CBD tinctures are everywhere today. The marketplace has gone through a major boom in recent years, and it still continues to grow. But why? What exactly are CBD tinctures, and why are people buying them up?
What is CBD?
CBD is the shorthand for cannabidiol. Along with THC, it’s an active ingredient in marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD does not offer psychoactive effects. In the marketplace, it is actually extracted from the hemp plant, a close relative of marijuana. CBD can’t get you high, and it doesn’t create dependency. But just what does it do?
Honestly, the effects of CBD are still under investigation. Until recently the medical community didn’t have much to go on other than strong anecdotal evidence and a few animal studies. However, the promise of some preliminary studies and success with seizure activity have given scientists a lot of incentive to create more studies into CBD.
What We Know So Far
So far, there are several possible benefits to using CBD. Preliminary animal (and a few human) studies and anecdotal evidence reveal that the following:
- CBD may be beneficial for anxiety and depression
- CBD has anti-inflammatory properties
- CBD has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties
- CBD has neuroprotective properties
- CBD studies are now in progress studying its effects on diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Parkinsons
Preliminary studies and personal experience is enough for many people. CBD is an enormously popular natural remedy.
Tinctures are a simple carrier for CBD. They are usually composed of a certain dosage of CBD extracted from hemp, and an oil base. Other beneficial ingredients may also be added to the mix.
Is CBD Safe? Is it Legal?
Many chronic pain sufferers use CBD because of its safety status. The World Health Organization has given it a good safety profile, and it is far safer to use than prescription pain medications. Over the counter brands like Tylenol and Motrin have also been found to be dangerous to use over longer periods, as well. CBD is a far safer alternative to both opioids and OTC analgesics.
CBD is also federally legal in the United States. It can be sold in all 50 states with the caveat that it contains less than 0.3% THC.
How to Tell a Good CBD Product from the Bad
Not all CBD tinctures are created equal. Because CBD is unregulated by the FDA, hucksters can put anything into a bottle and sell it on the market. Some CBD tinctures contain more CBD than advertised, some less, and some may not even contain any CBD at all. So how do you find a quality product?
There are a few factors to look at before you choose a CBD Oil.
#1. Is the product made by a well-known brand?
Reputation is important. While most CBD companies are comparatively young, some have at least a few years under their belt. Check third party sites to see what people are saying about the company.
#2. Is the product third party tested?
The only way to know that the CBD tincture offers exactly what is advertised is through third party lab tests. A trustworthy company will have purity and potency results of these tests easily accessible from their website.
#3. How is the product priced?
A quality CBD tincture will be made from premium hemp and other ingredients. This costs money, as does third party testing. If the price is too good to be true…it probably is. Most companies offer loyalty program discounts, and some even offer assistance programs.
Five Top Brands of Full-Spectrum CBD Tinctures
To help you decide on the best full-spectrum CBD tincture, we’ll share some of our favorite brands. These products all come from quality companies who have a reputation for transparency.
Joy Organic Full-Spectrum CBD
Joy Organics CBD tincture is vegan, cruelty-free, and is made from only ethically sourced CBD oil, organic MCT oil, organic sunflower oil, stevia, and natural flavors. A truly transparent company, Joy Organics offers independent third party batch tests on all of their products. These are prominently displayed on each product page.
Their full-spectrum CBD oil comes in four different strengths: 450mg, 900mg, 1350mg, and 2250 mg, so you can find the perfect personal dose. It also comes in two delicious flavors, Fresh Lime and Tropical Sunrise.
Joy Organics offers a subscription discount that saves you 20% off your purchase with autoship. They’re also so certain that you’ll love their product that if you aren’t entirely satisfied, you can return your partially or fully used container for a refund.
Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil
Like all of our choices, Charlotte’s Web also offers third party test results for purity and potency. These can be found on their website matched to your batch number. Their full-spectrum CBD is sourced from Colorado hemp, and mixed only with carrier oil and natural flavors.
Charlotte’s Web CBD is available in 30mL and 100mL bottles offering 17 mg of CBD per dose. It also comes in a variety of flavors like Mint Chocolate, Lemon Twist, and Orange Blossom.
NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD
NuLeaf Naturals is another reputable company in the industry. They make an exceptionally clean CBD product, it consists only of CBD extract and hemp seed carrier oil. Their CBD is CO2 extracted from only organic, ethically sourced Colorado hemp. The tincture comes in a 30 ml dose that is bottled in 5 different sizes.
CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
CBDistillery is another extremely transparent company that offers third party testing results on their website. Their simple formula offers only full-spectrum CBD extract and MCT coconut oil, and comes in a 33mg dose. They also offer a subscription discount of 20% off product for autoship of 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks.
CBD American Shaman
American Shaman offers a unique water soluble formula that is 10x more bioavailable than oil-based CBD. It comes in 5 different flavors that dissolve easily into water or other liquids. Each dropper offers 10mg of CBD for easy microdosing, or as a base to build a larger dose. They offer a subscription discount, but also a more generous assistance program to low-income or other qualifying individuals.
