If you’re not already familiar with CBD by now, you’re missing out. Specifically, when it comes to CBD tinctures.
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an active compound in the cannabis plant. It’s known to produce many therapeutic effects but, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not psychoactive and won’t create a high.
A CBD tincture is one way to experience the benefits of CBD. It’s a hemp extract that’s generally combined with alcohol and other ingredients like water, sweeteners, and essential vitamins.
Tincture is a word that describes anything herbal or medicinal that is dissolved in an alcohol-based solution. With CBD tinctures, the liquid will generally be between 60 and 70 percent alcohol. It is possible to find CBD tinctures without alcohol that use vinegar or glycerin instead but these tinctures may have a lower potency.
Consumers often get CBD tinctures and CBD oils confused because of their similar packaging and consumption methods. They are not the same, though, and, in fact, have some key differences.
The Differences between a CBD Tincture and CBD oil
CBD oil is generally a CBD extract combined with some kind of carrier oil such as coconut oil. So, the most obvious difference between a CBD tincture and a CBD oil is the makeup of the liquid. CBD tinctures will contain a significant amount of alcohol while CBD oil will, logically, contain a significant amount of oil.
The process of extracting CBD for each product is also different. The CBD for CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant using carbon dioxide. It’s quick and effective and also produces a higher potency CBD product than the extraction method used for CBD tinctures.
To create CBD tinctures, manufacturers generally soak the plant in alcohol and heat the mixture to infuse the alcohol with CBD. That liquid is then boiled or diluted to become the CBD tincture. This extraction method creates a lower potency as mentioned but it also means CBD tinctures have greater bioavailability. Tinctures can also be made by using a refined CBD raw material like a full spectrum distillate or isolate which produce a high potency cbd tincture.
In terms of price, CBD oil and CBD tinctures are fairly similar. On the high end, CBD oil can be more expensive than tinctures but this isn’t likely to be a deciding factor.
CBD tinctures have a longer shelf life than CBD oils so if you only plan on using CBD every once in a while, CBD tinctures are your best bet.
Which is the better choice for you?
There are positives and negatives to each. The answer will depend on your preferences.
If you’re very sensitive to the taste of alcohol, CBD oil might be the right choice for you. If consuming oil bothers your stomach, you might want to choose CBD tinctures.
Either option can offer you the benefits of CBD so the main deciding factor will probably be the base ingredient.
How to Take CBD Tinctures and Oils
You can take both CBD tinctures and CBD oils orally by adding them to your food or drinks. CBD oil might be better suited to adding to food items, though, because of its less obvious flavor. With either product, oral consumption will take around 60 to 90 minutes to produce an effect.
The preferred method for using CBD tinctures is sublingual application. To use CBD tinctures this way, you apply the desired dose under your tongue with a dropper and hold it there for about a minute. This method will result in fast and efficient absorption since the CBD can go right into the bloodstream rather than traveling through the gastrointestinal tract.
Your final option for using CBD oils, though not CBD tinctures, is to apply them topically. All you need to do to use this method is to rub the CBD oil on your skin in the area where you need relief. Just know that topical application probably won’t produce full-body effects.
Where to Buy CBD Tinctures and Oils
Both CBD oils and tinctures are widely available these days but that doesn’t mean you should buy them from the first CBD store you see. CBD is not regulated by the FDA so you have to be extra careful which companies you buy from.
Some things to look out for when buying either CBD tinctures or CBD oils are the potency level (amount of CBD), the date, and the cannabinoid profile (e.g. full-spectrum, broad-spectrum). This information should be available on the CBD manufacturer’s website on the certificates of analysis (COA) for their products. Avoid any retailer who does not provide this information as well as lab results from a third party.
If you follow these tips, you should feel confident that your CBD products are safe and high-quality. But even so, you may experience side effects.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Tinctures
There are some potential side effects of using CBD tinctures that you should be aware of beforehand Some customers reported minor side effects such as fatigue and diarrhea. CBD can also interfere with some prescription medication so speak to your doctor before using CBD if you have any doubts or concerns. Both CBD tinctures and CBD oils are generally very safe but there is a small risk of negative side effects.
In Summary
CBD tinctures are a great option for any customer who wants to experience the benefits of CBD. Though they are often confused with CBD oils, CBD tinctures differ in base ingredient, shelf-life, bioavailability, and more.
The right choice for you will depend on your preferences but either is a great option!
