WHICH IS BETTER, CBD TINCTURES OR CAPSULES?

CBD is fast gaining popularity and this cannabinoid is infused in different products, including tinctures, capsules, and gummies. This article compares CBD tinctures and capsules to establish the circumstances under which these products are more beneficial to the body.

If you are looking for a CBD product that will quickly dispense CBD to your body, then CBD tinctures are the best choice; they are readily absorbed into the bloodstream than CBD capsules which must undergo digestion. The product is taken sublingually and absorbed through the numerous capillaries in the sublingual glands. However, they have an unpleasant taste, and their effects are short-lived. In contrast, CBD capsules mask the earthy CBD taste, although their effects take longer to manifest in the body. Hence, the choice between the capsules and tinctures depends on an individual’s needs.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of many different compounds found in cannabis hemp plant. Teräsvalli (2020) noted that this compound is extracted from the flowers, stems, and leaves of the cannabis plant using the CO₂ extraction method. Unlike the THC compound found in the marijuana plant, CBD does not have psychoactive effects. Hence, it does not cause a 'high' to its users (Dyck et al., 2021). In the United States, the growing of hemp was legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill. Legal hemp must however contain less that 0.3% THC.

Health Benefits of CBD

• Boosts skin health
• Relieves pain
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Promotes quality sleep
• Reduces nausea and vomiting
• Lessons seizures due to epilepsy
• Promotes calmness

What are CBD Tinctures?

CBD tinctures are alcohol-based extracts consumed sublingually. Evans (2020) noted that they are extracted from the cannabis hemp plant using high-proof alcohol as a solvent which may leave a bitter flavor. After the extraction, additives like vegetable glycerin, sweeteners, or flavoring are added to mask their bitter taste. Depending on the expected benefits of those tinctures, some companies may add vitamins and supplements like melatonin.

How to Take CBD Tinctures?

There are different ways in which you can take CBD tinctures.

Under-the-tongue Method (sublingual)

This method involves placing CBD tincture under your tongue for some minutes to get absorbed in the bloodstream. The method shows the effects very quickly compared to the other methods, which depend on digesting.

Oral Consumption

This method is not as fast as sublingual techniques, as the CBD must undergo digestion.

Mixing with Food or Drinks

You can mix your CBD tinctures with your food or favorite drinks to mask its taste. Adding to coffee enhances the effects.

Applying to Your Skin

Tinctures can also be used topically, for localized skin conditions.

Benefits of CBD Tinctures

• They are portable
• They have long shelf-life
• They are easy to dose
• They have increased bioavailability.

How to Dose CBD Tinctures?

Dosing of CBD tinctures differs from person to person, but beginners are advised to start with low doses to gauge their body reactions to the CBD. Then, they can increase or decrease their dosage according to their needs. Evans (2020) noted that the average dose is around 20-50 mg.

What are CBD Capsules?

CBD capsules are pill-like products consumed orally. They consist of a casing made of a vegetarian substitute filled with a specific amount of CBD.

How to Use CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are taken orally using water. Notably CBD is fat-soluble; taking CBD capsules with fat-containing food will increase bioavailability.

Benefits of CBD Capsules

CBD Capsules Have no Flavor

CBD capsules masks the CBD's earthy flavor (Evans, 2020). Therefore, capsules are the better choice for users that dislike the earthy taste of CBD.

CBD Capsules are not Messy

CBD capsules are easier to transport, especially when traveling. They are packed in a bottle so with few capsules to make them more portable. 

CBD Capsules are More Discreet

Taking CBD capsules is very confidential because they involve popping one in your mouth and swallowing without attracting attention. This means that CBD capsules can be taken in public without drawing attention.

CBD Capsules Allow Accurate Dosing

Each CBD capsule comes with a measured amount of CBD. This means that the dosage is easy and accurate, so users don’t need to measure it.

How to Choose the Best CBD Capsules?

The company must provide proof of third-party lab testing. Similarly, the capsules must contain less than 0.3% of THC. In addition, the product should not contain pesticides, heavy metals, and molds. Lastly, the products should indicate whether the ingredients are certified organic compounds.

Uses of CBD Capsules

Golanska et al. (2021) noted that people use CBD capsules for different intentions like, 

• Reducing stress
• Relieving pain
• Promoting calmness
• Regulating sleeping habits
• Treating symptoms associated with cancer
• Dealing with Anxiety

Side Effects of CBD Capsules

Although CBD capsules are considered tolerable by the body, Urits et al. (2022) noted that they have some side effects, especially when the wrong dosage is administered or when using for the first time. These side effects include:

• Weight change
• Appetite change
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness

Conclusion

CBD tinctures and capsules play the same role in the body. The difference lies in the consumption methods, varying the time of their impacts on the body. The tinctures manifest faster than the capsules. In contrast, the capsules have little bioavailability due to their casing and the digestion process involved. Notably, the two products have precise dosages and have few side effects on the body. However, users should ensure they purchase quality products to avoid adverse effects.

References

Dyck, G. J. B., Maayah, Z. H., Eurich, D. T., & Dyck, J. R. B. (2021). Understanding the Potential Benefits of Cannabidiol for Patients With Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review. Schizophrenia Bulletin Open, 3(1).

Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore The World of Cannabidiol. In Google Books. Fair Winds Press.

Golanska, P., Saczuk, K., Domarecka, M., Kuć, J., & Lukomska-Szymanska, M. (2021). Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome—Aetiology And Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 18(15), 7807.

Teräsvalli, H. (2020). Extraction and purification of cannabidiol. Lutpub.lut.fi.

Urits, I., Gress, K., Charipova, K., Habib, K., Lee, D., Lee, C., ... & Viswanath, O. (2020). Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 34(3), 463-477.