CBD Oil vs CBD Tincture: What’s the Difference?

CBD Oil Bottle and Dropper

When researching CBD oil products to buy, you’ll also come across CBD tinctures. You may wonder if there are any differences between CBD oil vs. CBD tincture. Although people interchange these terms, they are different products.

In this article, we’ll look at the differences between CBD oils and tinctures. You’ll also learn how these products work, how to use them, and tips for choosing a high-quality CBD product.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds in the hemp plant. Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD is non-intoxicating. Therefore, it will not get you high.

Different CBD products exist, including CBD oils and tinctures, gummies, topicals, and capsules. These products offer different ways to benefit from CBD’s potential effects.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a type of CBD product that contains CBD extract and carrier oil. Some common carrier oils you’ll likely come across in the products include hemp seed oil and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.

When creating CBD oil, the manufacturer can decide to include other hemp compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenes. This type is called full-spectrum CBD oil. Unlike CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD oil also contains a trace amount of THC.

When checking out CBD oil vs. CBD tincture, you’ll notice that CBD oils are easy to access. The reason is CBD oils are more common than tinctures. Most products labeled CBD tinctures are actually CBD oils.

In the CBD marketplace, people often refer to CBD oils as tinctures. However, as a consumer, you should know that this is inaccurate.

Ingredients in CBD Oil

After the manufacturer extracts the desired compounds from hemp, they mix it with the carrier oil. Sometimes, they can decide to add natural or artificial flavors to improve the taste.

Ultimately, CBD oil contains CBD extracts and carrier oil. Although optional, it can also have added natural and artificial flavors.

What is CBD Tincture?

CBD tinctures refer to alcohol-based extracts. The manufacturer uses high-proof alcohol as a solvent to extract desired compounds from the hemp plant. They also use it in the finished product.

Manufacturers utilize this method because it protects against oxidation and preserves cannabinoids. On the downside, it demands a lot of refinement and filtration. It also leaves a bitter taste.

As mentioned earlier, CBD tinctures are less common than CBD oil. Many product suppliers market oils as CBD tinctures. If you want to use a CBD tincture, ensure to demand an alcohol-based product.

Ingredients in CBD Tincture

You’ll notice between CBD oil vs. CBD tincture that tinctures have more ingredients. The company adds flavoring, sweeteners, or vegetable glycerine to mask the bitter flavor.

Other companies also go ahead to include herbal extracts and vitamins. You can find products with additional supplements, such as melatonin and l-theanine, depending on the purpose of the product.

CBD Oil vs CBD Tincture: Differences

Taste: CBD tinctures have a better taste because of the additional sweeteners and flavoring. Without those ingredients, they taste very bitter. CBD oils have a less bitter taste but a strong, earthy hemp flavor. Ultimately, the product you choose, and the added ingredients determine the taste.

Base: The base is a primary difference in CBD oil vs. tincture. As the name suggests, CBD oil has an oil base, while CBD tincture has an alcohol base.

Shelf Life: CBD tincture has a longer shelf life than CBD oils. CBD oils can last 12 to 18 months if you store them properly. On the other hand, CBD tinctures can stay fresh for up to five years or more.

Is One Better than the Other?

You may wonder which option between CBD oil vs. CBD tincture is better. Both products are effective. The primary differences between them are the ingredients and production process.

The answer to which one is better than the other depends on your preferences. You have to decide what works best for your needs and wellness goals.

Additionally, you may be allergic to the carrier oil in the CBD oil product. If that’s the case for you, an alcohol-based product may be a more suitable choice. Similarly, someone who wants to avoid alcohol would go for CBD oil.

Further, CBD oils contain fewer ingredients. If you are sensitive to alcohol-based products or alcohol, choose CBD oil.

When choosing CBD tinctures, you should always look at the ingredients list. You can also contact customer support for clarification on their CBD tincture vs. oil.

How CBD Oils and Tinctures Work

Although research is limited, studies show that CBD has many potential therapeutic benefits. It exerts its functions by supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS has a primary role in maintaining balance in the body. This system regulates different bodily processes, such as:

  • Mood
  • Appetite
  • Learning and memory
  • Sleep

What’s the Best Way to Take CBD Oils and Tinctures?

