Decoding cannabis Oil vs Cannabis Oil: Understanding the Contrast

 Decoding cannabis Oil vs Cannabis Oil: Understanding the Contrast

Making a decision can be challenging due to the wide range of cannabis oils, hemp oils, cannabis oils,cannabis tinctures, and other products that are currently available. Not helping matters is a dearth of regulatory guidelines and intentionally misleading information. What gives with cannabis oil versus cannabis oil, then? They are identical, are they not? 

Distinguishing cannabis Oil from Cannabis Oil

In summary, no, cannabis oil and cannabis oil are not the same thing. Cannabis oil and cannabis oil are distinct products that fall under entirely different legal categories, despite coming from the same plant species (Cannabis sativa). Furthermore, the typical uses of cannabis and cannabis oils differ from one another. 

Cannabis Oil

All or most of these cannabinoids are frequently present in cannabis oil, but in smaller concentrations than THC. A small amount of THC, not nearly enough to cause a psychedelic effect, is present in some cannabis oils. Additionally, some cannabis oils have carriers like hemp seed oil or olive oil added for flavor and to boost the formula's bioavailability, or rate and efficacy.

The term "trace" refers to the fact that there is virtually no THC in these products because the already minute amounts are further reduced during the production of cannabis oils.

However, as more is known about the potential and health advantages of these so-called "whole-plant" formulas, full-spectrum cannabis oils are gaining popularity among informed consumers.

People frequently prefer cannabis oil over cannabis oil due to the differences in their cannabinoid profiles and how they affect the body differently.

Full Spectrum cannabis Oil Vs cannabis Isolate

You might run across the terms "full spectrum" oil or "cannabis isolate" when looking for  cannabis oil. What are the meanings of these terms?

Full-spectrum cannabis oil

In addition to cannabis, full spectrum cannabis oil also contains other cannabinoids such as CBN, cannabis V, CBG, CBC, and cannabis A. Additionally, it contains terpenes and flavonoids, which are responsible for the flavor and color of cannabis. Why does this matter? These so-called "minor" cannabinoids, along with other substances, are thought to cooperate to promote the "entourage effect." Essentially, hemp's active chemical components can combine to create an effect that is stronger than the sum of their individual parts. Full spectrum oils have consequently gained popularity among people hoping to experience the entourage effect.

Cannabis  isolate

Conversely, as cannabis isolate is nearly pure (99.9% pure) cannabis, it doesn't contain any other terpenes, flavonoids, or other cannabinoids.

Which is therefore superior? Is it full spectrum or isolated cannabis? To that, there is no definitive response. One benefit of cannabis isolate is that it's the purest form of the compound. Psychotropic side effects are not likely to occur, and a drug test will reveal nothing. Additionally, cannabis isolate has no taste or smell, which makes it a better ingredient to use in recipes. Full spectrum cannabis oils, however, are becoming more and more well-liked among knowledgeable customers as more is discovered about the potential of these purported "whole plant" formulations.

Cannabis Oil (“Marijuana Oil”, “THC Oil”)

The definitions of "cannabis oil," "marijuana oil," and "THC oil" are fairly similar, to begin with. Each one is an oil that has a high THC cannabis extract infused into it. In addition to having a higher concentration of THC (often significantly higher) than CBD oil, cannabis oil is usually derived from medical or recreational cannabis plants rather than industrial hemp.

Naturally, this does not imply that producers aren't referring to their CBD oil as "cannabis oil" in an effort to draw in more clients. However, for the purposes of this discussion, we are referring to the "real thing"—that is, an oil with significant THC content.

People prefer cannabis oil over cannabis oil because of its distinct effects due to the difference in cannabinoid profile. While some use it recreationally (to get high), others are more interested in the medicinal benefits of cannabis oil.

Among the possible advantages of cannabis oil are:

• Discreet (no overpowering smoke plumes or odor)

• Healthier delivery (no inhalation involved)

• Greater euphoria (up to four times stronger than when smoking)

• Precise dosing

• Longer-lasting effect

If you're inclined towards using cannabis oil for medical purposes, having an MMJ recommendation is essential. It serves as proof that you're an authorized user of cannabis. 

How to Make Cannabis Oil at Home?

There are various methods for decarboxylating (or describing) cannabis; however, keep in mind that using too much heat can also destroy the valuable THC as well as the plant's other components, such as terpenes and flavonoids. We have great news if all this talk about cannabis oil has you buzzing: you can make it at home! A few pieces of equipment and an appropriate solvent are required, but in return, you will have total control over the end infusion's quality.

Making cannabis oil at home can also prove to be slightly less expensive than purchasing equivalents from stores. Furthermore, it makes sense to set aside some of your existing cannabis buds for cannabis oil if you already have some growing. More time will pass between you and your infusion than any cannabis flower ever will.

Ingredients

• 45g decarboxylated cannabis buds 

• 2l ethanol (99% proof isopropyl alcohol)

Hardware

• Plastic spatula

• 2x large mixing bowl

• Elastic band

• Cheesecloth or sieve

• Syringe

• Rice cooker

• Lighter

• Paper clip

TIP: To activate the cannabinoids within plant material, decarboxylation entails gently heating the material. There are a few different ways to decarboxylate, or decarb, cannabis; however, no matter which approach you choose, keep in mind that excessive heat can also destroy your valuable THC. When in doubt, the ideal decarboxylation method is low and slow.

Instructions

1. Transfer all of the decarboxylated cannabis buds into a large mixing bowl along with the ethanol. Add just enough ethanol to completely submerge the buds.

2. Using a plastic spatula, thoroughly stir the infusion gently. For three minutes, keep pressing and stirring the plant material.

TIP: Avoid stirring the solvent with a handheld mixer or metal spatula. Because ethanol burns so easily, even a tiny spark can be extremely dangerous.

3. Using elastic bands, cover the second large mixing bowl with the cheesecloth. Next, slowly add the cannabis/ethanol blend. All of the remaining plant material will be collected by the cheesecloth.

TIP: To extract every last trace of THC from your buds, repeat this procedure multiple times. Using the remaining plant material, repeat steps 1-3 until the second bowl is filled with ethanol infused with cannabis.

4. Place your rice cooker away from open flames and in a well-ventilated area. Next, pour 1/4 of the infusion into the rice cooker from the mixing bowl.

TIP: Rice cookers reduce risk and maintain a steady, low temperature that is ideal for ethanol evaporation, even though they are not necessary.

5. After putting the rice cooker on warm, check its ethanol evaporation level every hour. Add another quarter from the mixing bowl when the infusion begins to run low, continuing until the step three solvent is used up.

TIP: Step five can take 12 to 24 hours, depending on the amount of solvent you use.

6. There's one last thing to check before you decant your cannabis oil into an appropriate container. Take a paperclip and gently heat one end with a lighter after dipping it into your cannabis oil. You've eliminated all of the ethanol if there's no flame or spark.

TIP: The infusion process in the rice cooker needs to be prolonged if there is a tiny spark or residual solvent!

7. Once you are satisfied that all of the ethanol has evaporated, you can either pour the entire batch into multiple dropper bottles or use a syringe to siphon the oil directly. Should the oil become difficult to dispense over time, you can reduce the viscosity of the oil by running the syringe or dropper bottle under a hot tap.