How to Use a CBD Tincture by Stephanie Jensen at CBD Origin
CBD oil tinctures are one of the most popular ways to use CBD for new CBD users. They’re fast-acting, convenient, and easy to use, allowing anyone to enjoy the benefits of CBD. If you’re new to CBD, understanding how do you use cbd tincture oil is an essential skill and, thankfully, super easy to learn.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a CBD tincture is, how it works, and walk you through a simple process on how to use a CBD tincture.
How Does CBD Work?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a network of receptors found throughout the central nervous system and other biological systems that interact with cannabinoids like CBD and THC.
While experts aren’t sure how CBD interacts with the ECS, the main theory is CBD prevents other cannabinoids from being broken down. This allows other cannabinoids to have more of an effect on your body.
Studies have shown that CBD can help maintain and improve their functionality by influencing these receptors, thereby enhancing the integrity of the systems they regulate.
This interaction is what allows CBD to deliver numerous health benefits such as stress relief, pain management, and more.
What Is a CBD Tincture
Before the age of medicine, tinctures had been used for centuries. They were the primary means of treating health conditions.
A tincture is a concentrated liquid form of one or more herbs, such as cannabis, produced by soaking the plant in a solvent, such as alcohol or vegetable glycerine, for several weeks. In the case of CBD oil tincture, a high CBD strain of cannabis could be soaked in alcohol for several weeks until it is formed into a liquid state.
Depending on the desired effects of the tincture, the liquid can be refined to contain certain compounds from the plant.
Once the plant extract is in a liquid state, it can then be administered sublingually (under the tongue) with a dropper.
Is There a Difference Between a Tincture and CBD Oil?
The short answer is, they’re the same thing.
CBD oils and tinctures are used interchangeably. A tincture is any liquid that is administered under the tongue. Traditionally, tinctures consist of herbs steeped in alcohol. Don’t worry; your CBD will be extracted using the safest methods possible.
What if you get a product called “CBD oil”? Again, it’s the same thing as a tincture. We suggest using CBD oil with the sublingual method to get the best results.
In addition, CBD tinctures may also be made with other ingredients such as flavoring. CBD oil is simply just the oil.
The Advantages of CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are not only an easy and popular method of consuming CBD––they are a very effective method to consume CBD.
Because a CBD tincture is highly concentrated, it delivers CBD throughout the body quicker than other capsules or edibles. It is also much easier for the body to break down than breaking down a capsule or edible.
According to Clinical Herbalist Betsy Miller, this is highly beneficial for people suffering from acute conditions such as pain or anxiety. Furthermore, using CBD as a tincture provides a smokeless alternative to other methods such as vaping CBD. This has a massive benefit for persons who have health conditions preventing them from vaping or if they prefer not to.
Here are some additional benefits to know:
Don’t Require Refrigeration
Even though CBD tinctures are items you swallow, they don’t require refrigeration.
CBD tinctures have a long shelf life. As long as you keep it in its original packaging, screw the top back on tightly, store it in the dark. At room temperature, your CBD tincture should last over a year, even close to two years!
Small
CBD tincture sizes vary, but they’re all relatively small. This makes them easy to store and lightweight enough for just about anyone. Just about all CBD tinctures include a dropper.
Excellent Absorption
CBD tinctures are highly concentrated, meaning the cannabinoids will absorb into the blood faster than many other oral consumption methods.
Many manufacturers are also making their CBD tinctures with MCT oil, with one of the best absorption rates. Compared to capsules and edibles, the oil itself is also easy for your body to break down.
Available in Different Flavors
CBD tinctures have a natural, earthy taste. I like the way they taste, but I know many who don’t.
Don’t worry; CBD tinctures are available in different flavors. Cinnamon, blueberry, mint, and citrus are the most popular.
I tried lemon CBD oil and wasn’t a fan, though it tasted great in tea. The best-tasting CBD oil I ever used was the CBD Oil Drops With Monk Fruit by CV Sciences. But honestly, I just prefer the natural CBD oil.
Who Should Use a CBD Tincture?
Just about anyone can use a CBD tincture. This method is most recommended for those who want an easy way to administer CBD, prefer oral administration but want to avoid edibles, and anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to vape.
CBD tinctures are also ideal for someone who wants general wellness and not someone who needs immediate relief. That’s because CBD tinctures take longer to show effects.
With all oral consumption methods, the cannabinoids need to make it through the digestive system to enter the bloodstream. Depending on the CBD tincture you use, it can take between 15 minutes to an hour to notice any effects.
However, CBD tinctures are also the best option if you truly want your CBD to last. That’s because the cannabinoids linger longer in your bloodstream when taken orally.
How to Use a CBD Tincture
When CBD oil is administered sublingually by dropper, it means to drip the CBD oil under the tongue then hold it there for 30-90 seconds before swallowing.
This is also why CBD tinctures are called CBD drips.
This allows the CBD oil to absorb into the vein under your tongue and enter the bloodstream, where it can then administer its effects. You’ll feel the effects of the cannabinoid quicker than if you were to swallow it immediately.
After taking CBD, it usually lasts between six and eight hours, depending on the product’s potency and the dosage you take.
Can you eat food or drink any beverages while taking a CBD tincture? I hear a couple of different things.
