Oil and Tincture CBD Products: 5 Key Differences

CBD is gaining popularity among individuals from all across the globe; thanks to their medicinal and therapeutic effects. CBD products come in several different forms, from oils and tinctures to edibles like candies, chocolates, caramel bars and even loose tea leaves and coffee grounds. And of the various forms and preparations that CBD products come in, oil and tincture remain to be the favorites among CBD users worldwide.

First time CBD users may confuse the two as one and the same since they are both offered in liquid form, typically ingested sublingually or under the tongue, and they provide the same therapeutic and medicinal effects. There are however, key differences between these two hemp-derived products. Here are some of the ways they differ:

1. Preparation

As its name suggests, CBD oil is an oil-based CBD product. Its preparation requires extracting oil from industrial hemp and then mixing this with several other different oils to make it ingestible, among other things. So what you have is hemp oil as the base, which is then diluted using other oils to control its potency, and as mentioned, make it ingestible or more palatable to the taste. Typical oils used to dilute CBD include medium-chain triglyceride oil or MCT oil, glycerin-based vegetable oil, and coconut oil. CBD oils usually comprise of a blend of these oils.

CBD tinctures, on the other hand, are alcohol-based. CBD, in liquid form, is extracted from industrial hemp and then mixed with distilled alcohol (approximately 60 to 70% alcohol). Preparation for tinctures may also involve flavorings, such as peppermint or cinnamon (in oil form).

2. Taste

Taste-wise, tinctures are more pleasant than oils. Most CBD users note that oils leave an unpleasant after-taste when ingested orally (under the tongue) compared to tinctures. This is perhaps owing to their differences in preparation, where tinctures are usually infused with flavors to make them more tasteful.

3. Potency

Between these two CBD products, oils are more potent than tinctures as they have a higher concentration of CBD when extracted. As a matter of fact, CBD oils are the most potent among all other CBD-based products. And since they have the highest potency, they are also the most expensive.

Preparation plays a key role in CBD potency. Since CBD oil is extracted directly from the various parts of the cannabis plant (flower, stalk, and seeds) and then immediately mixed with other oils for dilution, the product doesn't go through an extensive preparation process, which helps maintain its potency.

With tinctures, the hemp material goes through a saturation process first to derive high-proof alcohol, and then slowly heated to allow the CBD to mix with the alcohol. After which, other ingredients are added to enhance its taste. This process further dilutes CBD concentration.

4. Shelf life

If what you want in your CBD products is a longer shelf life, choose tinctures over oils. Since tinctures are alcohol-based, they generally last longer than oils because the alcohol acts as a preserving agent.

5. As a food enhancer

In recipes that call for oil or butter, CBD oils may be used; and for everything else, CBD users recommend tinctures. Since tinctures are alcohol-based (water-soluble alcohol) and come in different flavors, they are easier to use as a food additive or flavor enhancer. You can add a few drops in your drink or food to enhance its taste.

Regardless of its form or preparation, however, CBD products offer the same health benefits, which include pain management, anxiety and stress relief, enhanced sleep, and improved well-being.

Need help choosing the right CBD products for your needs? Feel free to give us a call at (512) 240-9081. You may also leave us a message at hello@tribe.shop.