The Fast Facts
- CBD tinctures work in the same way as CBD oils, only they differ in their extraction methods and formulation.
- Our testers noted the following tinctures and oils as effective for specific needs, from beginner-friendly formulas and minimal ingredients to fast-acting relief, sleep support, and anxiety management.
- Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum Tincture stands out as one of the best CBD tinctures for flavor options, while Joy Organics Broad Spectrum CBD Oil is a top pick for those allergic to the typical coconut carrier oil.
Companies may use CBD tinctures and oils interchangeably, making it difficult to know their differences.
However, CBD oils and tinctures are not the same product.
CBD tinctures contain ethanol-extracted CBD. Manufacturers will infuse CBD with alcohol, heat it, then boil or dilute it.
Due to the extraction process, tinctures are often more bitter than CBD oils. Manufacturers may add extra ingredients like glycerin, flavorings, and sweeteners to mask this.
Oils are more readily available than tinctures and often have a shorter ingredient list. They contain CBD extract and a carrier oil, usually olive, coconut, or hempseed.
Learn more about the differences between CBD tinctures and oils.
The following table compares the CBD tinctures and oils in this article.
| CBD tincture | Price | CBD content | CBD per dose | CBD type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
R&R Medicinals Broad-Spectrum THC-Free | $58.00 | 1,000 mg | 33.3 mg | broad-spectrum THC-free |
Joy Organics | $55.95 | 900 mg | 30 mg | broad-spectrum |
Lazarus Naturals | $39.99 | 1,500 mg | 12.5 mg | full-spectrum |
Cornbread | $34.99 | 375 mg | 25 mg | full-spectrum |
Medterra | $39.99 | 500 mg | 16 mg | isolate |
CBDistillery | $240 | 5,000 mg | 167 mg | full-spectrum |
Extract Labs | $89.99 | 3,000 mg | 100 mg | isolate |
Medical News Today chooses CBD tinctures that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses CBD products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Dosage: MNT chooses tinctures that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Serving size: MNT selects CBD products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses tinctures that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Full-spectrum CBD is the only form of CBD available to buy online that contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant.
The entourage effect is a theory that CBD works best when it also includes all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes naturally present in the cannabis plant, including THC.
However, the research is inconclusive. A
Some of the studies the paper looked at found that the other compounds present in full-spectrum CBD enhance the effects of the product, especially when managing symptoms of inflammation and anxiety. It is also possible that using CBD with THC reduces the adverse side effects of THC alone.
CBD is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids, such as THC, unique to the cannabis plant.
CBD tinctures contain either broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids, including low THC levels and smaller organic molecules called terpenes.
In one
In a
It is also of note that both these studies looked at treatment-resistant epilepsy, which further suggests CBD’s effectiveness in treating the said condition.
According to the
- epilepsy
- chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite and weight loss due to HIV or stage 3 HIV
- chronic pain
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- anxiety
- sleeping problems
When choosing a CBD tincture, we recommend that people look for products that:
- contain no more than 0.3% THC, per the
Agriculture Improvement Act - have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
- pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
- pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
Reputable manufacturers provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for all their products. A COA is a document that shows that an unbiased laboratory has tested a CBD product. People can find COAs on product websites or by scanning a QR code on the product.
A COA contains the following information:
- the content of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids
- the content of terpenes
- the results of safety tests for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, and chemicals
In addition to laboratory test results, people should consider:
- CBD potency
- price
- the reputation of the retailer and manufacturer
- customer reviews
All the products discussed in this article have undergone third-party testing and feature strong recommendations from previous customers.
The requirements for a CBD label vary by state. However, most labels require the following information:
- CBD dosage, including the amount of CBD per serving and the amount in the whole bottle
- servings per container
- source of the CBD oil, for example, made in the United States
- batch numbers
- manufacturing date
- license numbers
- third-party testing information
If the information above is unclear, the CBD oil may not be from a trusted source.
CBD tincture is an easy-to-use and versatile product. People can ingest CBD tincture orally by placing 1 full dropper under the tongue and holding the oil for 30 to 90 seconds before swallowing.
People can also mix 1 dropper of CBD tincture into a warm or cold beverage. However, if the CBD tincture is oil-based, it will likely not mix well with liquid.
The dosage varies depending on a person’s body weight and the potency of the CBD tincture. People who are new to CBD should start with the lowest possible dosage. Once they know how their body reacts to CBD, they can gradually increase the dosage.
People must follow the directions and dosage information printed on the bottle.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that people tolerate CBD well. However, scientists need to conduct more research to fully understand CBD’s role in treating conditions such as epilepsy and MS.
It is also worth noting that CBD may interact with certain medications. People who currently take prescription medications must talk with their doctor before using any CBD products.
CBD can lead to the following side effects:
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- changes in appetite
- diarrhea
- irritability or agitation
More severe side effects of CBD include:
- liver damage
- interactions with alcohol and other drugs that slow brain activity
- fertility problems in males
A wide selection of high quality, third-party-tested CBD tinctures is available. Many retailers in this article sell other CBD products, such as oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals.
CBD tinctures and oils are easy to use and versatile. People can use oils and tinctures alone or mixed in a beverage. Gummies and capsules are also for oral use. People can chew CBD gummies while they swallow capsules like a pill.
People may have less flexibility with the dosing when using CBD gummies and capsules. As a result, people may want to look for products containing lower CBD levels per serving.
Topical CBD products include CBD-infused creams, balms, and salves designed for external use only. Companies often market these products as spot treatments for muscle or joint pain. People can also mix CBD oil with a carrier oil and apply it to their skin.
It is important to carefully read the manufacturer’s label before using any CBD product. People should use these products only as the manufacturer has directed.
The best CBD tincture depends on a person’s individual needs and preferences, but generally, a high-quality tincture will include:
- third-party lab testing and accessible Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to ensure safety and accuracy
- appropriate CBD potency and THC levels based on a person’s desired effects
- positive customer reviews
- transparent brand practices and clear ingredient information
- good value for money, balancing quality with affordability
The most trusted brands of CBD are typically companies that follow best practices to ensure the products they sell are safe to use.
CBDistillery, Extract Labs, Joy Organics, Lazarus, Cornbread, and Medterra all undergo third-party testing and have a current COA.
The most effective type of CBD depends on why a person wants to use a product.
If a person has localized pain, such as a sore joint, topical CBD that they can apply directly to the area may be more effective than ingestible products that support more general wellness.
Full-spectrum CBD products may be more effective than CBD isolate or broad-spectrum ones due to the inclusion of terpenes and other cannabinoids. These extra compounds cause an entourage effect.
CBD tinctures work in the same way as CBD oils, only their extraction process differ.
To find the better product for individual needs, a person can look at the amount of CBD in each serving. They may also consider factors like absorption, taste, and intended use.
CBD tinctures contain alcohol- or carbon dioxide-extracted CBD suspended in a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or hemp seed oil.
It is important to note that people should only purchase from reputable retailers and manufacturers when buying CBD tincture or any other CBD product. Reputable sources provide transparent COAs for all their products.
CBD is generally safe, but can lead to potentially serious side effects if combined with alcohol and certain medications.
People taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare professional before they start using CBD in any form.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.