Some sources say you should eat food with your CBD dose since the cannabinoids still go through the digestive tract.
However, the food you consume matters. Stick with high-fat foods, though you’ll want to focus on healthy unsaturated fats. Olive oil, avocado, nuts, nut butter, eggs, and fatty fish are great options.
What about drinks? You shouldn’t consume certain beverages with CBD, especially not alcohol. That’s because CBD may amplify the effects of alcohol.
However, you can take a couple of sips of water after using CBD. I do that anyway; sometimes, I can still taste and even feel the CBD residue in my mouth and throat, so I relieve that by drinking water.
I’ve also read that not sipping beverages will allow more CBD to absorb into your bloodstream, so who knows what’s true. Don’t deprive yourself of water if you take CBD but are thirsty after. But if you can hold out for a bit, you might as well.
Dosing Your CBD Tincture
Before taking your CBD tincture, make sure you’re using the best dose. Most manufacturers have dosing requirements for your CBD product. If this is your first time using CBD, I recommend not exceeding 0.5 ml a day.
Keep in mind; your dose will vary based on your purpose, weight, and more. You can also start at a small dose and slowly increase your dose over time. I don’t suggest exceeding 1.5 ml/day, even if you’re experienced.
How to Find the Right CBD Tincture
No two CBD tinctures are the same. That’s why you should do your due diligence when shopping for CBD. Here are some essential points to consider:
Look at the Certificate of Analysis (COA) performed by a third-party lab. This test uncovers the CBD percentage as well as other cannabinoids but also shows if the CBD product contains any pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins.
Only buy from reputable companies. There are many scam CBD products out there. Only buy straight from the manufacturer unless you’re buying CBD from a CBD store or dispensary. Don’t ever buy CBD from Amazon. They don’t allow the sale of CBD products, so any CBD product promoted on Amazon is fake.
Trace the quality of the hemp. Even if the COA displays no pesticides or heavy metals, you should know where a CBD brand gets its hemp from. The hemp should have been grown in your region using the highest quality standards.
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Using a CBD Tincture
First, always read the label before using the product. Other than the manufacturer’s dosing instructions, you’ll also see if the tincture has any other cannabinoids and flavors. It’s also recommended you look at the ingredients.
There are three types of CBD tinctures:
- Isolate: only contains CBD
- Broad-spectrum: contains other cannabinoids but not THC
- Full-spectrum: contains THC as well as other cannabinoids
If you’re hesitant about using full-spectrum CBD products, understand that all full-spectrum CBD products sold in the U.S. must be under 0.3% THC.
Last but not least, always discuss taking CBD with your doctor. That’s because CBD may interact with certain medications.
FAQ
Question: What Is CBD?
Answer: At this point, we should all know what CBD is. But in case you’ve been living under a rock, CBD is a cannabinoid. A cannabinoid is a compound found in the flowers of marijuana and cannabis plants.
Unlike other cannabinoids like THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. In most CBD tinctures you’ll buy, the CBD was extracted from hemp, the non-psychoactive sister plant of marijuana.
Question: When Should I Use Another CBD Product Instead of a Tincture?
Answer: First and foremost, CBD is available in a range of other products, including:
- CBD Edibles
- CBD Topicals like creams, lotions, and bath products
- CBD Vape Cartridges
- Pure CBD like CBD Isolate
- CBD Capsules
I suggest using topical products, like cream and lotion, if you’re targeting a specific area. For example, CBD cream will provide centralized healing if you struggle with knee pain.
If you prefer a tasty treat, there are delicious CBD edibles out there like a CBD gummy. They’re also easier to dose and take compared to CBD tinctures. If you want the benefits of edibles without the extra calories, I suggest taking CBD capsules. I’ve taken CBD capsules before, and I like them.
If you don’t mind the possible effects on the lungs, you can try a CBD vape. CBD vapes are better to use throughout the day and are the best solution for those who want immediate results. They also come mixed with other cannabinoids for different experiences.
Question: Is CBD Safe?
Answer: CBD is well-tolerated by most. But as with all things in life, it does come with some risks. Some common side effects experienced are diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and reduced appetite.
But just because the CBD is well-tolerated doesn’t mean you need to be careless. Always research the brand you’re using, buy directly from them, and view every COA before using the product.
The biggest concern is how CBD can interact with certain medications. For example, avoid taking CBD if you’re on blood thinners.
There is only one CBD product approved by the FDA: Epidiolex, which treats two different types of epilepsy.
Keep in mind, CBD needs to be researched more so we fully understand both its benefits and risks.
Question: How Do I Take a CBD Drip and What Is It?
A CBD drip is another name for CBD tincture or oil. Therefore, you take it in the same manner. Either by holding it under the tongue or swallowing it. The name comes from administrating the CBD with a dropper that drips under the tongue.
Conclusion
CBD is a cannabinoid in marijuana and hemp plants. Like all other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the ECS and offers many benefits.
CBD tinctures are one of the most popular ways to take CBD, but many people aren’t sure how to take one.
You take a CBD tincture sublingually, meaning under the tongue. Keep in mind. A CBD tincture may be labeled as CBD oil. Understand that this is the same thing, and both terms are interchangeable.
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