CBD has become the talk of the town in recent years, even more so after the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill. Though the numerous CBD products in the markets have certainly brought excitement and curiosity, CBD has also brought its fair share of misinformation and misconceptions.
Probably two of the most common terms/products that are mistakenly used interchangeably are CBD oil and CBD tincture. Though they are derived from the hemp plant, their respective makeups differ.
Understanding the terms used in the industry is equally as important as knowing the science behind CBD. After all, without a firm comprehension of the terms, how can you identify and discover CBD products that are right for you? That’s why we’re here to give you the ultimate lowdown on CBD tincture vs. oil. So let’s get right to it!
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil refers to cannabidiol oil derived from the hemp plant. The CBD is extracted from the plant and diluted in a carrier oil to make it bioavailable. It’s important to note that the CBD oil may carry terpenes, secondary cannabinoids, and other phytonutrients, depending on the extraction and refinement methods.
Hemp-CBD products come in three types of extracts:
- Full-Spectrum/Whole Plant - This means in addition to cannabidiol, your CBD oil carries the complete range of major cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (below 0.3%) known to exist in hemp. Though each compound may possess unique benefits alone, when they work together, they deliver the entourage effect, a synergistic state that provides a sense of balance in the body.
- Broad Spectrum - This is similar to full-spectrum but without the THC. Manufacturers may choose to remove THC and even some compounds of cannabinoids and terpenes during the extraction process.
- Isolate - As indicated by its name, CBD isolate is isolated CBD. It contains no secondary cannabinoids or terpenes. While still beneficial, pure isolate products do not offer the same synergy that whole-plant extracts can provide.
The hemp extract is most commonly pulled out using a CO2 extraction method and then blended with a carrier oil such as vegetable glycerin to help our bodies absorb the supplement.
➤ Hemplucid is proud to offer a wide variety of whole-plant CBD oils and tinctures
What Is CBD Tincture?
Like CBD oil, tinctures are derived from hemp and can possess the same three hemp extract types explained above. So what makes tinctures different from oils? It all lies in the composition.
Traditionally, tinctures are made by saturating the hemp plant in alcohol and cooking it over low heat for a significant amount of time. This process extracts the cannabinoid compounds, which produces a potent CBD liquid. Sometimes alcohol is substituted with vinegar or glycerin.
This liquid extract is then mixed with other oils such as hemp seed oil and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) oil to enhance the taste, nutritional value, and bioavailability. Though tinctures are traditionally made through alcohol saturation, some manufacturers favor using CO2 to extract the cannabinoids for a cleaner and more potent product.
Not only do tinctures provide the opportunity for CBD users to absorb additional nutrients like potassium, iron, and magnesium, but they also enhance the product’s bioavailability, helping our bodies absorb the compounds more quickly.
5 Key Components that Differentiate CBD Oil and Tincture
To help you better understand the differences between CBD oil and tinctures, we’re breaking them down into five main characteristics:
1. Ingredients
Tinctures carry more additives like peppermint oil, hemp seed oil, and even chicken or fish flavoring (for pets!) to enhance the taste of the CBD product. Those who use tinctures often express that these types of supplements have a more appealing taste than their oil counterpart. CBD oil is often known for a bitter taste, since it’s more concentrated.
2. Extraction Method
CBD oil generally contains higher concentration levels of CBD compared to other forms/products of CBD. While alcohol extraction is the usual method for making tinctures, with some manufacturers using CO2 extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction is the usual method for producing oil, creating cleaner and purer products.
3. Potency
Because CBD oils are generally produced through supercritical CO2 extraction, this creates products that carry higher potency than tinctures. Moreover, since tinctures often carry additional ingredients, this lessens its concentration levels.
4. Duration of Effects
Because tinctures are designed to be used sublingually, CBD enters the bloodstream more quickly (thanks to our mucosal membranes) than CBD oil. The remaining tincture is then digested, providing a longer-lasting duration of effects.
5. Ingestion
Tinctures have been traditionally meant to be used sublingually, or under the tongue. CBD oils can also be taken sublingually, as well as mixed with other foods and drinks.
What One Brings Good Vibes for You?
You might be wondering, which one is better—CBD oils or tinctures? All we can say is that it all depends on what works for you. CBD is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. You have to do your research and keep your eyes peeled to find a product/brand that meets your needs. Not to mention, you want to know what you’re actually buying!
So be sure to be mindful of CBD oil vs. tinctures as you explore the CBD landscape. Everyone’s bodies and perception of balance are different—just because something instills good vibes in someone doesn’t mean it will do the same for you. So stay open, and stay vigilant.
Learn about Quality CBD Products Today
With so many CBD oils and tinctures in this competitive market, it might be challenging to know where to start. Hemplucid is proud to offer a wide variety of whole-plant CBD oils and tinctures. Each product carries unique methods of absorptions and ingredients that may be the right fit for you.
And if you have any questions about our products, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to keep it real and talk about CBD honestly and effectively to help you make educated decisions.
