Cannabis oil or “weed oil” is often called a ‘miracle oil’, we think so too. Marijuana oil lives up to its reputation with news stories making headlines for everything from serious applications like Alzheimer’s medication trials and pain creams to toothpicks and hair gels. We wrote this short guide to cannabis oil so you can understand how to make and use it. Enjoy.
As its popularity continues to grow, so do the questions about what it is, how to use it, and what are the benefits to consuming cannabis oil. Don’t worry, we have got you covered, read our guide below to clear up these doubts.
What is Marijuana Oil?
In simplest terms, cannabis oil is an extraction from the cannabis plant. It can contain wax, terpenes, fatty oils, and cannabinoids (these include CBD and THC). The extract is usually refined to remove or concentrate certain compounds and make the products that we see in stores and online today.
How to make Cannabis Oil
There are many ways to extract cannabis oil, but here we will cover the two most important methods: CO2 extraction, the most common commercial method, and the oil infusion, the easiest preparation to make at home.
CO2 Extraction: If you buy your Cannabis Oil from a store, chances are the producers use this method. Despite sounding like something out of Breaking Bad, the process is very safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.
Step 1) The plant material is placed into a stainless steel extraction chamber
Step 2) In a second chamber, liquid CO2 is pressurized and heated to reach its supercritical form, in which it acts like both a liquid and a gas.
Step 3) The supercritical CO2 is then pumped into the first chamber containing the cannabis. Here, the CO2 soaks and pulls out the active chemical compounds of the cannabis, this includes the wax, terpenes, fatty oils, cannabinoids, including CBD and THC
Step 4) The solution containing the CO2 and cannabis extract is then pumped into a third and final chamber. Here, the CO2 is separated and we are left with a sticky resinous pure cannabis extract.
Step 5) The extract is then refined to remove the waxes and any undesirable components. We are then left with a high grade full-spectrum oil, which can then be further refined.
Infusion : This is the easiest cannabis oil preparation to make at home, it does not involve any expensive equipment. You can infuse the flower in any oil of choice, check out our recipes for Avocado, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil , and even Cannabutter
Step 1) The first step is to Decarboxylate your bud. You can do this in an oven, but if you want to be super precise and get the best yield definitely use a decarber device.
Step 2) The next step is to infuse the decarboxylate bud in your choice of oil in a double boiler, sous vide or infusion device.
Step 3) Strain, let cool, and enjoy your cannabis infused oil.
Types of weed oil
Once the cannabis oil is extracted using the CO2 method, it can be further refined to make the following preparations:
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: A whole plant extract contains terpenes, and fatty-acids, and cannabinoids including both THC and CBD. Proponents of full and broad spectrum argue that having all the compounds allows for superior absorption in the body. A commercial full spectrum CBD oil contains less than .3% THC as it is made with cannabis with low levels of THC.
Our infused oil recipes fall into this category.
Broad-Spectrum: As with full-spectrum extracts, broad-spectrum contains cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty-acids, but in this case, the THC is completely removed.
CBD Oil/CBD Isolate- CBD oil is made using CBD Isolate, for those concerned with drug tests or the psychoactive effects of THC, this is the best option because there is no THC at all.
How it is cannabis oil used?
Cannabis oil already has endless uses and as more research is being conducted, even more medicines are being developed. If you plan on using cannabis oil to medicate, please remember to always check with your physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health treatment options.
CBD oil can be used topically blended with a carrier oil to make products for massage, self-care, skin-care.
The extract can also be ingested for specific conditions, or if you just want a general sense of well being. It has been found to aid with epilepsy and seizures, pain and inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. Check the label of your favorite CBD product to see if it is intended for oral use, they usually come in a glass bottle with a dropper or a capsule.
Use cannabis oil in your vaping device, your favorite recipes, or add to teas, smoothies, cocktails or your meals, the possibilities are endless.
