CBD Oil vs. Tinctures: Know The Difference 

Usually, searching for information about CBD as a whole will inevitably bring you to CBD oil’s doorstep, which is just a knock away from a CBD tincture. Unfortunately, while most of us have heard of essential oils and extracts, some consider tinctures a bit more obscure, save for those with heavy ties into the fields of herbal medicine and botany.

But what is CBD oil, and what is a CBD tincture? What’s best between these two methods of getting your cannabidiol dose, and in what ways could the effects differ? They’re both liquids and usually sold in a glass vial – some even seem to think they’re the same thing. However, we want to note some subtle differences.

Let’s discuss the “CBD tincture vs. oil” debate and learn more about their distinct effects and processing methods.

What is CBD Oil?

Most CBD oils you’ll find on the shelves or in online shops are an expertly blended combination of CBD extract and a ‘carrier oil.‘ A carrier oil is used to create essential oils that dilute the extracts; it is, simply put, the base on which an essential oil is built. It ‘carries’ the oil to your body more safely. Carrier oils are usually unscented, and are meant to not get in the way of the therapeutic or aromatic effects of the oil they carry. If the oil bases are scented, like in the cases of olive oil or coconut oil, it is in a way that will not detract from the actual aromatics. 

For CBD, that carrier is usually medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil, though some use hemp seed oil. In the process of creating CBD oil, cannabidiol is sometimes extracted from the hemp plant along with select terpenes and flavonoids. When this happens, it’s usually called ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘full spectrum’ CBD oil. 

Regarding CBD tincture vs. oils, oils are certainly more accessible – you’ll likely find them much more often than an actual CBD tincture. They’re simple to dose and can be mixed with food. It also comes in an array of flavors, and has a short ingredient list.

What is A CBD Tincture?

Traditional tinctures are alcohol-based, concentrated herbal extracts. Usually, in a tight or pressurized container, high-proof alcohol (80-100 for highly water-soluble components, but a whopping 180-proof for fewer water-soluble parts) and plants are soaked closely together, where the alcohol will act as a solvent, extracting the natural compounds held within those stems and leaves. People looking to make a tincture can also use vinegar in this extraction method process instead of alcohol.

In a CBD tincture, this process is done, of course, with the cannabis plant. The ratio of alcohol base to cannabis depends on whether the plants are dried or not. 1-1 plant-to-alcohol ratios are suggested for fresh leaves and 1-4 for dried plant matter.

This process helps to keep the cannabinoids from oxidation. Alcohol can also act as a preservative for the plant matter inside. Though, as anyone who has been near high-proof alcohol can attest, it does have a rather bitter aroma and taste.

Like CBD oil, CBD tinctures are easy to dose and mixable with foods and beverages. As noted, however, that bitter taste is harder to mask. It’s also trickier to find a true tincture – many ‘tinctures’ you see in online CBD shops are, in fact, just oils that are copping a more extravagant or herbal-sounding name – they’ll even try to mix you up with terms like ‘oil tincture’. In these cases, you can be sure that you’re just getting CBD oil. 

CBD Tincture vs. Oil: Which Is Better?

As with all online ‘which is better’ arguments, the battle of CBD tincture vs. oil comes down to this: it depends! 

Allergic to the base oil in CBD oil? Go for a tincture. These will tend to have a longer shelf life. If not labeled as a CDB or cannabis tincture, they may sometimes be denoted as an ‘alcohol-based extract’. 

Want to avoid anything with alcohol content? Get an oil instead. Taken via the sublingual method, usually, these are easier to find and free from that harsh bitter taste. Broad-spectrum CBD oil will have a host of benefits from the active compounds created during extraction. 

Since many oils instead tout themselves as being tinctures, the way to spot the difference is to check the ingredient list. Traditional tinctures have more ingredients, and the primary one is alcohol or glycerine. CBD oils have much fewer ingredients to them.

As with all cannabis products, a little bit of sensible, responsible experimentation will help you decipher your next favorite. Be sure to buy your tinctures or CBD oil products from reputable shops that can confirm that their products have been tested, and are free of heavy metals that could have serious, adverse effects on your body. Look for Certificates of Analysis wherever you shop. 

Get The Full Story With The Botanical Guide

Want to learn more about our amazing world of herbs and plants? Check out the rest of The Botanical Guide’s articles about CDB, nootropics, and kratom, as told by our group of travelers and botanists.

Author

  • Emily Brown

    Emily is an avid learner and nootropic enthusiast who has been exploring the world of cognitive enhancement for the past few years. She is committed to promoting safe and responsible nootropic use and providing resources for others who want to explore this exciting field.

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