When we say tinctures, we are not talking about the typical berries, roots, and bark concentrated with alcohol in a tiny glass jar. Although the tiny glass jar part is right for the most part;  however, a CBD tincture incorporates a whole other form of matter within it. 

Before we get into what is CBD tincture, let’s first understand CBD. CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis/hemp plant. This plant or some variation of it (e.g., CBD flowers) is tinctured and consumed for many reported health benefits. A CBD tincture, in particular, will not get you high. This is because it eliminates the THC compound from the cannabis/hemp plant, which is the main compound that gives you that high factor. 

CBD oil vs. tincture

When delving into the world of cannabis tinctures and their uses, it is easy to confuse them with CBD oils. 

With their physical appearances being of a similar nature, it is pretty common to assume they are both the same product. While that is not the case, and for the best experience and efficient results, we’re here to break down the basics of a CBD tincture. 

CBD oil has only two main ingredients. One being CBD and the other being a carrier oil that absorbs the CBD properties within itself. A CBD tincture, however, has a slightly more complex content list. These are alcohol-based extracts used as a solvent to draw out the natural compounds of the cannabis plant. The alcohol content may be up to 60% – 70%. 

Now that CBD has become legal in several states, it is available in the market in many forms. Some consumers, however, choose to go for an even more wholesome product by making CBD oil and tinctures at home.  

Recipe for a cannabis tincture

Now that we have established a clear distinction between CBD oil and a CBD tincture, let’s get down to the good stuff. For example, how to make CBD oil or tincture at home. It may sound like a massive step from buying a tincture to making it in your very own kitchen. But we’ve got you covered. Our tincture recipe is perfect if you’re a beginner or hesitant with the idea of making one. 

If you’re new to tinctures, there is one extra step you may be unaware of, which is the decarboxylation process. 

It involves heating the CBD flower at a low temperature to convert it from its inactive form, CBDA, to its active form, CBD. This will be explained further in the cooking process. 

Here is a step by step process on how to make a CBD tincture:

Ingredients Needed:

• High proof alcohol (such as Everclear)
• Lidded glass jar
• Mesh Strainer 
• Bowl 
• CBD flower – ¼ Ounce 
• Glass bottle with dropper – 1 ounce 
• Parchment paper 
• Baking tray 

Instructions: 

• Preheat your oven to 240-degrees Fahrenheit. This will be part of the decarboxylation process. 
• While waiting for the oven to preheat, take your CBD flower and break it apart by hand, or you can also use a coffee grinder. 
• Place parchment paper on the baking tray and spread the crushed CBD flowers on it. 
• Place the tray in the oven for 40 to 60 minutes. Keep checking to make sure they don’t burn. 
• Once the color of the flower goes from green to golden brown, take out the tray from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. 
• Once cooled, take your lidded jar and place your CBD flower in it. 
• Pour your high-proof alcohol into the same jar and cover it with the lid tightly (the CBD flower should take up 2/3th of the jar and rest filled with alcohol). 
• Shake the jar a few times and place it in a cool dark place for three to four weeks. 
• Make sure to shake the jar every once in a while so the flowers remain submerged in the alcohol. 
• After the required time passes, take the jar out and pour it through a mesh strainer. Make sure the strainer is lined with cheesecloth. 
• This is to ensure the solid parts are separated from the finished CBD tincture.  
• Next, take a tincture bottle (with the dropper lid) and pour the liquid into it. The dropper will make for an easy transfer. 
• You can store the rest of the liquid in a cool and dry place for a few years. Alcohol is a powerful preservative, so you will have made and stored enough to get by for a long time.  

And there you have it! Just follow these quick and easy steps to become a pro on how to make a cannabis tincture! 

The best CBD tinctures 

Now that you know how easily accessible a CBD tincture is in your own home, you may be wondering about the kinds available in stores. If you’re busy and have a lot on your plate right now, you can always pop down to a trusted store or log onto a website and get your tinctures online! 

A cannabis tincture can be limited to a few ingredients and equipment within the extent of your kitchen, but stores will provide you with a plethora of options. From flavors to strengths, there’s a lot thrown your way. So let’s take it one by one, so you’re prepared for what you want. 

Types of CBD tinctures

There are three main types of CBD that can be consumed in tincture form:

• Isolate
• Full Spectrum 
• Broad Spectrum

The difference between the three is the chemical compound content within them. The full spectrum will contain all of the cannabinoids, including THC; the broad spectrum will also contain all compounds excluding THC. Lastly, isolate will only contain CBD. 

Strengths of CBD 

Make sure you take a strength that is best suited for you. If you are new to consuming CBD, start with a lower strength CBD and slowly raise your dosage or consumption depending on how you feel. Several brands have varying strengths in their range of CBD tinctures. For example, KeyLife CBD has a wide range of CBD tinctures, available in strengths starting from 250 MG and going up to 2000 MG.

Flavored Tinctures 

Strengths and concentrations of CBD aside, a nice and often sweet addition to store-bought CBD tinctures are added flavorings. Brands such as KeyLife CBD tend to use organic and natural flavorings to ensure a healthy and safe tincture. 

They include flavors such as berry and tropical. They can be helpful to those who don’t necessarily take to the strong taste of a tincture. However, those who enjoy the original earthy taste also have the option of a natural flavored tincture. 

Top 10 Best CBD tinctures:

Now that we’ve covered all bases, from making tinctures  to what kind of strength and concentration is right for you, let’s get familiarized with some of the best CBD tinctures that are out there. 

Here’s a list of our favorite tinctures: 

• Veritas Farms Full Spectrum CBD Tincture – Available in 5 different flavors as well as in natural flavors. 
• 4 Corners Cannabis Oral Tincture – Use organic sugar cane alcohol.
• Kanibi Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture – Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil for easy digestion. 
• RE Botanicals Hemp CBD Tincture Full Spectrum – Contains small amounts for CBG, CBN, and THC. 
• Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture – Made using ethanol. Ethanol extraction preserves more of the terpenes found in the cannabis plant. 
• Premium Jane citrus CBD tincture – Comes with a natural citrus infusion for a refreshing flavor. 
• Absolute Nature CBD Full Spectrum – Contains coconut oil to allow for better absorption and contains traces of CBC. 
• R+R Medicinals Fresh Mint Tincture – This full-spectrum tincture is perfect for the entourage effect. With its intriguing levels of CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN. 
• Spruce CBD Gingerbread Tincture – A limited-time offer for the holidays, but totally worth the purchase! Enjoy it with eggnog for the ultimate relaxation.
• CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture – They use the CO2 extraction method to produce their full spectrum tinctures. This method ensures the cleanest product. 

A final take on tinctures

Tinctures have become recently popular because of the reported benefits they provide to your body and mind. While they do not show immediate results, cannabis tinctures have shown to cause relief in several different areas of mental and physical health. The long-term benefits include easing out anxiety and stress from your system, allowing you to take better charge of your day or challenging tasks. In addition, studies have shown that CBD tinctures also lead to better sleep. 

Perhaps one of the most popular reasons for CBD tinctures would be their role in pain management. Commonly consumed for chronic pain, they have shown incredible results in giving relief. 

Now that you’re a pro at all things tinctures, from knowing  how to make a tincture to how to use one! 

You’re about to find a much more soothing and pain-free path ahead of you. And especially with the easiest tincture recipe at your disposal, you’re all set to deal with whatever the world throws your way.