CBD is lipid-soluble, which means it is capable of dissolving in fats, oils, or fatty tissues. CBD is not inherently water-soluble. For this reason it must be dissolved in a carrier “oil” (not water), or fatty substance in order to increase bioavailability (absorption) in the human body. Any kind of edible organic oil may be used as a carrier for CBD, however there are advantages and disadvantages to different types of oil.

Hemp extracts have an earthy, plant-like taste. In order to improve this flavor, some manufacturers opt to use artificial sweeteners and preservatives with questionable long-term health effects, or highly processed carrier oils that do not come from the hemp plant such as coconut oil, glycerin, grapeseed oil, MCT oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, soybean oil, sunflower lecithin, and sunflower seed oil. Of these, MCT oil is one of the most commonly used.

Using non-hemp carrier oils as a carrier for hemp extracts eliminates some very beneficial vitamins and minerals provided by the hemp plant. Due to the large array of substances that are mixed in with different brands of CBD oil, you may experience varied or even undesirable results depending on what type of oil you use.