MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil)
Also known as: medium-chain triglycerides, fractionated coconut oil
What it is
CBD is fat-soluble, which means it needs a fat-based carrier to get absorbed into your body. The carrier oil is the second ingredient in any CBD tincture, after the CBD extract itself. Common carriers are MCT oil (derived from coconut), hempseed oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil.
We chose MCT for botanCBD's tinctures because medium-chain triglycerides — fats with shorter molecular chains than the long-chain triglycerides in most oils — are absorbed faster and bypass some of the digestive processing other fats go through. That translates to faster onset and better bioavailability of the CBD.
Our MCT is organic-compliant and derived from coconut. It's also what makes botanCBD oils palatable in mouth and easy on the stomach — long-chain carriers like olive oil can feel heavy.
Where it's in our line
- Organic CBD Oil Oral Drops - Full Spectrum
Organic MCT carrier.
- Organic CBD Oil Oral Drops - THC Free Broad Spectrum
Organic MCT carrier — same base as the full-spectrum line.
- Organic Pet CBD Oil Drops Formulated For Dogs - AAFCO Approved Bacon Flavor
Non-GMO MCT carrier (95% bioavailability for pets). The bacon flavor is layered on top.
FAQ
Will MCT bother my stomach?
MCT is well-tolerated at the small volumes used in CBD tinctures (one full dropper = 1 mL = about 1 gram of fat). At much higher doses some people experience mild GI discomfort — that's not relevant for typical sublingual CBD dosing.
Is MCT vegan?
Yes. botanCBD's MCT is coconut-derived. The Furry Friends pet line uses a coconut-derived MCT too — but the bacon flavor on the pet product is not vegan.
Why MCT instead of hempseed oil?
Hempseed oil is a long-chain carrier — slower onset, lower CBD bioavailability. Some brands use it for the cosmetic appeal of "all-hemp" labeling, but MCT is the better-absorbing carrier scientifically.
Other ingredients
- CBG (Cannabigerol)A minor cannabinoid sometimes called "the mother cannabinoid" because the others (CBD, THC) develop …
- CBN (Cannabinol)A minor cannabinoid that forms slowly as THC oxidizes. Associated with sedation in early research an…
- CBC (Cannabichromene)A minor cannabinoid researched for its potential role in inflammation pathways. Naturally present in…
- TerpenesThe aromatic compounds that give every plant its distinctive smell. In hemp, they also play a role i…
- Arnica (Arnica Montana)A flowering plant with a long history of topical use for muscle soreness and bruising. Combined with…
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. botanCBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness product, especially if you take prescription medications.