A comprehensive guide on how to make CBD oil as well as its many uses and health benefits.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is extracted from the stems, flowers, and leaves of the hemp plant. CBD can be extracted from marijuana plants as well. Marijuana-based CBD has not been approved at a federal level, however, is legal under some state laws.  

CBD oil can often refer to products that are made from marijuana plants which typically do contain high amounts of CBD at least compared to hemp plant material. CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants. CBD is marijuana that contains higher concentrations of cannabinoids than hemp by weight so this results in a much more potent product when using a concentrated form.

CBD: Explained

Cannabidiol CBD is a chemical found in marijuana and the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. CBD helps to manage various health conditions such as inflammatory and neuropathic pain. CBD is found in marijuana and the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa plant). Hemp-derived CBD products do not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects referred to as a high. CBD hemp oil and other CBD extract are primarily used for their wellness benefits.

Can I produce CBD oil at home?

Absolutely. There are many different recipes and methods for making CBD oil at home. Read on to find one of our favorite CBD tinctures made with coconut oil below.

Is there THC in CBD oil?

CBD infused extract is derived from a marijuana plant can contain high levels of THC and will cause an individual to feel high. CBD oil that has higher concentrations of THC is not legal all over the country. This type of CBD oil is legal in areas where recreational marijuana has been legalized, as well as in places where medical marijuana has been approved.  

CBD oil is an isolated extract of a single cannabinoid, unlike hemp oil which contains over 140 different beneficial cannabinoids, and no THC or CBD. There are full-spectrum products that contain all cannabinoids including CBD and terpenes, as well as broad-spectrum CBD which contains cannabinoids and terpenes without THC. Some broad-spectrum THC-free CBD oils are on the market. CBD isolate is pure CBD, most often marketed as pure or 99% pure CBD.  

CBD vs. THC

CBD oils are derived from hemp, while THC comes from marijuana cannabis flowers. CBD and THC cannabinoids are present in both the hemp flower and marijuana plant matter, but hemp tends to have more CBD and a less potent level of THC. This results in more minor psychoactive effects and more therapeutic, medicinal benefits.

How do you extract oil from CBD?

The two main ways to recreate professional CBD oil extraction at home are to use carbon dioxide or ethanol. A few of the less popular options for the extraction process are Dry ice, Hydrocarbon, or Vegetable oil extraction.

What are the main ingredients in CBD oil?

The main ingredients in a homemade CBD oil are hemp flowers and carrier oil. You’ll need a few other carrier oil ingredients and tools, but these are the top components.

Selecting the best carrier oil

Some of the most familiar carrier oils are:

• Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) Oil
• Olive Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Hemp Seed Oil 

MCT Oil

MCT oil is the most prominent carrier oil used in CBD products and when making CBD oil at home. It can be a derivative of palm or coconut oil, with coconut oil being the most familiar source. 

Medium-chain triglycerides are fatty acids that your body can quickly absorb because the stomach doesn’t have to digest them before sending them to your lymph system. It also absorbs quickly through the skin, which is ideal for topical use. In comparison, long-chain triglycerides require more digestion time. Gut bacteria often digest short-chain triglycerides before they’ve had time to be absorbed, making MCTs the most effective option. 

DIY CBD oil recipe

Here’s an excellent CBD-infused oil recipe with no harmful chemicals or additives.

Materials

• A double boiler
• Mixing Bowl
• Airtight storage container

Ingredients

• five grams of beeswax
• twenty grams of coconut-derived MCT oil
• High-quality CBD oil
• Half a gram of carrier oil
• 1/3 cup finely shredded coconut (for taste)

Instructions

1. Place five grams of beeswax in a double boiler and melt it over low heat, stirring constantly.
2. Add twenty grams of fractionated coconut oil to the melted beeswax, continuing to stir.
3. Add natural CBD oil to the coconut oil mixture and continue stirring over low heat until thoroughly blended.
4. Remove from heat and cool.
5. Once the mix cools into a semisolid state, add 0.5 grams of essential oil to the mix in the double boiler.
6. Place the gluten-free liquid in a storage container while still pourable.
7. The CBD oil will be good to use for wellness benefits for six months to a year. 

Storage Tips

A proper cure will ensure that your cannabis oil will last longer. They will maintain their flavor and potency longer as well.

Humidity control packs can help ensure humidity levels remain ideal to store buds.

Store buds in airtight containers. Mason jars are perfect airtight jars for storing cannabis after the curing process. Plastic bags risk drying and losing the potency of your cured cannabis.

Maintain a dark environment with a cool temperature for optimal storage of cured cannabis in an airtight container.

Cannabis buds frozen in airtight containers vs. plastic bags can last up to one to two years.

