Millions of people all over the world have discovered the incredible health benefits of taking CBD. You can consume this incredible substance in many different ways including pure CBD oil, liquid CBD and CBD tincture.
Each form of CBD and each method of consumption has its own advantages and key benefits. But, there are also a couple of trade-offs to each method that are worth learning about.
Like our hemp oil vs cannabis oil post revealed, the cannabis industry often uses the same terms for CBD products that are quite different. This has contributed to the confusion about the different terms like “CBD tincture,” and “liquid CBD.”
To clear up some of this confusion, we explain the differences between some of the most popular forms of CBD extract below. This information will help you make decisions about which CBD product is best for your needs.
What Is a CBD Tincture?
A tincture is a liquid form of medicine that has been dissolved in alcohol. CBD tinctures can be taken by dropping them under the tongue, where they are absorbed by tiny blood vessels called capillaries.
Tinctures were originally the most popular and common form of cannabis-derived medicine. In the twentieth century, cannabis tinctures were used to treat everything from menstrual cramps to indigestion.
To prepare a CBD tincture, manufacturers dissolve resin or whole flowers from cannabis plants in alcohol. Typically, high-CBD strains are used to make CBD tinctures, so these products contain a small amount of THC.
Since tinctures are discrete and easy to use by dropping in the mouth, they can be a convenient method of consuming CBD throughout the day. You also have the option of placing a few drops of the tincture in food or drink before consuming it.
Since not everyone wants to consume alcohol with their CBD, there are also other ways to prepare tinctures. For example, some companies use vegetable glycerin.
The key difference that separates tinctures from other CBD extracts is that the substance is less thick than oil forms. This trait makes tinctures more appealing to consumers than oil-based products because it is absorbed quicker.
Tinctures also have a few other advantages. They have a long shelf life when stored in a cool place with low light.
CBD tinctures also kick into effect more quickly than ingesting CBD oil. While other CBD edibles and oil products take 45 minutes or longer to take effect, CBD tinctures provide relief in less than 30 minutes!
However, they can be runny and messy compared to edibles or capsules. Some tinctures also contain undesirable solvents and thinning agents. Make sure to check the list of ingredients and ensure that you’re buying a high-quality product from a licensed producer.
What Is Pure CBD Oil?
The name “pure CBD oil” can have a few different meanings.
Lately, many people in the cannabis community have been talking about CBD isolates. A CBD isolate is a crystallized product made from isolating nearly 100% pure CBD from the plant.
This method means that there is next to 0% THC and other impurities within the crystals. Many CBD isolates use carbon dioxide rather than solvents, making them healthy and safe.
Dissolving a CBD isolate within an oil is the only way to get near 100% pure CBD oil. CBD users who do not wish to get high or consume THC prefer this product over the others.
But, there are a few issues with consuming CBD by itself. The biggest one is that CBD seems to work better when accompanied by terpenes, THC and other cannabinoids found naturally in cannabis.
Non-profit Project CBD states that “single-molecule CBD has a very narrow therapeutic window and requires precise, high doses for efficacy, whereas lower dose, whole-plant, CBD-rich treatment regimens are already showing efficacy for many conditions among patients in medical marijuana states.”
This is called the entourage effect and CBD experts recommend consuming whole-plant preparations of CBD oil.
Whole-plant CBD oil is made using pure resin extracts from cannabis and adding it to a pure oil as a stabilizer and bulking agent. Common oils to use include hemp seed oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and olive oil.
These products are made with pure extracts of the whole plant and are also known as “pure CBD oil.”
Another key difference is the price between CBD isolates — which typically cost more — and whole plant extract.
Ingesting CBD oil in either form means the drug takes longer to affect you but lasts for four hours or more. You can swallow the oil by itself or use as a substitute for any culinary oil.
What Is Liquid CBD?
The term liquid CBD causes even more confusion than the last two!
Some people use the term when referring to CBD in a tincture or oil form, since both are indeed liquids.
But a more precise use of the term might refer to CBD that is ready to go in a liquid e-cigarette style vape. You can also call this type of CBD “CBD vape juice” or “vape-ready CBD cartridges.”
Like a tincture, these preparations dissolve in a solvent. They are also likely to contain small amounts of THC and terpenes when extracted from the whole cannabis plant.
Vaping CBD causes it to affect you almost instantly, but it usually lasts less than 2-3 hours. Using a vape may also be less discrete than consuming CBD oil in your food or dropping a tincture under your tongue.
You should also be aware of certain solvents that make CBD vape juice. Propylene glycol, for instance, can cause side effects. Yet, it is a common ingredient for making liquid vape cartridges.
In other preparations of CBD liquid, artificial flavorings and other components are often used.
Again, make sure to do your research before buying CBD oil, liquid CBD, and other forms of the cannabinoid. It’s important to know the difference between CBD products so that you can choose the product that is right for you!
