CBD oils and tinctures are both convenient ways to take CBD. You don’t need anything but a dropper bottle filled with the oil or tincture.
While these two types of CBD products are similar in many ways, there are also some key differences. For example, both can be taken under the tongue (sublingually). However, CBD oil can also easily be applied to the skin (topically).
Let’s take a closer look at CBD tincture vs oil. We’ll start with a quick review of exactly what CBD is and why people use it.
CBD: The Basics
What is CBD? CBD is a chemical found in hemp and cannabis plants. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system that naturally exists inside our bodies. This makes CBD a cannabinoid, one of more than 100 found in cannabis and hemp plants.
CBD stands out from many of those other cannabinoids because it’s not psychoactive. It doesn’t lead to an elevated mood or a changed sense of perception. Those are common qualities found in cannabinoids like Delta 8, THC-P, and many others.
So, what does CBD have to offer? Harvard Health Publishing pointed to a variety of potential benefits of CBD based on animal research, human research, and user self-reports. Specifically, CBD may help with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and addiction management.
These findings also represent common reasons why individuals choose to use products like CBD gummies, CBD oil, and CBD tinctures. User reviews and reports of CBD products we sell tend to mention relaxation, pain relief, and supporting better sleep.
Additionally, continuing medical education provider StatPearls explains how CBD is prescribed to treat certain seizure disorders.
Is CBD legal?
Yes. When derived from hemp plants containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, CBD is legal at the federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized commercial production of hemp meeting that standard. In turn, that led to federally legal CBD.
Certain states and municipalities may have more strict rules related to CBD. Always check into laws that could affect you before purchasing any CBD product.
What are CBD Tinctures and Oils?
Similarities and Differences Between CBD Tinctures and CBD Oils
Wondering about CBD oils vs. tinctures? The first thing you should know is that these products have many things in common on the practical level. Healthline explains that both can be effective.
Key similarities between CBD tincture and oil include:
- Both are liquid preparations
- Both are commonly sold in dropper bottles, making it easy to dose the exact amount you want
- Both are easy to use, as well as discreet
- Both can easily be taken by placing drops of the solution under the tongue (also called sublingual administration) or by swallowing them
- Both offer similar effects
- Full spectrum CBD oil and tincture products (containing terpenes and other cannabinoids) are both available, along with isolates (only containing CBD)
Important differences in the tincture of CBD vs. oil comparison include:
- Composition: CBD oil uses an edible carrier oil, while tinctures use a solvent like alcohol. CBD tinctures use that solvent to extract CBD from hemp plants. This is the fundamental difference that separates tinctures and oils.
- Use: CBD tinctures are only intended for sublingual use, while CBD oil can also be used topically
- Experience: CBD oil can have an earthy or plant-y flavor. CBD tinctures may have a bitter taste, as Leafwell explains. Some oils and tinctures have added flavors to create a more pleasant experience.
One important fact to note is that labeling can be inconsistent for both products. CBD oils and tinctures are very similar overall. That leads some brands and many users to refer to both preparations as oils (and, less commonly, tinctures). Checking the details on the package, list of ingredients, and related lab reports can help you make an informed decision.
If you’re curious about CBD oil or tincture vs. capsules of CBD, there are only a few major differences. Capsules can take longer to start delivering their effects and have almost no taste. Beyond that, these three products are very similar.
How Do You Use Oils and Tinctures that Contain CBD?
Both CBD oils and CBD tinctures can be taken by using the dropper to deposit the substance under the tongue, or by swallowing them. You can also add them to foods and beverages to mask their taste if you find it unpleasant.
The dropper should have a volume measurement of milligrams listed on the side. That makes it easy to control your dose — and determine the most effective dosage for your needs.
However, CBD oils can also be applied topically. That’s not the case for CBD tinctures. This is the biggest difference between the two.
Is CBD Tincture or Oil More Potent?
Both CBD tinctures and CBD oils can come in different potencies. Neither is automatically more potent than the other.
You can determine your dose by comparing the amount you draw into the dropper to the total contents of the bottle. For example, say you take 2 milliliters from the bottle. That aspect of dosing is simple and self-evident.
To take it to the next level, say the bottle itself has a total volume of 120 milliliters and contains 15,000 milligrams of CBD. You’ve taken 1/60 of the bottle’s total contents. 1/60 of 15,000 mg is 250 mg. The formula is simple: just multiply the total amount of CBD in the bottle by the dose taken from it, expressed as a fraction.
Where Can I Find High-Quality CBD Oils and CBD Tinctures?
Whether you choose CBD oils, CBD tinctures, or both, it’s important to buy safe and effective products. One of the best ways to determine quality and safety is to review product lab reports.
At Delta 8 Resellers, we maintain a comprehensive library of lab reports for all of our products. You don’t need to take our word for it, or the word of the brand that produced it, when it comes to quality. You can check on the total CBD content, the presence of other cannabinoids, and more.
