We most commonly use CBD drops for the benefits of CBD or any other cannabinoids that might be present in full-spectrum products. It is not common that we are picky about which carrier oil our CBD is diluted in. However, different oils also pose different beneficial impacts. In continuation, we will take a look at the most common carrier oils used for the production of CBD drops, together with their pros and cons.
The most commonly used carrier oils for CBD drops
Any carrier oil can be used for CBD drops. However, some are more popular or more frequently used. The most common CBD carrier oils in the market are hempseed oil, olive oil, or MCT oil. Each of the oils has its beneficial properties.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is oil that is pressed from hemp seeds. The most valuable is cold-pressed oil, which means that the temperature of the oil is always lower than 40°C during the pressing. Hemp seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, namely omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil also poses an ideal ratio between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids, which is 3:1. Due to omega 3 fatty acids, adding hemp seed oil to your diet can reduce inflammation processes in your body. The most represented among omega-6 fatty acids is GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), while among omega-3 fatty acids the most represented is ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Cold-pressed hemp seed oil is dark yellow to green and has full flavor and a gentle nutty taste.
Olive oil
Olive oil is extracted from the olives. It contains about 14% saturated fatty acids and 11% polyunsaturated fatty acids. The predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid – oleic acid. There is about 73% of oleic acid in olive oil. Oleic acid is also known to reduce inflammation in the body. Also, when it comes to olive oil, the most valuable is “extra virgin” olive oil, which means it is not refined (processed either with chemicals or heat). It has a rich yellow color and a peppery flavor.
MCT oil
MCT oil is a shorter expression for medium-chain triglycerides. It is a mixture of mostly caprylic and capric fatty acids. It is produced by fractionation of coconut or palm kernel oil. Fatty acids in MCT are shorter than those in the fats we usually eat, making them easier to digest. It is a popular carrier for CBD because it is a transparent color with no particular taste or smell. So, it is commonly used when flavors are added to CBD drops. It is also perfect from the stability point of view. It contains only saturated fatty acids, so rancidity is not likely to occur in such products, which means the shelf life of CBD drops will be longer if we use MCT oil as a carrier.
In which carrier oil should I buy my CBD?
It depends on your preferences. Cold-pressed oils like hempseed or olive oil contain unsaturated fatty acids and have beneficial properties, which may contribute to the beneficial properties of CBD. But, it is important to know that unsaturated fats are more prone to rancidity, so the shelf life of your CBD drops may be shorter if you choose hempseed or olive oil as a carrier. MCT oil, on the other hand, is very stable. Besides that, it is neutral in smell, taste, and color. Whichever carrier oil you choose, make sure you buy your CBD from a trustworthy manufacturer with all the needed quality certificates.