What’s The Difference Between CBD Oil and CBD Tincture?

Taking CBD in liquid form has numerous benefits. It’s absorbed into the bloodstream quicker and provides quick results. Plus, it’s easy to add to just about anything you already consume. You can even take it straight from the dropper. What could be easier than that?

However, many people are confused about the difference between CBD oil and tincture. After all, they both come in liquid form. So, which one is better than the other?

In this guide, we’ll discuss the difference between CBD oil and tincture and help you pick the best one for you.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD - or cannabidiol - is one of two primary active compounds found in the cannabis plant. The other is THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not contain psychoactive compounds.

In other words, taking CBD won’t get you high, but it still contains numerous other benefits, such as calming, relaxing, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBD oil and cannabis infused oil refers to a blend of CBD and/or THC extract with a carrier oil, such as MCT or coconut oil. CBD oil is made by extracting terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant using a method called supercritical CO2, which is an extraction method that maintains the sustainability, quality, and bioavailability of the cannabis plant.

Once these compounds are obtained from the plant, they are mixed with a carrier oil that acts as a delivery system. For example, the healthy fats found in coconut oil help you absorb the flavonoids in CBD oil. Sometimes, CBD oils contain essential oils for flavour and colouring. Essential oils contribute additional beneficial health attributes, such as anti-microbial properties.

What Is CBD Tincture?

CBD tincture refers to an alcohol-based extract. To make CBD tincture, high-proof alcohol is used as a solvent. It extracts the CBD compounds in the cannabis plant and is also used in the final product.

Most CBD tinctures with an alcohol-based contain about 60 to 70 percent alcohol. Usually, alcohol-based tinctures have a very bitter taste but yield a longer shelf life of up to three to five years.

To mask this bitterness, some tinctures contain additives, such as flavouring, sweeteners, or vegetable glycerin. Other tinctures also add herbal extracts, vitamins, or other supplements to their products (like melatonin), depending on the tincture’s intended use.

Which is Better?

When it comes to determining if CBD oil is better than CBD tincture, there is no right answer. Both CBD oils and tinctures provide benefits. It just depends on what your needs are.

The biggest difference between CBD oils and tinctures is the process that is used to make it and the base ingredients used. Consider your preferences and goals when determining which product is best for you.

If you don’t care for or can’t tolerate the alcohol used in tinctures, then consider using CBD oil. On the other hand, if you cannot stomach the different carrier oils that CBD oils use, then consider using CBD tincture as the alcohol may be better tolerated.

CBD oils tend to contain fewer ingredients than tinctures. However, tinctures might contain higher levels of the compounds you want. When looking for a CBD oil or tincture product, be sure to check the label’s ingredients and CBD concentration levels.

How To Use CBD Oils and Tinctures

The best way to take CBD oils and Cannabis infused oil tinctures is orally. The benefits usually kick up in about one to two hours. Because it’s in liquid form, CBD oils and tinctures bypass most of the digestive process and are absorbed into the bloodstream quicker, meaning you’ll get results faster.

However, you can also add oils and tinctures to smoothies, beverages, baked goods, or other supplements. If those methods contain fiber, then it might slow down the absorption process. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as adding oils and tinctures to your food has many benefits and can help with the digestive process.

You can also use CBD oils topically, especially the ones that contain coconut oil or MCT oil as a base. Coconut oil has numerous health benefits for skin - such as anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects - and, when coupled with the skin benefits of CBD, these products can be greatly beneficial for restoring skin health.

How To Pick Out the Best CBD Oils and Tinctures

We recommend that you only buy CBD oils and tinctures from a trusted dispensary like Pure Green Express. Avoid buying these items at a drugstore as it’s harder to trace the quality of ingredients.

Here are some things to consider when picking out the right product for you:

  • CBD concentration: You may want to consider the potency of CBD and other compounds in the product you are looking at. Sometimes, tinctures provide a higher level of CBD than oils, but this is not always the case. You should be able to find CBD levels on the product’s packaging. Make sure it matches what’s listed on the bottle.
  • Type of cannabinoids: Some products will contain a small amount of THC (usually 0.3 percent or less) while others may contain other useful cannabinoids, such as terpenes, cannabigerol (CBG) or cannabinol (CBN). CBD isolates contain CBD only. Find the product that has the type of cannabinoids you want.
  • Date: The date in which the product was made often indicates its freshness. Look for a product that has a recent manufacturer date of no more than a year old.
  • Lab-tested: Make sure all of your CBD products come from lab-tested sources. This is the best way to ensure there are no additives, contaminants, bacteria, or other unwanted ingredients in your product.

Final Thoughts

CBD oils and tinctures are a great addition to your anti-inflammatory diet. The primary difference between the two is that tinctures are alcohol-based while oils are oil-based.

Oils are great for topical application while tinctures are usually ingested orally right from the dropper. The best product for you is the one that meets your unique needs.

When you’re ready to shop, check out the best CBD, Cannabis-infused oils, and tinctures at Pure Green Express!

Please tell us below some of your favourite oils and tinctures, and your experiences with using them!