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How to Use CBD Tincture (Beginner's Guide)

CBD tinctures have long been known as one of the most effective and easiest ways to dose CBD. But for someone who isn’t familiar with the method, it can be confusing to know where you should start.

Ready to learn all about CBD tinctures? Then keep reading as we will explain how to use them, as well as how much you should use, and what to expect when you use CBD tinctures.

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What Is CBD Tincture?

CBD tinctures, sometimes called CBD oil, are herbal oils that are made using the CBD extracted from hemp plants. They are usually stored in a bottle, and consumed by placing a few drops under your tongue using a dropper. CBD is a cannabidiol compound, one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and while some CBD products contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, CBD itself contains no THC and will not cause the side effects or high caused when people take THC products.

CBD oils can also be called hemp oils and can come in many different flavors to make them more palatable. Many people enjoy flavors like the Cotton Candy CBD Oil Drops as the natural flavor of CBD oil is quite bitter. It is important to note that not all CBD tinctures are alike as some contain additional additives like MCT oil. These additives can cause an upset stomach, so it is important to read the ingredients of all CBD oil products you use to ensure they are pure.

Is CBD Tincture the Same as CBD Vape Oil?

It’s critical to know that while CBD tincture is the same as CBD oil, it is not the same as CBD vape juice or CBD vape oil. These liquids are specifically designed to put in a CBD vape pen and should not be consumed orally. These products are mixed with water in order to easily be made into a vapor and better inhaled. Therefore they will not have the same effect when consumed, and may not be safe to be consumed. Additionally, you should never place CBD oil in your CBD vape as it is not designed for this purpose and will damage your vape pen.

How To Use CBD Tincture

The good news is, using CBD tincture is often easier than many of the other methods used to consume CBD oil. All you have to do is place a few drops of CBD oil in your mouth beneath your tongue. Here are the steps you should follow when taking CBD Tinctures:

  • Step 1: Shake the bottle well
  • Step 2: Place the desired number of drops beneath your tongue. Hold them there for 60-90 seconds.
  • Step 3: Swallow the CBD
  • Step 4: Repeat as necessary (you don’t have to take all your drops at once).

If you don’t like the flavor of CBD oil, you can take it with food, drink, or you can even rub it on your skin for the same effect. Placing the CBD oil beneath your tongue is the quickest way to get it into your system. This is because when you take it with food or drink, it takes a while for the cannabidiol to make it through your digestive tract and get to the receptors in your endocannabinoid system. Plus, it is partially broken down by the gut on the way there and only part of it even makes it to your blood.

Topical use of CBD tincture is great when you have an aching muscle or joint, but if your pain is something internal, the CBD will be unable to make it there to help. This is why taking the tincture beneath your tongue, also known as sublingually, is usually the best choice. If you are concerned about taking CBD tincture using the sublingual method, talk with your health care professional before you begin using it.

How Much CBD Tincture Should You Take?

Generally, it is difficult to overdose on CBD products, but it can be done. For this reason, you should be cautious that you don’t take too much CBD tincture. It is recommended that you take .25mg of tincture for every 1 pound of body weight. This means if you weigh 120 pounds, you should take 40 mg of CBD tincture per day. You should not take this all at once, however. Instead, divide your dose over the course of the entire day. You should never exceed the serving size listed on the bottle of your product. For example, if you take Hazelnut CBD Oil Drops, and the bottle says the maximum serving is 30mg, you should only take 30mg maximum at one time.

This means if you are supposed to take 40mg of CBD tincture in a day, that you should split it into two doses. Of course, some people will need a larger dose, and some people will do well on the aforementioned dose. It may take a while for you to find the perfect amount of CBD oil that you should take. No matter your previous experience with CBD tincture, you should try the smallest dose to start and increase from there as you find it is not enough. This will help you to find the perfect dose of CBD for you without risking the possibility of taking too much on your first time.

Health Benefits of CBD Tinctures

There are many reasons that people decide to take CBD tinctures. Because tinctures normally do not contain THC and are not associated with the same high experienced when using marijuana or THC products, people typically do not use CBD tinctures recreationally. Rather, they are used for the health benefits they provide. Some of which include treating illnesses or the symptoms of illnesses. Below are all the possible benefits of using CBD tinctures.

  • Treats Acne
  • Treats Anxiety
  • Relieves Chronic Pain
  • Treats Depression
  • Relieved Joint Pain
  • Treats Epilepsy
  • Can Help With Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Glaucoma
  • Lowers Blood Pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Lessens Muscle Spasms
  • Helps Parkinson’s Disease
  • Increases Appetite
  • Helps with the Symptoms of Cancer Treatment
  • General Pain Relief

If you suffer from any of these ailments, it is likely that CBD tinctures could help you as well. It is important to note, however, that you should discuss with your doctor before taking CBD tinctures, and know that most CBD products are not approved, nor regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Possible Side Effects of CBD Tinctures

You need to be aware that when taking CBD oil tinctures, it is possible to experience some side effects. This can happen when you take too much CBD oil when you are on other medications simultaneously, and if you have a sensitive stomach. Side effects of CBD oil tinctures:

  • Changes in Appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Upset
  • Changes in Mood
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking CBD tinctures, stop your use right away and seek medical care. This is why it is so important to ask the advice of a doctor before taking CBD tinctures.

