CBD oil vs CBD tincture: What’s the difference?

CBD products have been in the spotlight for a few years now, with many people discussing the widespread benefits of products derived from cannabidiol. Due to the wide-ranging positive benefits that can be gained from CBD products, this has sparked further interest in the subject area and encouraged more consumers to give CBD products a try. Each day, people across the globe use CBD products, with new people trying the products all the time. But, regardless of whether you are a regular user of CBD products or you are keen to try them for the first time, you may feel a little confused by the options available. 

CBD is a fascinating subject, and products containing this ingredient have a powerful impact on many lives, so it is natural to want to learn more. Building your knowledge of CBD products is an excellent way to find the perfect options to match your individual needs. When you do your research and find the ideal CBD products for you, you should achieve maximum benefit and experience the best results. 

What is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is often referred to as CBD and is derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is just one of around one hundred compounds known as cannabinoids that can be found within the plant. Unlike another well-known compound derived from CBD known as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, cannabidiol will not get you high. Instead, CBD is known for its potential health benefits and is often used by people seeking relief from aches and pains, as well as anxiety and depression.

Understanding the Confusion Between CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures

There is often confusion between CBD products, especially CBD oil and CBD tincture. This confusion is not helped by the fact that the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture are often used interchangeably. So, what are the differences between them? Read on to discover more about CBD oils, CBD tinctures, and the differences between each of them.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is created by extraction from the cannabis plant using carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide method enables the CBD to be extracted quickly while preserving the quality of the CBD. Once the CBD oil has been removed from the plant, it is suspended in a carrier oil, and sometimes essential oils are added.

CBD Tincture

CBD tinctures are created by soaking cannabis in alcohol. Heat is introduced to the process and helps to infuse the alcohol with CBD. Due to the high-strength alcohol that is used during the extraction process, CBD tinctures are not suitable for everyone. They could be harmful to people that have alcohol issues and sensitivities.

The Main Differences Between CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures:

Extraction Processes Differ

One of the most significant differences between both CBD oil and CBD tinctures is the way that they are produced. CBD tinctures are made with the use of strong alcohol to aid the extraction of the CBD compound from the cannabis plant. In contrast, CBD oils are extracted from the plant using a carbon dioxide method that utilizes heat and applied pressure.

Final Product Differences

As well as using different extraction methods, the actual products themselves have a significant difference. The end product when producing CBD oil is usually CBD that has been blended with a carrier oil. The carrier oil used for CBD oil products is often coconut oil, so the product that you buy will be CBD oil suspended in coconut oil. To enhance the CBD oil further, manufacturers sometimes add essential oils to CBD oil to increase the potential benefits of the product and heighten the sensory experience for the user. CBD tinctures are typically alcohol-based due to the process used to extract the CBD.

Differences in End Use

One of the main reasons that it is so vital to understand the differences between CBD oils and CBD tinctures is because their end uses are not the same. 

Mixing up CBD oil and CBD tinctures when you are shopping is a mistake you do not want to make. Water-soluble CBD tinctures may be suitable to add to foods and drinks, but one of the most usual ways to ingest these is by using a dropper to apply a drop under the tongue, which helps to aid absorption of the tincture. 

CBD oils are often applied to the skin to provide topical relief; while some CBD oils may be suitable for use in food and drink, not all are likely to be suitable. Adding CBD oil to a drink may result in the oil simply becoming an oily layer on the surface of your drink, which is not very tasty, and it may also upset your stomach.

CBD tinctures are rarely applied directly to the skin or used as a topical remedy. Applying tinctures topically could potentially cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation to occur, so it is best to avoid this unless the packaging states that it is safe.

Shopping for CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures

When you are shopping for CBD oils and CBD tinctures, it is vital that you know the difference between these two distinct products. Before you buy, it is wise to check the packaging to ensure you are buying the right product and to make sure it is safe to use in the way that you intend. Don’t forget that while both CBD oils and CBD tinctures can often be consumed, it is still best to check with your healthcare professional before you begin taking them. Likewise, it is also beneficial to read the ingredients carefully when you shop for CBD oil. Checking the ingredients before buying will help you determine whether the oil has additional ingredients, such as essential oils. Knowing what’s in your CBD products and taking a patch test before your first time using the product is vital. Taking a patch test will enable you to ensure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and that the product will provide you with the most benefit possible.