If you have been looking to buy CBD concentrates, maybe you have seen products like oils or tinctures. They are similar in appearance, as both come in small vials with CBD. Therefore, we can easily recognize them due to very smart-looking CBD tincture boxes and beard oil boxes. However, there are a few differences, but it is nonetheless important to clear it up if you consume it frequently. Whether it is the first or the hundredth time you have purchased CBD, you may be confused as you walk past the small concentrated vials and notice that they are either available as a tincture or as an oil.
Because of their similar appearance, we fully understand that you think having two names in front of you may be for the same product. However, oils and tinctures are two distinct types of concentrates. They may look alike and contain the same essential ingredients. However, there are some differences in preparation and content that are important to clarify.
What is CBD oil?
Before we begin to go into the details, we need to define both the distinguished products. If you have been following all the cannabis and health news for the past decade or so, we are sure you have heard of CBD oil from time to time. It is essentially a concentrate derived from hemp plants consisting primarily of CBD, which is then combined with a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, hemp seed, or another similar carrier.
What is CBD tincture?
You may have seen the terms “CBD tincture” popping up here and there. It is usually discussed in the same context as CBD oil, but it is different. CBD tinctures result from the maceration of hemp plant material in an alcoholic solution. The plant material is then filtered, and other herbs and flavorings can be incorporated to complete the process.
Difference between CBD Tincture and CBD Oil
Now that the distinction between the two is clear, we are sure you will understand the differences. Let us see them all together to validate all your knowledge!
Production
We have touched on it to some extent, but let us take a closer look at the production of these two formats.
CBD oil
Some of the CBD used to make the oil is extracted with alcohol or even butane, but the end product would not (or should not) contain any residual solvent. It is the reason why most of the high-quality CBD oils on the market today are extracted with supercritical CO₂ extraction.
In a state-of-the-art machine, CO₂ is pressurized until it has the density of a liquid while still being a gas. The CO₂ is then projected through the hemp flower into the other chamber of the machine, extracting the CBD and other cannabinoids. You will either end up at this stage with a full spectrum CBD oil, or follow through with a purification process to create a broad-spectrum oil or CBD isolate.
CBD tincture
Dyeing is much easier to do, although it takes longer. You see, all you need to do is soak some CBD-rich flowers in a strong. Okay, you will be ready for consumption after a week so that the tincture is properly infused. Afterward, all you have to do is filter the plant material.
Ingredients
Now that we have approached the production process, we can focus on the ingredients within them.
CBD oil
If the oil producers stop extracting after the steps described earlier, you will have full-spectrum CBD oil. It means that in addition to CBD, the oil will contain all of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc., present in hemp. If they do not want THC present, they will filter it out of their product and have a broad-spectrum oil instead. CBD isolate can also be created from there. So, it will require an additional filtering step to create an extract with 99% CBD purity.
CBD tincture
In terms of the plant material used, CBD tinctures and full-spectrum CBD oils have similar compositions. The tinctures can be rough on the taste buds, although some manufacturers include some softening agents to soften the shock. They also tend to add herbs, essential oils, and other vitamins to increase the potential wellness benefits.
Now that we have approached the production process, we can focus on the ingredients within them.
Consumption
We have broken down the differences so far, but now let us look at the similarities.
CBD oil
You can directly swallow your CBD oil, but a reduced amount of CBD will take effect due to the breakdown by the enzymes. It is why most brands selling CBD oil recommend taking it sublingually (under the tongue). In addition to an accelerated effect, since it passes through the mucous membrane of the blood system, it prevents interaction with enzymes.
CBD tincture
CBD tincture, being similar to CBD oil, is taken sublingually for the same reasons. You can also take it orally, as with the oil, but you will experience a delayed effect and a less potent experience. You can also add tinctures or oils to edibles to increase their oral bioavailability!
Here, it is necessary to mention that all CBD boxes UK have instructions. So, whenever you buy any CBD product, you need to read these instructions before buying it.
The duration of the conversation
Considering the production methods and resulting compositions, be aware that CBD oil and tincture have quite different lifespans.
CBD oil
The life of oil will depend mainly on the type of carrier oil used. If it is olive oil, it will last as long as olive oil (approximately 18 months after harvesting the olives). The olive oil used in the process should not be old, but be careful with CBD oils over a year old. As a guide, think about the different expiration dates of other kinds of oils.
CBD tincture
Since they are alcohol-based, CBD tinctures will last for many years after manufacture. This shelf life, like with CBD oils, will be maintained and extended if you store them properly. So, keep them in a cool, dry place, and ensure that the containers are airtight when not in use.
Which product is better?
So, are CBD tinctures better than oils, or vice versa? As we have shown you, there is nothing to say that one is better and better than the other. Which one you prefer will depend on one factor, your personal preferences.
Maybe adding herbs and other ingredients to tinctures sounds more appealing to you. Or maybe you prefer to consume concentrated CBD without the presence of alcohol. We are not here to convince you in any case. We only want to make sure that you are buying quality CBD products from reliable sources. After that, it is all up to you!
