CBD Tincture Explained: Benefits, Uses, and How It Works

CBD tincture, also known as cannabidiol tincture, is a natural product obtained after processing the cannabis (hemp plant). Since CBD is not a psychoactive compound, CBD tinctures do not have the intoxicating properties that are commonly attributed to cannabis. In this article, we will guide you through several aspects of CBD tincture, including its source, manufacturing process, potential health benefits, side effects, and how to choose a high-quality product.

What is CBD tincture?

CBD (cannabidiol) tincture is a concentrated alcohol-based extract obtained primarily from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Cannabis sativa (hemp) and Cannabis indica (marijuana) are the most known species of cannabis. These plants have a large number of natural compounds. Among these compounds, the most widely studied due to their potential therapeutic effects are called cannabinoids and terpenes.

The most popular cannabinoids are known as CBD and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol). The main difference between these cannabinoids is that CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not have intoxicating properties. Meanwhile, THC is psychoactive and can induce the 'high' feeling normally associated with marijuana.

On the other hand, terpenes are mostly responsible for the aroma and taste of the cannabis plant. However, they may also work synergistically with cannabinoids in what is proposed to be the 'entourage effect,' potentially increasing the effects of CBD and THC.

How is CBD tincture made?

Manufacturers must follow strict guidelines to obtain a safe and high-quality CBD tincture that complies with the law in the U.S. The process begins when a cannabis strain is carefully selected and cultivated under optimal growth conditions, thus allowing a higher CBD and lower THC content. When ready to harvest, the plants are collected and allowed to dry to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that could spoil the final product.

Then, one extraction method is chosen to concentrate the amounts of CBD obtained from the dried cannabis flowers and leaves. Different processes will yield products with different CBD concentrations and purity levels.

CBD tinctures are often made using an alcohol extraction method, where the dried parts of the plant are soaked in alcohol to extract the cannabinoids. However, newer more green extraction methods like supercritical fluid — especially carbon dioxide — pressurized liquid, microwave-assisted, and ultrasound-assisted extraction are becoming more popular.

After the extraction process is completed, a procedure known as winterization is sometimes carried out. In this procedure, the CBD extract is exposed to sub-zero temperatures in order to improve its taste and color.

Later, the final product is filtered and distilled to remove any impurities and unwanted compounds. The concentrated CBD extract is then mixed with ethanol (alcohol) and water at variable proportions to obtain a CBD tincture. Flavorings and sweeteners may be added to make the tincture more palatable.

Lastly, the final product is sent for third-party testing to independent laboratories. This allows for objective quality assurance to ensure the safety and quality of the CBD tincture before it is finally packaged and distributed.

What does CBD tincture do? 5 potential benefits

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. This system is regulated by endocannabinoids, which are substances naturally produced in the human body. The ECS affects the central and peripheral nervous system and helps keep a balance in the body by regulating several functions and processes, including immune response, pain sensation, mood, memory, and appetite, among others.

So, although the exact mechanism of how CBD interacts with the ECS has not yet been fully elucidated, some potential health benefits may be related to the use of CBD products, including CBD tincture.

1. Pain and inflammation relief

By interacting with the ECS, CBD may help modulate pain signals and decrease inflammation in the body. This effect may elicit a positive effect on pain regulation, especially for chronic (long-term) pain and even for neuropathic pain (pain resulting from nerve damage).

This means that CBD tincture may be useful as an aid to help manage chronic pain, being potentially useful in conditions where inflammation and pain are the dominant symptoms, like chronic arthritis.

However, it is essential to stress that before using CBD tincture or any other CBD product for therapeutic purposes, including arthritis pain relief, consulting a healthcare practitioner is of utmost importance to ensure its safety and adequacy.

2. Anxiety and stress reduction

Several studies have been focused on researching the effect of CBD as a potential natural remedy to help reduce stress and aid in the management of several mental health disorders, including anxiety. Due to its interaction with the ECS and several receptors in the nervous system, CBD may induce anxiolytic effects, meaning it may help reduce anxiety levels.

This effect may prove to be beneficial to help control conditions like social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

However, most evidence supporting the possible use of CBD to achieve anxiety reduction is based on acute doses, and more studies are needed to determine the effects of chronic CBD consumption on stress and anxiety levels.

3. Antioxidant properties

CBD has been noted for its potential antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that damage the cells and tissues of the body and cause oxidative stress.

In some studies, CBD has been shown to interact with free radicals, neutralizing them and preventing them from causing cellular damage.

However, the research in this area is ongoing, and while CBD shows promise as a potential natural remedy to help prevent oxidative stress, more studies are necessary to draw definite conclusions on this subject.

4. Improved sleep

Even though some people consider that using CBD-derived products may help them sleep, the evidence regarding the use of CBD to help manage some sleep disorders in humans has been inconclusive so far.

Results from animal studies have shown that the interaction of CBD with the ECS may lengthen sleep and lead to improved sleep patterns, thus potentially having applications in sleep disorders.

However, due to contradictory results on this subject, more evidence is necessary before affirming that CBD may be used as a natural remedy for sleep improvement.

5. Seizure control

Since 2018, a CBD-based drug called EpidiolexⓇ has been approved by the FDA to help treat some forms of childhood epilepsy, specifically Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS).

Nevertheless, even though this specific CBD-based drug gained FDA approval, it is imperative to always consult with a healthcare practitioner before attempting to use CBD or any other hemp-derived products with the intent to treat or manage any disease or condition.

Potential side effects of CBD tincture

Although CBD is considered to have a good safety profile for most people, it may have certain side effects like appetite changes, mood changes, drowsiness, and diarrhea.

Additionally, when taken at high doses, CBD might potentially lead to liver problems, including liver toxicity. This effect may be increased when taking it alongside other drugs that are processed in the liver, such as acetaminophen and some antibiotics.

Furthermore, people taking medications for underlying health issues must be aware that CBD may interact with a wide range of drugs, including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and blood thinners, potentially enhancing their effects.

How to use CBD tincture

CBD tincture is usually taken orally or sublingually (under the tongue), and its dosage varies based on several factors like the person's health status, the intended effects, and the potency of the product used, among others.

Therefore, there is not a universal CBD dosage that can be recommended for everyone. Doses up to 2,000 mg/day have been used with no to mild side effects in clinical studies depending on the target condition.

In any case, it is best to consult with a healthcare practitioner to determine the best CBD dose for your specific case and ensure the safety of the product before consuming it.

How to choose high-quality CBD tincture

A lot of factors can influence the quality of CBD tinctures, so here are some things you need to keep in mind:

1. Try to find a CBD tincture made from organically grown hemp as this will decrease the chances that the product is contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or other harmful chemicals.
2. Choose products derived from hemp grown in the U.S. and confirm that THC levels are within legal limits. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, manufacturers must make sure to cultivate hemp plants with a THC content lower than 0.3%.
3. Make sure the product went under third-party testing and that the certificate of analysis is available.
4. The product label should clearly state the amount of CBD per serving, the total CBD content, and other ingredients that may have been added while manufacturing the CBD tincture.
5. Select a CBD tincture from a well-known and respected brand with positive customer reviews and a history of transparency.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can successfully choose a high-quality CBD tincture that is safe, of good quality, and suited to your specific needs.

Bottom line

CBD tincture is a non-psychoactive product that may be used for a variety of purposes, including chronic pain relief, inflammation control, anxiety management, and supporting overall health. However, research on these health benefits is ongoing and the effectiveness and benefits of CBD tinctures can vary based on individual responses.

Therefore, individuals considering taking a CBD tincture must first consult with a healthcare professional to ensure its safety and avoid potential interactions with other medications.