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Types of hemp oils
The hemp market in Poland has been experiencing dynamic development in recent years. This is primarily due to the liberalization of legal regulations regarding the cultivation and use of hemp. The introduction of these changes contributed to the flourishing of the hemp industry in our country.
The hemp market in Poland is dominated by products containing cannabidiol (CBD), i.e. CBD oils, capsules, creams and e.g. teas. Many companies offer a variety of hemp products, and competition on the market contributes to the increasing diversity of the offer. The consumer may encounter different types of hemp oils. Extracts used to produce hemp oils can be obtained using various methods (alcohol extraction, CO2), they may have different chemical compositions, as well as different types of cannabinoid carriers. Certainly, this variety of products may be quite confusing for many people who want to benefit from the beneficial properties of CBD. In this entry we will describe types of hemp oils and the basic differences that may exist between them.
Types of hemp oils depending on their chemical composition
There are three basic types of hemp oils on the market depending on their chemical composition:
- Full Spectrum
- broad-spectrum
- CBD isolates
Full Spectrum CBD Oils
Full Spectrum CBD oils are made from the full spectrum of compounds naturally found in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. This means that in addition to CBD, they also contain trace amounts of THC (usually less than 0,3%), which is a psychoactive cannabinoid. Full Spectrum oils have a tendency to induce an “entourage effect,” meaning that different plant compounds work together to potentially increase their effectiveness and health benefits.
Broad Spectrum Oils
Broad Spectrum CBD oils are very similar to Full Spectrum CBD oils, except that the THC has been removed entirely. They still contain the full spectrum of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other hemp components, so they retain most of the benefits of the “entourage effect” without the risk of the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD isolate oils
CBD isolate oils are the most processed products. Here, CBD is isolated from other cannabinoids and substances, which means that they are virtually free of THC and other compounds found in hemp. CBD isolate oils are often chosen by people who want to avoid even trace amounts of THC and terpenes but still value the benefits of CBD.
Types of hemp oils depending on the type of carrier
In CBD oils, carriers are important ingredients that help dissolve CBD extracts, increasing their absorption in the human body. There are several types of carriers that are used in CBD oils. Here are some examples:
MCT oil
MCT oil is often used as a carrier in CBD oils. It is an oil of coconut or palm origin that is digested by the body efficiently and helps increase the bioavailability of CBD. MCT oil is light, easily absorbed by the body and has a very light taste, which makes it quite often chosen by consumers.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is light and nutrient-dense, but does not contain CBD or other cannabinoids. Oil obtained from hemp seeds is an excellent carrier, rich in essential unsaturated fatty acids from the omega families 3, 6 and 9, constituting as much as 80% of its composition. This oil is a source of antioxidants and vitamins: A, E, B2, B3, B6, and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. It has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, strengthens the body's immunity and promotes a healthy appearance of the skin.
olive oil
Olive oil, although less frequently used as a carrier in CBD, has similar health benefits to hemp seed oil. Its ingredients have antioxidant properties and support the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.
Hemp oil without THC
In the case of Broad spectrum oils and CBD isolate oils, we are dealing with a product free of psychoactive THC. As you know, THC also has many health-promoting properties, but in the case of hemp oils sold in our country without a prescription, the maximum THC content may be only 0,3%. This is a negligible amount and will actually have a very small impact on the effect of the oil. To unlock the full potential of the entourage effect, the extract should contain at least 1% THC.
Fully hemp oils free of psychoactive THC They will certainly be an ideal option for those who, for whatever reason, are afraid to use THC even in the smallest amounts. This will also be a good option for people periodically tested for tetrahydrocannabinol, including athletes, especially Olympic athletes, who can only take CBD isolates.
Another reason why it is worth choosing THC-free oil is traveling abroad. We are not always sure whether oils such as those in Poland will be legal in a given country. In some countries, THC is completely prohibited. It is also important to remember that there are places on the world map where even CBD is illegal (e.g. Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore).
How to distinguish CBD isolate from full spectrum and broad spectrum oils?
If we do not have hemp oil tests at our disposal, we will initially and quickly assess its type by color and taste. However, we would like to remind you not to buy oils if the manufacturer does not provide appropriate laboratory tests for them. The manufacturer should clearly communicate whether its product is CBD isolate, Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum.
Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum oils often have an intense, natural flavor and color that results from the presence of terpenes and other components of the cannabis plant. CBD isolates are typically tasteless and may be more transparent. Full spectrum oils are usually the darkest.
What type of hemp oil should you choose to start with?
When choosing an oil to start with, it is also worth considering the dosage and consulting a doctor, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking medications. Regardless of your choice, always pay attention to the quality of the product, check labels and laboratory test results to make sure the product is of high quality. To begin with, if there are no contraindications to the use of THC in trace amounts, it is worth opting for it Full Spectrum oil, which contains all compounds obtained from hemp.
Contraindications to the use of CBD
What additives can be found in CBD oils?
CBD oil manufacturers may add various ingredients to enhance the products, increase their effectiveness or improve the taste. Below are some examples of compounds and ingredients that are often added to CBD oils:
Terpenes
Terpenes are natural components of cannabis plants that give them their characteristic aromas and flavors. Adding terpenes to CBD oils can enhance the taste and smell experience, as well as potentially enhance the so-called “entourage effect” by synergistically interacting with other cannabinoids.
Natural flavors
To improve the taste and aroma of CBD oils, manufacturers can add natural flavors such as peppermint, lemon, vanilla, etc. This helps mask the natural, slightly bitter taste of CBD oil.
Other cannabinoids
For some time now, on the market we can find, in addition to the so-called CBD oils, CBG oils, or CBN oils. Hemp contains many unexplored cannabinoids, but the above-mentioned CBD, CBG, CBN, and psychoactive THC are some of the most known and tested. As further health-promoting properties of the given cannabinoids are discovered, oils with a dominant composition of CBD, CBG, CBC or even CBN are created.
Vitamin supplements
Some manufacturers enrich their CBD oils with vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, etc. This may provide additional health benefits.
Herbs
In some cases, manufacturers may add various herbs or other plant ingredients to enhance the effects of CBD oils. For example, lavender, lemon balm or turmeric extracts. Often, these types of oils are intended for day or night use, for example.
Soluble factors
To increase the solubility of CBD, some manufacturers use technologies that allow the creation of water-soluble oils. This may help your body absorb CBD more efficiently.
Types of hemp oils – summary
There are many different hemp oils on the hemp market. The differences concern the chemical composition, the method of obtaining hemp extracts, the carrier used and additives such as natural aromas or herbs. The most important division of hemp oils is the division into Full Spectrum CBD Oils, which contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids, including small amounts of THC (usually below 0,3%). They are characterized by the entourage effect, which results from the synergy between the ingredients. Broad Spectrum CBD Oils: Similar to Full Spectrum, but without THC. CBD Isolate Oils: They contain pure CBD cannabinoid without other components of the hemp plant. They are tasteless and remain isolated from other cannabinoids.
The choice of type of hemp oil depends on the purpose of use, preferences and legal regulations in a given region. It is important to thoroughly understand the differences between them in order to choose the best product for your needs.
