CBD Oil vs CBD Tincture – What is the Difference?

CBD oil Vs CBD Tincture

CBD Tincture And Oil - Which One Is Better?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the fastest-growing markets in the United States. 

Lately, the cannabinoid has enjoyed a particularly good reputation, with a growing number of Americans showing interest in its potential benefits. 

As CBD continues to conquer one industry after the other from cosmetics, health, foods, and beverages, we are seeing a massive variety of products everywhere.

But with so many products available, it can be difficult to figure out their differences. 

CBD oil Vs CBD Tincture are terms that are often used interchangeably.

And while the two contain CBD oil sourced from the cannabis plant (hemp or marijuana), they are entirely different products. 

In this article, we will discuss the differences between CBD oil vs CBD tinctures, as well as take a look at whether one is better than the other.

What Is CBD?

The medical potential of CBD has been a subject of research and heated debate for many years. 

CBD has been credited with relieving;

  • Chronic pain
  • Anxiety
  • Inflammation
  • Insomnia
  • Epilepsy

Cannabidiol, abbreviated as (CBD), is one of the over 100 chemical compounds produced naturally by the cannabis Sativa plant.

Contrary to its popular sibling tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not provoke psychoactive effects. Instead, it appears to provide a massive variety of health benefits for the body. 

Preliminary clinical studies show that CBD possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Scientists have found that when consumed, whether topically, inhaling, or sublingually, CBD interacts with the neuroreceptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce desirable effects.

A Simple Guide To The Endocannabinoid System

Research into individual cannabis cannabinoids, including CBD, began several decades ago. 

Since then, clinical studies have concentrated on how the compounds interact with our bodies to fight against symptoms like anxiety, depression, cancer, and more. 

Now, thanks to so many years of research, the ECS was discovered in 1992 by researchers exploring tetrahydrocannabinol.

The endocannabinoid system is a unique, biological cell signaling system that comprises endocannabinoids, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. 

Cannabinoid receptors are expressed throughout our central and peripheral nervous systems. Scientists are still trying to fully understand how the EC system works, and they have discovered that cannabinoid receptors respond positively to endocannabinoids. 

Endocannabinoids, also referred to as endogenous cannabinoids, are compounds made naturally by our bodies.

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CB1 and CB2 Receptors

They attach to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the same way as THC  to regulate important body functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and more. 

When you consume cannabis, the THC binds directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body. 

This interaction interferes with the ability of our endocannabinoids to fine-tune communications between neurons, which can cause desirable effects like pain relief or undesirable effects like anxiety and paranoia. 

Conversely, CBD does not bind directly with the cannabinoid receptors.

Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how CBD interacts with the ECS. 

But they believe that it stops enzymes from degrading or breaking down endocannabinoids, allowing them to have a greater effect on the body.

The signing of the 2018 farm bill into law legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC throughout the United States. 

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What Is CBD Oil?

The signing of the 2018 farm bill into law legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp with less than 0.3% THC throughout the United States. 

This, plus the numerous possible applications of CBD, has fired the imaginations of ‘cannapreneurs’, leading to a massive variety of CBD-based products. 

CBD oil is perhaps the most popular cannabidiol product due to its ease of use and effectiveness. It is made by extracting the CBD compound from hemp plants using the carbon dioxide extraction method.

The compound is then diluted with a plant-derived carrier oil like hemp seed oil, olive oil, or MCT oil. 

MCT coconut oil provides a higher bioavailability and has a longer shelf life than most other carriers.

Carrier oils are added to make it easier for the human body to absorb a higher amount of CBD.

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Full-Spectrum CBD

To make full-spectrum CBD oil, manufacturers extract CBD and other natural hemp compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, and less than 0.3% THC. 

These compounds are then mixed with an appropriate carrier oil, and the final product is packaged in glass bottles for sale. 

The THC in full-spectrum CBD contributes to the entourage effect, but it is not potent enough to get you high or make you fail a drug test.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is made in the same way as full-spectrum CBD, but it does not contain any traces of THC. 

What’s particularly exciting about CBD oil is its versatility and flexibility; it’s a product that easily finds numerous applications.

For instance, it can be taken orally as CBD capsules, added to your favorite foods and drinks, or applied topically. 

This flexibility makes CBD oil more common in the health and wellness markets than CBD tinctures. 

Some CBD manufacturers may add essential oils and sweeteners to give CBD oil a better taste and make it palatable. 

But it’s important to note that the lesser the ingredients in your oil, the better it will be.

The best and purest CBD hemp oil usually has a pleasant earthy flavor without harshness or bitterness.

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What Is CBD Tincture?

By definition, a tincture is an extract of an animal or plant material dissolved in alcohol. 

CBD tincture is an alcohol-based hemp extract. It is made by soaking the raw hemp material in high-proof alcohol and water to extract its natural compounds. 

