CBD Oil Vs Tincture

Working at farmer’s markets this summer has allowed our team to interact with thousands of people who are either current cannabis consumers or are prospecting. We’ve noticed that many people have similar questions. There is a lot of confusing and sometimes conflicting language used when it comes to CBD products, so we want to address one common terminology mixup that will help you distinguish between two different types of similar ingestible CBD products. When referring to our CBD Oil Drops, some may use the word, “tincture”. While the terms may seem interchangeable, there is a distinct difference between our flagship product, a CBD oil, and a CBD tincture. 

CBD Oils

Like the name suggests, CBD oils are oil-based, using a carrier oil like MCT oil, or some other base oil. Blended with the carrier oil is extract from the hemp plant. Extract is often produced  through CO2 extraction, in which CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds are extracted from the plant material, resulting in a full-spectrum extract. Our farm grows high-CBD varieties of hemp, which is where the term “hemp extract” comes from, and hemp is a category of cannabis strains that contain only trace amounts of THC. Sometimes flavorings or essential oils are added to CBD oils. To preserve the shelf life of CBD oils, these products should be stored in a cool, dark place that is not in direct sunlight. 

CBD Tinctures

On the other hand, CBD tinctures are alcohol-based. For these types of products, high-proof alcohol is used as a solvent which extracts compounds from the hemp plants. CBD tinctures contain anywhere from 60% to 70% of alcohol from this process, which allows for an increased shelf-life. CBD tinctures often taste much more bitter, which is why they are often infused with sweeteners or flavoring agents such as peppermint or lemon. 

Directions for Use

CBD oils and tinctures are both designed to be consumed sublingually (under the tongue). Allow the product to sit beneath the tongue for at least 30 seconds, or even up to 60 seconds or longer, before swallowing. Sublingual use is the most efficient way to consume CBD oils or tinctures, although a few drops can also be added to a beverage or food. Expect to notice results anywhere from one to two hours after consumption, perhaps a bit longer if added to food or a drink, as processing CBD in the digestive system can slow down the onset of effects. An additional benefit of CBD oils is that, depending on the carrier oil, they can also be applied topically to target specific body areas, whereas a tincture should not be used for the skin because it is alcohol-based. 

Which is best?

The answer to this question is different for everyone. Some may not enjoy CBD oil if they have a stomach sensitivity to consuming oil, but others may not want to consume an alcohol-based product, especially if they can’t tolerate a particularly bitter taste. CBD oils often contain fewer ingredients, another point to consider. The most important aspect to weigh when choosing between these two types of ingestible CBD products is the brand’s reputation and credibility. Consider the following questions:

-Where is the hemp sourced from? Does the company grow the hemp themselves?

-How was the hemp grown? Is the farm USDA organic?

-How was the hemp processed? Is the processing facility USDA organic?

-Is there a certificate of analysis (COA) shared on the website or in the store? Is there a new COA posted for each batch made?

-Is this product full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or a CBD isolate?

-What is the potency?

-What other certifications does the product have? USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, etc.

What you put in your body matters, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Have questions for us on this topic or something else? Send us a message at support@fendersbluehemp.com.