CBD Oil Tinctures Vs. Capsules: Which One Is Right for You?

CBD Oil Tinctures Vs. Capsules: Which One Is Right for You?

 

Among the various ways that you can consume CBD, capsules and tinctures are among the most popular. Either can be a great option, but it comes down to personal preference. The more you learn about how the two forms of CBD are similar and different, the better equipped you will be to determine which one is right for you. 

 

Understanding Each Method

 

Before getting into a more in-depth comparison of CBD tinctures versus capsules, make sure you are clear on what each is. Capsules are just what they sound like, pills containing CBD that you swallow. You can find hard pills or soft gels. 

   

Tinctures are also sometimes called CBD oil. This is the liquid form of CBD. The simplest way to use a tincture is to place a few drops under your tongue and wait for it to dissolve. 

 

Versatility in How to Consume

 

If you prefer swallowing a pill, then CBD capsules will likely be better, while tincture will be appropriate if you prefer to place a few drops in your mouth. Keep in mind, however, that because tinctures are liquid, they are much more versatile than capsules. The only way to consume a capsule is to swallow it like you would any other pill. 

 

With a tincture, however, you could take it sublingually or mix it into something else. Some people add a few drops of their favorite CBD oil to a morning smoothie or other drink. Others combine it into a food item. You could even mix it into a lotion and apply it topically if you wanted. CBD tinctures are much more versatile than capsules. 

 

Flavor

 

The flavor is also a consideration for some people. Most CBD capsules will have the typical taste associated with pills, but they should not taste like much. They may have a faint cannabis-like taste, but they are typically reasonably neutral in flavor. 

 

The flavor of CBD tinctures tends to be more cannabis-like, which is something to consider. A unique option is to select a flavored tincture, of which there are dozens of flavors available if you look at various retailers. By contrast, it is rare to find flavored capsules. Of course, this difference will not matter to everyone, as most people do not care what the taste of CBD is. 

 

Onset, Longevity, and Bioavailability

 

Tinctures have higher bioavailability compared to capsules. This means that more of the CBD end up reaching your system. That comes from the fact that it gets absorbed right in the mouth, whereas capsules must pass through your digestive system before the body can use them. 

 

This variation in the absorption process also impacts how long it takes for the effects of the CBD to begin and how long it lasts. Most people will notice the tincture starting to work within 15 or so minutes at the longest. By contrast, capsules may take a half-hour or up to two hours to begin working. The other side of the coin is that the effects of the pills will last longer than those of the tincture. 

 

As such, you should think about how quickly you want to feel the effects of your CBD. If you would rather have near-immediate effects and do not mind taking it slightly more frequently, go with tinctures. If you can plan and wait for the effects to begin and want them to last longer, go with capsules. 

 

Dosing

 

For some people, the available doses may be a deciding factor when choosing between tinctures and capsules. This is another area in which tinctures are much more versatile since you can vary the amount you take by tiny quantities in the form of drops. This lets you completely customize your dose, so you get the specific amount of CBD you want. 

 

Capsules, on the other hand, are pre-dosed units that you cannot divide. If you have 10 mg capsules, you can only take CBD in multiples of 10 mg. This is not a problem for those who take CBD in multiples of 5 mg or 10 mg, at least not in most cases. You should be able to find capsules in a range of doses, and you can combine them. You could even combine a capsule with a bit of tincture to reach your desired dose. 

 

Discretion

 

CBD capsules have a significant advantage when it comes to discretion. It is relatively common for people to take various pills throughout the day, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, or vitamins. People are used to seeing this sight and will not second-guess you taking a pill that happens to contain CBD. After all, they have no way of knowing what the pill is. 

 

People do not necessarily need to know what you are consuming if you take a tincture during the day either, but since people use drops less frequently, this is more noticeable. Of course, you could make tinctures less noticeable by mixing them into a drink, although someone may still see you mixing them. 

 

Convenience

 

Capsules also offer significantly more convenience than tinctures. After all, it is much easier to carry capsules during the day than a bottle that could leak. You also do not have to measure anything before taking a capsule, like you would with a tincture. 

 

Ingredients 

 

For some people, the ingredients of the two forms may also play a role. CBD oil tinctures tend to have an incredibly simple ingredient list. They may only include the CBD extract and the carrier oil, or they may have additional flavorings or vitamins. By contrast, capsules will need to contain other ingredients to make the capsule shape. 

 

This is not a concern for most people, but if you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it may be a concern. 

 

Conclusion

 

Whether you choose CBD oil tinctures or capsules, you will get the same effects of CBD. Tinctures offer versatility in consumption and dosage and potentially better flavors, while capsules provide convenience and discretion. You could even try both methods and see which one you prefer.