CBD Tincture vs Oil: What’s the Difference?

Since 2018, hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC has been legal across all 50 states.

The key to its legality is that it’s derived from hemp – and not cannabis.

This often confuses people. After all, they’re the same species of plant. But one of them gets you high and the other doesn’t.

CBD products are the legal ones that don’t get you high but will convey other benefits, and even though they’re similar in appearance, CBD tincture vs oil are not the same.

Read on to find out why.

CBD Tincture Vs. Oil: Why the Difference Matters

As the medical community welcomes CBD products with open arms, new trends emerge and new products hit the market. There’s a wealth of options available to suit your preferred method of consuming CBD, including:

• CBD oils
• CBD tinctures
• CBD gummies
• CBD lotions

There are even CBD pet products to help with overexcitable fluffballs who can’t stop chewing the furniture!

What makes CBD tinctures different from other products? They’re one of the latest trends to emerge and – even though they look the same – they stand apart from oils in a number of ways.

What Makes Tinctures Different

In broad terms, a tincture is a concentrated herbal extract.

Tinctures are made by soaking a herb in a liquid for several weeks or longer. Over time, the fluid absorbs natural compounds from the herb, which is strained out. The result is a potent tincture.

Manufacturers use carbon dioxide to extract CBD for oils. Traditionally, tinctures use alcohol – but many health-conscious manufacturers resort to food-grade substances and flavors instead.

Overall, oil remains more popular because it has been around for longer and is cheaper to manufacture. It’s also appropriate for use topically as a lotion. Applying a tincture to the skin isn’t recommended unless it’s in a suitable, skin-friendly product.

In general, tinctures tend to be more diluted than oils but have a much longer shelf life. They also have a stronger flavor than oils because oils are diluted in a carrier oil. That’s why tinctures are flavored – it makes the medicine go down.

They’re suited to consumers who take a median amount of CBD and don’t want to worry about their products going bad – but if you’re a fan of CBD products then they’re well worth trying out.

Are CBD Products Safe?

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are closely related to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compounds found in cannabis. THC is the psychoactive substance that causes a “high”, while CBD has no such properties no matter the amount consumed.

Currently, the FDA has identified some minor side effects of CBD products – but they have yet to establish long-term health risks. The safest route is to speak with your doctor in a private consultation to learn more.

How to Take CBD Tinctures

When using any CBD product it’s vital that you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’re new to the CBD lifestyle, always start with the lowest dose possible to get a sense of how your body reacts to the substance. Finding the right dosage takes time and it’s best to err on the side of caution.

When consuming CBD products, there are several options available depending on choice:

• Sublingual application
• CBD as a food additive
• Topical application

Many tinctures are flavored to make them taste better. That makes them ideal for mixing with food and drink. Adding a dose to teas and water first thing in the morning is a great habit to get into – though they can be added to baked goods like cupcakes and cookies, too. This handy listicle details the kinds of edible CBD products you can buy off the shelf.

For those seeking a stronger effect, sublingual (under-the-tongue) application involves consuming the tincture undiluted for more potency.

The easiest method of doing so is to hold the tincture under the tongue for anywhere between 30 seconds to a full minute before swallowing. This helps the bloodstream and digestive system absorb CBD.

It’s best to avoid applying a tincture to the skin because it can cause irritation. Instead, seek out a tincture-based lotion designed for topical application. These balms have potential anti-inflammatory properties for targeted pain relief.

How CBD Benefits You

While not a one-size-fits-all solution to every medical need, there are many CBD uses and taking the substance regularly conveys many benefits. These include:

• Aiding with stress relief
• Reducing chronic pain
• Combating anxiety

CBD isn’t a miracle cure.

But it is proven to improve health and well-being. As one study from 2019 demonstrated, more than 90% of research participants reported improved quality of life when taking CBD for chronic pain.

There are other long-term medical conditions that can benefit from CBD consumption, as well – and unlike much over-the-counter medication, CBD won’t break the bank. Sleep disorders, epilepsy, and even schizophrenia: All of these health problems have the potential to be mitigated with CBD consumption.

When deciding to use CBD products, it’s advisable to speak with your doctor because CBD can interact with prescription medication, but otherwise, CBD largely carries no adverse side effects. 

How To Choose the Right CBD Product

There are a lot of CBD products on the market and finding the right one for you takes time. It’s even possible to smoke or vape CBD products in addition to the consumption methods we’ve already mentioned.

When browsing cannabis products, it’s important to ask yourself questions:

• How much CBD do you want to consume at once?
• How quickly do you want your CBD to take effect?
• What kind of CBD do you want to consume?

We’ve broken down the types and intake methods in this article, but in broad terms there’s CBD isolate, containing no THC whatsoever, as well as full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD which both contain trace (negligible) amounts of THC.

If you’re uncertain about the best product to choose, then consider one of the “tamer” products to start off with, such as CBD gummies or other edibles. They’re tasty and tend to have a more muted effect because they pass through your digestive system before your metabolism can break them down.

Cbd Tincture Vs Oil

When comparing CBD tincture vs oil, the key takeaway is that their effect is less pronounced and the flavor is stronger than oils. They have a longer shelf life, making them perfect for occasional consumers and lower doses.

Whether you need CBD products to combat stress, help with pain management, or improve your focus, we sell products that cater to every need. Click here to browse our wide selection of CBD products.