CBD Oil: Understanding the Base (Part 2)
By Margo Amala
CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is taking the world by storm. Many people are excited to experience any relief or health benefits that CBD could potentially have to offer. CBD can be found at the grocery store, gas station and even in your beer or soda at local restaurants.
At Urban Farmacy we believe knowledge is power. Understanding the products you choose to put in your body increases the likelihood that you will experience your desired results. In our previous blog CBD Oil: Hemp v. Cannabis & The Entourage Effect (Part 1) I cover the differences between hemp derived and cannabis derived CBD as well as the differences between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Let’s continue our conversation about understanding the different types of CBD oil on the market.
The term CBD oil describes quite a few types of products ranging from tinctures to Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), Butane Hash Oil (BHO), Propane Hash Oil (PHO), and Co2 Oil. At the most basic level, when you are seeking CBD oil, you are looking for a concentrated source of CBD and possibly other cannabinoids. The types of extraction methods, concentrations, and viscosity are variations that exist between products. Many products such as BHO, PHO and Co2 oil are named based on the solvent that is used to process the oil. Let’s break these oils down so you know which kind of CBD oil you are looking for.
CBD oil is an extraction of the hemp or cannabis plant that comes in various different concentrations depending on the process and desired end product. Most people who come into my dispensary, Urban Farmacy located in Portland, Oregon, are looking for either a CBD oil tincture or CBD Rick Simpson Oil. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is an extraction made using alcohol as the solvent. The alcohol is purged off after the extraction process leaving a thick, black, tar-like substance. RSO was created by Rick Simpson who personally experienced many health benefits from its use. For more information on RSO and how to use it see the RSO category of our blog.
Let’s explore various different CBD oil tinctures. Whole cannabis or hemp plants can be extracted directly into alcohol, glycerin or oil. Cannabinoids are oil loving, which is the reason many tinctures on the market have an oil base. Another way to make a CBD tincture is to mix a super concentrated hemp or cannabis extract (like RSO) into a carrier oil base. For a recipe on how to make your own RSO tincture see my blog on Consuming RSO: 101. Deciding which kind of CBD oil tincture you will use comes down to your own personal sensitivities and preferences. Each tincture will have varying different ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes. Each different tincture will also have a different potency. The list below details the various different bases you will find CBD oil or tinctures in on the shelves of Portland Dispensary Urban Farmacy.
Vegetable Glycerin – A sugar alcohol derived from plants. Glycerin can also be derived from petroleum or animal products if it is not specified as vegetable glycerin. Glycerin based tinctures will taste sweet.
Alcohol – Various different alcohols can be used to extract cannabis: one of the most common is cane alcohol.
Oil Based Tinctures:
MCT Oil – Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil contains medium length chains of the specific fats called triglycerides. MCT oil is typically derived from coconut but also can be derived from palm or dairy products. The long chain fats in coconut oil are what keep it solid at room temperature. Removing the long chain fats allows the oil to be stable at room temperature or even in the fridge. MCT oil can have health benefits if you are not intolerant to coconut.
Almond Oil – Almond oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid and has high levels of antioxidants.
- Hemp Oil – Hemp oil is a great carrier oil for cannabinoids as is an excellent source of plant based Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids are converted into endogenous cannabinoids naturally in the body. Hemp oil being rich in both Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids makes it health conscious choice base for CBD oil.
Grapeseed Oil – Grapeseed oil is high in antioxidants, and vitamin E. It is also a good source of Omega 6 fatty acids.
There is quite a bit of information to take in about CBD products. It is really helpful to have a team of educated people to answer your questions. Urban Farmacy strives to be the best dispensary in Portland for CBD oil by providing education about CBD and CBD oil products. We truly wish you well on your journey of discovery!
Resources:
The Cardiac and Haemostatic Effects of Dietary Hempseed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2868018/
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids Fight Inflammation Via Cannabinoids
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170718142909.htm