Sometimes, low heat is applied to steep the plant material, allowing the alcohol base to extract all the natural hemp compounds. 

The plant matter is then strained from the solution, and the resulting liquid is mixed with essential oils and other additives to enhance flavor. 

Generally, CBD tinctures have a longer shelf life than CBD oil, but they exude a very bitter taste. 

Hence, a tincture tends to have more additives like sweeteners, flavoring, and vegetable glycerin to mask the bitter taste. 

Depending on the purpose of the tincture, some manufacturers can even add ingredients such as essential oils, herbal extracts, melatonin, and vitamins. 

But because of their bitter taste, CBD tinctures are not common. In fact, most products labeled as CBD tinctures are actually CBD oil! 

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CBD Tinctures vs CBD Oil - Are They Similar?

When it comes to differentiating CBD tinctures vs CBD oil, most consumers find themselves in a dilemma. 

That’s because, besides the two products containing CBD extracted from hemp plants, they are often packaged in similar brown or amber-tinted dropper bottles.

The main difference between CBD oil vs CBD tinctures consist of an alcohol-based solution. 

But this difference becomes incredibly hazy since almost all CBD tinctures on the market today do not use alcohol in the production process. 

Essentially, this makes them CBD oils, but the additional ingredients again make them CBD tinctures. 

For these reasons, the best way to tell CBD tinctures from CBD oil is by reading the label on the bottle. 

Carefully determine the ingredients list while keeping in mind that the primary ingredients in CBD oil are hemp-extracted compounds and a carrier oil, while CBD tinctures typically contain more additives, as seen above. 

How Do You Take CBD Oil vs CBD Tinctures?

CBD oils and CBD tinctures have the same application methods. 

They can be taken orally or sublingually by placing a few CBD drops under the tongue and leaving them there for a few seconds before swallowing. 

Sublingual use of CBD provides the fastest onset of highly potent effects.

You can also use the dropper to add a few CBD oil/tincture drops to foods or beverages.

Some people also use CBD oil topically by applying the oil directly to their skin. 

But please note that CBD products specifically formulated for topical use will provide you potent localized relief rather than full-body effects. 

CBD oil tinctures will not deliver any effects when used topically, so it’s best if you don’t waste your pricey product by applying it to your skin.

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CBD Oil vs CBD Tinctures - Which Is Better?

The ‘better’ choice between the two products will vary depending on consumers’ preferences.

The most important thing to note is that CBD oil and CBD tinctures have the same properties, and they are purported to deliver similar effects. 

However, they differ significantly in the production process and the ingredients contained in each product. 

For instance, a consumer may prefer a CBD tincture over CBD oil because of its flavor and extended shelf life.

Others may consider high-quality CBD oil due to its incredible potency or if they’re sensitive to alcohol. 

Again, the purpose for using CBD may influence your choice of product – CBD oil can be used as a topical, while CBD tinctures are ideal for those who want to add CBD into foods and avoid the taste of the oil. 

Either way, however, the value and effectiveness of CBD do not change.

How To Find Quality CBD Oil vs CBD Tinctures

There has been a drastic increase in the availability of cannabis products over the last couple of years. 

The market has exploded with different CBD brands claiming to avail the best products. 

Understand that the FDA does not regulate CBD as it does other products and supplements. So you must be vigilant when shopping for different CBD products for efficacy and safety.  

Strictly purchase your products from a transparent CBD brand that lists the entire growing and manufacturing process of CBD extracts on their website. 

Consider a company that sources their CBD from organically grown hemp in a local USA farm.

This increases your chances of getting high-quality and pure CBD oil. 

In addition, you should ensure that the brand uses third-party lab testing and readily provides the latest certificate of analysis for each of its products. 

This certificate lists how much CBD is in the product (potency),  cannabinoid profile, and contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides.

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CBD Oil vs CBD Tincture - Possible Side Effects

CBD extracted from organically grown hemp is considered safe and well-tolerated by the body. 

However, because we have different genes and varying biochemistry of our bodies, some users have reported the following side effects: 

  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Appetite changes
  • Reversible changes in weight

Patients are strongly advised to consult their doctors before taking CBD, especially because CBD can interact with other medications. 

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also advised to avoid using CBD.

CBD Oil vs CBD Tincture - The Bottom Line

So there yiu have it – CBD Oil Vs CBD Tincture unwrapped!

Consumers and manufacturers often use the terms CBD oil vs CBD tincture interchangeably.

Even though the two products have some common characteristics, they differ in many ways. 

CBD tinctures utilize alcohol in the extraction process and contain many extra ingredients such as flavors for better consumption. 

Conversely, CBD oil is extracted using the CO2 extraction method and then infused in a carrier oil such as coconut oil.

If you purchase from a reputable brand, CBD oil vs CBD tinctures can both be effective, and it’s up to your personal preference when choosing between the two.

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