Oils Curious About How Medicinal Cannabis Oils Are Made and How They Differ

[ash]

Hi everyone,

I’m relatively new to medicinal cannabis oils here in the UK and currently using Curaleaf oils, specifically the T100 oil. While I find it effective, I’ve realised it’s quite strong for me, so I’ve been considering whether I could dilute it by mixing it with another similar oil to reduce the strength. Has anyone tried this before, and is it even advisable?

I’ve also been doing some reading about how these oils are made, and I’d love to understand more. From what I gather, there are different extraction processes like CO2 extraction, butane extraction, and alcohol extraction. I’m wondering: if the extract isn’t directly oil-based, is it later mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil, MCT oil, or something else? Does the type of carrier oil make any difference to how the cannabinoids and terpenes are absorbed or how the oil feels when used?

I’ve also come across discussions about live plant vs. dried plant extracts. Does anyone know if this impacts the quality or effect of the oil? For example, does it influence the types of cannabinoids or terpenes present, or their potency?

Speaking of cannabinoids and terpenes, I’m curious about how much they influence the overall effect. For instance, I know “full spectrum” oils supposedly include a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, but how does this compare to broad-spectrum or isolate oils?

Lastly, I’ve noticed there are quite a few different brands now available here in the UK, and I’m trying to understand the differences between them. Are there any resources or trusted sites you’d recommend where I can learn more about the science and production of medicinal cannabis oils?

I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences you can share, especially if you’ve used Curaleaf oils or have experimented with dilution or switching brands.

Thanks so much! Looking forward to learning from you all.

 

[GrownHealth]

Morning , this is not a field I'm strong on but I'll get the ball rolling.
When I've looked into this myself with the possibility of making my own in the past, I found a machine that could do all that I would of needed,
https://levooil.com/ these oil infusers take your flower and infuse it into the oil with no smell/mess and if you find it too strong/weak you can repeat the process adding more carrier liquid or more flower to dilute/strengthen.
I've always found MCT more palatable as I find hemp oil and others greasy.
Hopefully someone with more experience around oils will help out but hopefully this gets you started looking at processes albeit on a personal scale not industrial.

A demo of the levo


In answer to your question on oil brands , most oils use different strains with differing properties i.e. two products could appear the same say T20C1 but one could be produced using Sativa strains whilst the other using Indica and would have very differing effects. I definitely find this to be the case. Indica more sedating as opposed to Sativa a bit more mentally stimulating.

 

[nickolai]

Hi everyone,

I’m relatively new to medicinal cannabis oils here in the UK and currently using Curaleaf oils, specifically the T100 oil. While I find it effective, I’ve realised it’s quite strong for me, so I’ve been considering whether I could dilute it by mixing it with another similar oil to reduce the strength. Has anyone tried this before, and is it even advisable?

I’ve also been doing some reading about how these oils are made, and I’d love to understand more. From what I gather, there are different extraction processes like CO2 extraction, butane extraction, and alcohol extraction. I’m wondering: if the extract isn’t directly oil-based, is it later mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil, MCT oil, or something else? Does the type of carrier oil make any difference to how the cannabinoids and terpenes are absorbed or how the oil feels when used?

I’ve also come across discussions about live plant vs. dried plant extracts. Does anyone know if this impacts the quality or effect of the oil? For example, does it influence the types of cannabinoids or terpenes present, or their potency?

Speaking of cannabinoids and terpenes, I’m curious about how much they influence the overall effect. For instance, I know “full spectrum” oils supposedly include a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, but how does this compare to broad-spectrum or isolate oils?

Lastly, I’ve noticed there are quite a few different brands now available here in the UK, and I’m trying to understand the differences between them. Are there any resources or trusted sites you’d recommend where I can learn more about the science and production of medicinal cannabis oils?

I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences you can share, especially if you’ve used Curaleaf oils or have experimented with dilution or switching brands.

Thanks so much! Looking forward to learning from you all.

Have you though about trying the gummies? They are a slower acting longer lasting option. Warning when I say slower acting dont start eating because you think they ain't working. That will be a trip to the inner workings of the mind

 

[nickolai]

As for the oils used to create these I'm assuming they use an isolate. It's guna have a very high purity. The methods of extraction vary in rosin extraction. They can use heat and pressure or freeze. Extraction thru liquid nitrogen this produces they best rosin a nearly clear one that only gets the THC heads. They won't be using some 33-40% rick Simpson oil.

 

[nickolai]

There is also solvent extraction I doubt they use this method as it requires purging of impurities. I've use this method before bho butane honey oil. It's very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. People have died making this before. I'm a pro .

 

[nickolai]

The other type of oil is rick Simpson and while it ain't as strong as the others it's probably the oldest form of extraction with most of the plants insides retained. It is a thick black oil that can be used many ways. Boofing I hear us good for the non smokers. I always drank it in coffee or put it in soups. This is made by boiling plant matter in and equal amount of glycerin for hours on a low heat.

 

[ash]

Hello

Thanks for all the info, it's really helpful; if we were allowed to grow, I'd definitely love to try and make my own, but it's not an option, really. I did see a few different types of infusion machines, and the homemade versions seemed to give THC contents of 7-8mg/ml; my oils are a bit higher

Gummies... yes.., I loved gummies when I tried them in Europe earlier this year, I don't know if they are available here at an affordable price.

The different extraction techniques do sound interesting; for the solvent/alcohol-based approaches, do they get concentrated and then mixed with a carrier oil?

Ash

 

[GrownHealth]

@ash you can repeat the process with more flower in the levo machines to double potency and also use less carrier oil to decrease dilution. I'm sure one levo machine you can put two pods with flower in .At least you've got an idea what's involved now.
You could literally measure the amount of THC in your product by working out how many mg are in flower you were using so say 10g of 25%THC =2500mg THC if that helps .
A lot of people make gummies using these machines,
They are available on medical https://medbud.wiki/edibles/
They use solvents/alcohol to strip the THC/trichomes from the plant matter and this is high concentration once the solvent evapourates and then I would of thought it is infused into the carrier oil. sorry I'm no expert but have a little knowledge on it.
If and when we are allowed to grow our own I'll come round and do it for you
P.S. don't hold me to that.

 

[WakeyWakeyCC]

Hey Ash and everyone — loving this thread
I’m a UK patient too, and I’ve been experimenting with ways to make oils easier to use, especially for people with sensitive digestion or when it feels too strong.

One recipe that’s been a game-changer for me is Golden Milk with Full Spectrum Oil

It’s warming, gentle on the stomach, and helps the oil absorb more gradually. I’ve done a full YouTube video on it over at Wakey Wakey Cannabis Club if anyone wants to try it:
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