CBD oils, CBD tinctures, broad spectrum, full spectrum, what’s the difference and how do you make sense of it all? Whether you’re new to the world of CBD oil and tinctures or you’re looking to broaden your experience and try something new, this article will guide you on the differences between CBD oils and CBD tinctures as well as help you understand how they’re made and how to use them.
CBD oils are a type of natural extract drawn from the cannabis plant, in particular its flowers and leaves. These parts of the plant contain cannabidiol as their main active ingredient. When you think of cannabis, you may immediately think of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive cannabinol, but this versatile plant is much more than that.
CBD oil is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” that THC does. However, that doesn’t mean it’s any less beneficial. CBD oil is often used in topical products like lotions and balms, as well as consumable products like gummies. This allows consumers to enjoy the full effect of CBD oil’s numerous potential health benefits, ranging from anti-inflammation to relieving pain to reducing anxiety and stress.
Because of the surge in popularity of CBD oils, new research is happening all the time to understand the medicinal effects of this unique plant and its individual components.
CBD tinctures are concentrated extracts made from the cannabis plant. It’s specifically designed to deliver cannabidiol (CBD) in a form that’s easily absorbable by the body. CBD tinctures are often sublingual, meaning they’re placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and enter the bloodstream quickly.
Because CBD tinctures are absorbed so quickly by the body, consumers enjoy a much quicker onset of effects than with other forms of CBD oil. For those looking for fast relief of pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, CBD tinctures are a popular choice.
CBD oil and CBD tinctures are extracted similarly in that there’s a process that isolates the compounds from the plant itself, but the actual methods used in the extraction differ depending on the end product.
For example, CO2 extraction is used for CBD oil, where high-pressurized carbon dioxide and low temperatures extract cannabinoids, terpenes and other beneficial compounds from the plant. This method is incredibly efficient and results in a very pure, high-quality oil that doesn’t involve the use of harsh chemical solvents.
With CBD tinctures, the plant material is soaked in alcohol, which absorbs the active plant compounds. The resulting mixture is then strained and mixed with a carrier oil to help dilute the tincture to a specific potency. While both methods have their benefits, generally speaking, oil extracted with CO2 is more potent, while alcohol extraction results in a broader spectrum of compounds.
Both CBD oils and tinctures are made up of different ingredients that work together to produce their therapeutic effects. In addition to the CBD oil itself, the product may also contain other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. If its full-spectrum CBD oil, it also contains up to 0.3% THC, and if it’s broad-spectrum, it has had the THC removed.
Some oils and tinctures may have carrier oils, like hemp seed or olive oil, that dilute the CBD for easier dosing and faster absorption. Depending on the variety of CBD oil or tincture, there may also be flavors, herbs or other ingredients added for different effects. For example, at Industrial Hemp Farms, we carry CBD oils unflavored, or flavored with mint or orange to heighten the taste experience.
By far the most common way to use CBD oils and tinctures is to place them under your tongue by way of a dropper. Place the desired number of drops under your tongue, hold the mixture there anywhere from 60-90 seconds, and swallow. This helps the CBD oil get absorbed into your bloodstream quickly through glands under your tongue.
You can also add CBD oil directly to food or beverages. Some people add it to smoothies or their morning coffee. Taking CBD oil this way means the therapeutic effects may take longer to work, as the CBD has to go through the digestive process, but if you’re not a fan of the taste of CBD oil itself, this method is a great alternative.
Last but certainly not least, some people apply CBD oil directly to their skin, especially areas that frequently experience pain or inflammation. When applied this way, the CBD oil reacts with local cannabinoid receptors, offering targeted relief without needing to be absorbed through the bloodstream.
No matter which option you choose, always start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that works best for you. Everyone is different and there’s no one-size-fits-all dose that works for everyone!
How effective CBD oil is versus a CBD tincture depends on how you’re using it and your end goal. For example, placing either the oil or the tincture under the tongue is a fast way to experience the effects since it bypasses digestion. Oils may be easier if you’re planning on mixing the CBD with food or drink because it’s easier to blend than a tincture.
If you want a more concentrated dose with a quicker onset, however, a tincture may be the better option. Neither one is “more effective” than the other; it’s all about personal preference and the effect you want. Both products are equally effective if used correctly!
If you’re ready to enjoy high-quality, pure, and potent CBD oil and tinctures, there’s no better choice than Industrial Hemp Farms. We pride ourselves on producing organic, natural hemp and CBD oils in a variety of flavors and concentrations. Browse our full product line for yourself and buy with confidence; all of our CBD products are certified pure by third-party lab testing, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
Read More: Understanding Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oils
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