Subscriptions - Maximum Yield Cannabis USA September/October 2020 | Page 58

Cannabis Oils
Cannabis oils, like hemp and CBD oils,
are produced by using the flowers and
leaves of the cannabis plant, namely
marijuana strains. These oils are most
often derived from the resin of the female
cannabis plant. The main constituents
of these oils include THC, with varying,
lesser amounts of CBD and/or other
phytocannabinoids, and minor
cannabinoids such as cannabigerol
(CBG) and terpenes. THC levels in
cannabis oils can be through the roof,
with some as high as 80 percent, but
always more than 0.3 percent. CBD levels
in cannabis oils are widely variable and
can be as high as 15 percent.
Sometimes sold as “Simpson oil,”
“Rick Simpson Oil (or RSO),” “marijuana
oil,” “weed oil,” or “THC oil,” cannabis
oils are typically used medicinally for
any condition that marijuana may be
prescribed for or used recreationally. A
wide variety of other edible constituents
may be added to alter the color, taste,
ease of flow, or shelf stability. Some
cannabis oil consumers report negative
side effects. These include slight
discomfort from dry mouth, bloodshot
eyes, and sleepiness to more severe
cases of dizziness, vertigo, and full-blown
panic attacks. Most users, however, do not
report any such negative effects. These
oils are not available in all states as they
are considered controlled substances in
areas where marijuana is still illegal to
purchase for recreational use.
Hemp Seed Oils
As the name implies, hemp seed oils
are derived from hemp plant seeds.
Confusingly though, it is sometimes
marketed simply as “hemp oil.” It
may also be marketed as “cannabis
sativa seed oil.” A careful review of
the ingredients will set you straight
as hemp seed oil and hemp oil are
quite different. Hemp seed oils are
comprised of various fatty acids
(omega 3 and omega 6) and offer
fiber, protein, vitamins E, B2, B6, trace
minerals, and antioxidants. Hemp
seed oil is extracted by mechanically
separating the oil from the seeds
(either peeled or unpeeled) via the
cold-press method, similar to how
olive oil is extracted from olives.
There should be no amount of THC
in hemp seed oils and little to no
amount of CBD either as CBD is found
in the resin of the cannabis flowers
and not in the seed.
“
There should
be no amount
of THC in hemp seed oils and
little to no amount of CBD
either as CBD is found in the
resin of the cannabis flowers
and not in the seed.”
Hemp seed oils are typically used
as a nutritional supplement to be
added to salads, smoothies, or other
culinary dishes. Its nutty flavor can
be substituted in recipes calling for
olive or other cooking oils. Hemp seed
oil can also be found in the beauty
aisle as topical products for skin
and hair. They are often one of the
main ingredients in many different
rubs, shampoos, lotions, and creams.
Several studies have also found
medicinal benefits from hemp seed oil.
Hemp seed oil is thought to be good
for brain health. Human (and animal)
brains require healthy fats to fire on
all cylinders and hemp seed oil is
rich in these. Hemp seed oil has also
been shown to help protect against
inflammation in the brain. The heart
can also benefit from taking hemp
seed oil. For several decades, studies
have consistently shown hemp seed
oil can help with various heartrelated
ailments such as hypertension,
atherosclerosis, and cholesterol.
Many other parts of the body can
also benefit from hemp seed oils.
Skin conditions such as acne and
eczema can be cleared or improved
with hemp seed oil as it can reduce
the production of sebum, which
contributes to the development
and persistence of chronic acne.
Other studies have shown hemp
seed oil’s (especially when CBD is
added) ability to help reduce stress
and muscle tension as CBD is an
anti-inflammatory.
Depending on your needs or desires,
there is an oil out there to fit. Make
sure to carefully read all product
labels and purchase only from
reputable sources. As always, when
in doubt, consult with a medical
professional before starting to
consume any oils derived from
cannabis plants.
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