If you're interested in exploring the world of CBD and cannabis oil - this article will guide you through the process of making your own CBD oil at home! By learning how to make CBD oil you can have full control over the ingredients, flavour and potency of your CBD-infused products.
There are several ways to make CBD oil but the most common methods involve using either CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD extract. CBD isolate is a 100% pure form of CBD. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains the full range of cannabinoids naturally present in the cannabis plant - including trace amounts of THC. By creating your own oil you can choose the level of potency and the type of cannabinoids you prefer. This way you can create a tailor-made CBD product to suit your needs.
When making CBD oil at home you obviously first have to buy high-quality CBD. The better the quality of your starting material, the better the end result will be. At Harmony we offer the finest CBD isolate in a handy 500 mg jar - perfect for all your DIY endeavours and thoroughly third-party tested. You can check the COA on our dedicated website. Once you have your preferred CBD source you'll need to decide on a carrier oil. This can be coconut MCT oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil - or literally any other food-grade vegetable oil or a blend of them. Follow the steps in this article and with some patience and practice you'll soon master the art of making your own CBD oil!
Steps to Create CBD Oil at Home
Making your own CBD oil at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to explore the benefits of CBD! To create homemade CBD oil from scratch you will need some high-quality hemp with a high CBD content. You will also need to decide on a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and have a few kitchen essentials. Follow these steps to make your own CBD oil from scratch:
If you start from scratch with CBD hemp flowers, first, prepare your hemp by "decarboxylating" it. This step is essential to activate the CBD in your hemp flowers. To do this preheat your oven to 110°C. Spread the hemp flower evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes.
Next - it's time to infuse the decarboxylated hemp with your carrier oil. Olive oil or MCT oil are an excellent choice for their taste, versatility, stability and numerous health benefits. Combine equal parts of the hemp flower and edible oil in a saucepan. Keep the mixture over low heat for about 2-3 hours while stirring occasionally. Ensure you maintain a low oil temperature (around 70°C) to keep the integrity of the CBD intact.
After the infusion process you will need to strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container. Ensure that you pour the oil carefully to collect all the infused oil and remove the spent hemp flower. And that's it! You have made your own CBD oil. The disadvantage of this method is that you don't know the extact concentration of your oil. And that it is a bit labour intense.
An easier alternative is to make your CBD-infused oil from isolate (available at Harmony) or distillate. This way you can skip the extraction step and simply dissolve your chosen quantity in a carrier oil of your choice. It's hassle-free and allows you to determine the exact content of CBD in your oil.
No matter which method you choose - store your CBD oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality.
Carrier Oils and their Importance
Carrier oils play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the effects of CBD oil. They serve as a base and diluent for the CBD extract - ensuring its safe and efficient delivery to your body. Let's have a look at some popular carrier oils and their unique properties.
Coconut Oil: This is a popular choice for CBD oil formulations due to its high saturated fat content which enhances CBD bioavailability (the absorption in your digestive tract) [1]. Coconut oil has a mild taste and is easily absorbed by the body. MCT oil - a derivative of coconut oil - is also frequently used because of its rapid absorption and metabolism.
Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp oil is an excellent choice for a carrier oil, especially if you plan to use your oil within a short period of time. It boasts a rich, nutty flavour and contains essential fatty acids which can further support overall health [2]. It is a natural complement to CBD. But be careful if you are planning to use your CBD oil over a long period of time - hemp seed oil spoils quickly!
Olive Oil: As a familiar cooking oil with numerous health benefits olive oil serves as a versatile carrier oil [3]. Its mild, fruity taste pairs well with CBD and its monounsaturated fat content ensures stable and consistent delivery. Olive oil is an excellent option for tinctures and other sublingual applications.
Avocado Oil: This carrier oil offers a buttery and rich texture that complements CBD oil well. Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E can bring additional health benefits and boost the overall effectiveness of your CBD oil [4].
Remember to choose a carrier oil that best suits your preferences and needs. Factors like taste, consistency and the way you plan to use your CBD oil can influence your choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The process of making homemade CBD oil can be enjoyable and fulfilling. But there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure a quality final product!
One of the most common mistakes is buying CBD from unreliable sources. Make sure you purchase CBD from a reputable seller like Harmony. If you buy industrial hemp flower, make sure you opt for a trusted supplier. This will help ensure a high-quality product as the starting material plays a crucial role in the final outcome.
During the process of making your CBD oil at home using hemp flower it's vital to maintain the oil's quality. To do so - store the oil in an airtight, dark container in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and reduce any degradation. This will also help maintain the oil's CBD content and prevent it from going rancid - ensuring consistent effects when you use your homemade CBD oil.
Another common mistake when making the oil from flower is not testing the CBD potency in your final product. Though this impossible to do at home some CBD shops offer testing services that can help determine your homemade oil's CBD content. Knowing the concentration ultimately allows for accurate dosing and ensures a quality CBD oil.
Lastly it's essential to follow the legal regulations in the UK and EU. Making CBD oil at home for personal use is usually allowed but always check your specific region's rules to ensure compliance. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims about your homemade CBD oil - as this can potentially land you in trouble with regulatory authorities.
By keeping these common mistakes in mind you can enjoy making your homemade CBD oil while ensuring a high-quality, potent final product that you can be proud of. And remember: You can always find very affordable, high-quality, third-party tested finished CBD oils in excellent flavours at Harmony.
written by
anna falk - head of product
As the Head of Product at Harmony, Dr Anna Falk leads the development of our products and provides expert tips for your wellness. With over 10 years of experience in the research and development of natural products, her work is based on rigorous scientific studies.
Anna is an award-winning, internationally published researcher with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She applies her expertise to develop Harmony's certified products that support your overall well-being. From research to development, she ensures that our products are of the highest quality and meet the highest standards.
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[1] Taylor L, Gidal B, Blakey G, Tayo B, Morrison G. A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects. CNS Drugs. 2018 Nov;32(11):1053-1067. — link to source
[2] Farinon B, Molinari R, Costantini L, Merendino N. The seed of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition. Nutrients. 2020 Jun 29;12(7):1935. — link to source
[3] Gorzynik-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F, Kuban-Jankowska A, Marino Gammazza A, Knap N, Wozniak M, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Feb 28;19(3):686. — link to source
[4] Cervantes-Paz B, Yahia EM. Avocado oil: Production and market demand, bioactive components, implications in health, and tendencies and potential uses. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2021 Jul;20(4):4120-4158. — link to source
