Long gone are the days where a joint or a brownie were your only option for enjoying cannabinoids. Today’s world of modern cannabis features many different products and methods of consumption that make consuming cannabis much simpler and more convenient.

One of these products is tinctures. CBD tinctures are simple to use, easy to carry, and discreet.

What Is CBD Tincture?

The terms CBD tincture and CBD oil are often used interchangeably. But technically, CBD tincture and CBD oil differ when it comes to their contents and the way they are made.

CBD oils mix CBD with a carrier oil like MCT oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil to create an oily CBD solution. On the other hand, CBD tinctures can be alcohol-based extracts made using high-proof alcohol. As a result, tinctures typically contain 60%-70% alcohol content, which makes their contents easier to absorb by membranes in the mouth. Alternatively, some tinctures are made with oil.

But because the two terms have become interchangeable, it's important to look closely at your product’s label in order to figure out what exactly your CBD tincture is made from. Here at Papa & Barkley, our tinctures are actually made with oil, since we believe leaving alcohol or any other harsh solvents and chemicals out of the equation is a good thing.

How To Use A CBD Tincture

When it comes to CBD tincture use, there are several ways to make the most of tinctures. The most popular ways to use them are by applying them sublingually, swallowing them, or adding them to other liquids or foods.

When applied sublingually, tinctures are absorbed through membranes under the tongue and on the insides of the cheeks, from where they are carried into the bloodstream. When applying a tincture sublingually, effects are typically noticed within 30–60 minutes and can last for several hours. However, individual experiences with tincture onset time may vary.

When swallowed, the tincture works kind of like an edible. It’s absorbed through the stomach and is slowly processed, leading to longer-lasting effects, but also coming with a longer onset time. When used in this way, the effects of a CBD tincture can take anywhere from 1–2 hours to be noticed, and can last for as long as 6–8 hours. If you’re looking for longer-lasting effects, then swallowing your tincture may be an option to consider over dosing it sublingually.

CBD tinctures can also be added to other liquids or even liquid-based foods. Just load up the dropper and add some tincture into coffee, juice, soda, pudding, or yogurt, to give it some extra flavor and add CBD.

CBD Tincture: Features and Advantages

There are several features to using tinctures instead of other kinds of CBD products.

One of the biggest reasons people use CBD tinctures is ease of use. Loading up a dropper and depositing it into your mouth or into something else is quick and easy. This ease of use also makes tinctures very discreet and can protect your privacy if you prefer to keep your wellness choices private.

Additionally, the flexibility of use may also be appealing to many people. Being able to choose between applying it under your tongue for quicker onset, or swallowing it for longer-lasting effects, means that CBD tinctures can be a versatile option.

CBD Tincture Dosage

Finding your preferred CBD tincture dosage can take some experimentation. Your ideal amount will depend on the potency of the tincture, your individual goals, your weight, and your unique body chemistry.

The potency of your tincture is a key factor because it determines how much CBD you are actually ingesting. Using a tincture that has a higher CBD/mL ratio will mean that you may need to take less to achieve a similar experience compared to one with a lower ratio.

Experience may also vary with different serving sizes. Some people may notice more prominent effects at higher amounts, while others may not require as much.

Moreover, your weight can also affect how much CBD you might wish to ingest. Heavier people may require more than lighter individuals to achieve their desired experience.

Lastly, it's important to acknowledge that everybody is different and your body may process CBD somewhat differently than someone else's. Prior experience with dosing CBD is also important when figuring out your ideal CBD tincture dosage. Experimenting with different amounts is one way to discover what works best for you. Remember that the goal is to find the lowest amount that gives you the desired experience, so as not to waste any CBD.