CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures are the most popular CBD product in the market. They are most widely used because of their ability to deliver high concentrations of CBD into your bloodstream. The tinctures come in different potencies – and in recent times multiple flavours. Although tinctures are common among new CBD users, it’s vital to learn as much as possible about tinctures and how to make the best use of them before making the purchase.

What is CBD?

You’re better off starting by understanding what CBD is. Although there is enough information about CBD, there’s still a lot of confusion about CBD, which turns away many potential CBD users.

Most of the confusion surrounding CBD comes from its close relation with THC. Both chemical compounds are cannabinoids found in the cannabis Sativa plant. While both cannabinoids have been associated with various health benefits, there is one significant difference between them – CBD doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects that THC is known for.

Also, the cannabidiol used to make CBD tinctures is harvested from a particular cannabis Sativa plant called hemp. Hemp has a high CBD yield and very low THC.

Contrary to popular opinion, CBD is not the same as THC, and taking CBD products will not make you high.

What is a CBD Tincture?

You can start familiarizing yourself with CBD tinctures now that you know what CBD is. CBD tinctures are liquid, CBD-infused products. Tinctures are made using a solvent like alcohol that pulls the terpenes and cannabinoids like CBD from the plant.

The final product is essentially alcohol infused with the hemp plant’s crucial chemical compounds. It’s worth noting that CBD tinctures are not the same as CBD oil, although the packaging in most cases looks similar.

CBD Tincture Vs CBD Oil

CBD oil and CBD tinctures are terms used interchangeably for most new users. Although the two products share lots in common, they are not the same. There are numerous differences between CBD oil and CBD tinctures.

The primary difference is the method of extraction used to extract CBD from the hemp plant. The industry gold-industry CBD extraction method is supercritical CO2 extraction. It is the same method used to extract CBD used to make CBD oil.

For CBD tinctures, manufacturers use solvents such as alcohol. Some might also use vinegar or glycerine, but rarely.

The alcohol extraction method involves applying low heat for an extended period before the residual alcohol is evaporated by boiling.

Which One Is Better?

Which of the two is a better option? That’s a subjective question because not everyone uses CBD for the same reason or responds to CBD products the same way.

Besides the different extraction methods, CBD tinctures and oils also come in various quantities and concentrations. They are also made from other types of CBD. These factors make it difficult to say which is better substantively.

Because of the alcohol solvent, most CBD tinctures have a bitter taste which turns most CBD users away. Manufacturers have tried curbing this by adding flavourings, sweeteners, or vegetable glycerine to improve the taste.

However, CBD tinctures have a longer shelf-life than CBD oil. They can last up to five years. Another factor you should consider when comparing the two is the ingredients. The type of CBD extract used, and the carrier oil is all critical factors in determining whether you should go with a CBD tincture or CBD oil.

How Are CBD Tinctures Made?

The science behind CBD tinctures has taken years of research. But the production is straightforward. The hemp flowers and leaves are immersed in concentrated alcohol between 60-70% in an industrial setting. Some manufacturers can also use glycerine. The CBD extract has a bitter taste. Most manufacturers sell the product as is, while others add other ingredients to improve the taste and expand the tincture benefits.

Some of the commonly added natural compounds include:

• Water
• Herbs
• Melatonin
• Sweeteners
• Vitamins B12, D and C
• Oils like basil and lavender

The ingredients vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Should you opt to go for CBD tinctures with the extra ingredients, choose one that has a selection that best suits your needs. You also have the option of choosing from a variety of delicious flavours.

How to Use CBD Tinctures

One of the benefits of using CBD tinctures is there are several ways you can consume them. They are easy to use, and depending on preference, you can take the tincture in one of three ways;

Sublingually

Taking CBD tinctures sublingually has the fastest absorption rate and highest bio-availability of the three methods. To use this method, place the liquid under your tongue (buccal cavity) and hold for 60-90 seconds. The buccal cavity is rich with capillary supply, allowing for instant absorption of CBD. You can then swallow the remaining CBD, which will be absorbed through the digestive system.

Orally

Taking CBD orally has the slowest absorption rate and also the lower bio-availability. The CBD has to go through the digestive process, which breaks down some of the CBD and takes time to get to the small intestines, where absorption takes place.

Still, there are benefits to taking CBD tinctures orally. Among them is that you don’t have to withstand the bitter taste for long. When taking CBD tinctures orally, place the liquid on your tongue and swallow.

