Trying to buy CBD oil in Canada, but finding it all a bit confusing? It’s no wonder. There are so many CBD products available, it can be hard to understand what you’re buying.
In particular, lots of people get confused by the distinction between CBD oil and CBD tincture. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. But CBD oil and tincture are different things, although they have some similarities.
We’re here to give you some clarity, so you can choose the CBD product that’s best for you. We’ll cover the benefits of CBD, how CBD oils and tinctures are made, and how to use them.
CBD: The Basics
Let’s start with a quick refresher on CBD. You probably know that CBD is a compound produced by the cannabis plant. Unlike its cousin, THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. That means it doesn’t get you high. But it does help reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety, and it’s great if you need to relax.
Because of these properties, CBD is an excellent option for medical cannabis users. And it’s becoming increasingly popular in Canada and beyond. While traditional weed strains are bred for high THC content, nowadays, you can find lots of CBD-dominant strains with little or no THC content.
You can find CBD-only strains of dried flower, vape cartridges, and edibles. But CBD oils and tinctures are growing in popularity. That’s likely because oils and tinctures don’t involve any of the risks of smoking or vaping.
CBD Oil
How is CBD Oil Made?
CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, stalks, and leaves of cannabis or industrial hemp plants. But pure CBD oil is pretty potent stuff, so if you buy CBD oil in Canada, you aren’t getting the pure product.
Instead, CBD oil is suspended in a carrier oil—often coconut oil, MCT oil, or hemp seed oil. These carrier oils dilute the CBD oil and make it easier for your body to absorb.
How to Use CBD Oil
If you buy CBD oil in Canada, it will probably come in a small bottle with a dropper. To consume, you simply fill the dropper and place a drop under your tongue. The CBD will be absorbed into your bloodstream, and you should feel the effects within 30–60 minutes.
CBD oil is also used to make vape oils, edibles, capsules/pills, and topical creams. All of these products contain the same active CBD ingredient. But you might find one product that works better for you. For example, some people don’t like the taste of CBD oil and prefer to use flavored edibles.
Bear in mind that if you ingest CBD rather than absorbing it under your tongue, it will take longer to work. That’s because it has to be broken down in your stomach before it enters your bloodstream. And topical creams will only affect the area where they’re applied, not your entire body.
CBD Tincture
How is CBD Tincture Made?
CBD tinctures look very similar to CBD oils but are made slightly differently. A tincture is a plant extract suspended in alcohol and is a traditional way of making medicines.
So in a cannabis tincture, the pure cannabis extract is suspended in alcohol rather than oil. It’s made by soaking cannabis leaves in alcohol. Tinctures may also contain additional herbal extracts or essential oils.
How To Use CBD Tincture
You can buy CBD tinctures in bottles, just like CBD oil, and you can use them in the same way. Most people use tinctures by placing a small drop under their tongue. But you can also cook with tinctures if that’s your thing.
It’s also safe to simply drink a drop of CBD tincture, but remember it will take longer to affect you. One good thing about tinctures is that they are typically easy to dose, especially if you consistently use the same tincture. And bottles can last for years.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oils and Tinctures?
There are several benefits of CBD oils and tinctures compared to smoking, vaping, and edibles:
Easy to Consume
Oils and tinctures are some of the simplest ways to consume cannabis. You don’t need anything except your discrete 30ml bottle. No rolling papers, vape pens, or dab rigs necessary. That also makes it cheaper to get started, as all you need to buy is the oil.
Safe to Use
Some consumers are understandably worried about the risks of smoking and vaping. For them, CBD oils and tinctures are a particularly safe way to consume. Although there is no conclusive evidence of harm from smoking or vaping cannabis, there’s definitely no harm in playing it safe.
Easy to Dose
Cannabis edibles are great, but there’s no denying it’s hard to get the dose right—especially at home! Not so with CBD tinctures and oils. They’ll come marked with their CBD content, and the dropper bottle ensures you can get a consistent dose every time.
How to Buy CBD Oil in Canada
You can buy CBD oil in Canada easily today. Simply head over to your favourite dispensary—online or IRL—and choose the oil or tincture that’s right for you. Make sure you pay attention to:
CBD Content
CBD oils and tinctures come with different CBD content, measured in milligrams (e.g. 500mg, 1000mg). If you’re new to CBD oil, we’d recommend starting with a lower CBD content and working your way up.
Type of CBD Oil
CBD oil comes in three types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD-isolate. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains trace levels of THC, which some people might want to avoid.
Broad-spectrum oil doesn’t contain any THC, but it does contain other cannabinoids and chemicals from the cannabis plant. CBD-isolate contains only CBD. Which one you choose will depend on whether you want to experience the effect of those other compounds or prefer just CBD.
Other Ingredients
Besides other chemicals extracted from the cannabis plant, oils and tinctures can contain additional ingredients. Tinctures might contain herbs and essential oils that will enhance their effects.
You might also want to steer clear of certain ingredients. For example, some people would rather not consume the alcohol in a tincture, so they’d opt for a CBD oil instead.
CBD Oil vs. CBD Tincture: Which One is for You?
CBD oils and tinctures are exploding in popularity for a reason: They’re easy to use, safe, and discrete. And they’re a good option for consumers who prefer not to smoke or vape.
While oils and tinctures are different products, the bottom line is that they’re used in the same way and have very similar effects. Some people may prefer tinctures because they contain additional extracts. Or you might choose to take capsules containing CBD oil for a slower release.
There’s no right answer, and you might not even have a preference. Just remember to check the type of oil, CBD content, and other ingredients, so you know what you’re buying!