CBD oil can be kept in an un-opened airtight container or glass bottle for up to two years. Once opened, the cannabinoids will hold their potency for about six months depending on storage conditions. It’s not recommended to store CBD oil at home in overly hot or cold conditions.

Dosage

Your CBD oil should be produced and measured with consistency. When two batches of the same cannabis strain are created, one could turn out to be a less potent tincture if you aren’t using exact measurements. You’ll want to find a solid recipe and track the amount of alcohol you use in that recipe. Once you make your tincture the first time, the dosage can easily be compared or measured for the next batch.

CBD Oil Dosage

If you’re wondering how much CBD oil to take, start at a low dose (1 ml ) of your finished product, then consume the tincture sublingually. If you’re unsatisfied with the desired effects after the first use, you can exponentially increase the dose. You can also boost your dosage slowly over a few weeks to reduce discomfort and ensure safe cannabis consumption.

Hemp vs CBD oil

There are a few main distinctions between hemp seed oil and pure CBD oil.

Hemp-derived CBD oil

Hemp oil has a higher CBD content than marijuana, and many products on the market contain hemp-derived CBD. Hemp seed oil comes from the Cannabis Sativa family and has long been used to make clothing, paper, and cloth for medical purposes.

Cannabis-derived CBD oil

CBD is found in all strains of cannabis, both Indica, and Sativa. Marijuana contains a much higher THC content than hemp and contains other chemicals that can aid and bolster the effects of CBD. Cannabis plants also have higher levels than hemp plants.

The CBD molecule is the same regardless of where it is derived from; however, cannabis-based CBD products can contain higher levels of THC than the 0.3% hemp products have.

High CBD strains

Here are six high CBD hemp flower strains that are ideal for use when making your own CBD oil.

CBD-rich strains can help with stress, nausea, joint pain, inflammation, arthritis, anxiety, depression, moodiness, and general pain relief.

• Cannatonic
• Harlequin
• ACDC
• Sour Tsunami
• Ringo’s Gift
• Charlotte’s Web

Top CBD oil brands

Check out five of our top recommended CBD oil brands. These are a worthwhile investment if you are traveling or low on time.

1. Charlotte’s Web CBD oil
2. CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD oil
3. Bud Pop Organic CBD oil
4. Exhale Wellness Full Spectrum CBD oil
5. Cheef Botanicals CBD oil

Making CBD oil for Homemade Cannabis Edibles

Decarb before adding ground CBD buds

 If you don’t, your own CBD oil will not taste ideal and will be less potent because the THC and other cannabinoids do not have time to be fully activated. Low heat is the way to go with this process for the best oil and edibles.

Get the grind right

It’s suggested to use a hand grinder or coarse coffee grinder for optimum results when grinding your hemp.

Be patient when straining

 A cheesecloth, gravity, and time are the three ingredients needed to strain your CBD-infused butter properly. Do not squeeze the cloth at the risk of adding in excess plant matter.

Mix the batch

Remember to occasionally stir when making vegan baked goods and such products with this cannabutter recipe for an even level of potency and flavors.

Can CBD Oil be Used in Making CBD Bath Bombs at Home?

Yes, you can make CBD bath bombs at home using CBD oil. Incorporate the CBD oil into your bath bomb mixture to enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic soak. Experiment with different scents and colors to customize your bath bombs. Get creative and make CBD bath bombs at home for a luxurious spa experience.

Health Benefits

CBD oil is used for a wider variety of therapeutic benefits from digestive to aiding in mental health. CBD has been shown to have beneficial effects in controlling seizures. CBD has been approved by the FDA at a prescription-strength (Epidiolex) as a medication used for certain forms of epilepsy. It has been used historically for pain management for long-term pain sufferers and those with diseases such as cancer to manage the symptoms after chemotherapy. 

CBD oil has also been used for anxiety and depression, due to its positive interaction with the endocannabinoid system.  CBD does not have an intoxicating effect and has been shown in some cases to counteract the effects THC and other stimulants like alcohol may have on the body. 

Take a look at some of the benefits of using a CBD oil:

• chronic pain relief- reduce inflammation
• helps relieve cancer-related symptoms- nausea, loss of appetite
• can alleviate mental disorder symptoms- anxiety and depression
• promote healthier sleep patterns- may eliminate insomnia

In Conclusion

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil can be used to manage pain in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, long-term injury, chronic pain, etc. Research continues worldwide on the practical and medical applications of CBD oil in both humans and pets. CBD oil has gained in popularity as an option for pets, especially those suffering from age-related pain and mobility issues.  Learning how to make CBD oil can provide you with all the beneficial compounds of weed without breaking the bank.