When it comes to CBD products, tinctures are among the most popular. A lot of people are still unfamiliar with those, however, and might not be sure of how they work and their efficiency. Others might be reluctant to switch from other products. Once you understand what they are and how they can be used, you might realize that they could actually be a good option to add to your current selection. Let’s take a look at what are CBD tinctures exactly, and what makes them different from other CBD derived products.
What Are CBD Tinctures, Exactly?
First off, let’s just say that while CBD tincture and oil are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same thing. They do share a lot of similarities, however.
A CBD tincture is when the plant material is steeped in alcohol and either used as is, or is combined with a carrier, like glycerin for instance. The tincture can then be applied sublingually or on the side of the cheek for a short period of time before being ingested. Taking it like this allows the compound to get into the bloodstream and the ingested portion to get processed by the liver and distributed.
What Are the Key Differences Between CBD Oil and Tinctures?
Since both are similar in the way they’re used, the effects will be similar as well. However, one of the major differences between CBD oils and tinctures is that tinctures tend to be more stable due to the alcohol content. There is also a slight difference in price, with CBD tinctures being slightly less expensive.
Another difference between oils and tinctures is the taste. CBD oils are not very pleasurable, and some have even reported some adverse effects because of the oil carriers. CBD tinctures, on the other hand, come in all sorts of great flavors, which makes them much easier to take and enjoy.
What About Other Products like Edibles?
Again, you might find similarities between edibles and tinctures. For one, many advise that you take tinctures with food in order for the CBD to bypass what is referred to as the “first pass effect”. This is when the liver recognizes the compound, breaks it down, and throws away the part it sees as waste.
The main difference between edibles and tinctures, however, is that edibles take more time to produce effects. This is because the edible has to be first digested then processed by the liver before it gets to your bloodstream. With a tincture, you can start feeling effects almost instantly.
If your goal is to get instant effects followed by long term relief, the best solution in this case could be to start with a tincture and use the edible after so you can get a slow release. That could be the perfect option for someone looking for a sleep aid, for instance.
As you can see, CBD tinctures have their own set of benefits, and might be the better option depending on what you’re looking for. Either way, it’s always better to learn as much as you can about CBD before you start, and ask as many questions as you can to make sure that you enjoy your experience.