What is the Best Way to Use CBD Tincture?

Although it is recommended that you use CBD tincture sublingually for the best, and fastest results, there are many different delivery methods used for CBD tinctures. One of the most popular ways is by mixing the tincture into a tasty recipe. This allows you to buy unflavored oil, and create something you love to eat out of it! And you don’t just have to stick with brownies, as you can even make frozen treats like Mint and Brownie Froyo to curb your sweet craving while taking your dose.

You can also mix your tincture with lotion, or another salve to make your own CBD cream. Do note that you should not mix it in the bottle, but instead mix a single portion in a bowl, as not all creams will mix well with CBD tincture. You can then apply this mixture topically for relief. Just remember, while CBD tincture is formidable, you should never place it in a vape pen or other vapor-producing device.

What Can You Mix CBD Tincture With?

Tired of drops beneath the tongue? Below are some of the many things you can mix CBD tincture with to make it more pleasurable to take. Keep in mind that many of these involve the digestive system, and thus it will take longer to absorb than when you take CBD sublingually. Things you can mix with CBD tinctures:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Smoothie
  • Milk Shake
  • Cookie Batter
  • Cake Batter
  • Waffle Batter
  • In a Sauce Recipe
  • Muffin or Cupcake Dough
  • Lotion (for Topical Application)
  • Bubble Bath (For Topical Application)
  • Body Wash (For Topical Application)

As you see, CBD oil can be mixed with just about anything. And although the list mostly contains sweets, you can mix CBD with something savory, it just may not mix as well on a steak or chicken wing as it does in a batter which is later baked. Feel free to experiment with your CBD tincture and try something new until you find your favorite way to dose CBD. You never know what could turn out to be a great method to take your CBD.

Alternatives to CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures are a great way to dose CBD, but they aren't for everyone. Some people are just too busy to worry about dropping CBD oil beneath their tongue multiple times per day. Not to mention this isn't always the most discreet. These people will likely find they have better luck with edibles such as gummies. These are a little more discreet and easier to take at multiple times during the day. Be sure to check the label of your edibles or CBD gummies, because some may be derived from the cannabis plant and may contain THC, which would cause side effects or a high.

marijuana leaf and a judging mallet

Are CBD Tinctures Legal?

Although the specific rules will depend on your state, federally, the use of CBD tinctures derived from CBD extract coming from hemp plants is legal. This is due to the United States Farm Bill, which was passed to allow hemp containing less than 0.3% THC to be legally grown and farmed around the nation. This also allows people to consume these products legally as long as they do not contain more than the legal amount of THC. Just because they are legal, however, does not mean every company produces forms of CBD that you should consume.

Always check the labels of any product you buy to ensure it is pure CBD. Many companies mix their CBD oil or hemp seed oil with other chemical compounds that could cause negative side effects. Some farmers also use pesticides on their hemp plants that could cause an adverse reaction in your body. And some people, who may be trying to scam you, could sell a product like coconut oil or other solvent masquerading as CBD oil. Avoid being scammed by ensuring any product you buy has the ingredients listed and is tested to be pure CBD oil. 

Can You Give Your Dog CBD Tinctures?

There are many CBD products available on the market for dogs, and although giving your dogs CBD is a practice that is trending, you should never give your dog any product which hasn't specifically been tested for dogs. Dogs are sensitive to different ingredients than humans. And, for this reason, they need CBD products that are specifically formulated for them. If your pet accidentally gets into your CBD oil or dropper, it is best that you contact a veterinarian right away. 

Where Can You Buy CBD Tinctures?

CBD tinctures, because they are legal in the United States, should be available in a convenience store or grocery store near you. But some states may require you to head to a special hemp product retailer such as a marijuana shop. Some states are more friendly with CBD products than others, and some will even have them in gas stations. If you live in an area where there is nowhere to acquire CBD tincture locally, there are many websites where you can put CBD products online. When online shopping, don't forget to check your labels.

You should also ask questions about the product before you buy. Any reputable company will have no problem discussing their product with you or showing you the lab results proving they are selling pure CBD. If a website ever tells you they don't have lab reports, it's time to run.  Also check that you are purchasing a product that doesn't contain THC, as there are some CBD tinctures that do, and if you are planning to take this during work, or for medicinal purposes, it's best to avoid the possible side effects that could come with THC. 

Now You Know All About CBD Tinctures

You should be feeling much more confident about CBD tinctures, whether you plan to take them sublingually or put them in your next cake recipe. Just be sure to always check the dose and take the amount of CBD tincture which is recommended for your body weight. If you want to learn more about finding the best CBD dose for your condition, and ensuring you store your CBD tinctures properly, check out this article to learn all about CBD dosing and storage. 

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