Cannabis oil fully explained

With the truly monumental global shift that we are currently living through regarding both medicinal cannabis, and consumer CBD products, it should come as little wonder that people are becoming increasingly curious about the different cannabis extracts on offer.

Cannabis oil is an often employed term that encompasses a huge range of both over the counter and prescribable products, all made from the same source: cannabis plants. From CBD and THC oil options, it is important to understand the basics of cannabis oil before beginning your medical cannabis journey.

So, let's dive head first into the cannabis extract rabbit hole and breakdown everything there is to know about the many forms of cannabis oil available.

What is Cannabis Oil?

At its most basic, the term “cannabis oil” is used to describe any type of extraction from the cannabis sativa L. plant. There is a plethora of different extraction methods used to create cannabis oils, and the range of properties and effects will vary from product to product depending on the cannabinoid and terpene concentration.

Cannabinoids? Terpenes?

Cannabinoids (or more specifically phytocannabinoids) are compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with our body's endocannabinoid system. This, in turn, produces a range of effects that can be anything from energising to calming. The two main cannabinoids we have all heard about are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), but researchers have actually isolated 125 cannabinoids from cannabis so far, with more still to be discovered.

Terpenes, on the other hand, are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other floral sources that give each strain its unique taste and smell. Terpenes also have a range of potential therapeutic effects and can be used to complement the effects of cannabinoids when administered in tandem. This is known as the “entourage effect”.

OK, so back to the question at hand…

The massive range of cannabis oil options can leave patients at least slightly confused, so here is a brief overview of the two main types, and the potential therapeutic effects they offer.

CBD-based cannabis oil

CBD oil is what most UK consumers think of when they hear the words “cannabis oil”, and for good reason. Since 2019, CBD oil has been legal for the consumer market, and so this is the most common form of cannabis oil available.

But, what is CBD oil, exactly?

Well, in the most basic terms, CBD oil products contain certain cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and very low levels of THC. This means that the oil will not produce any psychoactive effects..

Most often extracted from hemp cultivars, a cousin of cannabis with prominent levels of CBD and low levels of THC, CBD is believed to offer a range of potential medical, including the alleviation of certain types of chronic pain.

THC-based cannabis oil

THC oil is the second main category of medical cannabis oils, but unlike CBD oil, this type can only be sourced legally through a prescription. It’s essential to note that this form is strictly for medical use only, and thanks to the higher levels of THC, its administration will produce a psychoactive effect depending on the dosage size.

THC oil, just like CBD oil, has been shown in clinical settings to provide some of the same potential medical benefits as CBD-based options. But, in addition to that, it may also help bring relief from the symptoms of other health issues.

THC is usually extracted from cannabis cultivars and comes in a range of forms, including oils and pastilles. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting a medical cannabis oil therapy regimen.

Is cannabis oil legal in the UK? 

THC oil is only legal with a prescription while CBD oil can be purchased over the counter if it contains no more than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid per container.

CBD oil is legal for “over the counter” sale here in the UK, as long as it contains no more than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid (like THC and CBN) per container.

Products which contain more than 1mg of controlled cannabinoids are only available on prescription in the UK, and have been since November 2018, this includes THC oils. Medical cannabis products can be sourced through the NHS, but only certain conditions, such as rare forms of epilepsy, spasticity linked to multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, are approved for medical cannabis prescriptions. Many patients have found that accessing private services is the most effective way to obtain the right product with the necessary support and guidance.

OK, so now that we have that sorted out, let's look at the different types of both THC and CBD oil.

The different types of cannabis oil

We have established that there are two main types of cannabis oil – THC and CBD dominant extracts – but the choices don't end there. There are three primary categories of cannabis extracts to consider.

Full-spectrum cannabis oils

As the name suggests, full-spectrum cannabis extracts are designed to retain as much of the original plant's chemical profile as possible. This means that a full-spectrum extract will contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in the cannabis sativa L. plant, albeit in greatly varying quantities depending on the source cultivar.

Full-spectrum oils are known to produce a more intense entourage effect, as all of the compounds are allowed to work together in a synergistic fashion.

Broad-spectrum cannabis oils

Broad-spectrum extracts are full-spectrum products that have gone through a refinement process to remove THC from the extract, although some trace amounts may remain. The refinement process may reduce some terpenes and flavonoids as well but generally keeps most of the chemical profile of the source plant. These types of oils may be preferred for patients seeking to benefit from the entourage effect without experiencing any “high”.

Isolate cannabis oils

Finally, there are isolated cannabis oils that have been further refined to remove all of the plant's compounds, save for one single cannabinoid – usually either CBD or THC. Isolate extracts offer the highest concentration of a single compound possible, but do not produce any entourage effect as all other compounds have been removed.

Isolate oils are often chosen by those seeking to treat a specific condition, as the precise amount of one single compound can be more easily administered and controlled.

How is cannabis oil made?

There are several main extraction methods, again with two main categories, splitting them into solvent and non-solvent processes.

Solvent extraction methods

Solvents are chemicals that can dissolve other compounds, and they are frequently used in the extraction of cannabis oils. The most common solvents used in cannabis oil extraction are CO2, butane, ethanol, or propane. Each type of solvent carries its own advantages and disadvantages, so the choice of solvent will depend on the desired outcome.

