A carrier oil is an edible oil used to make tinctures liquid, palatable, and consistent. When CBD is first extracted from hemp, it’s thick and sticky. And since it’s a plant extract, you have to “normalize” it so you know how much you’re getting. This is why CBD resin, or CBD isolate, is dissolved in carrier oils. By dissolving the resin in an edible oil, you can make it much easier to handle as well as ensure that you know how much CBD you have in a batch.
Pretty much any type of edible oil can be used as a carrier oil. The most common type is called MCT oil, or Medium Chain Triglyceride oil. This type of oil is supposed to be more healthy than other types of edible oil, and it’s primarily derived from coconuts. Other carrier oils include olive oil, avocado oil, and even grapeseed oil. Avoid any brands that use canola oil, as canola oil can easily turn rancid.
The type of oil that is used can greatly effect the taste and consistency of the tincture, but also the price. A tincture that uses something like avocado oil might have a better flavor than MCT oil, but it’s also going to be more expensive. This is simply because avocado oil is more expensive than MCT oil.
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