A Deep Dive into CBD Tinctures
There’s nothing worse than feeling confused and uneducated about something, especially when it seems like everyone else is completely in the know. CBD is one of those things.
And since tinctures are the most popular way to take CBD, we’re going to do our best to clear up some of the confusion you might be feeling.
Here goes.
What is a CBD tincture?
By definition, a tincture is a liquid solution that contains a medicinal substance. So, for the purpose of our conversation, a CBD tincture is simply a solution of diluted CBD oil.
At CBD Box, our tinctures are made only of CBD oil and MCT oil, which is a high-quality carrier made either from coconuts or palms.
Before bottling, the CBD in tinctures is exposed to low heat, which causes decarboxylation, a process that activates the compound. Bottom line is tinctures allow you to experience the benefits of CBD without smoking or vaping.
The benefits of CBD tinctures
Speaking of benefits…
The benefits of a CBD tincture lie not in the ingredients, but in the format of consumption. In other words, CBD delivers the same benefits whether you smoke it, swallow it, or take it rectally (yes, CBD suppositories do exist).
The beauty of tinctures is that they’re discreet and dosage is consistent; as long as you use the dropper that comes with most tincture products, you should be able to regulate how much you take every time.
How to take a CBD tincture
Despite being diluted, tinctures are still a concentrated form of CBD. For this reason, you only need to take a small amount. That’s where those nifty droppers come in handy. Not only do they prevent you from taking too much, they ensure that each dosage is uniform.
But a dropperful on the tongue isn’t the only way to get your CBD tincture into you.
There are also sprays that are designed to be taken sublingually (a fancy way of saying under the tongue).
And for those who like the idea of taking their CBD with food, you can always add it directly into your meals or beverages; just be sure to carefully measure it beforehand.
A word about the effects
How quickly and for how long you feel the effects of a CBD tincture will depend on how you ingest it: orally or sublingually.
When taken orally, ie. when you swallow activated CBD, the cannabinoid is absorbed through the intestinal wall. This means three things:
- It could take between 1 and 2 hours for the effects to be felt
- Those effects will likely last roughly 5 hours, depending on the dosage
- Absorption rate will be around 10%
When taken sublingually, ie. when you put the activated CBD under your tongue, the cannabinoid is absorbed through the mucous membrane in your mouth. This too means three things:
- It should take only 30 minutes for the effects to be felt
- Those effects will likely last roughly 6 hours, depending on the dosage
- Absorption rate will be around 20%
If fast-acting and long-lasting is the goal, sublingual is the way to go.
