In the world of cannabis, THC and CBD are the two most well-known compounds. Though THC is more widely known, CBD’s popularity has been growing. This growth of CBD interest has led to an increase in the variety of CBD products you can get your hands on. Some of these CBD products include CBD oil and tinctures.
Though some people might confuse the two and use the terms interchangeably, they are very different products. This post will look at the differences between CBD tinctures and oils. However, we thought it best to start by first defining what CBD is.
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of the many phytochemicals found in the Cannabis plant. However, unlike THC, CBD does not have any intoxicating effects, meaning the compound will not get you high.
Benefits of CBD
Though research is still limited, leading organizations have recognized that CBD has several potential health and therapeutic benefits.
According to research, CBD has several anti-inflammatory properties that make it a possible treatment for inflammation. Other studies have found that the compound shows plenty of promise in reducing sharp, intense, and chronic pain, as well as cold itchy sensations. CBD can also help minimize anxiety-related behaviors.
In a nutshell, CBD can offer users relief from:
- Some types of seizures
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Pain
Are There Any Risks?
Though side effects are minimal, some users have reported a few adverse effects resulting from acute CBD use. Since research is still in its infancy, the long-term effects of CBD have not been analyzed. They do, however, remain a possibility.
Some of the safety risks involved with CBD use are:
- Agitation or irritability
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Liver injury
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
To ensure your safety, we always advise people to consult their physicians before taking any CBD products, especially if they are already taking prescription medications.
CBD Tinctures Vs. Oil
Today, several manufacturers are selling CBD in various forms, including tinctures and oils. Though these products offer the same benefits and might be packaged in the same way, their compositions and production methods differ significantly.
What Are CBD Tinctures?
CBD tinctures are an extract of the hemp plant. It is combined with a mixture of glycerin, alcohol, or peppermint/cinnamon oil and often contains 60% to 70% of distilled alcohol. Tinctures can be consumed sublingually (under the tongue) in different doses, depending on the user.
They often have a very bitter taste, which can be masked by adding additives such as flavoring or sweeteners. Some companies might also add herbal extracts, vitamins, or supplements, depending on what they intend the tincture to do.
What Is CBD Oil?
On the other hand, CBD oil is a mixture of CBD extract and inert carrier oils such as medium-chain triglyceride coconut oil. This oil makes it easier for CBD to be absorbed by the body.
It results from an extraction procedure that takes oil from the flowers, stalks, and seeds of the hemp plant. The extraction method is called supercritical CO2 and is the main reason the product retains its quality, bioavailability, and sustainability.
On some occasions, manufacturers might add flavor, essential vitamins, oils, and nutrients, proteins, and fatty acids to the extract mixture.
What Are the Differences Between Tinctures and Oils?
There are several differences between the two CBD products, the main one being the extraction method used.
For CBD oil, manufacturers use carbon dioxide. Using pressure and heat, they use the safer, quicker, and more efficient CO2 method to separate the CBD from the plant. On the other hand, when extracting tinctures, manufacturers use alcohol.
This process normally involves submerging the cannabis in alcohol, then slowly heating the mixture to infuse the liquid with CBD. The manufacturer then boils or dilutes this mixture.
The following are some of the other differences between CBD oil and tinctures.
Base
Tinctures have an alcohol base, while CBD oil uses an oil carrier for a base.
Method of Ingestion
Since tinctures have an alcohol base, most users consume them by mixing them with their food. On the other hand, CBD oil can be consumed by vaping.
Taste
When consumed orally, CBD oil has an unpleasant taste and an oily after taste. With tinctures, however, you can get them in various flavors like peach and vanilla. They are also absorbed quicker, especially when you place them under your tongue.
Price
Since the price of CBD products depends on their extraction method, potency, and strength, high-quality CBD oil is always more expensive than tinctures.
Shelf Life
CBD tinctures have a longer shelf life because they are made of isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, which act as a preservative. You can, however, try extending the life of your CBD oil, or any CBD product, by keeping it away from direct contact with sunlight.
Is One Better Than the Other?
Though CBD oil is the more potent of the two, there is no right or wrong answer to one being better than the other. Both tinctures and oils can be effective. The only thing that matters is your preferences and intended goals.
Some users might choose oil because they are sensitive to alcohol or do not prefer the taste of the alcohol-based tinctures. Alternatively, others might opt for tinctures because they have stomach sensitivities and cannot ingest oil.
Alternatives To Oils and Tinctures
While this article focuses on tinctures and oils, if these products do not appeal to you, there are CBD alternatives available for you to try.
For instance, you could try topicals, which are CBD-infused lotions, creams, transdermal patches, and salves that you apply directly to your skin. They are particularly helpful if you are looking for a solution for localized pain or specific skin conditions.
Edibles are another alternative. They offer users a discreet way to consumer CBD and come in various options, including truffles, gummies, and mints. Edibles, however, have a slow onset, often taking two to three hours for you to feel their effects.
Choosing Between Tinctures and Oils
Currently, the FDA does not regulate CBD products. That might be one of the reasons it is not uncommon to find products with inaccurate labels. Regardless of whether you choose tinctures or oils, we recommend looking for products that:
- Are from a company that provides certificates of analysis for all its products
- Have passed product potency evaluations and tests for safety, pesticides, mold, microbes, and heavy metals
- Have evidence of third-party testing by an accredited laboratory
We also understand that users prefer quality products, so while looking at the above criteria, you should also consider looking at the product’s price, potency, and customer reviews, and the manufacturer’s reputation.
The certificates of analysis should help guide your decision because they often provide you with the details of the product you are purchasing. There are just a few things we feel you should take note of, listed below.
Potency
The oil’s or tincture’s CBD and, if applicable, THC content listed on the certificate of analysis should match the one listed on the product label. If the number is off by more than 10% or 20%, you might be better off choosing a different product.
Contaminants
The certificate should inform you of all the contaminants the product has been tested for, such as pesticides, mold, microbes, and heavy metals.
Date
Ensure that the certificate of analysis is recent. It should not be more than a year old.
Cannabinoid Profile
There are different kinds of CBD, with varying profiles. Full-spectrum products will contain THC, broad-spectrum will contain other compounds like cannabinol, and isolates will only contain CBD. The certificate should clearly state what compounds the oil or tincture contains.
The key to getting the right product is choosing a completely transparent company, not just with its certificates of analysis but also with its hemp sources and manufacturing practices.
In Conclusion
It is impossible to deny a growing interest in CBD products, with tinctures and oils some of the more popular choices among users.
While these two products differ in several ways, including extraction process, base, taste, and even potency, they still have zero psychoactive impacts and offer you plenty of health benefits. The product you go for will depend on your taste, budget, and how you prefer to take your cannabidiol.
Get the Right CBD Product for You
We believe your body is your temple and are dedicated to offering you the products you need to ensure lasting wellness. From tinctures and oils to edibles and capsules, we curate the finest products.
If you are looking for quality CBD products, look no further than The Other Path. We are a store that offers legal full-spectrum CBD products, making it easy for people all across the country to get their hands on tried and tested CBD goods that really work.
Call the CBD experts we have here at The Other Path by dialing 818-825-2739. If you already know which products you would like to get, simply order them, and we will ship them to your doorstep anywhere in The United States.
