What is a CBD tincture?

A CBD tincture is made using alcohol. Strong alcohol is used to pull out the natural chemicals from the cannabis plant, and it’s also part of the final tincture.

This way of making tinctures keeps the good stuff from the plant safe and fresh, but it needs a lot of cleaning up. It can also taste quite bitter.

To cover the bitter taste, tinctures often have things added like sweeteners, flavors, or vegetable glycerin. Some brands might also add vitamins, herbal extracts, or other supplements like melatonin, depending on what the product is for.

Plus, the FDA has said that CBD can’t be sold as a dietary supplement, so mixing CBD with these things might not follow FDA rules.

CBD tinctures aren’t very common, mainly because they taste bitter. Many products called tinctures are actually oils.

If you want a real CBD tincture, you should ask for an “alcohol-based tincture” to be clear.

CBD Tincture

Pros and Cons of CBD Tinctures

Pros:

  • Easy to dose
  • Can be mixed with food and drinks
  • Quick effects when taken under the tongue

Cons:

  • Bitter flavor
  • Not widely available
  • Not effective for use on the skin 

Since CBD tinctures bypass the digestive system, they can work faster than other forms of CBD. Like CBD oils, which need to go through digestion and may take several hours to start working.

Alcohol-based CBD tinctures are absorbed more quickly by the body. Making them a good choice for those who need immediate effects. On the other hand, CBD oils are often chosen by people who want to avoid alcohol for medical or religious reasons or who want to use CBD in cooking.

Some people find CBD tinctures have a bitter taste, which might make them prefer CBD oil instead.

What are tinctures specifically?

An herbal tincture is made by using a mix of alcohol and water to pull out compounds from a plant, such as the cannabis plant.

Sometimes, you might see extracts called tinctures that use glycerin, vinegar, or oil instead of alcohol. These are alcohol-free, but they might not be as strong as an alcohol-water extract.

How are CBD tinctures made and what are the benefits of using them?

CBD tinctures are usually made from high-CBD hemp strains with 60 to 70 percent alcohol. Tinctures are convenient, have a long shelf life, and are easily absorbed when taken under the tongue. You can adjust the dose by changing the number of drops.

Despite the promise of various CBD products, Hill notes that much research is still needed. “The research hasn’t kept up with the interest. Many medical uses for CBD are only supported by animal studies or have little to no research, which can be problematic.”

At the end of the day, CBD is generally a safe compound. “However, we still need to learn more about it, like how it interacts with other medications and what the long-term effects are,” he adds. His biggest concern is that “sometimes people want to use it instead of evidence-based treatment, which can be a problem in certain clinical situations.”

CBD tincture vs. CBD oil—which is better?

A tincture may provide a broader range of compounds from hemp compared to an oil extraction. Consumers who are sensitive to alcohol often prefer hemp oil over tinctures. While both can be used on the skin, hemp oil is generally easier to apply.

However, If you’re applying a CBD cream on your skin, it won’t get into your bloodstream. 

CBD Oil vs. CBD Tincture: Which Is Better?

Both CBD oils and CBD tinctures can work when taken by mouth and might offer similar effects. However, CBD tinctures could give stronger results more quickly.

Ultimately, choosing between CBD oil and a CBD tincture depends on personal preference, desired effects, and individual needs. Both can be effective, but it’s about finding the right formulation and dosage for each person. It’s also crucial to read labels carefully to make sure a product labeled as CBD oil is truly CBD oil. And a product labeled as a CBD tincture is actually a CBD tincture, as these terms are often used incorrectly.

How do you know what you’re getting? What should you look for?

Quality is a big concern, especially in newer markets like cannabis. A study from 2017 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that only 30 percent of commercially available CBD products were correctly labeled.

Some had more CBD than they should have, some had less, and some had none at all. It’s recommended to buy organic because the cannabis plant can absorb heavy metals and contaminants from the soil. Also, look for broad-spectrum products, which contain all the natural compounds of the plant except THC.