CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydro cannabidiol) are 2 of the most popular and talked-about compounds of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (addictive), CBD packs numerous therapeutic and medicinal properties, one of the reasons for its growing popularity. CBD’s rich nutritional profile makes it the perfect remedy for treating many conditions ranging from anxiety, stress, inflammation, pain management, rosacea, and acne. CBD is, however, available in several forms – all of which are designed to fit your unique preferences and taste. You can thus choose between vaping, tinctures, capsules, and gummies as a preferred way to ingest CBD.
Each form/method of ingestion has its advantages and disadvantages, a reason you need to pick the best method for the specific use/need. Many companies use CBD oil and CBD tinctures interchangeably, which shouldn’t be the case. It would thus be advisable to understand the difference between the two and how to use each for the best results.
- CBD Oil
Definition
CBD oil is made up of two compounds, CBD and carrier oil. Pure CBD is extracted from the flowers, seeds, and leaves/stalks of the hemp plant, after which it is mixed/diluted with a carrier oil, hence CBD oil. CBD oil is, however, rich in not only cannabinoids but also essential vitamins, nutrients, proteins, and fatty acids, making it one of the most potent and expensive types of CBD oil. Many people thus infuse two to three teaspoons of CBD into their foods and drinks every day, all in an effort to tap into the numerous benefits of CBD. While there’s no detailed dosage for CBD, one can calculate the desired dosage based on his/her body weight, condition, and goals, among several other factors.
The Ingredients Of CBD Oil
As mentioned above, CBD oil is a blend of CBD and carrier oil. The base oil, also known as a carrier oil, helps dilute the concentrated CBD into a usable and safe product. The most commonly used/preferred base oils include:
– Coconut oil
– Vegetable glycerin base
– Hemp seed oil
– MCT oil
- CBD Tinctures
Definition
A tincture is any medication kept in an alcohol solution. That said, CBD oil tincture is simply CBD suspended in distilled alcohol.
CBD tinctures are thus extracted from hemp with alcohol, peppermint, or glycerin used as the carrier. CBD tinctures are thus best taken sublingually for the best and fast results. These tinctures, however, have a lower potency and longer shelf life when compared to CBD oil. Dosage for tinctures also varies from one person to another.
CBD tinctures have a higher absorption rate than CBD oil. This is because alcohol enhances the compound’s bioavailability and servers as a preservative as well. That said, you can add tinctures to your foods or water to allow for an even faster absorption rate.
Ingredients of CBD Tinctures
The ratio of CBD to alcohol and other substances is significantly much lower than with CBD oil. The most common ingredients of CBD tinctures include:
– Water
– Herbs
– Essential vitamins (vitamin D, C B12, etc.)
– Sweeteners
– Melatonin
– Essential oils (lavender, basil, etc.)
The Main Differences Between CBD Oil And Tinctures
- The Base
CBD tinctures have alcohol as the base, while CBD oil has cannabidiol as the base. Both of these have almost similar therapeutic properties though CBD oil is more potent than tinctures. Both of these come in handy for pain, anxiety, inflammation, and stress relief.
- Ingestion Method
Vaping is considered the best and most effective ingestion method for CBD, while tinctures can be consumed by simply mixing them with your food.
- The Taste
CBD tinctures come in various flavors from peach, chocolate, vanilla, and peach, hence better tasting than CBD oil. CBD Oil leaves an unpleasant oily aftertaste which can be a put-off for some users. Tinctures are best taken sublingually for fast absorption.
- Price
High-quality CBD oil is considerably more expensive than the best-quality tinctures you can find. Of course, the price of CBD oil is calculated based on the potency, strength, and extraction method used. In other words, the cost of 500ml standard CBD oil and tinctures is roughly the same.
- Shelf Life
Tinctures, thanks to the alcohol base, have a longer shelf life when compared to pure CBD oil. This is because alcohol acts as a preservative. Keeping CBD products away from direct sunlight extends their shelf life. Expired CBD oil has a cloudy/foggy look and feel while an unexpired one is clear.
Conclusion
While slightly different, both CBD oil and tinctures are perfectly safe for all to use – they are free of THC, the psychoactive compound. Although the consumption methods are similar, CBD oil is more potent than tinctures, hence recommended when looking for improved efficiency and faster results. Whatever your preferences are, CBD oil and tinctures offer numerous benefits for improving your overall health and wellbeing.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
