WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD OIL AND CBD TINCTURES?

Before we start looking at the differences, we need to define what we are distinguishing between.

If you’ve followed cannabis health news for the past decade, we’re sure you’ve heard of CBD oil at least once. It’s essentially a concentrate made from hemp plants, which is mostly 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 have seen the term “CBD tincture” as well. It seems to be discussed in the same context as CBD oil, but it is something else. CBD tinctures are the result of soaking hemp plant material in some kind of alcohol solution. The plant matter is then filtered out and other herbs and flavorings can be added to complete the process.

CBD TINCTURE VS CBD OIL

Now that you have a clear understanding of what CBD oils and tinctures are, we can now look at the differences. Let’s go through each one individually to deepen your understanding!

PRODUCTION

We’ve already touched on it briefly, but let’s dig deeper into CBD oil and 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 contain any residual solvent (or at least should not contain one). Still, most high-quality CBD oil that can be found today is extracted with the help of supercritical CO₂.

In a specialized machine, CO₂ is pressurized until it has the density of a liquid while it is still a gas. The CO₂ is then passed through the hemp flower into another chamber of the machine, where CBD and other cannabinoids are extracted. The process is either finished here and a full-spectrum CBD oil is obtained, or the product is subjected to further purification to produce a broad-spectrum oil or a CBD isolate.

• CBD tincture

It is much easier to make a tincture, although it is more time consuming. All you have to do is soak CBD-rich buds in high-proof alcohol like Everclear and you’re done! Well, more specifically, if the tincture is fully infused, you’ll be done in about a week. Then you just have to filter out the plant substances.

INGREDIENTS

Now that the oils and tinctures are made, we can take a look at what is actually in them.

• CBD oil

If the oil producers stop the extraction before further processing, a full-spectrum CBD oil is obtained. This means that the oil, along with CBD, also contains all of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other components of the hemp plant. However, if producers don’t want THC in it, then they simply filter it out of their product and get a broad-spectrum oil. You can also create a CBD isolate from here. However, an additional filter stage is required to produce an extract with a purity of 99% CBD.

• CBD tincture

CBD tinctures and full-spectrum CBD oils have a similar composition in terms of the plant mass used. Tinctures can be quite harsh on the taste buds, however, so some manufacturers add flavorings to soften the taste a little. Herbs, essential oils, and other vitamins are also known to be added to enhance potential wellness benefits.

CONSUMPTION

So far, we’ve highlighted differences, but now let’s discuss the similarities.

• CBD oil

You can swallow CBD oil directly, although the breakdown by enzymes will make the CBD less effective. For this reason, almost every brand that sells CBD oil recommends taking it sublingually (that is, under the tongue). Not only does it work faster, as it enters the bloodstream via the mucous membrane, but it also avoids interactions with enzymes.

• CBD tincture

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 oil, it reduces and delays the effect. You can also add tinctures or oils to foods and improve their oral bioavailability!

DURABILITY

Given the different production methods and the resulting different compositions, note that CBD oil and CBD tinctures have very different shelf lives.

• CBD oil

The shelf life of your oil depends entirely on the type of carrier oil used. If it’s olive oil, it will last as long as regular olive oil (around 18 months after the olives are harvested). The olive oil used should not be old, but be careful with CBD oils that are more than a year old. Take into account the different expiration dates of different oils.

• CBD tincture

Since CBD tinctures are based on alcohol, they will last a few years or more after being made. As with CBD oils, this shelf life is maintained and enhanced with proper storage and care. Keep them in a cool, dry place and make sure the containers are closed when you are not using them.

PRICE

With similar quality and effectiveness, CBD oils and tinctures are offered at roughly the same price. As the extraction gets more refined, so does the content (i.e. extra / premium ingredients), but costs can grow exponentially. That being said, there are plenty of high-quality affordable options. You just have to recognize them.