Understanding CBD Carrier Oils: MCT, Black Seed, Olive & More

what is cbd carrier oil

Society's acceptance of CBD has completely evolved over the years. Gone are the days when anything remotely related to cannabis were frowned at. Now, people are even more eager to explore all the benefits of CBD for medicinal and recreational purposes. We all know CBD is the active ingredient in our cannabis product, but the majority are oblivious of the fact that there are other key pieces to this puzzle. To fully function, cannabis products need a lot more than just the active ingredient. This article will focus on one the key pieces that makeup cannabis products, CBD carrier oils. What are they? Read on to find out!

What are CBD carrier oils?

For anyone to ingest CBD in its oil or tincture form, it needs to be absorbed into fatty oils, which will help the body absorb the cannabinoids. The rich oils are called "carrier oils" as they absorb the CBD and allow it re-dissolve back into the body.

Knowledge of carrier oils is essential for everyone interested in CBD. People should know how they work, why they work that way, and the kind of carrier oils they should use.

If you have ever bought CBD oil, you should know that you have gotten more from the product than just the cannabidiol. The manufacturers have included carrier oils for easy absorption, so the next time you buy a CBD oil product, check the label for the carrier oil information.

Lots of carrier oils are similar, but they have some differences based on their sources. While some are nut-based oils derived from nuts, others are plant-based oils from the plant itself.

What are the benefits of CBD carrier oils

Easy absorption

The significant benefit of CBD carrier oils is that they enable easy absorption. Carrier oils improve bioavailability that makes it easy for the body to absorb CBD. CBD is a fat-soluble substance that dissolves in oil and not in water.

More so, fat-soluble substances are easily absorbed when digested with fat. So if you digest water-soluble substances such as sugar or some minerals, your digestive tract will send them to your bloodstream.

But fat-soluble substances cannot be absorbed like water. Instead of a natural digestive process, your digestive tract will turn them into fatty tissues, which will be distributed in your body.

Now carrier oils are fat-soluble hence the reason CBD dissolves in it. The oil then carries the CBD into the body's tissues making them more accessible to your body.

Effective dosing

CBD is a powerful chemical, so you wouldn't need a lot of it before getting its beneficial medicinal effects. However, some people don't know how to get the correct dose, and overdosing has negatively-impactful side effects.

With carrier oils, it is easy to measure CBD doses. Most CBD-infused carrier oils come with instructions backed by the FDA on how to get the correct dosage.

Additional health benefits

The carrier oils also have their health benefits, which the CBD user enjoys. For example, olive oil is beneficial for heart health, so one will derive this benefit when olive oil is used as a carrier oil for CBD.

The differences between essential oils and carrier oils

Essential oils are great, but they are not the same as carrier oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated with a strong fragrance and are mainly used for aromatherapy.

Essential oils are not ingestable as they are made for only absorption through the skin (in small amounts). Please don't buy essential oils in the place of carrier oils because they are only meant to be used on the skin.

Common CBD carrier oils

Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil

MCT oil is one of the most highly sought-after CBD carrier oil. It is derived from palm kernel and is a form of fatty acid the body quickly absorbs. The body doesn't have to break down MCT oil through digestion.

There are also long and short-chain triglycerides: the long requires more digestion, and gut bacteria eat the short before they can be absorbed. So MCT being medium is your best bet.

MCT oil doesn't require chemical processing; it is less expensive than other oils and contains 90% saturated fat, which aids easy absorption. This oil is also almost flavorless, lightweight, and slow to break down.

Black seed oil

Another great option is the black seed carrier oil. This oil contains Thymoquinone, which is a potent anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory substance.

When combined with CBD, this oil reduces inflammation, and its high oleic acid content makes CBD work well with other active ingredients. When this oil is taken orally, the oleic acid also enables a slow absorption process into your body system, thus aiding a smooth release effect afterward.

Olive oil

Olive oil is the carrier oil many CBD users know as it is also straightforward to buy from anywhere in the world. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, high in vitamin E and K, and absorbs into the skin even faster than MCT oil.

Olive oil can hold much more CBD, has a strong flavor, and is thicker than other carrier oils.

Avocado oil

Avocado carrier oils are increasing in popularity because of their health benefits. It is mainly used as a carrier oil in topical products, but it can also be ingested as it is an excellent addition to any meal.

Avocado oil is quickly and effectively absorbed into the skin and the body's digestive tract, and it has a lovely nutty flavor. This oil is also high in various vitamins such as vitamins A, B, D, and E.

Hemp seed oil

CBD oil and hemp seeds come from the same plant, but they are not the same thing. While CBD comes from the flower, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds. The seed contains fewer cannabinoids than the flower, even though they have some hemp phytochemicals not in the flowers.

Hemp seed oil is very effective as a carrier oil because you will be getting nutrients from two vital parts of the plant: the seeds and the flowers. So with hemp seed oil, you get all the hemp plant components and not just CBD.

The hemp seed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (this lowers inflammation); it is a good fiber source and contains minerals like magnesium and iron.

Bottom line

It isn't easy to pick one carrier oil and tag it the best because they are all great products that make the absorption process easier. It's highly recommended that you speak with your doctor before opting for any of the carrier oils. The doctor will consider if you have allergies or other peculiar conditions that may hinder you from using the oil.