Tinctures are an effective, convenient, and discreet method for taking CBD. Unlike oils, which are liquid and poured under the tongue, tinctures have an alcohol base and are stored in small bottles with droppers.
Depending on the concentration, a few drops of a tincture can act very quickly. This means a smaller serving size is required than with gummies or cookies.
How to Use
Despite their seemingly old-fashioned and apothecary-like appearance, CBD tinctures are actually quite simple to use. Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts that contain a concentrated amount of cannabidiol that is delivered sublingually, via drops placed under the tongue. They are a great way to get a fast-acting CBD dose and can be taken at any time of the day. Many tinctures are also available in tasty flavors like vanilla, lavender-orange, and ginger-cinnamon to make them easier to consume.
Though the onset of CBD tinctures occurs more quickly than that of a CBD oil, both products are designed to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. This makes CBD tinctures easy to take, but some consumers may prefer a more convenient product with a faster-acting extraction process, such as commercial CBD oils. These are usually made using a blend of CBD extract and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil.
Dosage
Tinctures are a fast-acting CBD product that can be used sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and drinks. They’re also highly concentrated, which allows users to control their intake with precision and accuracy. The onset of effects happens twice – once when the tincture is absorbed into your system through the permeable membranes in your mouth and again later when you swallow it and allow the CBD to enter your digestive tract.
CBD tinctures typically use alcohol to steep the cannabis plant material, then strain and bottle the solution. They can include additional ingredients for flavor and other benefits, including terpenes and essential oils. The two essential ingredients of CBD tinctures are CBD isolates and a carrier oil. Some brands choose to use MCT oil, which is preferable because it contains medium-chain triglycerides that aid in absorption and digestion. This makes MCT oil a better choice for tinctures than olive or sesame oils.
Precautions
Tinctures provide the fastest route for CBD to reach your bloodstream. That makes them a good choice for acute conditions, like anxiety or pain. In addition, a small amount can go a long way, as most people only need a few drops.
Another benefit of tinctures is their high bioavailability, meaning your body can absorb and utilize a larger percentage of the CBD. This is because a tincture is administered sublingually, directly through the mucous membrane lining your mouth.
Tinctures also come in a variety of flavors, making them an easy option to incorporate into your daily routine. For example, you can add a few drops of our CBD PM to your tea before bedtime to help promote a restful night’s sleep. If you are new to CBD, begin with a low dose and gradually increase it as your body adjusts. This helps avoid overdoing it, which can lead to a feeling of sedation or fatigue.
Side Effects
Tinctures are a great option for individuals that are looking to get the most out of their CBD, and they’re especially useful for treating pain and anxiety. Unlike many other CBD edibles that can have a long time to take effect, tinctures work within an hour because they’re absorbed directly through the blood vessels in your mouth.
However, one of the biggest challenges with using tinctures is consistency in dosing. While many companies make the process easier by including built-in droppers as part of their tinctures, consumers may still find that measuring out a precise dosage can be difficult. Also, because tinctures are alcohol-based and can potentially have an unpleasant taste, other ingredients like sweeteners and glycerin are often added to mask the flavor of the alcohol. As a result, the consistency in dosage can vary significantly from product to product. This can lead to unpredictable effects for each individual. For this reason, it’s important for individuals to keep track of their usage and dosages in order to ensure they’re receiving the right amount every time.
