Did you know the CBD industry is on track to be worth $22 billion by 2022? If you’re checking out CBD for the first time, there can be a lot to process. With so many forms of CBD and how to ingest CBD, the world of cannabinoids can be overwhelming. But no more!
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about CBD tincture vs oil. This CBD for beginners guide will teach you a bit about what CBD is, what it does, and how to use it.
Let’s get to it!
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a widely used cannabinoid that doesn’t contain THC. It is processed through your body’s Endocannabinoid System, which is responsible for handling everything in your body from memory to appetite and brain function.
CBD is naturally occurring and it’s gaining popularity in wellness circles for its relaxing qualities when ingested. Athletes also use topical CBD creams to relieve muscle tension and promote healing.
Let’s dive in to learn a bit more about how CBD works.
The Hemp Plant
The cannabis plant has multiple species, one of which is Hemp. These plants contain the highest concentration of CBD and lowest of THC, which is why CBD doesn’t have the “high” effect that other cannabis products do.
CBD is carefully extracted and processed to become the oil we use to combat mental and physical stressors.
The Endocannabinoid System
Believe it or not, your body has endocannabinoids that already help regulate things like mood. Anandamide (the bliss molecule) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol both play a role in how your body processes CBD.
For the CBD to be fully received, it is processed by CB1 or CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors control the brain, muscles, and reproductive organs, while CB2 receptors handle immunity bones. These receptors are located all over your body, whether you apply CBD topically or take it orally.
Why Should I Use CBD?
Since CBD has become so popular, tons of research is taking place on its potential health benefits. Lucky for us, lots of connections have already been found between taking CBD and having a healthier life.
It Has Anti-Cancerous Properties
A recent review of current research showed a connection between CBD and the slowing of tumor growth. This study focused on pancreatic cancer in a lab environment, so there is still much to be discovered as it relates to humans.
Colorectal cancer is now the third most diagnosed cancer for men and women in the United States. Because it has such a high prevalence, health advocates are encouraging early screening and diet changes for young people. A 2014 study showed that CBD has the unique ability to inhibit the spread of cancerous cells.
It Can Manage Side Effects
For many patients who are battling cancer, chemotherapy and radiation treatments can be very draining. CBD might be able to help by combatting nausea and increasing appetite.
For those suffering from conditions like HIV or even those in eating disorder recovery, CBD can help regulate an appetite that nourishes the body with essential vitamins and boosts immunity.
It Regulates Mood and Anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 40 million people suffer from one of many anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the world and can dramatically impact day to day life. CBD has helped many people battle feelings of social anxiety and panic while regulating overall mood.
CBD actually has anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and antipsychotic behaviors. This can help people recovering from PTSD or experiencing an array of mood problems or anxieties.
How Should I Take CBD?
There are so many methods of taking CBD, from oils and tinctures to soft gels or gummies. Keep reading to find the method that best matches your lifestyle and health needs.
What is CBD Tincture?
In herbal medicine, a tincture is usually an alcohol-based concoction in which your CBD or other plant extract is concentrated. Tinctures are typically inexpensive to produce and not as potent as CBD oil. Recently, some retailers have stopped using alcohol and instead use other ingredients and flavorings to complete the tincture.
Since the extraction process is different for a tincture, the CBD won’t be as pure as it is in other products. Dosage varies and these often have a long shelf life due to their alcoholic base.
It is important to note that because of their alcohol content, CBD tinctures cannot be vaped and must be ingested under the tongue (remember to hold it there for 30 seconds!) in food, or in a drink.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is typically removed from the plant using CO2 extraction, which creates a clean oil. It’s a high quality more expensive way to ingest CBD, but a small amount goes pretty far.
CBD oil is sold suspended in hemp oil or another cannabinoid. Some CBD oils are sold without any flavor and have an earthy, grassy taste that may not be enjoyable.
Oil will get cloudy if it gets bad, so be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place and follow the manufacturers’ expiration dates.
Tincture vs Oil
A lot of CBD retailers use the terms “CBD Oil” and “Tincture” interchangeably when they are not the same product. Packaging can often be similar as well since they both are contained in bottles with a dropper.
Here is a breakdown of the exact differences between each product.
CBD Oil
- Higher quality
- More expensive
- Earthy taste
- Fewer ingredients
- Can’t be added to food
- Can be used on skin or vaped
- Used in combination with MCT oil, Hemp oil, or another oil base
- CO2 used in the extraction process
CBD Tincture
- Less expensive
- Come in unique flavors
- Longer shelf life
- Can be added to food
- Cannot be used on skin or vaped
- Alcohol used in the extraction process
In many ways, CBD oil and CBD tinctures are pretty similar too. They’re both discreet and versatile ways to take CBD. They both have the same health and wellness benefits and often provide the same relief for inflammation or mental conditions.
Taking the Plunge on CBD
With so many options, it can be hard to find a CBD brand and product that has everything you’re looking for. Let’s dive into what’s important to look for when you’re purchasing CBD for the first time.
Choosing A CBD Brand
When choosing a CBD brand, be sure to check labels. While CBD is legal in some capacity in all of the United States, it’s still largely an unregulated market. The Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate each product.
Many supplements can have traces of pesticides or heavy metals. Make sure the brand you like openly publishes their third-party lab results to ensure you’re getting a safe product.
Check out Magical.com for everything from tinctures to soft gels and vegan gummies in fun flavors. You can even check your product number with their database to see that batch’s specific lab certification.
Broad Spectrum vs Isolate
You’ll hear these terms a lot when choosing CBD. Here’s what you need to know.
CBD Isolate
- Purest form of CBD
- Extracted directly from Hemp
- No other compounds from the plant
Full Spectrum CBD
- Contains all other parts of the plant including terpenes and other cannabinoids
- Creates the “entourage effect” where multiple cannabinoids enhance one another
- May contain THC and have psychoactive effects like cannabis
Broad Spectrum CBD
- Has the “entourage effect”
- Does not contain THC
Check With Your Doctor
It’s important to discuss CBD with your doctor during your annual physical. The only known side effects with CBD have to do with its interactions with other medications, so be sure to go over everything you’re taking.
CBD should also not be used to treat any disease or symptom without first confirming with a medical professional.
Experiment with Dosage
There’s no hard and fast rule for CBD dosage because everyone’s body is different. Follow your CBD manufacturer’s recommendation to start and see how you feel a couple of hours later.
Most brands will say to start with 10mg or a little more depending on your size.
If you don’t feel much of a difference in your body, try upping the dose a little bit at a time.
The Bottom Line on Types of CBD
Now that you know everything about CBD tincture vs oil, you can decide exactly what fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Looking for something a bit different? CBD gummies and gel caps don’t need to be measured like tinctures and oils.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and creating a CBD routine that you’ll stick to that benefits your overall health.
No matter what you desire, there are tons of healthy ways to ingest CBD and reap its many benefits.
Check out the rest of our blog for more tips on health, lifestyle, and fitness!