You can take CBD oils by placing drops into your mouth and swallowing. It can take about an hour or two to feel its effects because the CBD goes through your digestive system.

Asides from oral consumption, another way to use CBD is by adding it to foods and drinks. This method also takes a long time for the oil to take effect.

You can also take CBD oils and tinctures sublingually or under your tongue. The oil absorbs through the mucous membrane in your tongue, so it bypasses the digestive system.

Depending on the carrier oil in the CBD oil, you can also apply it topically. However, you should know that topical CBD products are best suited for localized relief.

CBD tinctures do not work as topical products. Applying a CBD tincture to your skin is a waste of the product.

A man taking CBD oil from dropper

Other Ways to Take CBD

There are other ways to take CBD if a CBD oil or tincture doesn’t work for you.

Capsules: You can also take CBD in the form of capsules. Capsules are an excellent option if you want a daily, consistent dosage since each capsule has a predetermined amount of CBD.

Edibles: CBD edibles such as gummies and truffles provide a fun and discreet way to enjoy CBD. They come in different flavors, shapes, and doses. However, it may take a while to feel the effects of CBD because it passes through your digestive system.

Topicals: Topical products are available in different forms, including lotions, balms, and ointments. They are best suited for localized relief or if you’re targeting a particular spot.

Are CBD Oils and Tinctures Safe?

At this moment, CBD oils and tinctures are considered safe. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as:

  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in weight and appetite
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

CBD can also interact with medications and supplements you’re taking. It’s best to consult a doctor before adding CBD to your regimen.

Legal Status of CBD Oil and Tincture

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD is federally legal in the US. The CBD product is legal if it contains no more than 0.3% THC. Always check with your state laws or the destination you are traveling to.

How to Find High-Quality CBD Oils and Tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are widely available in physical shops and online stores. However, this doesn’t mean that all CBD products are safe for use. Some tips that can help you find a high-quality product include:

Third-Party Testing: Every reliable CBD brand conducts third-party testing and makes the report available to its customers. The test report shows you the potency of CBD and THC, cannabinoid profile, and also checks for the presence of contaminants. Always buy from companies with a recent third-party test report.

Certifications: Similar to third-party laboratory reports, certifications from accredited hemp bodies are essential. Two common, respected certifications are the US Hemp Authority and USDA certifications.

Hemp Source: You want to choose a brand that is transparent about its manufacturing processes, including hemp source. Organic, US-grown hemp plants are the best.

Extraction Method: We have different ways of extracting compounds from the hemp plant. The industry-leading method is the CO2 extraction process. It’s clean and produces a safe CBD extract.

FAQs

1. Is CBD tincture the same as CBD oil?

No, CBD tincture is different from CBD oil. However, different companies use these terms interchangeably. CBD oils have an oil base, while CBD tinctures have an alcohol base.

2. Do CBD tinctures and CBD oils have the same benefits?

Yes, CBD oils and tinctures provide the same benefits. The difference between CBD oil vs. CBD tincture is the suspension liquid.

3. How do CBD oil and tincture make you feel?

Generally, the feeling from these products is one of calmness. Without any THC, you get the soothing effect of hemp and no high.

4. How long does it take CBD oil or tincture to kick in?

When you take CBD orally, it takes about an hour or two for the effects to kick in. That’s because it has to go through the digestive tract. But, if you take tinctures or oils sublingually – beneath your tongue, the effects kick in faster.

5. Which is more potent: CBD oil or tincture?

The potency of any CBD product depends on its CBD concentration. You want to check the label for the volume of CBD delivered per container and serving.

Closing Thoughts

Although people use these terms interchangeably, CBD oils are different from tinctures. Generally, CBD oils contain CBD and carrier oil. Conversely, a CBD tincture is an alcohol-based extract with additional ingredients for taste and specific benefits.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate CBD the same way it does supplements. Therefore, you must choose products wisely.

Always buy from a reputable brand, regardless of what you pick between CBD oil vs. CBD tincture.

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