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Article: What Is a CBD Tincture?

What Is a CBD Tincture?
CBD

What Is a CBD Tincture?

WRITTEN BY TRANG TRAN AND DR. SWATHI

A cannabidiol (CBD) tincture is a type of cannabinoid formulation suspended in a solution of alcohol (eg. glycerin, ethanol) or oil (eg. MCT oil, olive oil, hemp oil). The terms tincture and oil are used interchangeably in the cannabis space, however, they may mean different things in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, or other methodologies of medicine.

What are CBD tinctures suggested for?

Since the cannabinoid CBD has medical benefits, CBD has been studied for its benefits to support healthy sleep, easing pain, combating inflammation, and modulating mood.

What do CBD tinctures taste like?

Whereas tinctures have a mild hemp flavor, concentrates are flavored with cannabis terpenes, edibles come in the form of fruit gummies or chocolates, and capsules have no taste.

Are CBD tinctures bioavailable?

Tinctures have higher bioavailability compared to CBD chocolates and lotions, making it easier for the body to absorb. Edibles such as gummies or cookies have less bioavailability because the body has to process not only the CBD but also the other ingredients contained within the edible. However, compared to other modes of administration such as smoking, the bioavailability of CBD tincture is slow.

How do I use CBD tinctures?

The most effective way to take CBD tincture is sublingual administration, holding the tincture under the tongue for 30 seconds to 1 minute due to the presence of tiny blood vessels that aid with faster absorption into the bloodstream. If the taste of CBD tincture is not palatable, it can be taken with food or drink or a flavored CBD tincture can be used.

How do I dose CBD tinctures?

In general, start low, go slow, and stay low. It is suggested it started at 1/4 of a graduated dropper and slowly increase over the course of a few days by 1/4 dropper until desired effects are achieved. Dosing is highly individualized and dose tends not to rely on age, gender, or body weight. For more information, please As Dr. Swathi or reach out to another cannabis specialist for personalized guidance.

Are CBD tinctures safe?

CBD is well-tolerated, but side effects may include dry mouth and drowsiness. As CBD can interact with prescription drugs, it is advised to consult with Dr. Swathi, or your healthcare provider before trying CBD products.

The bottom line

CBD tincture is best administered under the tongue, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing the dose based on your response. In general, CBD is well-tolerated but should be used with caution due to potential drug interactions.

 

References:

  1. Carter W. CBD oil vs. CBD tincture – what's the difference? cbdMD. https://www.cbdmd.com/blog/post/cbd-oil-vs-cbd-tincture. Published October 15, 2021. Accessed October 23, 2021. 
  2. Cbadmin. CBD tinctures - benefits, how to use and more. Cannabismo. https://cannabismo.org/cbd-tinctures-benefits-how-to-use/. Published October 14, 2021. Accessed October 23, 2021. 
  3. Franciosi A. CBD tincture: Uses, benefits & effects. Honest Marijuana. https://honestmarijuana.com/cbd-tincture/. Published October 25, 2019. Accessed October 23, 2021. 
  4. The health benefits of using CBD tinctures. Intrinsic Hemp. https://intrinsichemp.com/cbd-tinctures/. Accessed October 23, 2021. 
  5. An introduction to the - | doh. https://doh.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Medical%20Cannabis%20An%20Introduction%20to%20the%20Biochemistry%20and%20Pharmacology.pdf. Accessed October 9, 2021. 
  6. Person. Answers to all of your biggest questions about CBD tinctures. Prevention. https://www.prevention.com/health/a26990439/what-is-a-cbd-tincture/. Published April 9, 2019. Accessed October 23, 2021. 
  7. What is CBD tincture used for? Common uses. Extract Labs. https://www.extractlabs.com/cbd-guides/what-is-cbd-tincture-used-for/. Published October 1, 2021. Accessed October 9, 2021. 

 

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This article was edited by Dr. Swathi and was written by Element Apothec Scientific Communications Intern, Trang Tran. She is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student at Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University College of Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon.

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