How to Make CBD Oil with Coconut Oil

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is among the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and doesn’t result in the ‘high’ associated with THC and marijuana use. As such, CBD products offer a legally-permissible way to enjoy the potential benefits of its use. So, how can you make CBD oil with coconut oil? Read on to find out! 

CBD and Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a renowned skin-saving powerhouse that’s been celebrated by the beauty industry for years. Now, as CBD oil makes its way into the beauty space as well, being infused into creams, salves, and lotions, many products combine both elements, using coconut oil as a carrier for CBD. Given the benefits of these two, a CBD oil and coconut-based product is often described as the perfect combination. But you may wonder: why coconut oil and not any other oil? Allow us to explain. 

Why Choose Coconut Oil Over Other Oils?

Coconut oil is a great carrier oil for CBD because of its saturated fat content. Molecularly, cannabinoids work best when they are suffused into a high lipid content since they become absorbed more efficiently. As such, coconut oil, with its near 90% saturated fat content, is a better choice for carrier oil than hemp seed or olive oil, with relatively lower concentrations. What’s more, using coconut oil carries minimal health concerns, since its fat content is largely comprised of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easy to break down and absorb. 

What Do You Need to Make CBD Coconut Oil?

Everything begins with the hemp plant. But why hemp? The naturally growing cannabis Sativa plant contains a broad spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. That implies that when you extract CBD from cannabis, you will also extract THC, potentially in concentrations higher than the legally permissible 0.3% level. But hemp plants are varieties of cannabis bred for high CBD and low THC content. So, hemp-extract CBD is legal and easy to source from high-quality, organic, non-GMO, domestic plants.

Essential Considerations to Keep in Mind

Extracting CBD from hemp plants is a complex process, even before you try to add it to your coconut oil. Many factors can affect the quality of CBD coconut oil you produce:

Temperature Controls

You have to observe tight temperature control during the CBD extraction process. While heat is necessary to decarboxylate the acids in the hemp plant, turning them into active cannabinoids, unregulated temperatures can also destroy other beneficial hemp compounds, such as terpenes. Temperatures beyond 300 degrees Fahrenheit pose a risk of denaturing essential hemp plant compounds and minimizing your CBD’s efficacy. 

The Strain of Cannabis Used

The strain of cannabis used affects the decarboxylation temperature and time recommendations for the extraction process. Given the different ratios and concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes in each cannabis strain, you will have to find the most suitable temperature and cooking time for your specific plant. To maintain the potency of the CBD oil, ensure that you choose a CBD dominant strain. 

Variability of Equipment

To make CBD coconut oil, you can use several different forms of equipment, including a slow cooker, double boiler, crockpot, or an instant pot. But, each of these pots will need to be operated at different temperatures, even when using the same setting. As such, you should always use a digital thermometer throughout the cooking process.

Freshness of Product

When preparing CBD coconut oil, you can use freshly-cut cannabis leaf trimmings or dried and cured flower buds. While both options will get the job done, there will be noticeable differences in the end product. 

Ingredients Required for Making CBD Oil with Coconut Oil

Now that you know the various requirements for the process, what ingredients will you need to make CBD coconut oil? Here is what’s necessary:

Ingredients

• About ½ ounce a high-CBD, low-THC strain.
• 1 cup of coconut oil (preferably organic).

Materials

• A double boiler, saucepan, or a slow cooker.
• A simple grinder (avoid coffee grinders or blenders as they tend to pulverize the hemp plant).
• Cheesecloth or strainer.

First, grind the hemp plant. You can choose to include the entire plant or just the flower. Just remember that anything tiny will go through the strainer and find its way into the finished product. A good rule of thumb is to avoid grinding the hemp plant into a fine powder. 

Next, place the coconut oil on the slow cooker, double-boiler, or saucepan and allow it to melt. Add the ground hemp plant to the oil and leave the mixture to warm on low heat. This allows for the decarboxylation of the cannabinoids without destroying any active ingredients or compounds. 

For cooking, you have various options: use a slow cooker on low heat for about 4-6 hours while stirring occasionally. If you choose a double-boiler on low heat, the cooking can last up to 8 hours, with occasional stirring. You can also cook in a regular saucepan on low heat for about 2-3 hours while stirring frequently. In all these cases, you can add a small amount of water to the mixture to avoid burning the contents. Whichever method you choose, ensure that the oil temperature doesn’t exceed 245 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Lastly, strain the oil through the cheesecloth and store it, preferably in an open jar to avoid condensation. Also, refrain from squeezing the cheesecloth as this will only add more chlorophyll to the oil. Discard the residuals of hemp plant material or use for the preparation of dishes. 

Keep in mind that your CBD-infused coconut oil’s shelf life is about two months, but can be extended with refrigeration.  

Uses of CBD Coconut Oil

Both CBD and coconut oils offer benefits when used separately, and an infusion of the two is like a match made in heaven. CBD coconut oil proves to have more potential benefits than any other cannabis-based oil. Here are some of its potential uses.

CBD Coconut Oil for Skincare

By itself, coconut oil has various skin benefits, and mixing it with CBD oil only makes for a superior product. Here’s why CBD coconut oil is great for skin care.

It Facilitates Skin Repair

CBD is a known source of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and fatty acids that maintain healthy skin. Particularly, it contains vitamins A and D, which support skin repair and skin cell growth while inhibiting the excessive production of surface oils, keeping your skin smooth and supple. 

It also contains vitamins C and E, which maintain collagen and elastin production. This protects your skin against elements such as the sun and also prevents skin wrinkling. 

The B complex vitamins in it also help in the reconstruction of your skin and hair and may prevent hair loss, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. 

Soothing and Calming the Skin

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help soothe skin that is prone to acne and other conditions like eczema. Therefore, CBD coconut oil helps combat these conditions, reducing breakouts and skin redness.

Keeps the Skin Young and Radiant

Besides being an anti-inflammatory agent, CBD also has strong antioxidant effects. By inhibiting the activity of free radicals and minimizing the harmful effects of external factors on the skin, CBD coconut oil may help prevent skin damage and wrinkling. It could also help maintain skin elasticity and prevent overall dullness. 

Pain Relief

CBD coconut oil can be applied topically to offer potential relief to a target area. This makes it perfect for dealing with muscle strains and joint pain, especially for athletes.

CBD Coconut Oil in Food

CBD coconut oil can be added to a fruit or veggie smoothie to create a creamy texture and add additional nutrients. The fatty acids in coconut oil make it easy to digest and absorb, unlike other oils. 

It can also be used in beverages such as coffee and hot chocolates. Besides boosting the flavor and nutritional value of your hot beverage, it offers a nice flavor change from your ordinary routine. 

It can also be used to improve your massage therapy experience as it helps moisturize your skin while potentially addressing your symptoms of chronic pain. Further, you can use it in place of cooking oil to make a range of infused dishes. Or, just put it into capsule form for easy dosing.  

Are There Concerns Over Using CBD Coconut Oil?

CBD coconut oil is made from high-CBD strains with minimal THC content. This means that using CBD coconut oil can’t result in the ‘high’ associated with THC. This way, you can use it by applying topically or in foods and drinks without experiencing any psychoactive effects. 

Conclusion

Both CBD and coconut oil are powerhouses when it comes to potential health benefits. CBD coconut oil is made by infusing high-CBD strains into coconut oil. Using coconut oil and the CBD strain as the main ingredients, CBD coconut oil can be made by cooking the mixture in low heat using a double boiler, slow cooker, or a saucepan. The oil can be used for skincare, given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. It can also be used in cooking and nourishing beverages as a natural way to boost your diet or mix up your skincare routine.