CBD Tincture vs Oil: The Difference Between these CBD Drops
Airi Macaluso
Medical Hemp Expert, Hemp Wellness Consultant, and Long-Time Cannabinoid Writer
In the world of CBD, you’re likely to encounter both tinctures and oils. While these words are often used interchangeably, they’re actually not the same thing.
In this article, we’ll go into some of the details of their key differences and give you a better understanding of CBD in general. With this information, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best CBD products to meet your specific needs.
At Veritas Farms, we’ve renamed our CBD Tinctures to CBD Drops — but you’ll still be getting all the same convenience, the same method of administration, and the same cannabinoid goodness!
How Does CBD Work?
We know that navigating the world of CBD can feel like a bit of a maze, so let’s break it down together.
To start, CBD is short for cannabidiol, a molecule naturally found in the hemp and Cannabis sativa plants. In recent years, it has gained popularity among those looking to support their wellness journey, primarily due to its natural properties. But just like an all-you-can-eat buffet, there’s more to the hemp plant than just CBD.
Now, CBD is definitely not the new kid on the block — in fact, it’s pretty much the most well-known compound of the hemp plant. Let’s take a closer look at how CBD works in the body.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Here’s where the magic happens. CBD has the potential to partner with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors throughout your body. Picture your ECS as the conductor of your body’s wellness orchestra, helping to maintain harmony and balance. It influences various aspects of health and wellness, guiding everything from sleep to stress responses and more.
While CBD itself is not directly responsible for these effects, it is believed to influence the ECS, helping this vital system work even more efficiently. When CBD and your ECS join forces, they can promote a sense of calm and relaxation, easing tension and supporting overall wellness.
It’s essential to note that CBD isn’t about altering how your body works; instead, it’s about supporting your body’s natural processes. Remember, CBD is a part of your wellness journey, and like any good travel buddy, it’s there to make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
CBD and the Entourage Effect
All of this, the hemp plant is chock-full of other beneficial compounds, too, like THC, CBG, and CBN, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. “Don’t sleep on these other cannabinoids! They all have the potential to give your body and mind some positive influence in their own unique ways,” notes Macaluso.
When all of these elements come together with CBD, like in full spectrum or broad spectrum products, they create a phenomenon called “the entourage effect.”
The entourage effect is believed to offer a broader range of benefits, which is why full or broad spectrum products are often preferred over CBD isolate.
How Is CBD Extracted From the Hemp Plant?
Now we’re well-versed in the world of CBD – but how does this cannabinoid get from the leaves and buds of the hemp plant to the ECS? This is where the specific extraction methods come in.
Extraction, in the world of CBD, is all about pulling out the beneficial compounds from the hemp plant. At Veritas Farms, we employ cold ethanol extraction, a method known for its safety and efficiency.
How Does Cold Ethanol Extraction Work?
Here’s how it works: the raw hemp plant is soaked in cold ethanol (between -22°F and -40°F) for a specific time, causing the cannabinoids, including CBD, to dissolve in the liquid. Post-soaking, the plant matter is removed, which may require some filtration.
Next, the ethanol needs to be removed from the extract that includes the CBD. This is achieved using vacuum distillation or falling film evaporation. This step removes the remaining alcohol from the liquid, making it safe for consumers.
The best part about this method? It helps us retain all the goodness of the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, in our products.
In our commitment to purity and safety, we avoid the use of any unnecessary preservatives and solvents, sticking to natural and sustainable ingredients. This is why our products are not just CBD, they’re a fusion of nature’s best, tailor-made to support your well-being.
What Is CBD Oil?
Let’s dive deeper into CBD oil. To create CBD-infused oil, the CBD hemp extract is then dissolved in a “carrier oil,” such as MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil.
Why is a carrier oil needed, you ask? The reason is twofold. First, CBD, much like other cannabinoids, is naturally fat-soluble rather than water-soluble, which means it dissolves in fat instead of water. By combining it with a fatty carrier oil, we’re basically helping our bodies absorb the CBD so it can do its job!
In other words, oils like MCT and coconut oil enhance the bioavailability of CBD, allowing your body to absorb and utilize more of the CBD goodness.
Secondly, a carrier oil also helps ensure a consistent, easy-to-measure serving of CBD. Macaluso highlights that “Carrier oil isn’t a filler ingredient. Pure hemp extract is way, way too strong to use on its own.” So, it’s not just about making the most out of your CBD; it’s also about offering a more predictable and streamlined CBD experience.
What Are CBD Tinctures?
Like CBD oils, a CBD tincture is another form of cannabidiol product that has made quite a name for itself. In the making of a CBD tincture, high-proof alcohol is used as a solvent to extract the compounds from the hemp plant, resulting in a potent, alcohol-based concentration.
