There are just two ingredients in our ‘Serious Drops’ hemp CBD tinctures:
1. Organic hemp flower extract
2. Organic MCT oil
You are probably familiar with the first ingredient. Hemp flower extract is the cannabinoid-rich extract that we process from the hemp that we grow organically in Vermont on our farm.
What is MCT?
The second ingredient, MCT oil, may not be as familiar to you. MCT oil is a supplement and carrier oil made from a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides. MCT molecules are smaller than those in most of the fats you eat, which makes them easier to digest. You can absorb MCT in your bloodstream quickly. This turns it into energy you can use.
How is MCT oil made?
MCT oil is usually made from coconut or palm kernel oil. It is produced through a process called fractionation. This separates the MCT from the original oil and concentrates it.
Why is MCT oil used?
One key reason for using a carrier oil like MCT is that they improve the bioavailability, which means they help your body to absorb CBD oil more effectively. CBD is fat-soluble, so it dissolves in oil rather than water. In essence, MCT oil allows for a greater concentration of CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream, so you can reap benefits most efficiently and quickly.
What about other CBD tinctures on the market?
There are a variety of CBD products on the market; read labels carefully! In addition to MCT, other popular carrier oils are hemp seed oil and olive oil. Hemp seed oil is not the same as hemp extract – this oil comes from pressing the seeds of hemp plants. Olive oil has many health benefits and can be a great choice, but adds a very distinct flavor.
You may also find some brands that include natural or plant-based extracts to flavor their tinctures, such as lemon or peppermint. This can be interesting and elevate the entourage effect from the additional terpenes that these essential oils provide.
Some popular brands – very puzzlingly – also include sweeteners such as Stevia Leaf Extract in their tinctures. While typically safe and plant-based, we don’t see the benefit of adding refined sweeteners to CBD products.
Ultimately, we believe in the power of simplicity – just two ingredients, organically produced – to help you connect to an optimal state of balanced wellness