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Some of the best full-spectrum CBD tinctures are actually CBD oils. We explain the difference and share why Aspen Green is our top choice.
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Some people find that taking their CBD in tincture form absorbs faster than eating a CBD gummy or applying it topically. If you’re in the market for a full-spectrum CBD tincture, you have options.
In this article, we share what makes full-spectrum CBD potentially more beneficial than other types and how we arrived at our list of the best products.
Read on to learn what to look for in a full-spectrum CBD tincture and our top picks.
We selected these full-spectrum tinctures based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
any third-party certifications
the company’s reputation and business practices
any lab test results
marketing claims
We’ve also tried these tinctures and oils ourselves to provide feedback on taste, effects, scent, and texture.
The entourage effect is a theory that CBD works better when it’s combined with other parts of the cannabis plant. That can include other cannabinoids (like THC), terpenes, and flavonoids.
While research is ongoing, some studies support this theory.
A 2018 study compared the effects of CBD-rich cannabis extracts and CBD isolate extracts in people with refractory epilepsy. Participants appeared to respond better with CBD-rich cannabis extracts at a lower dosage than they did with purified or CBD isolate extracts.
The study authors believed the mixture of CBD and THC created an entourage effect, resulting in a more potent extract.
Full-spectrum CBD is unique because it’s the only type of CBD that contains everything found in the cannabis plant. That means if you’re looking to reap the benefits of the entourage effect, it may be the best choice.
Even though CBD shows promise as a complementary treatment for certain conditions, such as anxiety, as well as for helping people sleep better and manage pain, it still requires more research.
There’s only one FDA-approved CBD medication, which is approved to treat two types of seizures associated with epilepsy. Currently, there are no FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products, and the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD the same way it does supplements and other OTC medications.
That’s why it’s important to spend some time to find the best quality CBD products. Here are some tips:
Check for a certificate of analysis (COA). This should be from a reputable third-party lab, and it should be up to date — usually no more than 12 months old. You can use the COA to verify that the product actually contains the amount of CBD and THC as the label says it does. The COA will also tell you whether the product has passed contaminant testing.
Look for a brand that’s transparent about how it makes its products and where it sources its hemp. The more information it can provide you, the better.
Do some research. Read reviews and use Google search to see whether it’s been involved in any lawsuits. Another warning sign is if the company is making false health claims and has been sent an FDA warning letter.
CBD exists in various forms. You’ve probably seen it in oils, tinctures, creams, pills, and gummies.
While pills and gummies are pretty self-explanatory, tinctures can be a little more mystifying. But don’t worry — they’re easy to use. You can add them to food or drinks, or you can place them under your tongue and hold them there for up to 1 minute before swallowing.
Dosage
Figuring out the right dosage for you will depend on:
your body weight
the concentration of the CBD you’re taking
the reason you’re taking it
Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to be cautious and take the smallest dosage recommended. Once you understand how your body reacts to this amount, you can gradually increase it over time.
CBD is generally considered safe. But it’s still important to take precautions and discuss any medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking with your doctor. Some medications can negatively interact with CBD.
In rare circumstances, some people may experience side effects from CBD. These can include:
fatigue
diarrhea
changes in appetite
changes in weight
Avoid ingesting CBD with higher fat meals. A 2020 study found that there was an increased risk of higher CBD concentrations in the bloodstream when CBD was taken with a high fat meal. This can increase your chances of side effects.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take CBD.
Though time frames vary from person to person, some people find CBD starts taking effect as quickly as 15 minutes after taking.
Placing the tincture under your tongue and keeping it there for around 1 minute before swallowing helps it absorb into your bloodstream instead of going through the lengthier digestive process.
Broad-spectrum CBD tincture includes additional therapeutic cannabis plant compounds and cannabinoids, but it generally avoids THC (though some products can still contain trace amounts of it).
Like full-spectrum CBD tincture, it can help with sleep, pain, mood, and more, but it may not offer these possible benefits to the fullest extent like full-spectrum CBD tincture.
Whether it’s your first time taking CBD or you have experience, it’s helpful to be well informed about the products you buy. Look for a tincture that comes with a clear, comprehensive COA.
If you take any medications, be sure to consult your doctor before adding CBD to your regimen.
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 legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so 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.
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