There are many ways that you can enjoy CBD and its potential effects. But with countless CBD oil products available on the market nowadays, how will you know which type is best for you?
CBD Oil Tinctures and Capsules: How Are They Different
Two of the most common and easiest ways to use CBD are in capsule form and as tinctures.
CBD Oil Tinctures
Tinctures had been used in some form all over the world for centuries. An herbal tincture is a liquid made from blending alcohol and water to extract compounds from a plant. In the case of CBD tinctures, the cannabis plant is used. The extraction method breaks open the trichomes, causing the plant to secrete CBD and other phytocannabinoids. From there, a CBD-rich substance is collected for its potential therapeutic properties. CBD oil tinctures are usually made from high strains of the hemp plant, containing 60 to 70 percent alcohol. Some tinctures use other solvents, like vinegar, glycerin, and oil, instead of alcohol, but they may not always offer the same level of potency.
Pros and Cons
One great thing about using CBD oil tinctures is you can enjoy the effects of CBD within just 10 to 20 minutes. They are convenient, have a long shelf life, and can be absorbed by your system easily. CBD oil tinctures are often recommended for beginners since the product provides some level of measurability. Besides, tinctures come in many different flavours, including chocolate, vanilla, and even mint. This makes them especially appealing to new users.
However, it’s likely to get a little messy if you accidentally spill when using a dropper. Some users say they find the oil somewhat bitter or a little too strong, and some even claim that their throat sort of burns when taking tinctures. Since you will only be using a dropper with a tincture, it is sometimes tough to accurately record the exact amount you consumed.
How to Use CBD Oil Tinctures
As mentioned, tinctures are very easy to use. All you need to do is prepare the dropper enclosed in the CBD product. Determine the measurement needed, then poke the dropper into the substance. Draw the oil up into the shaft, and then place it in your mouth, either under your tongue or on the side of your cheek. Give it some time to be absorbed by leaving the substance there for about a minute. If you swallow the tincture after just 30 seconds, do not worry. It all still goes into your bloodstream, so you can still receive the tincture’s potential benefits.
CBD Oil Capsules
There are multiple reasons why some people prefer CBD oil capsules over other forms of CBD, such as tinctures, tablets, and edibles. A capsule is easy to swallow, won’t dissolve in your mouth, and leaves no bad aftertaste. It also doesn’t break up in the bottle. With capsules, the CBD oil is encapsulated by gelatin, which helps preserve the integrity of the product. Since the CBD won’t disperse as easily when taking it, there are more cannabinoids for your body to absorb.
Pros and Cons
Each CBD oil capsule comes with a fixed amount of CBD, making it a lot easier to monitor your serving size. It can take effect within 20 minutes and could last up to a few hours. But it’s possible to still feel the effects for as long as 8 to 10 hours. As compared to tinctures, which come in small glass bottles with a dropper, capsules offer a more elegant and discreet way of taking CBD. Besides, if you are taking other pills, you may simply add the CBD capsule to your daily regimen.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to adjust the measurements with CBD capsules. But if you know exactly how much you need and you’re worried about getting the right dosage, CBD oil capsules may be a better option. It can be much more difficult to play around with tinctures to find the effective dosage you are looking for. And although the capsule can start working in 20 minutes, it may take up to 45 minutes or even as long as an hour to actually kick in.
How to Use CBD Oil Capsules
CBD oil capsules are taken in the same exact way as you would any pill. They have no taste, and you can take them on an empty or full stomach. You may swallow them whole with a dry gulp or with some water.
How Does CBD Affect the Human Body?
According to research, CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS, which regulates many bodily functions, such as your appetite, mood, sleep, pain sensation, and memory. It appears that the primary function of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis in the body, which is the biological harmony in response to changes in the environment. According to an article published in the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, numerous studies in the past few decades have linked the ECS to many physiological functions. More importantly, researchers discovered how regulating activities in the ECS could hold a therapeutic promise in various health conditions ranging from chronic pain and mood and anxiety disorders to stroke, hypertension, obesity, and cancer, to name a few.
CBD Oil or Capsules: Which Is the Best Option for You?
When choosing between a tincture or capsule, think of it like choosing between a glass of wine or a shot of vodka: It really just boils down to your personal preference. If you don’t like to wait for too long to feel the potential effects of CBD oil or don’t mind playing with your dosage, then go with tinctures. Otherwise, go for capsules. Rest assured that either way, you can still get the same exact dosage of CBD, milligram for milligram.