Whether it is the first time you buy CBD or the hundredth time, it can be confusing to walk past the small bottles of concentrate and discover that they are labelled either as oil or TINCTURE. If you consider their similar appearance, the assumption that they are two interchangeable terms would not be surprising.
However, oils and TINCTUREs are two different types of concentrates. They may look similar and contain the same essential ingredients, but there are some differences in preparation and content that are important to note.
WHAT IS CBD OIL?
Before we start looking at the differences, we need to define what we are distinguishing. If you have been following the cannabis health news over the last decade, we are sure you have heard about CBD oil at least once. It is basically a concentrate of hemp plants, which is mainly CBD and then combined with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, or something similar.
WHAT IS A CBD TINCTURE?
You may also have seen the term “CBD TINCTURE”. It seems to be discussed in the same context as CBD oil, but it is something else. CBD TINCTUREs are the result of soaking the hemp plant in a kind of alcoholic solution. The plant material is then filtered and other herbs and flavours can be added to complete the process.
CBD TINCTURE VS. CBD OIL
Now that you have a good understanding of what CBD oils and TINCTUREs are, we can look at the differences. Let’s go through each of them, one by one, to deepen your understanding!
PRODUCTION
We have already touched on this briefly, but let’s look more closely at the issue of oil production and CBD tincture production.
– CBD oil
Some of the CBD used to make oil is extracted with alcohol or even butane. But the final product does not (or at least should not) contain any residual solvent. Nevertheless, most of the high-quality CBD oils found today are extracted using the supercritical site CO₂.
In a specialized machine, CO₂ is pressurized until it has a liquid density while it is still a gas. The CO₂ is then passed through the hemp flower into another chamber of the machine, where the CBD and other cannabinoids are extracted. Either the process is completed here and a full spectrum CBD oil is obtained, or the product is further purified to produce a broad spectrum oil or CBD isolate.
– CBD tincture
It is much easier to make a tincture, even if it takes longer. Just soak CBD-rich buds in high alcohol like Everclear and you’re done! Specifically, you will be finished in about a week, when the tincture is fully infused. After that, all you have to do is filter the plant substances.
INGREDIENTS
Now that the oils and tincture have been manufactured, we can take a look at what they actually contain.
– CBD oil
If oil producers stop extraction before continuing processing, a full spectrum CBD oil is obtained. This means that the oil, in addition to CBD, also contains all other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other components of the hemp plant. However, if growers do not want THC in their product, they simply filter it out and get a broad oil spectrum. You can also create a CBD isolate from here. However, an additional filtering step is required to produce an extract with 99% CBD purity.
– CBD tincture
The full spectrum tincture and oils of the CBD have a similar composition in terms of the plant mass used. However, the tinctures can be quite hard on the taste buds, so some manufacturers add flavourings to soften the taste a little. It is also known that herbs, essential oils and other vitamins are added to enhance the potential wellness benefits.
CONSUMPTION
So far, we have highlighted the differences, but now let’s talk about the similarities.
– The CBD’s oil
You can swallow the oil from the CBD directly, but decomposition by enzymes will make the CBD less effective. This is why almost all brands that sell CBD oil recommend taking it sublingually (i.e. under the tongue). Not only does it work faster, as it enters the bloodstream through the mucous membrane, but it also avoids interactions with enzymes.
– CBD tincture
The CBD tincture, which works almost exactly like CBD oil, is consumed sublingually for the same reasons. It can also be taken orally, but as with the oil, it reduces and delays the effect. You can also add tinctures or oils to food and improve their oral bioavailability!
PRICES
With similar quality and effectiveness, the oils and tincture of the CBD are offered at approximately the same price. The more refined the extraction, the more refined the content (i.e. extra/premium ingredients), but costs can increase exponentially. That said, there are many high-quality options available at an affordable price. You just have to recognize them.
ARE CBD TINCTURES BETTER THAN CBD OIL?
Are CBD tinctures better than CBD oils or vice versa? Well, as we hope we have shown you, there is nothing that makes one better than the other in the end. What you prefer depends on exactly that: your preference.
Perhaps you like the extra herbs and other ingredients in the tinctures. Or maybe you will feel better if you take a CBD concentrate that does not contain alcohol. We are not here to convince you of either one or the other! We just want you to make sure that you only buy high-quality CBD products from reputable sources. The rest is up to you!
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