CBD Tincture

CBD tinctures are a form of CBD oil intended for oral use. Tinctures are made by soaking CBD hemp flower or isolate (a process known as “steeping”) in a solvent liquid (such as glycerin, vinegar, oil, or high-proof spirits). When exposed to a low heat over a long period, the process naturally extracts the CBD from the flower or isolate and infuses it into the solvent. Much of the solvent is then boiled off, and resulting in a high-potency CBD liquid.

Many producers will then add other complementary ingredients to the concoction, including flavoring agents like orange oil or others in order to improve the overall user experience.

Users refer to their tincture products in many different ways, but “drops” is certainly one of the most common. This is really just a matter of terminology, as “tinctures,” “drops,” “CBD drops,” and the like are all essentially referring to the same product.

In terms of quantity, though, users referring to drops are often describing a single dosage of the CBD tincture. Tinctures are high-potency liquids, and most tincture bottles contain a number of doses. To take a single dose, users typically employ a dropper, which allows them to measure out their intended dosage and deliver it under their tongue with minimal mess. The “drop” terminology often refers to this process, or to the amount of tincture that is delivered in a single dose.

An excellent question! Tinctures are taken sublingually (that is, under the tongue) because of the density of capillary blood vessels found there. These capillaries readily absorb the CBD oil from the tincture, providing a direct line into the bloodstream. Because of this, sublingual use allows CBD to affect the body quite quickly; simply swallowing oils or other edible products, by comparison, requires the body’s digestive processes to kick-in and meaningfully increases onset time.

Note, however, that not all oil products are intended for sublingual use. It will vary from oil to oil, but sublingual usage is by far the most common.

First, note that there are a wide variety of flavored tinctures available. Most manufacturers offer a series of different tastes to appeal to users of all sorts, and odds are that there are several products here that will appeal to you. From sweet to savory, from fruit to coffee to candy, there is a CBD tincture for any and every palate.

There are also unflavored tinctures. Because tinctures are herbal extracts most often made directly from CBD flower, unflavored tinctures tend to have a decidedly earthy taste. Many users accustomed to flower enjoy this taste, but some (particularly new) users have a hard time getting used to it. Like any acquired taste, however, regular users tend to appreciate it after a bit of experience.

With so many different manufacturers on the market — each producing a wide variety of flavors, sizes, and potencies — it is somewhat difficult to generalize the cost of a CBD tincture. For easiest comparison, however, it is best to think about the average cost per milligram.

Generally, we see prices ranging from between 5 to 25 cents per milligram. However, there are certain brands that charge significantly more than this; often times these brands have increased potency, a range of exotic flavors, or other distinguishing factors. Also worth noting is that purchases at brick-and-mortar stores tend to be noticeably more expensive, as a result of the stores’ overhead costs. Most online shoppers should expect to find products somewhere within this range, however.