Blend into food and drinks

For CBD users that can’t stand the bitter taste of CBD tinctures, blending it into food and drinks is an excellent way to mask the flavour and still get your CBD dose for the day. This works the same way as taking CBD orally. Absorption takes about the same period, and the bio-availability is around the same concentration.

When adding CBD tinctures to food, ensure you don’t cook the CBD with the food. Exposing CBD to high temperatures reduces its potency. Instead, add the CBD into your food or drink when served.

If you’re wondering which of these methods is the best to take CBD, that would be sublingual. It has the shortest absorption rate, and the bioavailability is high because most of the CBD doesn’t have to go through digestion.

On the other hand, taking CBD orally delivers the CBD over a longer period, allowing the effects to last longer.

Why You Should Take CBD Tinctures

Manufacturers have come up with multiple CBD products to make it easy for CBD users to find something that is convenient and works for them. Some of the reasons why many users prefer to use CBD tinctures include;

Versatility

CBD tinctures are more versatile than other CBD products. They have multiple uses and several ways you can take the tinctures. You can place the liquid under your tongue, add it to your meals and drinks or swallow it. This versatility allows you to try different ways to take the tincture, depending on your preference.

Adjustable serving sizes

CBD tinctures come with a calculated CBD concentration. However, you can determine how much CBD you want to take by varying the amount of CBD in the dropper. Unlike CBD edibles and capsules that have a fixed amount of CBD, with tinctures, you can change how much CBD you take at different times and according to your needs.

Affordable

Because of the simplicity of tinctures, they are more affordable than most CBD products. For new users, you can also opt for a product with low CBD concentration to save more money without compromising the quality of the tincture.

Faster onset

When you take CBD tinctures sublingually, you can start experiencing the effects in minutes. Once the effects kick in, they also last longer.

Highly portable

Tinctures come in a small bottle complete with a dropper that you can easily fit in your pocket, bag, or purse. Also, you don’t need any additional tools to take the tincture. You can take it anywhere, making it easy to bring your CBD on your day-to-day errands and keep up with your CBD regimen without interruption.

Longer shelf life

Tinctures have one of the longest shelf lives of CBD products. Additionally, they don’t require refrigeration. You can keep them where you need them. You just have to ensure they are in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Delicious flavours

Manufacturers have responded to complaints about the bitter taste of CBD tinctures by crafting tinctures with delicious flavours that are easier and more fun to consume. You can now pick a tincture in your favourite flavour.

Fewer calories

If you’re watching your waistline and don’t want to take CBD snacks like edibles, CBD tinctures are an excellent alternative. You don’t have to worry about munching additional calories, but you still get your daily dose of CBD.

Benefits of CBD Tinctures

You’ve probably come across the claims about CBD’s health benefits. CBD tinctures are perfect for CBD users trying to manage chronic conditions and require high CBD concentrations which tinctures. Other benefits of CBD tinctures include;

Rest and relaxation

Getting enough sleep is critical for your health and well-being. But to some people, deep and restful sleep doesn’t come easy. Taking CBD tinctures before sleeping can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more relaxed and energised, ready to take on the day.

When taken in small amounts, CBD can also give you a jolt of energy and alertness, helping you start your day off on the right foot.

Managing inflammation

Besides pain management, CBD has also created a reputation as an anti-inflammatory. It’s perfect for active athletes who train hard and take on physical activities. It can help sore muscles recover and reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Besides the listed benefits, CBD is also associated with various other benefits, including aiding multiple mental health conditions like schizophrenia, nerve damage, bipolar disorder, and other neurological conditions. However, more tests and research are necessary to provide substantive information on the effectiveness of CBD in managing these and other related conditions.

Our CBD Tinctures Safe?

Just before most new CBD users start using CBD tinctures, they want confirmation about the safety of CBD. CBD has very low toxicity. It makes it almost impossible to overdose on CBD. Most people that have used CBD haven’t had any complaints.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice caution when taking CBD tinctures. Expectant or breastfeeding mothers and people suffering from liver problems should be cautious about taking CBD tinctures. You should ensure you talk to your doctor before you start taking CBD. The same goes for children.

You should also ensure you only use quality CBD products. Low-quality CBD products might contain ingredients that might cause reactions and irritations.

Are There any CBD Tincture Side Effects?

Some users have complained of several mild side effects after taking CBD tinctures. These are rare occasions, but they deserve mentioning as well. These side effects can include;

• Nausea – Although CBD reduces nausea in most cases, it has resulted in increased nausea in some individuals.
• Fatigue and drowsiness – This is common among CBD users who take too much CBD too soon. However, fatigue can be a side effect of any tincture dose, especially when you don’t allow your body enough time to adjust.
• Diarrhoea – Some users have also complained of diarrhoea after taking CBD. The same side effect has also been reported in some of the study subjects.

