Aug 02, 2022
What is the Difference Between Oil & Water-Based CBD Tinctures?
One popular way to ingest CBD is through tinctures. These products are used by placing drops sublingually (under the tongue) to absorb them into the bloodstream. You can also add tinctures to water or food for a quick enhancement of any beverage.
Tinctures come in two different forms: oil-based and water-based.
In the past, oil-based tinctures were the only ones available on the market. But recent research has shown us that Water-Based tinctures made with Water-Soluble CBD are a more effective way to enjoy CBD.
How Do You Use CBD Tinctures?
In many societies, tinctures are made from a variety of natural herbs and plants. CBD is used in the same way as these traditional tinctures.
Most often, a CBD tincture is dropped under the tongue, or sublingually.
When placed under the tongue, the CBD compound enters the bloodstream to interact with the endocannabinoid system.
What Are Oil-Based CBD Tinctures?
Tinctures with an oil base are made from the stems and flowers of hemp plants. Solvents like carbon dioxide extract the compound from the plant, leaving only the CBD.
In oil-based tinctures, the hemp extract is mixed with an oil like coconut, MCT (medium-chain triglyceride), or essential oils for better flavor.
What Are Water-Based Tinctures?
Water-based tinctures are formulated using a process called Nano-Emulsification. This technology has gained popularity in the food and drug industry because it increases the delivery of ingredients and improves taste.
The process of Nano-Emulsification breaks down the hydrophobic CBD particles.
In other words, Nanotechnology makes CBD particles smaller. Because the compound particles do not mix with water, breaking them down allows them to blend more easily into the liquid.
These Water-Soluble tinctures can be easily used sublingually, added to food, or sprayed in the mouth.
What Is the Difference Between CBD Oil Tinctures and Water-Based Tinctures?
If you’ve ever tried to wash an oily pan without soap, you’re familiar with the fact that oil and water do not mix.
Bioavailability is an essential term in the CBD world. It refers to how well a substance is absorbed by the body to affect results. With CBD, we know that oils have a lower bioavailability than water-based products.
The main difference comes down to effective delivery. CBD oil tinctures allow the body to absorb only around 6%-10% of the CBD compound. Conversely, Water-Soluble CBD tinctures made using Nano-Emulsification can offer up to 85-95% absorption.
Looking at the discrepancy between the absorption rate clues us in to the fact that water-based tinctures are the future of the CBD industry.