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The best CBD tinctures are portable, easy-to-dose options that offer an alternative treatment for conditions from chronic pain to anxiety. These top picks are effective, high quality, and medically vetted.
Companies may use CBD tinctures and oils interchangeably, which can make it difficult to know the difference between these products.
However, CBD oils and tinctures are not the same product.
CBD tinctures contain ethanol-extracted CBD. Manufacturers will infuse CBD with alcohol, heat it up, and then boil or dilute it.
Tinctures are often more bitter than CBD oils due to the extraction process. To mask this bitterness, manufacturers may add extra ingredients like glycerin, flavorings, and sweeteners.
Oils are more readily available than tinctures and often have a shorter ingredient list. They contain CBD extract and a carrier oil, usually olive, coconut, or hempseed oil.
Medical News Today chooses CBD tinctures that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses CBD products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses tinctures that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
Serving size: MNT selects CBD products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
Third-party labs: MNT chooses tinctures that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
Full-spectrum CBD is the only form of CBD available to buy online that contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant.
The entourage effect is a theory that CBD works best when it also includes all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes naturally present in the cannabis plant, including THC.
However, the research is inconclusive. A 2023 scoping review found that, while there are several studies supporting the benefits of using CBD with THC, many others were unable to show similar findings.
Some of the studies the paper looked at found that the other compounds present in full-spectrum CBD enhance the effects of the product, especially when managing symptoms of inflammation and anxiety. It is also possible that using CBD with THC reduces the adverse side effects of THC alone.
Several studies suggest that combining CBD, THC, and terpenes is more effective than using CBD or THC alone.
In one 2018 study, researchers compared the antitumor effects of pure THC with a cannabis-derived drug containing CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. The combined effects of the cannabinoids and terpenes produced superior antitumor effects on breast cancer cell cultures and animal models.
In a 2018 meta-analysis of observational clinical studies, researchers found that CBD-rich extracts led to better therapeutic effects and fewer reports of mild and severe side effects than extracts that contained only CBD.
It is also of note that both these studies looked at treatment-resistant epilepsy, which is further proof of CBD’s effectiveness in treating the said condition.
have proof of third-party testing by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory
pass tests for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and microbes
pass product potency evaluations and safety testing
Reputable manufacturers provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for all their products. A COA is a document that shows that an unbiased laboratory has tested a CBD product. People can find COAs on product websites or by scanning a QR code on the product.
A COA contains the following information:
the content of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids
the content of terpenes
the results of safety tests for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, and chemicals
In addition to laboratory test results, people should consider:
CBD potency
price
the reputation of the retailer and manufacturer
customer reviews
All the products discussed in this article have undergone third-party testing and feature strong recommendations from previous customers.
CBD tincture is an easy-to-use and versatile product. People can ingest CBD tincture orally by placing one full dropper of oil under the tongue and holding the oil for about 30–90 seconds before swallowing.
People can also mix a dropper of CBD tincture into a warm or cold beverage. However, if the CBD tincture is oil-based, it will likely not mix well in liquid.
The dosage varies depending on a person’s body weight and the potency of the CBD tincture. People who are new to CBD should start with the lowest possible dosage. They can gradually increase the dosage once they know how their body reacts to CBD.
People must follow the directions and dosage information printed on the outside of the bottle.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people generally tolerate CBD well. However, scientists need to conduct more research to fully understand CBD’s role in treating conditions such as epilepsy and MS.
It is also worth noting that CBD may interact with certain medications. People who currently take prescription medications must talk with their doctor before using any CBD products.
According to the FDA, CBD can lead to the following side effects:
A wide selection of high quality, third-party-tested CBD tinctures is available on the market. Many retailers listed in this article sell other CBD products, such as oils, gummies, capsules, and topicals.
CBD tinctures and oils are easy to use and versatile. People can use oils and tinctures alone or mixed in a beverage. Gummies and capsules are also for oral use. People can chew CBD gummies while they swallow capsules like a pill.
People may have less flexibility with the dosing when using CBD gummies and capsules. As a result, people may want to look for products containing lower CBD levels per serving.
Topical CBD products include CBD-infused creams, balms, and salves designed for external use only. Companies often market these products as spot treatments for muscle or joint pain. People can also mix CBD oil with a carrier oil and apply the mixture to their skin.
It is important to carefully read the manufacturer’s label before using any CBD product. People should use these products only as the manufacturer has directed.
Alongside third-party lab testing and COAs, a person may also consider other factors when choosing a CBD tincture.
A person should always check the CBD potency and THC content when purchasing a product. People who prefer using CBD without THC may wish to purchase CBD isolate products.
Additionally, people may wish to consider their budget and whether the company offers a discount subscription.
The most trusted brands of CBD are typically companies that follow best practices to ensure the products they sell are safe to use.
Lazarus, CBDistillery, Leaf Remedys, Extract Labs, Joy Organics, CBDfx, and Zatural all undergo third-party testing and have a current certificate of analysis.
The most effective type of CBD depends on why a person wants to use a product.
If a person has localized pain, such as a sore joint, topical CBD that they can apply directly to the area may be more effective than ingestible products that support more general wellness.
Full-spectrum CBD products may be more effective than CBD isolate or broad-spectrum ones due to the inclusion of terpenes and other cannabinoids. These extra compounds cause an “entourage effect.”
CBD tinctures work in the same way as CBD oils. To find the strongest product, a person should look at the amount of CBD in each serving.
CBD tinctures contain alcohol- or carbon dioxide-extracted CBD suspended in a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, or hemp seed oil.
It is important to note that people should only purchase from reputable retailers and manufacturers when buying CBD tincture or any other CBD product. Reputable sources provide transparent COAs for all their products.
CBD is generally safe but can lead to potentially serious side effects if combined with alcohol and certain medications.
People taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare professional before they start using CBD in any form.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Blasco-Benito S, et al. (2018). Appraising the “entourage effect”: Antitumor action of a pure cannabinoid versus a botanical drug preparation in preclinical models of breast cancer.
Pamplona FA, et al. (2018). Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis.