Most of the listed side effects result from taking too much CBD too soon. Should you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking CBD immediately and consult your doctor. Some CBD users have also reported improvement after scaling down their doses.

How Much CBD Should You Take?

Considering that taking too much CBD can lead to undesirable effects, how much CBD should you take?

With CBD, the answer is not straightforward. There are various factors to consider when determining how much CBD you should take.

How do you want to take the tincture

The first factor you should consider is how you want to take the CBD tincture. Some methods like sublingual administration have a higher bio-availability which means you should take less CBD, than methods with lower CBD bio-availability like, taking it orally.

CBD concentration

As you shop, you will notice different CBD concentrations with each CBD tincture. That also alters how much CBD you should take. The higher the concentration, the less CBD you should take because each drop contains more CBD.

Individual factors

When determining how much CBD you should take, your age, sex, weight, overall health, metabolic rate, and why you’re taking CBD are all factors worth considering.

Your sensitivity to CBD

Some CBD users find they are more sensitive to CBD than others. For such cases, it’s always advisable to lower the dosage to prevent any undesirable effects.

With all these factors in mind, the question remains how much CBD you should take. There are two ways you can go about it.

The first is using a dosage calculator to help you determine your ideal dosage. Although the calculators are handy and mighty helpful, it’s not a recommended practice.

The golden standard for new CBD users is to start with a CBD tincture dose of about 10-20mg, then gradually increase the dosage after observing your body for a while until you hit a sweet spot. It takes more time, but it is safer.

What To Consider When Buying CBD Tinctures

Your experience with CBD tinctures largely depends on your ability to buy quality CBD tinctures. Whether you’re shopping in person or online, here are a few factors you should consider before buying;

Lab reports

Every reputable CBD tincture company should provide a certificate of analysis (CoA) on their website to prove the legitimacy and quality of their CBD tinctures. Lab reports have become sort of an industry standard. They assess the quality and the entire composition of the tinctures. This is particularly important in confirming the concentration of CBD and also the presence or lack thereof of THC.

Positive reviews

It is always good practice to take some time and read online customer reviews about the CBD tincture you’re thinking of buying. You can check for reviews on the company’s website and social media pages and other sources. It will take only a few minutes, but reading reviews can give you a clear picture of what to expect.

Brand transparency and reputation

It’s critical for CBD brands to be transparent about their products. Although CBD is legal in the UK, it is usually sold as a supplement. Therefore it doesn’t receive the same scrutiny from government agencies as manufacturers of medical products.

Being transparent ensures buyers have peace of mind and confidence in the quality and efficacy of the CBD tinctures.

Brands should detail their process from where they source their hemp, the extraction processes, and the CBD tinctures’ ingredients.

It’s also safer for CBD users to purchase CBD tinctures from reputable brands with a verifiable history. There are some amazing new companies. But confirming their reputation becomes tricky, and there are high chances of purchasing substandard products from such companies.

Type of hemp extract in your CBD tincture

CBD tinctures are made from different types of hemp extracts which determine the intensity the effects of the CBD. There are three types of CBD extracts;

• Full-spectrum – This is the most potent type of CBD extract. It contains all the cannabinoids in the hemp plant, terpenes, and flavonoids. It also contains trace amounts of THC -0.2%.
• Broad-spectrum – Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum also features cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. However, it is stripped of all THC.
• CBD isolate – This is the purest type of CBD extract but the least potent because it only contains CBD.

One of the reasons why confirming the type of CBD used in making the tincture is essential is because some CBD users have reservations about taking products containing THC, no matter how little. The reason is that you want to make sure you’re paying for the right product with the right CBD amount.

Concentration

CBD tinctures come in multiple concentrations. CBD users with different experiences and using CBD for various reasons will opt for varying CBD concentrations. Before you commit, ensure you confirm the CBD concentration is to your liking.

Flavour

Some CBD users like CBD tinctures in their natural and bitter flavour. It is unadulterated. If you’re among those that can’t stand that natural taste, you can go for the flavoured option. There are tonnes of flavours you can choose from.

Cost

The cost of CBD tinctures varies depending on the manufacturing. Some brands have premium options that feature a variety of natural ingredients, while others only have the bare minimums, which translates to more affordable prices. You don’t have to dent your finances trying to purchase the priciest tinctures.

There are cheaper options that offer quality tinctures. Also, you shouldn’t go for the cheapest options in the market. Most will have compromised the quality and might contain substandard ingredients that might pose health risks.

Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures are straightforward to use. But there are several tips you can use to maximise the effects and get the most benefits out of the CBD tincture.

Buy the right tincture with the right strength

Your experience depends on your ability to get the right CBD tincture that matches your needs and expectations. CBD tinctures come in a multitude of CBD concentrations, flavours and different types of CBD extracts. Ensure you pick the right one. If you can’t stand the natural taste of CBD, go for flavoured CBD tinctures.

Take fatty meals when taking your CBD tincture

If you have to take CBD tinctures orally, you can optimise absorption by taking fatty foods like avocados, fish and nuts. It helps to increase the absorption of the CBD, increasing bioavailability and the range of effects you feel after taking the CBD because CBD is fat soluble. Therefore, the presence of fat may help CBD move into the bloodstream.

Be consistent with the intervals

You can take your CBD tincture anytime you want. There are CBD tinctures you can take in the morning and others designed to help you unwind and relax at the end of the day. However, you can get better effects and experience when you try to take your CBD around the same time. It creates expectations within the body and mind and allows you to track the effects better and adjust your CBD intake.

Take your tincture sublingually

Mixing your CBD tincture with your food or a smoothie is easier. It makes it go down easily and without a fight. However, some of the CBD is broken down during digestion and in the liver, so the effects are not as profound. You can bypass these processes by taking your CBD tincture sublingually, and the effects are faster.

What Strength of CBD Tincture Should I Buy?

When buying a CBD tincture, you will notice they come in all CBD concentrations. Some have low concentrations of between 100 to 150mg of CBD, and others can have as much as 2000mg of CBD.

Choosing the right concentration can either make or break your CBD experience. If you consume too much CBD too soon, you might experience some undesirable effects like dry mouth and nausea. If the concentration is too low, you won’t experience any effects.

The ideal strength to purchase depends on various factors, mainly your experience with CBD. If you’re an experienced CBD consumer, your body has built enough tolerance, and you can pick high-strength CBD tinctures. For new consumers, it’s better to go for low-concentration CBD tinctures as you build tolerance and gradually increase your intake and CBD strength over time.

CBD Tinctures FAQ

Should you try CBD tinctures?

CBD tinctures are perfect to try when you don’t want to smoke or vape your CBD but want the same fast and intense effects. The tinctures are easy to dose and are ideal for novice consumers and CBD connoisseurs alike. You only have to find a good commercial tincture made from high-grade CBD extract like what we offer here at Koi CBD.

Can you use CBD tinctures topically?

CBD tinctures are made for oral and sublingual administration, but it’s not unheard of for people to use them topically. Although there’s nothing wrong with using the tincture topically, it’s not the most effective way to use them. Ideally, topical products often contain other ingredients that can benefit the skin and enhance absorption through the skin. If you want a topical CBD product, we recommend any of our CBD topicals like CBD balms, CBD gels and creams.

Is it normal for my CBD tincture to come in different colours?

It might be alarming to get a CBD tincture with slight colour variations. But that’s normal. The colour differences don’t reflect a change in the overall quality of the tincture. The colour variation might be due to the collection of ingredients and the type of hemp extract used to make the tincture, among other minor factors.

Are CBD tinctures safe for pets?

Our CBD tinctures are designed for human consumption and shouldn’t be administered to pests. Because most pets are vertebrates and have an endocannabinoid system, most pet owners believe they can give CBD tinctures to pets. We don’t recommend this. Instead, you should find CBD products designed specifically for pets with the right botanicals and adaptogens to support the pet and provide the required nutritional value.

Can children take CBD tinctures?

You should speak to your child’s doctor before administering any CBD products to your child. The doctor should help you determine the right amount of CBD to give your child depending on their needs, condition, body weight and metabolism.

Will taking CBD tinctures get me high?

We follow the strict regulations of UK law when making our CBD tinctures. We observe the THC requirements of 0.2% THC in all the tincture options, and the CBD itself can’t get you high. So you can rest assured that taking CBD tinctures will not get you high. However, the tinctures do have a calming and relaxing effect that might interfere with your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

How long will it take to feel the effects of CBD tinctures?

Several factors affect how quickly you feel the effects after taking a CBD tincture. The most significant is how you take the CBD tinctures. Taking the tincture orally takes longer to feel the effects because the CBD has to go through the digestive process and the liver. It could take up to 80 minutes to feel the effects.

If you take the tincture sublingually, the CBD bypasses the biological processes and goes directly to the bloodstream. This allows you to feel the effects within minutes of taking the tincture.