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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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The best CBD tinctures are portable, easy-to-dose options that offer an alternative treatment for conditions from chronic pain to anxiety. These top picks are effective, high quality, and medically vetted.
- Best for relieving discomfort: CBDistillery ahhh Distilled Full-Spectrum CBD Oil, 5,000 mg | Skip to review
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.
Tinctures are often more bitter than CBD oils due to the extraction process. 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 oil.
Learn more about the differences between CBD tinctures and oils here.
The following table compares the CBD tinctures in this article.
| Price | CBD content | CBD per dose | CBD type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery | $260 | 5,000 mg | 167 mg | full-spectrum |
| Extract Labs | $69.99 | 2,000 mg | 66 mg | isolate |
| Joy Organics | $55.97 | 900 mg | 30 mg | broad-spectrum |
| Lazarus Naturals | $39.99 | 1,500 mg | 12.5 mg | full-spectrum |
| Aspen Green | $139.99 | 3,350 mg | 110 mg | full-spectrum |
| Cornbread | $49.99 | 750 mg | 25 mg | full-spectrum |
| Medterra | $39.99 | 500 mg | 16 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 tetrahydrocannabinol (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 is further proof of 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 AIDS
- chronic pain
- multiple sclerosis
- 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 U.S.
- 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 one full dropper under the tongue and holding the oil for 30–90 seconds before swallowing.
People can also mix a dropper of CBD tincture into a warm or cold beverage. However, if the CBD tincture is oil-based, it will likely not mix well in 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. They can gradually increase the dosage once they know how their body reacts to CBD.
People must follow the directions and dosage information printed on the bottle.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 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
According to the
- 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 on the market. 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.
Alongside third-party lab testing and COAs, a person may also consider other factors when choosing a CBD tincture.
A person should always check the CBD potency and THC content when purchasing a product. People who prefer using CBD without THC may wish to purchase CBD isolate products.
Additionally, people may wish to consider their budget and whether the company offers a discount subscription.
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, Aspen Green and Medterra all undergo third-party testing and have a current certificate of analysis.
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. To find the strongest product, a person should look at the amount of CBD in each serving.
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.