What Is VG, PG & MCT Anyway?
You will commonly see these abbreviations when you’re looking for hemp oil for sale online. You may wonder what they mean and the significance of each, if any.
First off, VG is an abbreviation for vegetable glycerin. It is NOT vegetable oil, like you use for cooking. PG stands for propylene glycol, while MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is most commonly extracted from coconut oil.
These are the most common carrier liquids for CBD products. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, or in this case CBD hemp oil whose most popular carriers are MCT oil, vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. Each of these liquids can impact your CBD experience because they have different effects on the body.
Alongside the quality of the CBD itself, the liquid you are ingesting matters when it comes to health, safety & pleasure. Each of the carrier liquids may have different side effects or important factors to take into account.
No matter which option you choose, consider the risks, benefits and alternatives when looking for hemp oil for sale.
MCT Oil
As previously mentioned, the MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides. MCTs are partially man made fats, such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Even milk from mammals contains MCTs, which makes them the most natural of the carrier oils.
For vaping or sublingual use, these are all food grade oils. They have no flavor. Because of this, they are a favorite for many CBD users! MCT oil is a very popular carrier liquid for vaping CBD as well.
It is notable that cannabinoids are fat soluble. They are stored in fat and break down in fat. So, if you consume cannabinoids like CBD with fat, they may become more bioavailable. This increases the effect of the CBD in your body. A more bioavailable substance allows you to experience the effects of CBD more quickly and more fully.
You get more effect with the same amount of product as you would nornally use anyway. This can save you money over time when you get hemp oil for sale online.
MCT oils often have benefits in their own right. Taking coconut benefits users due to the antioxidant properties that come with vitamin E. They may find that the antimicrobial aspects of coconut oil are also useful. Where there are MCTs, therefore, there are often natural benefits to the body.
Coconut oil is good for you all around. Using it to vape CBD is another great use of it. Many people who buy CBD hemp oil believe it to be a safer method as well.
Polyethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol
What are these 2 mysterious ingredients?
Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol (PGs) are likely the most controversial CBD carrier liquids.
When it comes to hemp oil for sale, polyethlyene glycol is hardly used as a carrier liquid anymore. It is chemically similar to propylene glycol, however.
The FDA has approved propylene glycol oil as a food additive. While it is safe for ingestion, the FDA did not approve it for heating and inhalation. It’s flavorless and used in many vape oils, but some users have experienced negative effects using this ingredient, so it is not recommended for vaping.
It is also important to note that propylene glycol can absorb moisture and leaves users with a dried out mouth or throat. This is why many do not continue to use CBD oils using this substance as a carrier.
An allergic reaction to propylene glycol is also possible. Allergic users could experience persistent muscle pain, a sore throat, a rash, night sweats or diarrhea.
This liquid substance is filled with inconsistencies in research, as well as many differing opinions on whether propylene glycol is a dangerous toxin (especially when used in large amounts) or a mostly harmless compound.
Fortunately, there are other optional substances people use to carry hemp oil for sale. Keep reading to learn of carrier liquid options that present fewer side effects.
Vegetable Glycerine
Vegetable glycerin typically comes from plant oils such as soy, coconut oil and palm oil. It is odorless and has a very minimal sweet taste. It is a very common carrier liquid in the world of CBD.
It is thicker than other carrier liquids, which can cause issues with vaping. For this reason, vape users find that it wears out the vaporizer faster than other liquids.
The thicker liquid may lead to a faster build up of residue in your vaporizer. When this happens, it can take longer to heat. And it may require a higher temperature to vape effectively.
However, vegetable glycerine is a popular choice for CBD consumers who have had a bad experience or allergic reaction to propylene glycol. VG doesn’t cause an allergic reaction in most people.
Some CBD consumers prefer a mix of propylene glycol & vegetable glycerine. This offers some of the benefits of both substances and many people find it to be a good option.
This allows them to get the best of both liquids. A mixed liquid balances flavor, vapor density and ease of use.
Are Carrier Liquids Safe?
On heating, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol can produce carbonyls. These, including acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and acrolein, which may be toxic to users.
In a 2017 study by the Medical Marijuana Research Institute, researchers heated and tested these carrier liquids, along with MCTs and vegetable glycerine, for carbonyls.
The study found propylene glycol produced high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde when heated compared to MCT and vegetable glycerin. This has significant implications.
The study also found that MCTs produced a small amount of acetaldehyde; about 33 times less than polyethylene glycol.
They state, “Because PG (propylene glycol) and PEG 400 (polyethylene glycol) are often mixed with cannabis oil, individuals who vaporize cannabis oil products may risk exposure to harmful formaldehyde levels. Although more research is needed, consumers and policy makers should consider these potential health effects before use and when drafting cannabis-related legislation.”
We recommend that consumers buy hemp oils that use VG or MCT as carriers as some users have reported reactions to PG, propylene glycol, as well as the potential risk of its production of byproducts (when used in large quantities).