One of the unique aspects of tinctures is the addition of other beneficial components, such as essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and additional ingredients like melatonin or lavender. These ingredients not only serve to enhance flavor, but can also enhance the tincture’s potential wellness benefits.
For example, our Sleep Support tincture features lavender and lemon balm alongside CBD and CBN to support deep sleep, aid with relaxation, and maintain proper sleep quality.
The bioavailability of CBD in tinctures is impressive, too, making it a convenient choice for those looking to incorporate CBD into their routine. It’s also worth noting that the alcohol base gives tinctures a longer shelf life compared to other forms of CBD.
At Veritas Farms, we offer tinctures for a range of benefits, spanning from nighttime relaxation to tension relief, energy support, and focus. Plus, our tinctures come in exciting flavors like Chamomile & Lemon Balm, Green Tea & Chocolate, and Rosemary & Eucalyptus!
What’s the Difference Between CBD Tincture vs. Oil?
While you may see the terms oils and tinctures used interchangeably when it comes to CBD products, the two are not quite the same. Let’s break it down further by highlighting some of their main differences below.
Extraction Method
The main difference between these two popular products lies in the extraction method and the base. CBD oil utilizes an oil base, typically a carrier oil like MCT, coconut, or hemp seed oil, while tinctures employ high-proof alcohol.
Taste
Believe it or not, taste is another distinguishing factor, too.
Some find the taste of CBD oil to be a bit strong or even bitter due to the plant material involved in its creation. Basically, CBD oil is straight from nature — and it tends to taste like it.
Tinctures, on the other hand, often contain sweeteners or flavorings to counteract the intense taste, resulting in a more pleasant experience for your taste buds.
If you don’t mind a slightly bitter taste, CBD oil could be your pick. It’s kind of like drinking a cup of black coffee. But if you prefer a smoother, flavored, or more agreeable experience, CBD tinctures might just be your ticket. It’s a little more like a latte.
Consumption Method
In terms of usage, CBD oils and tinctures can both be taken sublingually (under the tongue) using a dropper. However, pure CBD oil can also be used topically or added to edibles, creams, or supplements, giving it a versatility edge.
On the other hand, CBD tinctures, due to their alcohol base, are primarily intended for sublingual use — but it’s super easy to use and very fast-acting. This gives it a leg up in terms of convenience and onset of effects.
What Are Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate?
When it comes to the type of CBD extract used, there are three main types of CBD extracts:
- Full spectrum CBD, or whole plant extract, includes all cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils from the cannabis plant, including the well-known cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
- Broad spectrum CBD includes most of the hemp plant’s nourishing components but excludes THC.
- CBD isolate, on the other hand, is just pure CBD flying solo, with all other plant parts filtered out.
How To Enjoy CBD Products Safely
Starting your wellness journey with CBD is exciting, but it’s essential to proceed with mindfulness.
Start Low and Slow
Although CBD is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects may include tiredness or mild nausea. This is most likely to occur when consuming large amounts of CBD oil, as the high quantities of the carrier oil may upset the stomach.
To mitigate these possible effects, a “low and slow” approach is often recommended, meaning starting with a smaller amount of CBD and gradually increasing it over time until you find your sweet spot.
Trusted Brands
One way to ensure a positive experience is by choosing high-quality, trusted CBD products. At Veritas Farms, we take the safety and efficacy of our products seriously.
We oversee every step of production, from cultivating plants on our farm in Colorado to manufacturing and bottling our CBD products. This farm-to-home approach ensures all our CBD offerings are pure, high-quality, and free of unwanted substances.
Testing and COAs
Each of our products, including our crowd-pleasing CBD gummies, soothing topicals, and easy-to-use CBD drops, undergoes rigorous testing at three different ISO-certified third-party laboratories. This process guarantees adherence to the highest quality standards and industry regulations.
We also proudly share our Certificates of Analysis (COAs) online, offering complete transparency and building trust with our consumers.
Personalization
Remember, everyone’s CBD journey is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. It’s all about discovering what type of CBD, what method of consumption, and what serving size works best for your individual needs and healthcare goals.
So take your time, listen to your body, and enjoy exploring the various benefits of CBD with the peace of mind that comes from choosing trusted, high-quality products from Veritas Farms.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Between CBD Oil and Tinctures
When it comes to choosing between CBD oil and CBD tincture, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It comes down to personal preference and your unique wellness needs. Just remember, CBD isn’t a cure or treatment; it’s a natural way to support overall well-being. Your journey with CBD is yours to explore and enjoy!
If you’re looking for more information about CBD in general, check out the Veritas Farms blog to learn more. You can get a better understanding about the effects of CBD, its potential health benefits, and learn more about our different products.
Sources:
The Endocannabinoid System: Essential and Mysterious | Harvard Health
What Are the Benefits of CBD? | The New York Times
Cannabidiol (CBD) | NCBI Bookshelf
CBD Products are Everywhere. But Do They Work? | Harvard Health
