Cannabidiol (CBD) use is increasingly common in the U.S., especially following its legalization in 2018. In fact, approximately 60% of U.S. adults have tried a CBD product, according to a recent Forbes Health survey conducted by OnePoll.
CBD is available in a variety of forms, including popular CBD oils and tinctures. However, the terms “CBD oil” and “CBD tincture” are often used interchangeably despite referring to different products. Read on to learn more about CBD oil and CBD tinctures, how they’re similar, how they differ and which one may be best for you.
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What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is a blend of CBD extract and an inert carrier oil, such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil from coconuts or hemp seed oil, explains Markus Ploesser, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist, integrative physician and chief innovation officer at Open Mind Health, a mental telehealth company.
CBD oil can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), used topically or consumed orally, says Erica Steele, N.D., a board-certified naturopathic doctor and certified functional medicine practitioner at Holistic Family Practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“Many people use CBD oil for its potential benefits, such as pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep and overall relaxation. However, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary, and the effects of CBD oil are still being studied,” she adds.
Pros and Cons of CBD Oil
“[CBD oil] is generally well tolerated with few reported side effects,” shares Dr. Steele. “It’s also readily available in various formulations and strengths, providing [plenty of] options for individual needs.”
Although the taste of CBD oil is generally milder than that of CBD tinctures, CBD oil can also be baked into foods or added to drinks to help mask its flavor. It’s also suitable for topical use on the skin unlike alcohol-based CBD tinctures, providing additional flexibility in how it can be used, adds Dr. Ploesser.
However, CBD oil generally has a lower bioavailability than CBD tinctures and is absorbed more slowly by the body, explains Lewis Jassey, D.O., medical director at Leafwell, a company designed to connect people with local physicians to help them get certified for medical cannabis. The method of consumption and delivery, as well as the bioavailability of CBD oil, may introduce additional variables regarding how much of the product is ultimately absorbed by the body.
What Are CBD Tinctures?
“In the [CBD product] marketplace, CBD oils are often wrongly referred to as tinctures,” says Dr. Ploesser. “For clarity, consumers should ask for an alcohol-based tincture.”
A CBD tincture is an alcohol-based hemp extract where alcohol is used as a solvent. It’s usually made using CBD-rich hemp or cannabis sativa plants and alcohol in the range of 60% to 70% alcohol by volume (ABV), which equates to 120 to 140 proof, explains Dr. Jassey.
CBD tinctures provide similar effects as CBD oils, such as potential pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep and relaxation, says Dr. Steele. She adds that CBD tinctures are most commonly taken sublingually, which allows for the product to be absorbed directly through the mucous membranes in the mouth. However, some CBD tinctures are not intended for sublingual use due to high alcohol content; instead, they need to be diluted before consumption.
Pros and Cons of CBD Tinctures
Since CBD tinctures are able to bypass the digestive system, they may start to work more quickly than other forms of CBD, including CBD oils, which often have to work their way through the digestive system and consequently may take several hours to take effect, explains Dr. Ploesser.
“The body also absorbs alcohol-based CBD tinctures more quickly, meaning quicker onset times, making CBD tinctures more attractive for those wanting a product that provides more immediate relief,” says Dr. Jassey. Meanwhile, CBD oils are often preferred by those who wish to avoid alcohol for medical or religious reasons or those who wish to utilize a CBD extract in their cooking, he adds.
Some find CBD tinctures have a bitter taste, which may also lead someone to reach for a CBD oil product instead, adds Dr. Ploesser.
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CBD Oil vs. CBD Tincture: Which Is Better?
Both CBD oils and CBD tinctures work if ingested orally and may provide similar effects, including pain and anxiety relief. However, CBD tinctures may provide more powerful results more quickly, says Dr. Steele.
Ultimately, choosing between CBD oil and a CBD tincture is a matter of personal preference, desired effects and individual needs. Both options can be effective, but it may be a matter of finding the formulation and dosage that works best for each individual, she adds. It’s also important to read labels carefully to confirm that a CBD oil is, in fact, a CBD oil and a CBD tincture is truly a CBD tincture since the two terms are so often used interchangeably and incorrectly.
“Some people may prefer the versatility of CBD oil while others may find the convenience of a pre-dosed CBD tincture more suitable [for their needs],” says Dr. Steele. “It’s important to consider factors like taste, desired onset time and ease of use when deciding between the two.”
Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with FTC guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health’s practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher.
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