These days, the vast majority of medical cannabis oil options are made with supercritical CO2 extraction, a process that produces a high-quality extract while avoiding the chemical solvents used in other extraction methods.

Non-solvent extraction methods

Non-solvent extraction methods involve removing the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant via mechanical pressure or agitation. Solventless extracts are often favoured by recreational cannabis connoisseurs, as these methods allow the extractor to retain more of the aroma and flavour from the source cultivar.

In medical settings, the gold standard remains CO2 supercritical extraction, so let's have a deeper look at this process.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

CO2, or carbon dioxide, is a natural solvent that can be easily regulated and manipulated, making it an excellent choice for cannabis extractions. The CO2 extraction process involves using pressurized chambers to isolate specific parts of the plant's chemical profile from the rest, such as cannabinoids and terpenes.

With supercritical CO2 extraction, high pressure and low temperatures are used to isolate the desired compounds from the rest of the plant matter, producing a clean and potent THC or CBD oil extract.

Is there a ‘best’ cannabis oil? 

Some patients may wonder “Is there a best THC oil?” But there is no single best cannabis oil to pick from. While CBD oils can be purchased over the counter, prescribed cannabis oils that may contain THC are chosen by a specialist doctor.

Some patients may respond well to a balance of THC and CBD while others may prefer just one cannabinoid. The clinician will be able to decide the right balance of THC and/or CBD for each individual patient to help them manage their symptoms.

Finding the right dosage with the guidance and advice of a specialist doctor is paramount as you can assess how your body responds to the oil and fine tune the putative outcome accordingly. 

The potential beneficial therapeutic properties of cannabis oil

Both THC and CBD offer patients living with a wide range of health issues the potential to experience relief and improved quality of life. Before we go any further, it is important to point out that medical cannabis should never be viewed or promoted as some sort of magic cure.

Cannabis oil offers a wide range of potential beneficial therapeutic properties, although the extent to which these may be experienced will depend on a variety of factors. This includes the specific cultivar administered, the method and quality of extraction, as well as individual patient biology. Medical cannabis oils may help reduce the symptoms of the medical conditions listed below:

• Chronic Pain

• Insomnia

• Anxiety/Depression

• Appetite Loss

• Inflammation

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Nausea

• Fibromyalgia

• Parkinson's disease

• Glaucoma

• Epilepsy

• PTSD

As research continues, the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis oil may expand even further. Ultimately, the most effective way to find out if cannabis oil can help manage your symptoms is to consult a medical professional who is experienced in prescribing medical cannabis for your particular health issue.

Cannabis oil methods of administration

There are two main ways to take medical cannabis oil. These are:

• Sublingual administration

• Edible ingestion

Depending on the nature of your symptoms, your physician may recommend one of these modes of delivery.

Are there any side effects related to cannabis oil administration?

As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with cannabis oil use. Some of the most common include dry mouth, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea and drowsiness. As such, it is important to start off slowly in order to gauge how your body will respond to a particular dose size or oil type.

THC oil options come with the increased risk of potential psychoactive effects, so it is essential to understand the content of each product before you decide to use it. THC oil can only be added to a treatment plan under the strict supervision of a specialist doctor, who will help you find the correct dosage size.

Cannabinoids also have the ability to negatively interact with certain medications, so be sure to seek medical advice before adding cannabis oil into your treatment plan. These include a variety of medications, such as anticoagulants, blood thinners, anti anxiety pharmaceuticals, sedatives, antidepressants, and more.

Additionally, cannabis oil should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the potential for harm to infants is unknown at this time.

Concluding thoughts

Cannabis oil may be used in addition to a range of treatment plans. With the veritable smorgasbord of cannabis oil options to choose from, as well as the multiple different administration methods available, patients have plenty of options when it comes to exploring the potential benefits that cannabis oil has to offer.

Once again, medical cannabis is not a magic cure. But, when correctly added to a treatment plan, it has the potential to help the patient be able to manage their condition – and potentially even improve quality of life.

Before embarking on a cannabis oil treatment plan, it is crucial for patients to seek professional advice. It is equally important to understand the potential risks and side effects that may accompany the application of specific cannabis oil products. Hopefully, this article has offered you a deeper understanding of what cannabis oil is, and how it can be integrated into the lives of patients grappling with various health conditions.

Releaf understands that embarking on your medical cannabis journey can be intimidating – that’s why we offer tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and our medical cannabis card to give you peace of mind, all based on your medical cannabis prescription.

Cannabis oil FAQs

Does cannabis oil give you a high?

Cannabis oil may produce a ‘euphoric’ feeling as some cannabis oils that are prescribed contain levels of THC which is the psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.

Is cannabis oil the same as CBD oil?

Cannabis oil is not the same as CBD oil. CBD oil can contain no more than 1 mg of each controlled cannabinoid whereas cannabis oil with higher levels of controlled cannabinoids are strictly prescription-only.

Is it safe to take cannabis oil?

A clinician will determine if cannabis oil is right for you, those breastfeeding or pregnant or on other medication may not be eligible for medical cannabis treatment.