CBD Oil vs Tincture: What's the Difference?

CBD Oil vs Tincture: What's the Difference?

25th Oct 2021

Did you know that CBD-infused oils and CBD tinctures are not the same? Unfortunately, companies often use both terms interchangeably, furthering the misunderstanding of two closely resembled products.

CBD tinctures and CBD oils are advertised in similar packaging and are used for similar purposes. However, they differ in a variety of significant ways. In this article, we analyze the various distinctions between CBD-infused oils and CBD tinctures. But first, a little background.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the numerous active compounds naturally secreted by cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike its infamous counterpart, delta-nine-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not induce any intoxicating effects.

Research into the therapeutic potential of CBD has thus far yielded promising results. While more studies are required to substantiate any CBD-related health claim, much anecdotal evidence suggests its potential effectiveness.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors within our neurological system. These receptors can be found in every part of the body, including vital organs. Scientists discovered that these receptors respond favorably to endogenous (body-produced) substances known as "endocannabinoids."

The response of these receptors to endocannabinoids may aid in the restoration of bodily homeostasis. Hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as CBD, are currently at the forefront of health research because the compounds behave similarly to the endocannabinoids already naturally produced by the body.

How is CBD Extracted?

Cannabinoids such as CBD can be extracted from hemp using various extraction methods. Here at Luce Farm we make CBD from carefully trimmed hemp flowers using CO2 extraction. We feel this produces the highest quality CBD products.

Regardless of the CBD extraction method, the goal is to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.

CBD extraction method, the goal is to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.

Types of CBD

Depending on the type of CBD product, it falls into one of three categories:

  • Full-spectrum: refers to the extraction of the entire plant. All cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted and remain in the final product.
  • Broad-spectrum: contains all cannabinoids and terpenes except THC, which is filtered and removed from the final product.
  • CBD isolate: Pure CBD - all other compounds are filtered and removed from the final product.

CBD is more effective when combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes. Consuming multiple compounds simultaneously induces a phenomenon called the entourage effect. This synergistic relationship shared between all cannabinoids and terpenes makes full-spectrum products superior to CBD isolates.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp and combined with a carrier oil.

The highest grade method for extracting plant-based compounds is known as supercritical CO2 extraction. Unfortunately, this technique is also the most costly. If you're looking to buy CBD oils, look for a company that employs this procedure. Why? Because it creates the most natural and chemically sound product.

Supercritical CO2 extraction utilizes highly compressed carbon dioxide to separate cannabinoids from plant matter (typically hemp) without employing potentially dangerous solvents. The extracted cannabinoids and terpenes are mixed with carrier oils, such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. Unlike regular oils and CBD tinctures, MCT oil is more easily absorbed by the human body.

CBD Oil Ingredients

CBD oils are made up of base oils and carrier oils. These base oils are responsible for diluting the cannabidiol, making it easier to be absorbed by the body. These oils generally include:

  • MCT oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Vegetable glycerin base
  • Hemp seed oil

What Is A CBD Tincture?

Unlike CBD-infused oils, CBD tinctures are alcohol-based.

Tinctures utilize a considerably less expensive technique, and alcohol is particularly effective at extracting cannabinoids from plant matter. The procedure entails soaking hemp in alcohol to separate the cannabinoids from the plant matter. Ethanol or high-proof grain alcohol is the most frequent solvent used to produce tinctures.

Other substances are often added to a tincture to conceal the taste of alcohol. Sweeteners, glycerin, and other flavorings are common examples.

CBD Tincture Ingredients

In comparison to oil, the CBD ratio in a tincture is lower. It is primarily due to the addition of other compounds incorporated to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. The following are some of the most commonly added ingredients:

  • Water
  • Melatonin
  • Herbs
  • Essential oils (lavender, basil, etc.)
  • Natural and artificial sweeteners

CBD Oil vs. Tincture: Shared Similarities

Before discussing the differences between CBD-infused oils and CBD tinctures, we must first note a few shared similarities.

Identical Appearance

CBD-infused oils and CBD tinctures both have similar labeling and are sold in colored dropper bottles. However, you wouldn't be able to identify the difference just by looking at them. No wonder so many people get confused!

Method of Consumption

CBD-infused oils and CBD tinctures are administered sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (against the inner cheek). The compounds are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the glands in your mouth.

CBD-infused oils and CBD tinctures are administered sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (against the inner cheek). The compounds are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the glands in your mouth.

CBD Oil vs. Tincture: What's the Difference?

Now that we have discussed how CBD-infused oils are similar to CBD tinctures, we can analyze how they differ.

Quality

When comparing CBD oil to tinctures, the purity of hemp extract obtained from CBD oil is unrivaled. CO2 is the most natural and pure approach to extracting cannabinoids and terpenes. Because tinctures are made using alcohol, there are solvents left over.

Effects

Oils such as MCT oil absorb cannabinoids considerably better than alcohol. Therefore, the effects of CBD-infused oils are thought to be superior in comparison to CBD tinctures.

Taste

A CBD tincture contains additional ingredients, such as flavorings to improve taste and preservatives to elongate shelf life.

Organic CBD-infused oil has a plant-like flavor that some consumers may regard as harsh, but others enjoy. Some companies have opted to add additional flavoring ingredients, though this is not yet standard practice. A good example is our Peppermint CBD Oil.

CBD Oil or Tincture?

Looking at the active ingredients is the easiest method to identify a CBD-infused oil from a tincture.

Because CBD tinctures are made with alcohol, they will contain additional compounds such as:

  • Essential oils
  • Melatonin
  • Sweeteners

The CBD oil will be made with as few ingredients as possible. It will include the extract as well as a carrier oil, such as:

  • MCT oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil

You can also ask the company or look at their agricultural procedures on their website to find out. Any credible business will be able to provide you with information regarding their farming procedures. If not, you should be able to contact them to inquire about it.

How to Choose Quality CBD Oil/CBD Tinctures?

When searching for high-quality CBD oil or tinctures, remember the following points:

Avoid Hemp Seed Oils

Many consumers mistakenly believe they are purchasing CBD oil when purchasing hemp seed oil. However, these are two different extracts entirely. Hemp oil, commonly known as hemp seed oil, is a concentrated extract of the hemp plant's seeds and contains no cannabinoids.

CBD oil is a plant extract that includes all cannabinoids and terpenes produced within the hemp plant. The highest quality CBD oils are made exclusively from cannabinoid rich hemp flowers.

Choose a Reputable Source

Are you purchasing from a reputable company? Is their website well-designed and informative, describing who they are and how their products are made? Are they already well known in the industry?

Unfortunately, the popularity of CBD has been an opening for unethical entrepreneurs looking to make a quick buck. To sell their products, they make outrageous health claims. Remember that a corporation cannot claim that its product is designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Here at Luce Farm Wellness, we have combined our dedication to sustainable agriculture with our passion for holistic health. Our hemp is grown from seed and harvested by hand on certified organic Vermont farmland. Each product utilizes the supercritical CO2 extraction technique, a natural and environmentally-friendly process that yields the purest products.

Conclusion

The critical difference between CBD oil and CBD tincture is that CBD tinctures are alcohol-based, whereas CBD oils are oil-based. This affects how they are produced and what ingredients make up the final product. CBD oils have advantages in terms of bioavailability and extraction quality.

We have always chosen to produce CBD oil because we place a premium on quality. We use organic mother oils following extraction to handcraft our entire product range in our own manufacturing facility. From seed to shelf, we maintain quality control. Our focus on integrity, quality, and consistency shows in all of our products.