What Constitutes a High-Potency CBD Tincture?
From oils, lotions, edibles to high-potency CBD tinctures, there are numerous ways to explore the effects of this robust hemp compound. Though these methods are different from each other, they have one thing in common: they do not produce any psychoactive effects.
The method used depends on your preference, but many may be drawn to tinctures. Not only do they have a longer shelf-life, but they can also be used to cook with and also have low potency varieties, which are perfect for beginners.
What are CBD Tinctures?
Let’s cover the basics first; while you may be aware of CBD and its benefits, you may confuse CBD oil with high-potency CBD tincture. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are different from each other.
To make CBD oil, cannabis extracts are diluted in a carrier oil, which enriches the product. While coconut oil is the carrier of choice, some tinctures also use other oils such as grapeseed oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp seed oil.
Adding oil to the extracts increases its bioavailability, making it easier to absorb by the body. As oils are used to make this product, many people use CBD oils topically.
CBD tinctures, on the other hand, have alcohol as their base solution. The cannabis extracts are soaked in 60%-70% alcohol; generally, distilled-grain ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is used. The use of alcohol prolongs the shelf life of tinctures as the alcohol acts as a natural preservative while also increasing the product’s bioavailability. They also use additives and essential oils, which provide better taste and additional health benefits.
What Is A High-Potency CBD Tincture?
Generally, CBD tinctures are more potent than CBD oils. Tinctures are formulated such that they have high potencies; hence, they come in small bottles and are consumed with a dropper’s help. Tinctures are so concentrated that only 30 ml of the product is enough to deliver a 4000 mg dose of CBD in some cases.
What Are the Extraction Methods Used for High-Potency CBD Products?
The potency of this product depends on the extraction method used. They include:
- Alcohol Extraction Method: Cannabinoids are extracted by mixing plant materials in alcohol, and the mixture may be heated to increase the potency of the product. Once the extraction process is complete, the plant material is strained out. The extract is then de-alcoholized to prevent users from getting a burning sensation. After this step, the manufacturer may distill the product to enrich it further by mixing additives.
- CO2 Extraction Method: while this extraction method is slower than the previous one, it generally produces more potent tinctures. With the help of tanks, tubes, and other items, CO2 is used to extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. For this process, the CO2 needs to be used under specific temperature and pressure conditions.
Although the ratio of CBD in tinctures may be less, they are quite potent because alcohol as a base solution increases its bioavailability (i.e., it is absorbed faster by the body).
The smaller ratio is mainly due to the addition of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, vanilla, strawberry, and more, which enhance the flavor of the product. Tinctures may also have additives such as melatonin, essential vitamins like vitamin B12, D, C, etc. to improve the product’s health benefits.
But, use high-potency CBD tincture with care. Low doses are recommended at first to help figure out what the perfect dosage for you may be.