Oils, balms, edibles, tinctures, capsules: cannabidiol, better known as CBD, comes in a variety of forms, and researching the difference between products can feel pretty overwhelming for those that are new to the CBD world. CBD is naturally found in hemp plants, but unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it doesn’t have psychoactive or intoxicating effects.
CBD is usually associated with a sense of calm, and many people make it part of their daily routine: in an evening wind-down, rubbed in after a workout, or as part of their skincare. It works with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
When shopping around for products, you’ve probably stumbled across CBD oils as well as tinctures. Both products are described in similar ways, and the terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions between the two.
The short answer: CBD oil uses a carrier oil like hemp seed or coconut oil, while a true CBD tincture uses alcohol. Here are the key differences, so you can decide which product best fits your needs.
CBD Oils
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then it’s diluted with a carrier oil, like hemp seed or coconut oil. Sometimes, essential oils are added for flavor. CBD oils are more common than CBD tinctures, and they’re very easy to find.
Aside from cannabinoids, you can also find fatty acids, protein, essential vitamins, and nutrients in some CBD oils. And to consume CBD more naturally, people are now infusing CBD oils in food and drink recipes.
CBD Tinctures
While derived from hemp, CBD tinctures are not the same as CBD oil. CBD tinctures are alcohol-based extracts. High-proof alcohol is used as a solvent to extract natural compounds of the cannabis plant, and it’s also used in the finished product.
In tinctures, CBD is suspended in 60-70% alcohol. Because of the alcohol base, tinctures have a longer shelf life (around three to five years). Tinctures also taste very bitter because of the alcohol, so they’re often mixed with sweeteners, flavoring, or vegetable glycerin. Some businesses even add herbal extracts, vitamins (like B12), or supplements to tinctures, depending on the purpose of the product.
Even though tinctures are based on alcohol, people use them the same way as CBD oils.
CBD tinctures are not as common as CBD oils, and many products labeled as “tinctures” are often actually oils.
How Do You Take CBD Oils and Tinctures?
You can take CBD oils orally; it usually takes one to two hours for oils to fully take effect. CBD tinctures are often taken sublingually (under the tongue) for the most efficient and fastest absorption. You can also add CBD tinctures to food and drinks, just like CBD oils.
Some people also apply CBD oil to their skin, though balms and creams are made for that. CBD tinctures aren’t made for topical use.
Which One is Better?
Of course, it all depends on your preferences, concerns, and goals. Both CBD oils and tinctures are good options. The biggest difference is the base of each product and the process of how they’re made.
Some people are sensitive to alcohol or they don’t enjoy the taste of alcohol-based tinctures, so they often opt for CBD oils instead. And others may actually prefer tinctures due to stomach issues or sensitivities when consuming oil.
Other Ways to Try CBD
If oils and tinctures aren’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of other ways to fit CBD into your routine:
- Edibles: Gummies and other CBD treats are an easy, pre-measured way to take CBD.
- Capsules: CBD capsules give you the same amount of CBD in every serving, in a form you already know. Just check the bottle for the serving size.
- Skincare & Topicals: Balms, creams, and serums made with full-spectrum hemp extract are an easy addition to an all-natural skincare routine.
Are you ready to test out some CBD oils, tinctures, or other products? We’ve got you covered. Browse our CBD oils and tinctures, or visit the shop for everything else.
