CBD has grown heavily in popularity over the last few years and as a result, there are so many new products entering the market on a daily basis. As cannabis-based products become widely accepted, it may be overwhelming when you first begin looking into it. Not to mention, the number of different ways to consume CBD is so broad, it’s impossible to keep track of all of them. If you’ve begun exploring CBD, you may have already come across little brown bottles of concentrated CBD oil, better known and labeled as “Tinctures.”

With the variance in language and terminology used by CBD manufacturers and vendors, it can be confusing to understand what is what. Today, we focus on breaking down what exactly a CBD tincture is, how it is used, and its benefits. At a high level, tinctures are just one of many products available to consume CBD. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS A TINCTURE OF CBD OIL?

HOW DO YOU USE A CBD TINCTURE?

The easiest way to consume a tincture is sublingually, or under the tongue. This is the most effective way of taking the medication because it allows the CBD to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. In turn, users will feel the full effects at a much faster rate than other methods. If you are looking to get creative, tinctures can be mixed with food or drinks e.g. smoothies, tea, pastas, purees.

The important thing to keep in mind when utilizing tinctures is the concentration of CBD. Although it has a lower potency than CBD oil, it is still meant to be used in small doses--hence the packaging. Most tinctures are packaged in small bottles with a complementary dropper to allow small quantities. That said, whether you decide to take it sublingually or mixed with food, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Every person is different, and it may take some trial and error before you find the dosage that works best for you. Because of this, it is also best to start with just 1mL. Most tinctures should have a dropper to help measure this amount. If it is your very first time, administering the tincture drops sublingually will be the best way to gage the desired effects of the dosage level. Research has shown that the blood vessels underneath your tongue allow substances to be absorbed by the body more efficiently compared to other methods.

If you choose to medicate with this method, note that it will take longer to feel the full effects since the medication has to go through the digestive process before hitting your bloodstream.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Anything that could typically be supplemented with regular CBD oil can also be supplemented with CBD tinctures. Since it is a concentrate, the effects are similar with a smaller dose. There are several benefits to adding CBD to your lifestyle but at the very top of the list is pain relief. CBD works with your body’s endocannabinoid system and has a number of medical applications. 

Not to be confused with its sister compound, THC, CBD does not have a psychoactive effect. In other words, the sensation of euphoria or the “high” is not something that CBD produces. Instead, it is used to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, and more. 

Tinctures in particular have several advantages. The bottles themselves are small, making them versatile to carry around in a pocket, clutch, or bag. Since they require no additional effort i.e. smoking or vaporizing, one can easily get away with administering drops discreetly during the day. The small dosage allows the user to easily adjust the intake with higher precision than other CBD products, like gummies or chocolates. 

The presence of alcohol acts as a preservative, so the shelf life of CBD tinctures is longer than other CBD products. It can easily be mixed into food or drinks as a dietary supplement. Commercial CBD tinctures come in a number of flavors to reduce the unpleasant, bitter taste. As it is most commonly administered sublingually, full effects can be achieved in a shorter period of time compared to other CBD products.

THE BOTTOM LINE

As with any CBD product, introduction to CBD tinctures may take some trial and error to get the correct dosage. Tinctures of CBD oil are different from pure, concentrated CBD oil. The primary difference is the presence of alcohol. 

A tincture is a plant based extra infused with an alcohol solution. This creates a liquid form of CBD that can be consumed without smoking or any other form of heat combustion. CBD tinctures generally have a bitter taste, which is why they are often mixed with sweet additives such as orange or peppermint. 

The most common way to consume CBD tinctures is sublingually, for maximum effect. An alternate method is mixing it into your food or drink. CBD tinctures are a great way to determine the minimum dosage you need with CBD. Make note of the dosage you use so you do not use more than necessary and build up a tolerance to the CBD. Developing a tolerance will only mean that a higher dosage is needed the next time you medicate.

In a new market like CBD, be wary of quality. Since there is a lack of standardization across the industry, product descriptions may vary from vendor to vendor. Because of this, it is always important to research the brand before choosing the right tincture to purchase, as you would any CBD product. Reputable companies like Envy CBD will always provide a Certificate of Analysis which breaks down the content of the product.