THC Tincture Vs. THC Oil - What's The Difference?

You've likely heard the terms "oil" and "tincture" thrown around interchangeably. But did you know that these hemp derived CBD products aren't actually the same?

It can be confusing to navigate THC and cannabis products. So we're here to help you understand the difference between cannabis tinctures and cannabis oils.

Below, we'll go through the difference in production process, extraction method, and more. So you can be even more of an expert of all things CBD and THC.

See Related: Why Do You Put CBD Oil Under Your Tongue?

What are cannabis oils?

Cannabis oil, or CBD oil, is typically made with cannabis extract from the hemp plant or cannabis plant. Then, once extracted, it gets blended with a carrier oil to allow the CBD extract to be absorbed more easily.

How are CBD oils made?

There are several different types of extraction methods out there. But the gold standard extraction process is none other than CO2 extraction.

CO2 extraction utilizes - you guessed it - CO2 to extract cannabis oil from the cannabis sativa plant matter. It compresses CO2 gas to a critical point in which the fluid then strips the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.

Then, you're left with successfully extracted CBD oil. Unlike other extraction methods, CO2 extraction poses limited health risks since no toxic solvents are being used.

Common carrier oils used in CBD oil

The CBD oil left over gets combined with a carrier oil. And we're not talking about essential oils necessarily.

We're talking about coconut oil or olive oil. Basically, oils that aren't going to overpower the CBD oil but allow it to work at its fullest capacity.

Pros of CBD oils

CBD oil is incredibly versatile as a cannabis product. It's easy to measure out when it comes in small glass bottles.

And can be used in a CBD topical rub, mixed in with food or beverages, and offers a variety of potencies and flavors. Typically, CBD oil will contain minimal ingredients - besides other cannabinoids - so as to preserve the purity of the natural compounds.

Cons of CBD oils

The rising popularity of cannabis has also increased the price point for CBD oils. This can pose some issues for consumers who prefer to enjoy cannabis on a budget.

Furthermore, some are not attracted to the strong, earthy flavor that CBD oil has to offer. But more on that later.

What are cannabis tinctures?

Cannabis tinctures, on the other hand, go through quite a different process. Instead of using other oils to make the finished product, tinctures utilize high proof alcohol.

How are CBD tinctures made?

Cannabis tinctures start by dissolving any cannabis plant material into a liquid form. Once the plant matter gets strained out, the CBD liquid is mixed with an alcohol based extract.

(It's important to note though that some CBD tinctures use MCT oil and/or glycerin.) Once the cannabis tincture is thoroughly mixed, the process moves on to combining CBD with a sweeter oil like peppermint or orange.

This is simply to improve the taste and flavor of a cannabis tincture. They don't necessarily serve the same purpose as a carrier oil does in CBD oils.

Pros of CBD tinctures

CBD tinctures similarly come in small glass bottles, making them easy to measure out. And a cannabis tincture can easily be mixed with either food or beverages.

But the biggest difference between a CBD tincture and CBD oil is the tincture's quick onset effects. When taken sublingually (whether with human or pet CBD oil), a CBD tincture may produce effects almost instantaneously whereas a CBD oil will take effect about 10-15 minutes after consumption.

Cons of CBD tinctures

Cannabis tinctures sound great - and they are! But some are not a fan of their bitter taste.

Plus, they're not as readily available as CBD oil nor are they as effective as a topical. All this being said, both CBD oils and tinctures have unique effects to offer.

Biggest differences between CBD oils and tinctures

If you're consuming cannabis, then it's useful to know just how hemp seed oil gets turned into a full spectrum CBD tincture or otherwise. But if you're looking at products, here are some tell-tale signs to help you differentiate tinctures from oils.

#1. Shelf life of CBD products

For the most part, CBD oil has a much shorter shelf-life than CBD tinctures. This is because the alcohol present in tinctures helps to act as a preservative, preventing bacteria, pathogens, and other contaminants.

CBD oil will stay fresh for roughly 12-18 months if stored properly while CBD tinctures will last for up to 5 years. With proper storage, of course.

#2. General taste and flavor

We mentioned earlier that CBD tinctures an have a bitter taste on their own. But many tinctures are blended with other natural flavorings to combat this flavor profile.

On the other hand, CBD oil will have an earthy hemp flavor. So it ultimately boils down to personal preference.

In general though, it's important to approach both tinctures and oils with this in mind. They're not delta 9 or CBD gummies with fun flavors like blueberry or tropical pineapple.

#3. Texture and consistency

Due to the alcohol, tinctures tend to have a thinner, less oily consistency to them. While, unlike tinctures, CBD oil can be thicker and a little bit more greasy.

Again, this difference doesn't necessarily make one better than the other. It ultimately boils down to personal preference.

Bonus: Why Is Social Wellness Important?

FAQs about CBD oils and tinctures

Hopefully, we've managed to clear up any misconceptions you might have had about either tinctures or oils. But just in case we didn't hit all your hard-hitting questions, here's a couple more below that we'll answer.

Is CBD oil better than a CBD tincture?

Neither is better than the other. But when comparing it to other types of CBD, oils and tinctures taken sublingually can produce faster effects since they're bypassing the digestive system.

So if you're looking for instantaneous - or near-instantaneous - effects, then consider a tincture or oil your saving grace.

Is CBD legal?

Yes, so long as the CBD product in question contains less than 0.3 percent THC. THC is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

But it is most known for its intoxicating effects. That being said, be sure to check your local state laws as some have put restrictions on how you may consume CBD, especially if THC is present.

You'll also want to know the difference between full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Full spectrum contains all additional cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including THC.

Broad spectrum contains all additional cannabinoids but no THC. And CBD isolate is only CBD with no additional cannabinoids or compounds.

Is THC distillate the same as THC tinctures?

If you've been searching far and wide for answers on tinctures vs. oils, then you've probably also come across THC distillates. A THC distillate is a highly purified form of THC.

It's made through a molecular distillation process, not unlike that of distilling alcohol. But to answer the question at hand, no, THC distillate is not the same as a tincture.

Final thoughts

There are several terms to get acquainted with within the CBD world. But don't worry if you're still searching for answers!

Here at Clean Remedies, we're more than happy to offer our expertise. And even point you in the right direction to find the CBD product that's best for you.

So as you go through your CBD journey, remember that we're here to make every step of the way all the more easy. 

Keep Reading: What Is A CBD Pre-Roll?

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses USDA Certified Organic Hemp Extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.