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Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Cannabidiol (CBD) comes in various forms, ranging from gummies and capsules to topical creams and balms. However, CBD oils and tinctures are among the most versatile kinds.
CBD is one of over 100 chemicals called cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD has become a popular alternative treatment for numerous medical conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety.
This article explains what a CBD tincture is and how it differs from a CBD oil. It also covers 12 CBD tinctures available online and discusses how consumers can choose a high quality CBD tincture.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
Third-party labs:MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis:MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
People often use the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture interchangeably. However, although these products have similar appearances and uses, they are different.
Despite these differences, most companies within the CBD industry use the terms CBD oil and CBD tincture interchangeably.
Packaging
CBD oil and tincture are thick liquids containing CBD, a naturally occurring compound derived from the C. sativa plant.
Both products come in tinted glass bottles with droppers, allowing people to use CBD sublingually by dropping it under their tongues.
Ingredients
Traditionally, the main difference between CBD oil and tincture has been their composition. CBD oil contains CBD suspended in a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or hempseed oil.
CBD tinctures, on the other hand, are typically glycerin- or alcohol-based solutions. To make them, manufacturers soak cannabis in high-proof alcohol, such as ethanol. Then, they dilute or suspend the resulting CBD extract in a carrier oil.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
Reputable manufacturers provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for all their products. A COA is a document that shows that an unbiased laboratory has tested a CBD product. People can find COAs on product websites or by scanning a QR code on the product.
A COA contains the following information:
the content of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids
the content of terpenes
the results of safety tests for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, and chemicals
In addition to laboratory test results, people should consider:
CBD potency
price
the reputation of the retailer and manufacturer
customer reviews
All of the products discussed in this article have undergone third-party testing and feature strong recommendations from previous customers.
CBD tincture is an easy-to-use and versatile product. People can ingest CBD tincture orally by placing one full dropper of oil under the tongue and holding the oil for about 30–90 seconds before swallowing.
People can also mix a dropper of CBD tincture into a warm or cold beverage. However, if the CBD tincture is oil-based, it will likely not mix well in liquid.
The dosage varies depending on a person’s body weight and the potency of the CBD tincture. People who are new to CBD should start with the lowest possible dosage. Once they know how their body reacts to CBD, they can gradually increase the dosage.
It is important that people follow the directions and dosage information printed on the outside of the bottle.
Several studies suggest that combining CBD, THC, and terpenes is more effective than using CBD or THC alone.
In one 2018 study, researchers compared the antitumor effects of pure THC with a cannabis-derived drug containing CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. The combined effects of the cannabinoids and terpenes produced superior antitumor effects on breast cancer cell cultures and animal models.
In a 2018 meta-analysis of observational clinical studies, researchers found that CBD-rich extracts led to better therapeutic effects and fewer reports of mild and severe side effects than extracts that contained only CBD.
It is also of note that both these studies looked at treatment-resistant epilepsy, which is further proof of CBD’s effectiveness in treating the said condition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people generally tolerate CBD well. However, scientists need to conduct more research to fully understand CBD’s role in treating conditions such as epilepsy and MS.
It is also worth noting that CBD may interact with certain medications. People who currently take prescription medications must talk with their doctor before using any CBD products.
According to the FDA, CBD can lead to the following side effects:
CBD tinctures may suit individuals who cannot take pills or capsules, as they use the dropper to place drops under their tongue.
They are convenient and may produce quick results. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person is more likely to experience the effects of sublingual medications within 15–45 minutes.
CBD tinctures contain a high alcohol content that can make them bitter in taste. As a result, some companies add sweeteners, vitamins, or herbal extracts to help mask this effect.
There is a wide selection of high quality, third-party-tested CBD tinctures available on the market. Many retailers listed in this article sell other CBD products, such as oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals.
CBD tinctures and oils are easy to use and versatile. People can use oils and tinctures alone or mixed in a beverage. Gummies and capsules are also for oral use. People can chew CBD gummies while they swallow capsules like a pill.
People may have less flexibility with the dosing when using CBD gummies and capsules. As a result, people may want to look for products containing lower CBD levels per serving.
Topical CBD products include CBD-infused creams, balms, and salves designed for external use only. Companies often market these products as spot treatments for muscle or joint pain. People can also mix CBD oil with a carrier oil and apply the mixture to their skin.
It is important to carefully read the manufacturer’s label before using any CBD product. People should use these products only as the manufacturer has directed.
Below, we answer some common questions about CBD tinctures.
Are CBD products safe for everyone?
CBD products are generally safe, but a person should always seek medical advice before taking them, as they may interact with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Some companies also manufacture products for pets, but it is best to ask a veterinarian for advice before giving CBD products to an animal.
How do you use CBD tinctures?
A person should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, many brands recommend adding the servings to food or drinks or placing them under the tongue and waiting for a few seconds before swallowing.
However, in a 2022 review, researchers reviewed the effects of CBD in people with cancer pain and having chemotherapy treatment. They list common side effects as being:
drowsiness
nausea
dizziness
dry mouth
disorientation
euphoria
anxiety
hallucinations
Who should not take CBD?
According to the FDA, individuals should not take any CBD products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Animal tests show detrimental effects on male fetuses, while some chemicals and compounds may transfer to a baby through breast milk. Scientists should carry out further research to establish if the same effects are evident in humans.
What is the most trusted CBD brand?
A person should only purchase CBD products from companies that have third-party lab testing and easily accessible certificates of analysis (COA) for all products.
Third-party lab testing and COAs are two of the best ways to choose a reputable or trustworthy brand. People may also choose to look at third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot to read customer reviews before purchasing a product.
How do I choose a CBD tincture?
Alongside third-party lab testing and COAs, a person may also consider other factors when choosing a CBD tincture.
A person should always check the CBD potency and THC content when purchasing a product. People who prefer using CBD without THC may wish to purchase CBD isolate products.
Additionally, people may wish to consider their budget and whether the company offers a subscription that provides a discount.
Is CBD tincture as effective as CBD oil?
Companies formulate CBD tinctures for ingestion, whereas some forms of CBD oil are suitable for topical use as well as ingestion.
A person who wishes to use CBD topically may prefer to purchase products manufactured explicitly for skin use.
CBD tinctures contain alcohol- or carbon dioxide-extracted CBD suspended in a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or hemp seed oil.
It is important to note that when buying CBD tincture or any other CBD product, people should only purchase from reputable retailers and manufacturers. Reputable sources provide transparent COAs for all of their products.
CBD is generally safe to use, but it can lead to potentially serious side effects if combined with alcohol and certain medications.
People who currently take prescription medications should consult their doctor before they start using CBD in any form.
For more information and resources on CBD and CBD products, please visit our dedicated hub.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Blasco-Benito, S., et al. (2018). Appraising the “entourage effect”: Antitumor action of a pure cannabinoid versus a botanical drug preparation in preclinical models of breast cancer [Abstract].
Mammana, S., et al. (2019). Could the combination of two non-psychotropic cannabinoids counteract neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of cannabidiol associated with cannabigerol.
Pamplona, F. A., et al. (2018). Potential clinical benefits of CBD-rich Cannabis extracts over purified CBD in treatment-resistant epilepsy: Observational data meta-analysis.
