, sprays and capsules. Knowing which oil is right for you will not only give you the best experience, you’ll avoid possible allergic reactions or drug interactions.
Let’s take a look at the most common oils and their pros and cons:
MCT: medium-chain triglyceride oil
MCT oil is the most common oil used and it’s made by processing coconut or palm kernel oil. Most MCT carrier oils you find on the market are from coconut. MCT oil is easily absorbed by the body and has better bioavailability than most other oils on the market, which is why it’s preferred.
Pros
- Quick absorption
- Almost flavourless
- Less expensive than some carrier oils
- Slow to break down and go rancid
- Lighter and thinner in consistency
Cons:
- May cause digestive upset such as diarrhea, nausea and gas
- Can cause a build up of ketones in the body and may not be safe for diabetics
- Not safe for people with liver disease
Hemp seed oil:
Hemp seed oil is derived from cannabis so it might seem like a natural fit, especially as it contributes to the product being full spectrum, meaning all of the plant properties (cannabinoids, terpenes etc) are present. However there are some considerations.
Pros
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids
- Antioxidant
- May add to entourage effect
Cons:
- Lower solvency than MCT oil
- More costly
- Strong flavour
- May cause digestive upset
- Can raise blood pressure and slow heart rate
Olive oil
Olive oil is great for salad dressings and cooking however is it a good option for cannabis?
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants
- Highly researched
- Absorbed by skin even faster than MCT
Cons
- Long-chain triglycerides are slower to absorb than MCT however it may absorb more efficiently
- Lower solvency than MCT oil
- Thicker than most other carrier oils
- Strong flavour
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. It’s cheaper to use and easy to obtain.
Pros
- Good for the skin
- Sunflower lecithin may make CBD work faster and make CBD more effective
- Mild flavour
Cons
- Long-chain triglycerides are slower to absorb than MCT however it may absorb more efficiently
Ahiflower seed oil
New to the market is Ahiflower seed oil which you can find exclusively through Auxly Cannabis Group. Their brand Dosecann, which makes one of my favourite cannabis capsules uses Ahilflower oil. Ahiflower oil is a vegan alternative to fish oil as it’s rich in essential omegas such as omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and contains high amounts of stearidonic acid (SDA).
Ahiflower seed oil is considered safe and well tolerated from clinical trials and is sustainably and regeneratively farmed.
Which carrier oil is best?
Each oil has it’s own positives and negatives. Finding an oil that’s right for you means trying different brands until you find one that gives you the desired effect you’re looking for, with a taste and consistency that works for you. Visit the reviews section of Weed Mama to help you with your choice. (More products added regularly).