CBD oil and tinctures are both liquid formulations containing CBD in various strengths. The terms are used interchangeably but there are differences between them and when you should use each one. 

What is CBD oil?

Many CBD products are labelled as CBD tinctures but are in fact oils. These are often a blend of a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, infused with a CBD extract. CBD oils can be full spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD or isolate formulations, and may have additional compounds or ingredients added, such as melatonin, depending on what the CBD oil is intended for. 

The benefit of using an oil is that it’s very versatile, so you can consume it under the tongue like a tincture, add it to food or drinks, or apply it topically. CBD oils are easy to administer and dose, because they can be measured in drops, and it’s one of the most popular ways to use CBD because there’s a wide range of flavours, strengths and formulations to choose from.

What is a CBD tincture?

Tinctures are any supplement that has been dissolved in alcohol, which is how many medicines were made in previous centuries (cannabis tinctures were widespread in the US and elsewhere before the plant was banned in the 1930s). 

They may take several weeks to produce because the plant material needs to be steeped in ethanol before being strained and the mixture either bottled or refined. Other ingredients may then be added to alter the flavour, such as vegetable glycerine, to make it more palatable. While some oils are formulated using ethanol to extract the CBD, these aren’t tinctures because the alcohol is then later removed. 

Tinctures are also applied under the tongue to be absorbed by the blood vessels, enabling the CBD to bypass the gut and liver and be absorbed into the bloodstream faster. It’s a fast-acting product that can provide relatively long-lasting effects, and they’re popular for acute conditions and symptoms. 

A tincture is an easy way to consume CBD and they can be mixed with food and beverages, but they can’t be applied topically like an oil. Tinctures also tend to last longer than a CBD oil would, so they’re well suited to people who don’t consume CBD every day. 

Which should I choose? Oil or tincture?

Both CBD oil and tinctures offer potential benefits for your wellbeing, interacting with the endocannabinoid system to balance the mind and body.

When choosing between an oil or tincture, it often comes down to a matter of preference and whether you want to take CBD sublingually or topically. 

Whether you choose oils or tinctures, choosing a high quality and reputable brand is essential to ensure you’re consuming the best quality products. That’s why we’re here, for you.