Cannabis Oil and CBD Oil
The popularity of cannabis oil and in particularly CBD oil has soared. This is partly due to the recent legislation of the ‘farm bill’ since hemp is now considered legal in the states.
Regardless as to whether you can use cannabis oil (Higher THC) or CBD oil, or both, there are some things you should consider when purchasing oil.
Why have a Carrier Oil?
There are lots of oils out on the market today, to fully understand why companies process it with a carrier oil it is best to know how our body reacts to it. Most companies infuse cannabis into an oil-based solution, where it binds with fat molecules of your body. Once the cannabinoids are evenly distributed throughout the oil, you can measure out the amount for a dosage.
Type of Carrier Oils
There are different types of carrier oils producers like to use. It is a preference as to how the company decides to choose. Generally it all boils down to costs and quality.
Below I will explain the types of carrier oils cannabis producers use with their cannabis. Each carrier oil has an impact on your health in some way. One type might be better for you than the other.
The best carrier oil would be the one that has the best health impacts for you and it’s ‘bioavailability’. Meaning that the one that is the easiest to disperse the cannabinoids throughout your body and easier to digest is your best choice.
Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is derived from the ground-up seeds of red wine grapes. It isn’t very greasy, so grapeseed oil is great to add to the lotions and hair care products. Some key points about grape seed oil are:
Benefits
- Excellent for diabetics, may lower blood sugar and prevent diabetic complications. [1]
- High in antioxidants
- Helps poor circulation
- Great for skin
- High “smoke point” of 428 F degrees
Cons
- Not the best for cannabinoid distribution as it is high in polyunsaturated fats at approximately 70%
- May interact with drugs like blood thinners, and pain killers
Sunflower Oil
Pressed from the seeds of a Sunflower. An oily substance with a mixture of the polyunsaturated fat and linoleic acid (59%). An oil that is cheap to produce and easy to obtain.
Benefits
- High “smoke point” of 440 degrees [2]
- Good for skin
- Boosts the immunity
- Prevents infections
Cons
- Not the best for cannabinoid distribution as it is high in polyunsaturated fats at approximately 65%
- Not good for diabetics, increases blood sugar levels
- May cause an allergic reaction
Coconut Oil
Extracted from coconuts, Coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fats.
Benefits
- Fat burning, can increase how many calories you burn
- Can kill harmful bacteria
- Reduce your appetite
- Possibly reduce seizures [3]
- A great binding agent for cannabinoids
- Very low in polyunsaturated fats of 1.7%
Cons
- Smoke point of 347 degrees F (which may not activate all the cannabinoids)
Olive Oil
The oil is created by pressing the whole olives, it commonly used in cooking and salad dressing.
Benefits
- low amount of polyunsaturated fats at approximately 10%
- Large amounts of antioxidants
- Fairly high smoke point of 380 degrees F
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- May reduce blood sugar levels
Cons
- May interact with blood pressure medications
Hemp Seed Oil
Made from pressed hemp seeds, not to be confused with ‘hemp’ whereas CBD is extracted from the flowers and stalk.
Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- High in Omega
- High in antioxidants
Cons
- Shelf life is not long so it can go rancid quickly, should be stored in the fridge
- 82% of polyunsaturated fats
- Inefficient carrier of cannabinoids on its own, needs to be mixed with other oils for best results.
Ultimately the best carrier oil is a personal choice, each one affects you differently. The best way is to check what carrier oil is used by the producer to know what will work for you.
For more articles like this visit thereliefleaf.com
References:
[1] Renal and Urology News. Grape Seed Extract May Lower Blood Sugar in Diabetes Mellitus. Retrieved from on Feb. 10, 2019
[2] Wikipedia. Sunflower Oil. Retrieved from: on Feb. 9, 2019
[3] Healthline.Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil. Retrieved from on Feb. 11, 2019
